8 districts to pilot program for rapid COVID-19 testing
TEA announced Wednesday that eight school systems would take part in a pilot program for
rapid COVID-19 testing. Staff and students (with parental consent) will be able to get free tests with results in about 15 minutes. Those participating in the pilot are
Fabens, Granger, Harlingen, Lampasas, Longview, and Ysleta school districts, and the Bob Hope School in Port Arthur and Grace Community School in Tyler. Other public and private schools interested in the program can apply through Oct. 28.
Cases climb in many Texas school districts
The rapid testing comes as the state's number of positive cases has started to rise. In all regions of the state, several campuses and districts have temporarily returned to remote learning, according to media reports. (Find links in
TCTA's education headlines.) Districts in El Paso
extended their fall break amid a spike in cases. A recent Texas Tribune/University of Texas
poll on COVID-19 found that 55% of respondents think controlling the virus is more important than schools being open, even if that means virtual learning. Only 34% said learning should take place in person. But several districts in smaller, more rural areas have decided to
end remote learning, including Harmony, Yantis and Grand Saline ISDs, in part because many remote learners are failing classes.
Check out what's new in our COVID-19 FAQs
While this information is not legal advice, we hope it helps answer questions you may have about COVID-19's impact on schools. Members who have specific concerns or questions should call the Legal Department at 888-879-8282 to speak with a staff attorney.