EconTalk Emily Oster on the Pandemic
Nov 30, 2020
Emily Oster, an economist and author from Brown University, dives into the data-driven reality of reopening schools during the pandemic. She shares her findings that schools aren't significant COVID super-spreaders, emphasizing the high costs of closures on student welfare. The discussion expands to the unique challenges faced by educators and parents alike, touching on equity in education and the emotional complexities of parenting during such tumultuous times. Oster offers insights on navigating medical advice while managing children's growing independence.
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Israel School Reopening
- Israel imposed strict lockdowns and reopened schools, experiencing a significant second surge.
- This contrasts with other countries where school reopenings haven't led to similar outbreaks.
Unequal School Closures
- School closures have non-life-saving costs, especially for poor children lacking alternative learning resources.
- Wealthier families utilize pods, tutors, and private schools, exacerbating educational inequities.
Balancing Risks
- There's concern about the long-term impact of COVID on young children and the risk to multi-generational families.
- This warrants offering parents choices regarding school attendance.
