Giving Compass' Take:

• Shawna De La Rosa analyzes a study that reveals how US schools were unprepared for distance learning despite warning signs from prior outbreaks.

• What are we learning about the importance of contingency plans for human-caused disasters? What can you do to help address inequities that have arisen as a result of schools' lack of preparation for distance learning?

• Read about pursuing educational equity during COVID-19. 

Despite school closures in 2009 over swine flu, most districts didn’t prepare for a pandemic that would shutter schools for months and require large-scale distance learning, with research from Child Trends released in March showing only eight states had guidance for distance learning during pandemics, The 74 reports.

While all states except New Hampshire had requirements outlining how schools should respond to a disease outbreak, many states didn’t require leaders to plan details like remote instruction, food service or emergency planning.

Though the H1N1 flu did not cause the type of widespread closures triggered by COVID-19, it should have been a "wake-up call." Epidemiologists and researchers were aware an outbreak like COVID-19 was possible.

During the 2009 swine flu, the U.S. Department of Education recommended districts use websites to share information with staff, students and families in the event schools had to close. The department also said schools should use radio, public broadcast television stations, telephone conference calls, phone tutoring and educational packets to support students.

But while many districts have the technology to transfer students online, some students still lack internet access at home. As schools plan for continuing closures, districts should focus on creating equitable access to all students. Districts have partnered with local wireless services to provide families internet service at a lower cost, invested in hotspots, and sent home packets where even hotspots wouldn't work.

In early March, the majority of districts prepared for approximately two weeks of paper packet materials, according to the AASA, The School Superintendents Association, since the CDC's recommended quarantine time was 14 days. Many districts provided meals through grab-and-go lunch stations, and some districts delivered meals on buses.

Read the full article about how US schools were unprepared for distance learning by Shawna De La Rosa at Education Dive.