A 1-614,000,000 Chance

September 22, 2021

I was thinking of statistics the other day. Here is something that I find interesting.

The chance of a student being shot to death in the United States in a school shooting is 1-614,000,000 (based on data from 2018). For context, the chance of winning the Powerball lottery is 1-292,000,000

And yet…
We spend millions of dollars on school resource officers…
Because 1 student death is 1 too many.

And yet…
We spend millions of dollars on school security cameras to monitor students…
Because 1 student death is 1 too many.

And yet…
We have curbed the “freedom”, “liberty”, and access of parents into schools through school safety and lockdown procedures…
Because 1 student death is 1 too many.

So can we say about COVID:
And yet…
We require students and staff to wear a mask in school…
Because 1 student death is 1 too many.

What is your acceptable “chance” for COVID deaths in your school before you recommend a mask?

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About the author

Tom Butler, Ph.D.

I believe that public education is for the public good and that education should be uncompromisingly learner-centered. The New Learning Ecosystem points us away from the old model of education that does not serve kids well. All educators regardless of where they work can help lead and contribute to the New Learning Ecosystem.

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Tom Butler, Ph.D.