MPS Return Survey due July 8, experts weigh in

MEQUON, Wis. (CBS 58) – Parents in the Milwaukee Public School District have until Wednesday, July 8 to weigh in on how they think the 2020-2021 school year should be handled.

Two urban education experts who work at Concordia University are weighing in on what parents should do during this time. They say one of the most important things is to communicate with teachers and the district.

The two professors have a podcast together where they talk about educational issues and the impact on students and parents.

MPS is considering a few different scenarios including all-remote learning, schools reopening with social distancing like rotating schedules or schools reopening under normal conditions.

The experts from Concordia say they hope students will be able to go back to the classroom in some form, but also want parents to weigh in and tell the district exactly what they need.

"[they should think] do I have the right resources for internet? Do I have a Chromebook or a laptop? Getting ready for all that is so important now, as the district is getting ready to decide, the parents can make some decisions now," Concordia University Dean of Students and Professor of Education Steve Gerner said.

They say it’s also a time for parents’ opinions to be heard.

"As educators we often tell you what we’re going to do and tell you how it’s going to work," Professor in the School of Education Concordia University Eugene Pitchford said. "Well this is the parent's opportunity to share with us what they need, so be explicit, be clear, don’t be ashamed."

The survey can be found on MPS' website.