How – and under what conditions – can schools reopen safely in the wake of a global pandemic? And what resources will school systems need to provide effective instruction in the months ahead?

In a special episode, we speak with Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, Vice Dean for Public Health Practice and Community Engagement at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Sharfstein addresses the ongoing debate over school reopenings and offers some evidence-backed recommendations for policymakers, districts and school leaders.

We also speak with Mike Magee, CEO of the bipartisan, national network of state and district education leaders Chiefs for Change. Magee discusses a potential second round of federal coronavirus aid, and the financial and logistical needs of school systems across the country.

Magee also offers insight into Chiefs for Change members’ educational plans for the 2020-21 school year, and shares some free resources for stakeholders now planning for the fall and beyond.

Featured Research: Sharfstein JM, Morphew CC. “The Urgency and Challenge of Opening K-12 Schools in the Fall of 2020. ” JAMA. 2020;324(2):133–134.