Reopening of Schools in the 2020-2021 School Year: Teacher Survey Results. Research Brief. Volume 1908

Research Services, Miami-Dade County Public Schools. 1450 NE Second Avenue, Miami, FL 33132. Tel: 305-995-1000; Fax: 305-995-7521; Web site: http://www.dadeschools.net

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Public Schools; School Districts; COVID-19; Pandemics; School Closing; Online Courses; Distance Education; Conventional Instruction; Blended Learning; School Schedules; Prevention; Health Promotion; Hygiene; Student Needs; Instructional Program Divisions; Preschool Education; Elementary Secondary Education; Teacher Attitudes; Parent Teacher Cooperation; Teacher Characteristics; Technological Literacy; Teacher Competencies; Barriers; Team Teaching

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) began the development and planning of various models for the reopening of schools in 2020-2021 following school closures and distance learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Reopening of Schools Teacher Survey was developed and distributed to MDCPS instructional personnel. The survey asked various questions regarding the respondents' preferences and attitudes toward the reopening of schools. A total of 18,622 respondents completed the survey out of the 19,250 instructional personnel who were sent the invitation to participate. Results from the survey indicate that the majority of respondents have no impediments for returning to work either virtually or physically. Overall, the survey showed teachers' willingness to get back to work and their inclination toward a physical or combination of physical and virtual delivery of instruction. Differences in preference for returning to work were found when examining this preference by grade level grouping. Survey respondents in the Elementary, K-8, and Other grade level groupings believe students would benefit the most from attending school all days of the week in shifts should the school buildings reopen. On the other hand, those in Middle and Senior High school grade level grouping believe students would benefit the most from attending on alternate days. Most teachers agreed with a series of preventative measures M-DCPS is considering for physical attendance including temperature checks, washing hands, wearing face masks, and one-way movement in school buildings; less support was found for eating meals in classrooms. The Reopening of Schools Teacher Survey gathered valuable input needed by M-DCPS leadership. It provides a better understanding of the teachers' opinions and feedback regarding the reopening of the schools that can be utilized in the planning for the 2020-2021 school year.

As Provided

2020

ED608048