Desperate to slow the spread of the coronavirus, Cameron County has ordered all schools to keep classrooms closed until late September. But state officials say local health orders don’t apply to private religious schools.
Reopening Texas Schools
Texas teachers, parents, school administrators and public health officials have sought clarity on how the state will reopen K-12 schools safely as coronavirus infections and deaths rise throughout the state. Educators and families are rethinking their back-to-school plans after weeks of confusion and conflicting statements. For the latest news on this topic, sign up for our weekly education newsletter and follow education reporter Aliyya Swaby on Twitter.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas will start posting coronavirus case data from public schools, education commissioner says
The data will be posted on a state website and the reporting process will be finalized after input from school superintendents.
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Coronavirus in Texas
When sharing pencils isn’t safe, this San Antonio teacher is helping crowdfund extra school supplies
In the weekend edition of The Brief podcast, listen to why Ambra Hernandez felt compelled to launch a Facebook group to help teachers fulfill their longer-than-normal wish lists.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Analysis: Shopping for students without schoolrooms, Texas is spending $250 million to narrow the digital divide
In a state where an estimated 30% of the state’s 5.5 million public school students don’t have the right technology for online learning, switching to virtual classrooms is daunting. And expensive.
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Reopening Texas Schools
Hope, fear and hula hoops. How four Texas schools are preparing to bring students back into classrooms.
Public schools are about to become the next front line in a state struggling to control the coronavirus pandemic. Here’s what it’s like on the ground at four of them.
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Coronavirus in Texas
With school reopening, Gov. Greg Abbott sets off another debate over whether local or state officials are in control
Abbott’s decision to curb the role of local health authorities in school reopening decisions has added to the ongoing conflict between him and local governments during the pandemic, with mayors and judges voicing frustration over having their hands tied by the state’s response.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Private schools in Texas limit enrollment as they aim to reopen classrooms
Dependent on tuition money, private schools are eager to get children back into their classrooms. But they know inadequate safety measures could make them vulnerable to lawsuits.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Gov. Greg Abbott stresses local school officials “know best” whether schools should reopen
Abbott said the state will provide schools with personal protective equipment to prepare for the new year.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Gov. Greg Abbott says local health officials can shut down schools only in limited circumstances
Abbott said local health authorities can’t shut down in-person instruction before school starts, but an outbreak on campus once students have arrived could prompt a closure.
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Reopening Texas Schools
Custodians, cafeteria workers and bus drivers also fear returning to Texas schools
Texas schools employ almost as many support staff members as they do teachers, often in hourly or part-time jobs with low pay. The state has offered limited guidance on how to protect them on the job.