In the Texas Education Agency’s most recent guidance regarding the opening of schools issued July 28, the agency focuses on four sets of practices that it says minimize the likelihood of viral spread: (1) providing notice; (2) preventing the virus from entering schools; (3) responding to lab-confirmed cases; and (4) reducing the likely spread inside the school.
TEA recognizes that there “will almost certainly be situations that necessitate temporary school closure due to positive COVID-19 cases in schools.” School communities must be prepared for this possibility and be informed of prevention and mitigation practices. The guidance specifically addresses:
- Attendance and enrollment
- On campus and virtual instruction
- Administrative activities by teachers, staff, or students that occur on school campuses or virtually
- Non-UIL extracurricular sports and activities
- Any other activities that teachers, staff, or students must complete that cannot be accomplished virtually
- Visits by parents and the general public
TEA recommends that after-school providers and other programs that operate in conjunction with campuses follow this guidance in coordination with the campus(es) they serve. The full TEA document may be accessed here: https://tea.texas.gov/sites/default/files/covid/SY-20-21-Public-Health-Guidance.pdf
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