It only takes a quick google search of “pandemic pods and inequality” to see what feels like hundreds of concerned headlines about education and inequality (here, here and here for example). But at the moment, it is difficult to come to a consensus about what is “fair.” It doesn’t seem fair for students who can’t afford a “pod” education to be left behind. But it also doesn’t seem fair to blame overburdened parents, trying to keep their jobs and juggle the well-being of their children, for the longstanding inequalities of public education. Recently, The New York Times put together a list of education options that expresses this complexity.  While it mentioned the criticism, there was a clear sense of understanding for parents in the tone used to describe those opting into pods. Still, the article also includes “call a relative” and “remember you’re not alone” as education choices for the fall, and as a parent myself, it only made me more aware of how few choices I actually have.

So, who’s to blame? Or rather, what is the best solution for everyone? 

Recently, several groups have tried to come up with solutions to this problem. In some communities, churches and YMCAs are scrambling to put together spaces for small cohorts that would have volunteers “monitor” students doing virtual work in small groups. Though the effort is thoughtful, this option can hardly be called equitable and seems very difficult to replicate on a larger scale.

One suggestion was to ask parents who are trying to pay for and organize pods to sponsor low-income students to join their pods. In response, possible “scholarship students” have felt awkward about being the obviously “sponsored child” in such small groups.

We’re not going to beat around the bush on this topic. We think the answer already exists and is already a tool to correct inequality if used properly. The solution is to steer more public resources directly to disadvantaged parents to use for education - educational choice. In fact, Education Savings Accounts were structured specifically to help parents access innovative education solutions like pods. By giving parents more options, we release them from the stress-inducing fear of sending their kids into circumstances they are uncomfortable with because they believe what they are doing is their “only option” - which really means no options at all.

Now more than ever, trying to create a single solution for the “ typical student” just won’t cut it. Trying to serve “average” ends up serving no one. Give pandemic-stricken parents the ability to choose the option that fits their child’s needs best.