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Texas schools urge quick legislative action so they can expand virtual learning after COVID-19

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DALLAS, TX – Dozens of Texas school districts — including several of the state’s largest — want lawmakers to take swift action on expanding virtual learning as the final days of the legislative session loom.

More than 40 district leaders — including those from Dallas, Fort Worth and Frisco — signed a letter sent to Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and the Senate Education Committee saying they need a framework for online school soon as they are finalizing plans for next school year.

The educators worry that time is running out as the session ends May 31. Two of the major bills related to virtual education still must clear legislative hurdles.

“Please do not let thousands of students miss out on an opportunity to engage with their education in the way that is most effective for them,” the education leaders wrote in the letter.

At issue is whether all districts should be empowered to open virtual programs, which grade levels should be served and how those programs should be funded.

While the vast majority of children learn better in person, education leaders say the pandemic showed that some students do thrive in the online learning environment. School leaders want to continue to serve those kids in a model that works for them. Plus, it’s unclear how many students will have received the COVID-19 vaccine by the fall, and some parents may be more comfortable with remote learning for safety reasons.

Dallas ISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa took a somber tone last week when updating board members on the status of the district’s legislative priorities. He said he was advised to consider asking the Texas Education Agency for a waiver to continue offering virtual learning next year because the bills had stalled.

“It does not look like the virtual bill will survive this session,” Hinojosa said.

Under current state law, only districts or charters that operated an online program before 2013 are authorized to run full-time virtual schools and qualify for complete funding. The state has seven such programs operating in what’s known as the Texas Virtual School Network, and students from all over the state can enroll.

Education Commissioner Mike Morath waived the rules in response to the COVID-19 shutdowns, but his action will expire at the end of the school year. He said it is up to the Legislature to come up with a long-term plan.

The House last month passed a bill by Rep. Keith Bell, R-Forney, that would allow school districts and charters to establish their own full-time, remote learning programs for students in third grade or higher, and would be funded similarly to traditional campuses. It’s scheduled for a Friday Senate Education Committee hearing.

The full Senate has not yet voted on its version of the virtual learning bill, though it was designated one of Patrick’s priorities.

Areas of contention include whether the state’s youngest students should be allowed to participate in virtual learning; whether districts should be able to serve children outside their boundaries; how to include the needs of special education students; and how to hold districts accountable for online programs given that existing virtual schools have a mixed record of academic success.

“While we certainly understand there are significant competing interests in advancing such complex and important legislation, we also recognize that in order for school districts to truly meet the needs of our students, we must have the ability to serve those students in the way that is best for them,” the districts’ letter to lawmakers reads.

If the Legislature doesn’t quickly come to an agreement — and move bills along — it could throw many districts’ plans into flux.

Frisco ISD, for example, announced its intention to open a new all-virtual school to serve its students, but those efforts could be derailed. Dallas ISD plans to open a hybrid program next fall, and DeSoto ISD is also hosting information sessions on a hybrid model.

“We urge you to advance legislation that would provide funding for school districts to serve their own students in an online environment,” the districts wrote.

Other school systems have no such intentions, regardless of the Legislature’s moves. McKinney ISD announced recently that it does not plan to offer any virtual options next year.

“McKinney ISD believes strongly in face-to-face instruction between students and teachers,” Superintendent Rick McDaniel wrote to families.

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