Dripping Springs ISD parents to opt into either 100% in-person or remote learning option for 2020-21

After evaluating Texas Education Agency guidelines that were released last week, Dripping Springs ISD will offer parents and students two options for the 2020-21 school year: 100% in-person learning and 100% remote learning.

In a July 10 district update, Superintendent Todd Washburn said the district will be sharing its full plan for the upcoming school year over “the next week or so.” At that time, parents will be given a survey in which they can select either in-person classes or remote learning for their child.

“We will use that data to start planning our staffing assignments at both the elementary and secondary levels,” Washburn said in the update. “Based on guidance from the state, parents will be allowed to adjust their decision in early August.”

Washburn said based on the TEA guidelines, DSISD will be offering in-person classes on campuses five days a week with health and safety measures that comply with the state guidelines.

The online learning will not be the same as the model the district used in spring when campuses were closed at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Our remote learning model will look different than it did in the spring, as we have enhanced instructional strategies and are providing more resources to our teachers,” Washburn said. “There will be structured schedules, daily engagement expectations, direct instruction by teachers, content and grading practices aligned with our in-person learning.”

Previously, the district was considering a hybrid schedule for school, which would have alternated in-person and online classes every other day. Washburn said the district no longer believes that option is possible based on the state guidelines.