Caution. That is, broadly speaking, the guiding principle behind all actions taken by the education sector to address the issues arising from the suspension of in-person classes nationwide, as a result of measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It is also what can be read between the lines of the opinion issued by the National Education Council (CNE), which compiles guidelines approved in a virtual plenary session by the 21 council members, aimed at providing guidance to K-12 schools and institutions of higher education during the pandemic. 

The Council reiterates that remote classes and activities should count toward the total number of class hours. The document, prepared in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MEC), advises states and municipalities to seek alternatives to minimize the need to make up school days in person. The goal is to ensure that students continue to engage in school activities throughout the duration of the public health emergency. However, it also stipulates that the responsibility for organizing school calendars lies with the respective education systems. 

"Schools are hoping that the State Councils will regulate education within their respective states so that there are clearer rules, since conditions vary greatly across the country in terms of infection rates. Therefore, it is up to each state, as part of its responsibility to the population and to children, to set its own calendars, activities, and school year. It is possible that 2020 will extend into 2021, depending on the learning expectations that are set,” explained Maria Alice Carraturi, Director of Content at Bett Educar, Latin America’s largest event for innovation and technology in education.

This same warning was issued by CNE Council Member Eduardo Deschamps, one of the drafters of the opinion. However, one of the key aspects of this effort to mitigate the effects of social distancing on education through the continuation of learning—via remote learning—is to ensure that children and young people do not lose contact with the school community for the duration of the pandemic. 

“An OECD study shows that a long period of inactivity at school sets back students’ learning. This is observed even during school breaks. If nothing is done, it will harm not only this year’s progress but also next year’s,” explained the council member. According to Deschamps, school systems should also strive to keep students engaged so that the academic calendar can be followed. This is because it will not be possible to make up all the missed classes. “Certain activities should be used to make the return to school more palatable. Guidelines for resuming classes, when possible, should be well-planned and implemented gradually,” said the rapporteur, adding that the CNE is expected to issue another opinion with details and recommendations regarding the protocol for reopening schools at all levels.” 

According to the content director at Bett Educar, the return to school should not be rushed. “We’re facing new uncertainties every week. The unpredictability surrounding the reopening of schools and other services, given the infection rate, leaves us feeling quite uncertain. We know it won’t be easy to reestablish our routine—and a new one will have to be established—but we need to prioritize people’s well-being.” 

The return to school is expected to be gradual and will require additional educational support

European countries that have suffered thousands of deaths but managed to flatten the infection curve are already taking the first steps toward reopening schools. Portugal began the reopening process with teenagers and students in their final years of high school. In France, which is also reopening schools “in waves”—because some areas had to suspend in-person classes again due to new cases of infection—classes will be held intermittently. In Germany, where the government acted quickly to minimize losses resulting from the lockdown, a strict protocol for returning to school has been established, which includes the use of masks, social distancing, staggered schedules, the rotation of school supplies, sanitation, temperature checks, and other measures.

"Some schools, drawing inspiration from European protocols, are developing their own protocols. They have formed committees with teachers, architects, and public health experts to prepare the schools for the return to classes. In addition to health and safety measures, all of these plans call for staggered schedules so that students do not return all at once. Teachers will also have to adapt their work routines. They will have to work partly at school and partly online for students who will remain at home. They will need to be careful not to teach too many classes each day,” revealed Maria Alice Carraturi, who also served as an advisor on Educational Technology and Teacher Training at the São Paulo State Department of Education (SEE-SP). 

Deschamps also noted that, in the post-pandemic period, educational institutions should plan for a period of support—including emotional support—for students and teachers. “This is a historic moment; not even after World War II did we experience a situation of this nature,” said the CNE advisor, who also recommends a diagnostic assessment of students. “Not necessarily a test, but an assessment to determine whether or not students had access to education and what recovery and remedial plans will be necessary,” he said.