School Reopenings Around the World

Bob Spires

Bob Spires is an education professor in the School of Professional & Continuing Studies at UR. As an expert on comparative international education, Spires can discuss how different countries around the world have reopened their schools during the COVID-19 pandemic and what the U.S. might learn from their strategies.

"There is no perfect way to reopen schools during a pandemic," he says. "Even when a country has COVID-19 under control, there's no guarantee that schools can reopen safely."

"But the policies and practices of countries that have had some initial success with schools point in the same direction. It helps to slowly stage the reopening. Strict mask-wearing and social distancing are critical, both in schools and surrounding communities. Both officials and families need reliable and up-to-date data so that they can continually assess outbreaks - an change course quickly if necessary."

Contact urnews2use@richmond.edu to connect with Spires.