Across the country teens, parents, teachers and administrators are struggling with the educational landscape and how best to go back to school. While many major cities and suburban areas are still facing high COVID-19 transmission and infection rates, other rural areas have seen few cases and low transmission rates. State by state, county by county, district by district, schools have had to put together individual reopening plans based on ever-changing scientific data, recommendations and local conditions.

All bad options?

In many cases families have made decisions about education with limited information. While virtual school may be available, many areas are unable to fully answer questions about the curricula, testing, possibility of help and availability of technology resources and internet. Administrators face tough questions about the safety of in-person classes in their buildings regarding cleaning, sanitation and ventilation, social distancing, masks versus face shields, class sizes, hallway and room management, busing, contact tracing and so much more. Others consider hybrid models of in-person and online education. Others question whether homeschooling is right for them. Even with the options available, many families feel like there are no good choices.

Wisdom to move forward

We all can relate to feeling frustrated over the current world situation. The command in Luke 10:27, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself,” has never been more urgent. Instead of feeling frustrated and helpless, we can lean on God for wisdom and listen for God’s instructions. We can act on those instructions to help find new and creative ways to achieve our educational goals and to advocate or take charge of our personal learning. In doing so, we can forge a path that not only helps us but also helps those who follow after us.

Question of the day: What do you find most frustrating about starting school this year?
Focal scriptures: 1 Samuel 8:1-20; Daniel 1:1-17; Judges 4:1-10

For a complete lesson on this topic visit LinC.