Austin ISD Launches Remote Learning To Curb Coronavirus

AUSTIN, TX — Monday marked the first day of a weeklong period of full remote instruction at Austin ISD schools in light of ongoing reach of the coronavirus, district officials said.

Austin ISD officials last week announced their decision to implement 100 percent remote learning through Friday (Dec. 4) in an effort to adhere to physical distancing — a key step in blunting the spread of illness. On-campus instruction will resume on Monday, Dec. 7, district officials said.

"This decision is being made proactively to increase the likelihood of on-campus instruction for the final two weeks of the semester," Austin ISD Superintendent Stephanie S. Elizalde said in a letter to partents. "By moving to 100 percent remote learning the week following the Thanksgiving break, the incubation period will have the opportunity to run its course and positive cases can be identified while safely at home."

Related story: Coronavirus Testing Sites Set Up For Austin ISD Parents, Students

The decision was made after a meeting last Wednesday with city and county officials along with Austin Public Health officials, the superintendent said. Elizalde added she does not anticipate a need to repeat this process following the winter break as that holiday is 14 days while the Thanksgiving break was only seven.

"However, this decision may require a few individual schools to add some minutes to their school day or adjust their calendar to ensure we have met the required instructional minutes to continue to receive school funding from TEA," she added, referencing the Texas Education Agency. That information will be forthcoming as it varies from campus to campus, she noted.

The superintendent said remote instruction will continue to be available to families who choose it when we return as well.

"Our commitment to our community remains unchanged. Therefore, Austin ISD will be partnering with Austin Public Health to provide COVID tests to staff, students, and family members Wednesday, Dec. 2 through Friday, Dec. 4."

For meal access, curbside meal sites will continue to help feed students nutritious food, the superintendent said. For Internet access, Wi-Fi buses will be deployed in the community and a map can be found on the Austin ISD website.

"I realize that this decision will require many of our families to find alternate child care arrangements, but in assessing the risks, I concluded this was in the best interest of a long-term vision," Elizalde said. "I waited to make this decision to gather as much data and input as possible. I would like to take a moment to also thank our principals for their input and unconditional dedication to public service and a special acknowledgement to Education Austin for working with me to provide employee perspectives as we work always to stay student centered."

Amid the inconvenience, Elizalde offered a note of hope: "It is never easy to close our school doors, even temporarily," she said. "However, with news on new therapies and vaccines on the horizon, we are optimistic that safer days are ahead."

For more information, visit the Austin ISD website.