John Thompson asks how it is possible to open schools in Oklahoma with coronavirus on the rise.
Thompson writes:
The New York Times reports that on June 1, the Oklahoma City metropolitan area had a seven-day average of 17 new COVID-19 cases a day. I believe Mayor David Holt deserves great credit for the science-based policies that kept infection numbers down.
By Aug. 1, however, the seven-day average was 409! The reopening of schools is essential for the education and mental health of students, as well as the economy, but how is that possible when infections have increased by nearly 2,400%?
Thompson takes issue with the American Academy of Pediatrics and economist Emily Oster, whose assurances about a return to school, he believes, were premature.
The current “positive” results are a warning sign that Oklahoma should be cautious and follow the science.
Diane Ravitch's blog 
I am not really replying to John’s question though it does affect everyone. I want to ask you, Diane, about your opinion of EL Education. We are in training for implementing this new literacy curriculum virtually at first. I am impressed that UDL runs through it and science is integrated into the lessons. Apparently this is core curriculum except in Va. they will confuse us further by creating a crosswalk document. Apparently a lot of charters are using it as well.
Oklahoma is in much better shape than Florida with a 9.5 rate of positivity. Even in my conservative area, I am seeing more people that are very critical of DeSantis. He is taking marching orders from Trump while his obligation is to the people of the state. With a positivity rate of 17.6%, how can any sane person think it is even remotely safe to open schools? The teachers’ union is suing the state.
Here’s a tiny bit of positive news about Covid. A new drug is showing promise in combating Covid in the lungs. It is not a cure, but it may keep a lot of people from dying. https://www.pharmaceutical-business-review.com/news/rlf-100-phase-2-3-clinical-trial/
If ever there was a cynical, doomed initiative, this is it. Sadly though, those driving it will not be included among those who will pay the price of its abject failure.
Today, the infection rate is higher, but they plan for a reopening in two weeks. I’m afraid its more dangerous now, but I wonder if schools now feel more pressured to reopen prematurely. I hope they’ll rethink their plans.