Following Governor Abbott's announcement last week that Texas schools will be re-opening this fall, TEA has released their guidelines on how this should look.
Here are some key points from the guidelines:
There are two methods to fund remote instruction, which are lined out in the Attendance and Enrollment specific PDF:
Synchronous: requires all participants to be present at the same time virtually; similar to “on-campus”; live classes
Right to Express Breast Milk in the Workplace
Finding the delicate balance between running a school campus efficiently and meeting the legitimate needs of employees can be quite challenging. One challenge is the balance between the needs of new mothers, who return to their teaching duties and may need to express breast milk during the school day, and the needs of students in their classes.
Kevin Rhyne and Jay Youngblood discuss the necessary statutes districts must consider when this issue arises on their campus.
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New Temporary Paid Leave Options under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
On April 1, 2020 the U.S. Department of Labor (Department) announced new action regarding how American workers and employers will benefit from the protections and relief offered by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).
Jill Williams breaks down the requirements for emergency paid sick leave, and how the district should respond to an employee requesting the sick leave because of COVID-19.
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"But it's for the kids!" Fair Use of Music in Your District
As districts have been looking for ways to honor their students during social distancing and online learning, many are turning to live or prerecorded events. One component that's always consistent is the use of background music as the event takes place.
Kevin Rhyne discusses what falls under "fair use" of music, and how to avoid copyright infringement while using background music in district virtual events.
Must Read Articles
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Must Read Articles
Governor Abbott extends COVID-19 Disaster Declaration for all Texas counties
Dallas ISD Zoom Meeting Hacked, How to Keep Meetings Safe
If students are still at home this fall, what will happen to Friday night football?
Opinion Editorial by Dan Huberty Concerning Whether COVID-19 Will Affect the Education Funding Portion of the State Budget
Over the last several weeks, I’ve read a lot about the impact of the Coronavirus on the economy and our State budget....
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Changing School Start Dates for 2020-2021
Last week, TEA released guidelines on how to change the school calendar and start date amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
TEA announced school districts may start school prior to the fourth May in August (TEC Sec. 25.0811) through a District of Innovation Plan or a Year-Round System designation. The following PDF breaks down how schools districts could engage in this option.
Changing School Start Dates for 2020-2021 Guidelines
Adjusting Your School Calendar for COVID-19 Response
As the 2019-2020 school year begins to wind down, school districts are starting to look toward the 2020-2021 school year and what that will look like. In addition to the PDF on changing school start dates provided in the left...
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Gov. Abbott Expands Openings of Certain Businesses and Activities
Yesterday afternoon, Governor Abbott announced he was expanding the businesses and activities that could begin to reopen amid the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Along with the businesses that were re-opened last Friday, cosmetology salons, tanning salons, and swimming pools are allowed to re-open on Friday, May 8th. All must follow social distancing of six feet foot of distance. Pools may open at a 25% capacity.
Offices in office buildings and gyms may begin to re-open on May 18th at a 25% capacity.
Gov. Abbott's task force is still working on the best way to re-open bars.
Today's COVID-19 Trends report compiled by Chris Tackett...
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Coining Terms like “COVID Slide” Does Not Change FAPE
Since the COVID-19 pandemic broke, educators have been introduced to new phrases, consepts, and applications of old terms in new ways. One example is the "COVID slide." Geneva Taylor explains what this means, and the best way for administrators and teachers to deal with this terminology.
Guidance for Graduation Ceremonies
At today's press conference with Governor Abbott, TEA Commissioner Mike Morath released guidance for districts to follow when holding graduation ceremonies during COVID-19.
So far, TEA has approved hybrid ceremonies where students come in one at a time, vehicle ceremonies, and outdoor ceremonies with appropriate distancing maintained.
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Graduation Ceremony Plans Checklist for Rural Schools
As discussed in the graduation webinar hosted by TREA on Tuesday, April 28, TEA has approved virtual graduation plans for school districts.
They are working on releasing in-person graduation guidelines soon. TREA has created a checklist to follow should the district choose to host an in-person graduation ceremony.
TEA Resources on Graduation
2020 Seniors Guidance and Graduation FAQ
Guidance on Individual Graduation Committees
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TREA COVID-19 Resources
Guidance on Individual Graduation Committees April 28, 2020
Guidance for Current Educators and Staff - Educator Evaluation and Non-Renewal – April 28, 2020
Instructional Materials Inventory Requirement Waiver–April 28, 2020
COVID-19 FAQ: FEMA-Related Issues - April 28, 2020
Optional End Of Year Assessments Webinar
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We loved chatting with Pastor Charles Johnson with @pastors4txkids, Heather Sheffield, and Blake Powell about the 87 Legislative Session in this week's #TheSchoolZonePodcast. Check out part one of a two-part series: https://t.co/zvQiSgoCkB https://t.co/rN17LGqA3G
