Texas schools discuss what to do about coming school year

While it's decided that schools will remain closed through the end of the spring semester, it's still uncertain whether they will be back in session for the 2020-21 school year. 

According to The Texas Tribune, schools are attempting to decide how to approach the coming school year. Some schools are discussing a staggered schedule in the fall and others are discussing continuing the online format. Others still are talking about staying entirely virtual until 2021.

When Gov. Greg Abbott closed schools in late March, school districts had to quickly scramble to get their teachers and students up to speed with online learning, according to the Texas Tribune. The transition also brought about a number of concerns that had to be remedied, such as what to do about students who did not have computers or parents who would struggle to have their children at home. 

Some students will inevitably fall behind in their academics due to the less hands-on at-home education, according to the Texas Tribune. School officials are attempting to weigh the risks associated with resuming in-person classes. 

Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath, told the Texas Tribune no decision has been made, although biweekly discussions have been held with superintendents throughout the state. 

Brian Woods, superintendent of Northside Independent School District, told the Texas Tribune the changes are not small or easy to implement, no matter what decision is made. 

“The bigger question is: How can you plan to be nimble so that if the situation changes quickly, you can adjust to the change either way, either toward bringing kids into buildings or perhaps once you bring kids into building, having to put them back into distance learning environments?” Woods told the Texas Tribune.

Superintendents agree that the decision to keep students at home will be difficult if it comes to that as it will mean more computers will need to be purchased, according to the Texas Tribune, Other plans allow for schools to use their buildings, but using more classrooms to allow for more distance. 

Though some schools are planning on reopening in the fall, it's currently up in the air what the actual course of action will be.