The Fort Worth Independent School District is taking “school choice” to a new level -- offering parents two options in the 2020-21 school year: in-person instruction or virtual learning. 

When school begins on August 17, parents may either send their students to campus or participate in an online learning environment.  But first, they will make that decision starting July 1 when online enrollment begins.  

“In May, we asked all stakeholders for their feedback,” said Superintendent Kent P.  Scribner.  “Their thoughtful responses informed our decision to provide quality options for every student and family and their particular needs.”

However, the virtual classroom experience will look very different than it did in the spring following the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders.

“All Fort Worth ISD teachers will report to work at a school,” Dr. Scribner continued.  “Whether they are teaching in-person or online -- or both --they will do so from a classroom setting and engage over the course of a usual school day.” 

The online learning experience will be much more robust, reflecting new professional training and higher expectations for both educators and students.  Simultaneously, in  person instruction will follow strict guidelines to protect the health and safety of everyone in a campus setting.

The District queried parents, students, employees, and community members about their feelings regarding online instruction and a modified return to campus as well as the academic calendar. Almost 35,000 people took part.  Of that number, 52% said they preferred the traditional school calendar this fall.  A plan for a split-day schedule at school was not as popular with the respondents. 

Complete details about the survey are available on the Fort Worth ISD website.

Additional details about both online and in-person instruction will be shared in coming days.

-FWISD-

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