Solon Families Want In-Person Education To Return This Fall

SOLON, OH — A majority of Solon families and students would like in-person education to resume in the fall, according to a recent survey conducted by the school district.

Over several weeks, the Solon Schools surveyed more than 2,000 families, or 80 percent of the student body, on how education should proceed during the 2020-2021 school year. State officials have not yet released guidance on how Ohio's public schools should move forward.

The Solon Schools are preparing three different educational models for the coming school year:

• All students attend class in school buildings
• All students continue full remote learning
• Students attend school in a hybrid model, which combines in-person education with remote learning

"These plans also include flexibility for families who may need to choose the remote learning option regardless of how the district returns to school in August due to health issues of their child or in their family," the district said. School officials also consulted with staff on how education should proceed in the fall.

Approximately 53 percent of survey respondents said they would like full, in-classroom education to proceed in the fall. Nearly 60 percent of families said the hybrid model would be their second choice. Only 15 percent of families said remote-only learning would be their preference for the coming school year.

"It is clear from this data that an overwhelming majority of our families want their children receiving some or all of their instruction in person. The data does highlight a need to have a virtual option for those families that cannot access the learning in person," the district said in a statement.

While families want in-person education to return, many said they were satisfied with the district's remote-learning plan. Approximately 60 percent of survey respondents said their child's distance learning was either successful or very successful. However, nearly a quarter of respondents said remote learning was "inconsistent."

"Reflecting more on their experience with the remote learning from the spring and identifying what would help if remote learning continued, families indicated a need for increased direct live instruction from their children’s teachers, more specific guidance on prioritizing and planning work and assignments, as well as a more formalized schedule outlining what times of the day class periods meet virtually," the district said.

Should in-person education return in some form in the fall, families want the district to follow health and safety recommendations.

• 98 percent of families want increased cleaning and sanitation of classrooms, building and busses
• 96 percent of families want frequent and monitored student hand washing
• 74 percent of families want students to wear face coverings
• 77 percent of families said staff should wear face coverings

Gov. Mike DeWine said this week he expects to release safety recommendations for Ohio schools on Thursday. Solon Schools officials said they would adhere to whatever guidance the state provides.

"Once the state’s guidance is issued hopefully this week, the district’s planning team will refine each of the plans to be sure all guidance is considered and incorporated. At that time, we will communicate directly with families," the district said.