State of Texas’ $200 million CARES Act allocation to help students with virtual learning

Texas students in school districts delaying in-person instruction for school year 2020-2021 because COVID-19 will have access to technology for eLearning due to a $200 million allocation from the state of Texas.

The allocation from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding will go to the Texas Education Agency to buy and distribute eLearning devices and home internet helps such as routers for remote learning, according to a press release from the Office of the Texas Governor.

The goal is to help Texas students who don’t have internet connectivity to be able to participate in virtual learning, according to the press release.

School systems can temporarily put limits to on-campus education for the initial four weeks of the academic year, the Texas Education Agency said.

“After the first four weeks, a school system can continue to limit access to on-campus instruction for an additional four weeks, if needed, with a board-approved waiver request to TEA,” the Texas Education Agency said.

The requirement will be enforced that students attend a course for 90% of the days that its offered in the 2020-21 academic year, said “SY 20-21 Public Health Planning Guidance/July 17, 2020.”

“Given the public health situation, student attendance may be earned through the delivery of virtual instruction,” the plan states. 

The $200 million allocation from the State of Texas that will help students access remote learning will be used to institute a reimbursement program. The repayment program would have a matching fund component with local Coronavirus Relief Funds or local education agencies' funding, according to the press release.

“This funding is in addition to a previously announced distribution of up to $400 million of CRF to reimburse districts for coronavirus expenses incurred during the 2019-2020 school year,” according to the press release. “This funding will also establish a reimbursement program for devices and home internet costs incurred by LEAs from May 21st through September 1st.”