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Plano ISD considering dual home and campus learning for the fall

A planning task force is sorting through the options.

Updated at 2:23 p.m. June 18 after the official announcement that in-person classes can resume.

Plano ISD may offer classes both on campuses and through its remote learning system this fall.

“We are working on plans to provide traditional face-to-face learning options, as well as at-home learning options that will allow students to remain enrolled in Plano ISD with all the benefits and support available in a strong, competitive public school system,” the district stated in an announcement.

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The dual options come as some parents are still concerned about the pandemic while others are hoping to return to a regular school setting, according to information gathered by the district.

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The TEA announced Thursday that Texas’ public schools can resume in-person classes in the upcoming school year, and details on how districts should proceed with health protocols are expected to be released Tuesday.

Concerns about COVID-19 closed school campuses in March and through the remainder of the school year as the district deployed a home-learning system.

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The district has assembled a Fall 2020-21 Planning Task Force and is also awaiting guidance from the Texas Education Agency about reopening school.

Key considerations for the upcoming school year include health and safety, parent choice, innovation, communication and equity, according to the district.

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The health and safety of families will be the main consideration, the district stated. If it is possible to return to a traditional classroom setting in the fall, “all appropriate precautions and protocols will be in place,” the district stated in the recent announcement.

The district has also pledged to “define clear expectations for high-quality learning regardless of what format learning takes: face-to-face classroom learning, remote learning or a combination of both.”

That means new scheduling and technology, as well as new ways for students and teachers to connect and interact.

Currently, the district plans to keep its 2020-21 school calendar. Scheduling revisions will be addressed if prolonged school building closures are necessary.