School Closures Are Coming. What Not to Do

Get ready, folks! School closures are looming on the horizon, and it’s a big deal. Let’s dive into why we need to keep our high-performing schools open and what education leaders can do to limit the damage.

Understanding the “Cliffs”

First, let’s talk about those “cliffs.” You probably heard about the financial cliff, as schools face a drop-off in federal funding from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) fund. That’s not fun at all! But there’s also an “enrollment cliff” that’s a bit under the radar and not getting enough love in the headlines. And guess what? Falling off both cliffs at the same time spells trouble. If we fail to keep strong schools operational, it could really mess with our education system.

What’s Going On with Enrollment?

So, what’s this enrollment cliff about? You might’ve noticed a drop in traditional public school enrollment since COVID hit. But that’s just scratching the surface! Birth rates in the U.S. have actually been on a downward trend for years, hitting record lows. This means fewer kiddos will be ready for kindergarten in the next few years, which then translates into fewer students in each grade as they move up.

Let’s play this out: lower birth rates lead to fewer kids, which means schools could start closing down. A study showed that about 1% of traditional public schools—think around 1,300 schools—shut their doors every year due to low enrollment. Charter and private schools face even higher closure rates! What’s the main reason? Low enrollment numbers, for sure. Education leaders wish they could save every school, but sometimes they face budget constraints that force them to make tough calls.

The Importance of Student Growth

One big takeaway is the crucial need to keep successful schools open. But how do we determine which schools to save? It’s not just about test scores—they can be misleading. Research confirms that focusing on student achievement growth is key. If schools are closed solely based on low scores, we ignore the potential for students to do better in the long run if they end up in better schools. So, we really shouldn’t close down schools that help students grow academically, even if they’re not the top scorers. Closing them could lower educational outcomes for everyone.

And taking a closer look at student growth helps prevent disproportionately targeting schools that serve low-income students or students of color. We saw this happen, and it’s important to approach school closures more equitably.

Lessons Learned from the Pandemic

Isn’t it wild that the pandemic has changed education forever? Diana Laufenberg, a former teacher, now leads a nonprofit focused on project-based learning. She shared her insights on what school leaders could learn from the pandemic. Here are the top lessons folks have been discussing:

1. Building Small Communities

If there’s one thing the pandemic taught us, it’s the value of having a dedicated support system. Schools with established care structures—like homerooms or advisory groups—saw remarkable success during these tough times. Every student was part of a small group, which helped keep connections alive. Moving forward, or even starting now, schools should prioritize these community-building classes. They do wonders for support and advocacy.

2. Flexibility and Resilience

Another massive learning curve was the need for flexibility. Rigid systems just can’t thrive in these dynamic times. One clear example? The typical state testing schemes went out the window during COVID. If we can adapt to such massive change once, we can do it again. Education leaders should keep looking for ways to make their schools more responsive and agile to change.

3. Emphasizing Student Ownership

Students have spoken—they want to be part of the conversation about their education. It’s super important to invest time in listening to their ideas, interests, and dreams. We’re talking real-world relevance! Making education centered around what students bring to the table can change the game and redefine what learning looks like. They are not just numbers; these are real people with unique stories.

A Path Not to Be Repeated

Now, let’s talk about what we shouldn’t repeat. When schools closed, the world focused extensively on “learning loss.” But should we go back to the same strategies that weren’t very effective before? Absolutely not. We need to change how we tackle these issues. After all that we’ve learned, it’s high time we break away from the old tradition of doing things. We need to address the learning gaps and emotional challenges students face without dismissing their individuality.

Tips for Moving Forward

So, what do we do now? Here are some practical steps to transform education in this new environment:

1. Embrace Creativity

Districts should encourage schools to think outside the box. Utilize project-based learning and experiential methods. Make learning fun and relevant again!

2. Streamline Curriculum

Less can be more. Shift focus to mastering fewer, more essential standards rather than throwing dozens at students. Pursuing depth over breadth will set everyone up for better learning experiences.

3. Foster Strong Leadership

Principals need to bring clarity to their staff’s work. This doesn’t just mean giving orders; effective leaders share a vision and encourage collaboration among teachers in figuring out the best ways to support students.

4. Build Community Connections

Collaboration with community resources is essential. Schools shouldn’t have to tackle issues alone. Whether it’s providing internet access or mental health services, let’s work together!

In Conclusion: It’s Time for Change

COVID turned the education world upside down, revealing both weaknesses and untapped potential. The ultimate goal is to keep thriving high-performing schools open so that students get the best opportunities. Let’s put what we learned into practice. By being flexible, valuing student input, and prioritizing the needs of our schools, we can reshape our education system for the better.

Maya Angelou once said, “I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.” Let’s commit to doing better, not just as individuals but as a community focused on education. Together, we can build a brighter future for our students, not just for today, but for years to come!