AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- The Texas Education Agency on Friday released updates to its guidance for schools to re-open this fall, including an extension of the period of online-only learning to four weeks.
The state's original guidance allowed only three weeks of online-only learning, before districts had to begin offering in-person learning. In addition to the one week extension, school boards can now apply for a waiver from TEA to allow for an additional four weeks, for a total of eight.
TEA guidelines include important exceptions for students; specifically, any family that lacks Internet access at home and/or requires devices for students learning virtually. Any student requiring on-campus instruction during this period — i.e. those who need reliable access to technology — will still be entitled to on-campus instruction every day during this transition period.
Local school boards for districts in areas with high levels of community spread also retain the flexibility to delay the start of the school year. Thursday night, Hays CISD became the first district in Central Texas to delay its school year by three weeks. Most other Austin-area districts have opted to stick with their original start date, but have said they will begin with 100% online learning into early September.
Under the new guidance, districts also have the option of converting high schools - with board approval - to a hybrid model to increase social distancing. This would allow students to receive a portion of their instruction on campus, and a portion of their instruction remotely at home.
One week prior to the start of on-campus activities and instruction, districts must post a copy of their COVID-19 plans for parents and the public to view.
