With disease outbreaks flaring in various states, and a shortage of reliable guidance from the federal government, the country is grappling with the challenges of sending children back to school. Families, local leaders, and school-based educators hold much of the burden of balancing trade-offs between in-person and remote learning. They are asking one important question. Can we actually reopen schools safely?

As we get closer to the fall, when students would normally be getting ready to return to their physical school buildings, states, districts, and schools are thinking through what school spaces will look like. How will we enforce social distancing? How do we offer supports for students and staff who may be at greater risk? How do we coordinate transportation? Superintendent Tony Thurmond of California and Deputy Superintendent Colt Gill of Oregon will address these questions and more on episode seven of Homeroom with Education Leaders at 1 pm EST on July 17.

As schools and states develop plans for students to return to school during the COVID-19 pandemic, the AAP has updated interim guidance to reflect the growing understanding of the virus’ impact on children and adolescents.