Although the Texas Education Agency has not provided extensive guidance for health and safety protocols in 2020-21, the state agency clarified questions regarding funding earlier this week, according to CFISD officials.
“We are happy to report TEA announced that school districts would receive full funding for students who choose to engage in remote instruction,” the statement read. “This is excellent news because it allows students to remain enrolled in CFISD, whether they choose to engage in face-to-face or remote instruction.”
The district’s curriculum and instruction department is improving its online platform, and more details about online learning requirements are expected in the coming weeks.
After missing 52 instructional days in 2019-20, CFISD has ramped up virtual summer school offerings for thousands of students and announced efforts to bridge learning gaps next school year. While the district planned for in-person summer school July 6, officials announced on social media June 26 those plans would be suspended.
According to the TEA, low-income students especially may have decreased academic progress by more than 50% since January.
In recent weeks, the district has provided updates to the 2020-21 instructional calendar and approved a budget including $10 million in funding for needs related to COVID-19.
Meanwhile this summer, CFISD plans to continue serving curbside meals to students in need at designated campuses throughout the district, and one of the district’s facilities is currently serving as an official Harris County COVID-19 testing site.
Superintendent Mark Henry’s Reopening CFISD Committee continues to develop plans in alignment with health and safety guidelines from Gov. Greg Abbott and the TEA, officials said. As of this week, the group includes students, teachers, parents and representatives from various departments.
“The committee is working on scenarios for returning students to schools this fall, and also creating plans for virtual learning,” officials said in a June 22 statement. “We are also in the process of developing a survey that will provide the opportunity for parents and staff to provide input on the reopening of CFISD.”
