Weekly Updates

Week of 5/31: No More Distancing

Written by Dennis Roche | May 30, 2021 5:01:00 PM
This week we feature a "Year-In-Review" summary of in-person learning in big city districts versus the balance of the country as well as evolving policy around distancing and in-school mask mandates.

 

Burbio School Opening Tracker- Including State Averages

 

% US K-12 students attending "virtual-only" schools = 2.1% (from 2.4 % last week)
% US K-12 students attending "traditional" in-person/every day" schools = 69.6% (from 69.2%)
% US K-12 students attending "hybrid" schools = 28.3% (from 28.4%)

The above percentages are set to Sunday, May 30th. Our data is presented as "students attending schools that offer this learning plan" - most districts also offer virtual even when providing in-person. For above 2.1% of US K-12 students are currently attending schools that offer virtual-only plans, 69.6% offering traditional, etc.

 

1) Some interesting trends from around the US, including what is a preview to changing distancing guidance.
2) The situation around in-school mask requirements continued to evolve.
In other fluid situations:
In this week's School Mask Policy Tracker we see a continued shift to away from mandates with the movement in Massachusetts and Wisconsin and now over half US K-12 students live in states where in-school mask mandates have been loosened. The map is based on the most recently announced guidance even if the date is in the future. For example, a state that has lifted a mandate for the Fall and is allowing flexibility during that period will be light green even if a mandate remains in place currently. It is worth reiterating that in places where flexibility exists, districts very often keep the mandates in place.




3) Year in Review: One of the defining characteristics of in-person learning in 2020/21 was the difference in urban and non-urban learning plans. As part of a series of "year in review" summaries, we took a look at the Top 50 metro areas and measured the in-person learning index for their city school district, and compared it to the rest of the country. The following chart is weighted for student population over the course of the year.