Gov. Greg Abbott has yet to formally announce a definitive plan for reopening Texas schools safely, but two actions Tuesday effectively force districts to have students back in classrooms after eight weeks of the school year’s start.
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.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Texas attorney general says local health authorities cannot “indiscriminately” shut down schools
After Paxton’s guidance, the Texas Education Agency reversed course and announced that the state won’t fund schools that remain closed under a local public health mandate.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Harris County orders schools closed until Sept. 8
The order could extend further, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
As school reopenings falter, some Texas parents hire private teachers. Others can only afford to cross their fingers.
With the safe reopening of schools this fall in doubt, parents with the resources are setting up “learning pods” or seeking other options. But the do-it-yourself approach to education threatens to leave behind students of color and poorer families.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Harris County officials recommend, not mandate, that school districts stay closed to in-person instruction until October
On Tuesday, Tarrant County joined the list of other officials, including those in Dallas, who are mandating delayed school reopening.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Some Texas high schools can start football, volleyball practices as soon as Aug. 3
Bigger schools — those with a 5A or 6A designation — will have to wait until September.
Posted in
Reopening Texas Schools
Texas will allow schools to keep classrooms closed longer than previously ordered
Facing backlash from educators, parents and public health officials, the Texas Education Agency is giving schools more time before they must resume teaching students in person and allowing districts hard hit by the coronavirus to seek waivers.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Texas officials scramble to provide school reopening guidelines with only weeks of summer left
Conflicting mandates pingponging between state and local officials are frustrating many parents, students and teachers trying to plan for a fall semester during a raging pandemic.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Texas classrooms can stay closed this fall without losing state funding if local health officials order it
School districts won’t lose state funding if they stick with virtual classes this fall because a local health authority has mandated that classrooms remain closed.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Texas will extend time that schools will be allowed to stay online-only, Gov. Greg Abbott says
Schools had previously been told that they would need to limit online-only instruction to the first three weeks of the school year, or they’d lose state funding.