Heather May decided this week to move her 10-year-old son from a public school to a charter school focused on learning differences.
Classes start soon. She said she is not sure how he, or any kid really, will handle COVID-19 guidelines of social distancing and mask wearing.
“Even with the greatest of intentions," May said, "I don’t know how feasible it is to adhere to those guidelines and standards when you have walking germ vessels around you, who love you and want to hug you and give you high fives.”
May wants flexibility, but also routine, for her one school-age child. Switching schools will allow for that.
“It was a different step for us as a family, for sure,” the mom said.
This family is one of many in Lubbock figuring out what to do about grade school this fall.
The Texas Education Agency announced on Tuesday guidelines for returning to class. Students over age 10 and teachers will be required to wear a mask, as long as the state’s mask mandate is in effect. Other efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 will also be in place.
The agency said all parents will have the option to choose either in-person or remote instruction for their children. If a district doesn’t offer remote instruction, a family can transfer to one that does.
Interest in alternative grade school programs has been on the rise since the spring, when many districts moved to distance education.
“We saw not only an increase in interest, we saw an increase in enrollment,” said Justin Louder, interim superintendent of the Texas Tech University K-12 school.
TTU K-12 is a tuition-based online learning program that’s been around since the 1990s. They offer full or supplementary online curriculum for grade school students and schools.
“We never want to be seen as competition for the local school," Louder said. "We want to be seen as an option for students who may need us and a partner in education with local districts and parents.”
Many families got a taste of online school for the first time in the spring and will continue with that method in the fall. Louder offered some tips.
“Don’t try to recreate the classroom experience. That’s a very different experience than going to school at home," the educator said. "And know that it’s OK to let your virtual student take some breaks during the day. It’s not good for young kids to sit in front of a computer for seven to eight hours a day.”
Louder added that parents are parents first and foremost, and shouldn't beat themselves up about adjusting to at-home teaching.
Local school districts are still rolling out their plans for the next school year, which starts in August.
