Austin News

 Austin Independent School District issued the following announcement on Dec. 2.

You may have heard a lot about accommodations in the last 24 hours. I wanted to share with you some additional information for context. 

AISD developed a Benefits Review Committee to review all remote work accommodation requests for the Spring semester. The committee individually reviewed each request– minus identifying information to protect employee privacy–and determined if a remote work arrangement was feasible based on medical risk, if the position was deemed as essential to district function or directly impacts high-needs students or populations, and the needs of the campus or department.  

Out of an abundance of caution in the fall, far more remote work accommodations were granted in Austin ISD than in other districts in Texas, and–even as other districts rescinded–we honored those remote-work accommodations as new information was provided by the CDC, and more evidence of the success of safety protocols in schools was confirmed.

As we look toward the spring semester, we are preparing to welcome more students back to on-campus instruction. We know that it is paramount that our teachers and staff are able to provide the high-quality, on-campus teaching and support that each and every student deserves. The committee consulted with local health authorities regarding the CDC’s list of health conditions that could put employees at higher risk and learned that the risk posed was reduced by the health and safety protocols in place at our campuses. It was determined that only those at the highest risk who could best fulfill their duties remotely would be eligible for remote work, in order to best support teaching and learning for students.

Teachers matter more to student achievement than any other aspect of schooling and teachers are estimated to have two to three times the effect of any other school factor, including services, facilities, and even leadership. At every juncture, we consider what is best for our teachers. How do we create an environment where they can excel? More importantly, how do we keep them safe? 

AND, our students are the very core of our mission. What is best for them must motivate our actions and consume our time and energy. With very few exceptions, there is simply no question that in-person learning taught by teachers instead of remote via camera, is best for our students. Academic achievement is higher as is the level of positive personal connection between teacher and student. 

Our students who are choosing on-campus instruction should be served by their teachers. Data, both local and nationally, continue to support that schools are NOT a high risk for virus transmission. These are very difficult times and granted, there are no perfect solutions. However, AISD has taken multiple steps to ensure that our school facilities are disinfected and hostile to the spread of the coronavirus. At each campus, trained professionals are in place to work with our returning teachers. We have provided extensive PPE such as masks, shields, hand sanitizer and even on-site testing for staff and students. 

Finally, a word of praise for the teachers who have come to school - every day - despite their concerns. They have done a great job and deserve the support of every teacher, every school administrator, every child and every parent. 

Original source can be found here.