By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Now that the state has made known its school re-opening guidelines, there’s no shortage of suggestions. 

Robin Steans, president of the education advocacy group Advance Illinois, told the Illinois State Board of Education what’s needed:

“More in-person instructional time for students to address what has been an unparalleled level of learning loss, as well as the time to rebuild the social and emotional connections and to make sure that students’ well being is where it needs to be in order to learn effectively; the infrastructure and training to close the digital divide once and for all; and specifics on how we are going to target supports for some of the students even beyond some of the statewide comprehensive things that we ought to be doing.”

And more time for teachers to plan. And more focus on social, emotional, and behavioral health needs for both students and teachers.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].