ATPE News Magazine
Winter 2020 | Volume 41 | Issue 2
In our main feature,
two families explain the thinking that led them down two different paths for the 2020-21 school year, and school districts and community organizations share their innovative solutions for helping families during the pandemic. As the
87th Texas Legislature approaches, we lay out our preparations and legislative priorities. Learn how individuals and organizations across the state are doing their part to
close the digital gap. This issue also includes two special sections:
how to stay involved in the political process after an election ends and an explanation of how
federal, state, and local entities play a role in determining school policies during COVID-19. The
Learning Curve column returns as University of Texas scholars delve into augmented reality opportunities available to educators. Plus, get answers to some of the most common questions about the
legality and best practices surrounding remote-instruction platforms. ATPE member
Jennifer Orona shares insights about her school’s experience with face-to-face instruction during the pandemic in Members Speak. Understand how
your feedback helps ATPE and policymakers learn more about your experiences and concerns and how that shapes policy. Finally,
get cozy with this issue’s Brain Break.
Contents
Features
Anthony and Barret were both poised to start kindergarten at their neighborhood schools this fall. Then COVID-19 hit. Their parents explain the thinking that led them down two very different paths. Plus: How school districts and community organizations are finding innovative solutions to help families during the pandemic.
As we approach the 87th Texas Legislature, we only know one thing for sure: This session will not look like anything we’ve experienced before. Take a peek at ATPE’s legislative priorities and how we’re preparing to advocate for you.
In a state as large and diverse as Texas, getting and staying connected is key. Unfortunately, many Texans lack reliable devices and internet connectivity at home. Learn how individuals and organizations across the state are doing their part to close the digital gap.
Special Section
The 2020 general election is over. Now what? Stay engaged, stay active! No matter how you feel about the election results, there are many ways to continue making a difference and ensure your voice is heard on important issues facing Texas public education.
The Texas education community continues to confront COVID-19 head-on. Who is making all the decisions? This outline demonstrates how federal, state, and local entities play a role in determining school policies during COVID-19.
Everything Else
Get answers to some of the most common questions about the legality and best practices surrounding remote-instruction platforms such as Zoom and Google Meet.
University of Texas scholars delve into augmented reality (AR) opportunities available to educators.
As the calendar turns to winter and the days grow shorter and colder (by Texas standards, anyway), it is common for people to experience the winter blues. Here are some ways to overcome those feelings.
Understand how your feedback helps ATPE and policymakers learn more about your experiences and concerns—and how that shapes policy.
ATPE member Jennifer Orona of Rice CISD shares insights about her school’s experience with face-to-face instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic.