Emily Sass (pictured) spoke on the Michael Berry Show, saying that Texas schools are not prepared for online learning. | Facebook
Many schools are switching to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, but they are having a bit of a rocky start.
Common Sense Media released a survey that showed as of the end of March, 42% of teenagers between 13 and 17 haven't attended an online class, according to iHeart. The number rose to 50% for public school students who haven't attended a virtual class.
Emily Sass, education policy director for the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF), said on KTRH's "Michael Berry Show" that Texas schools weren't prepared for remote learning.
"What's weird about Texas is we actually have laws on the books that prevent school districts from having this very kind of (virtual learning) program under normal circumstances," Sass said on the show. "The only way that districts are able to do the remote learning is through waivers. Otherwise, the way we're doing school right now would technically be illegal under Texas state law in almost all districts."
Sass said on the show that the TPPF is asking lawmakers in Texas to expand distance learning to any districts that would like them. This would help prepare districts for situations like the COVID-19 pandemic, according to iHeart.
"Right now, only a half-dozen out of 1,200 districts in the state of Texas can do virtual learning without a waiver...the rest don't have that option and they need it right now," Sass said on the show. "It just doesn't make sense and it's not fair to the districts in Texas not to have that flexibility for those that want it."
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