The Fort Worth Independent School District will start classes this fall as scheduled on Aug. 17. But in this era of COVID-19, families will have two choices: learn in class or from home.
Fort Worth ISD wanted to know what school this fall should look like, so it sent out surveys to find out, and got about 35,000 responses. A little bit more than half the parents and students – queried separately – preferred the standard schedule by 55%. District spokesperson Clint Bond says they weren’t alone.
“Teachers preferred the traditional schedule,” Bond said, “and that’s what we plan to do.”
The district also said the online learning experience will be more “robust” with higher expectations for educators and students.
Fort Worth Superintendent Kent Scribner said all teachers will work from the schools. Whether teaching in person or online, they’ll do so from a classroom. The district says everyone in the building will follow strict health and safety guidelines. But Steve Poole, who heads the United Educators Association, says teachers he represents need details.
“They’re worried about availability of disinfecting materials. hand sanitizer, soap, even warm water in all the bathrooms,” Poole said. “What kind of personal protective equipment will be provided to students and staff?”
One detail important for parents – they must enroll their children and choose in-school or online instruction. Enrollment begins July 1.
Got a tip? Email Reporter Bill Zeeble at bzeeble@kera.org . You can follow him on Twitter @bzeeble.
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