According to the Texas Education Agency (TEA), Texas public schools will have different options to begin bringing students back to classrooms in the fall. However, there are many things to consider before that happens, and every educator has a role to play.  What are you doing to to prepare for schools to open in the Fall?

• Some will have staggered schedules

• Some might have students show up at school like normal while others continue their coursework online

• Some might just remain completely virtual until 2021

With so many unknowns and continuously changing data, Texas school superintendents are starting to game out how public education will look in the fall for their student. What will be the impact of inconsistent plans for Texas Schools to reopen in the Fall?

• Inconsistent food service for students

• Inequities in computers and student learning resources 

• Inconsistent instruction and learning experiences 

• Expanding learning gaps

• Problematics home situations for some students

• Teacher shortages

Recent state guidance has encouraged many Texas school districts to prioritize in-person summer school for the at-risk students with the greatest academic needs. So what should Texas school district do to avoid the problems in the fall?

• Open up schools for limited summer programs to learn how to implement safety measures before schools opens back up in early August

• Work with neighboring school districts to provide a consistent regional approach to reopening in the fall

• School boards should approve alternative academic calendars that build in extended breaks to accommodate for a potential COVID-19 flair up in the fall

• Ramp up targeted Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) initiatives 

• Implement high quality instructional material that work in blended learning environments 

• Focus on instructional resources and training for parents working with students in online classes

We will have school in the Fall, but the questions remain how and with what effectiveness. Texas can’t afford to waste any time this summer to prepare for the fall.  What are you doing to to prepare for schools to open in the Fall?

Leave a comment about what else we should consider.