Advertisement

newsEducation

Richardson ISD finalizing home-learning program, adding counseling hotline amid coronavirus

A new online learning portal opens Friday, the district says.

Richardson ISD, like other school districts, is adjusting to life and learning without face-to-face interaction between teachers and students. That has meant taking time this week to iron out the final details of a new home-learning program.

As the coronavirus began taking a toll in North Texas, Richardson ISD extended its spring break and decided to indefinitely close its brick-and-mortar schools. That required setting up a home-learning program.

“Our goal was not to expect every student, teacher and parent to jump right into at-home learning coming out of nine days off without ensuring that parents and students have the tools and understanding of how to use them,” Tim Clark, a district spokesman, said via email.

Advertisement

“Yesterday, teachers began connecting with individual students and parents to ensure they were healthy, had access to food, had internet access, had a working device (for students in grades 3-12) and explained what the process would look like for them, starting Monday,” Clark stated. “It is very much a coordinated effort to ensure everyone is one the same page to the extent possible before teaching and learning resumes.”

The Education Lab

Receive our in-depth coverage of education issues and stories that affect North Texans.

Or with:

The effort includes the launch of a new website dedicated to at-home learning on Friday, March 27, an announcement by the district states. Teachers are reaching out this week to share details about how the system will work as well as the expectations for student learning. Additionally, the district has set up an at-home learning hotline at 469-593-0286 to provide back-up guidance and assistance.

Advertisement

Parents with students in grades 3-12 (or K-12 for special education) who still need to receive a device can call their school to request one through the RISD Help Desk. During normal school hours, staffers will be checking messages regularly. Anyone needing assistance with a device that is not properly working can also call the district’s help desk at 469-593-4357.

Parents without internet access at home may be able to get service from providers offering free or reduced-cost plans. They include: AT&T, Charter Spectrum and Comcast Xfinity. Additional information is available through the Texas Cable Association.

Advertisement

Teachers are also connecting with families with other resources, such as meals or counseling.

A counseling line is available for parents and students who are feeling stressed about the changes and uncertainties brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. The number is 469-593-7472.

Callers are asked to leave a message that includes a name and school location and a counselor will call back within 24 hours, the district announcement states.

Connect with needs and opportunities from Get immediate access to organizations and people in the DFW area that need your help or can provide help during the Coronavirus crisis.