Services for Educators

Learning Goes On – A COVID-19 Resource for Education

When schools closed due to COVID-19, IDRA immediately responded to educators and families so students could continue learning. This webpage serves as a hub for materials, webinars, and other information and resources.

See highlights of our Learning Goes On support since schools closed in March 2020. See flier

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted many of the issues that have impacted students and families for generations, including access to well-funded educational programs, digital devices and connectivity, and affordable housing and healthcare. 

Responding to the impact of COVID-19 on schools has required taking a critical look at many systemic inequities and listening to the communities most impacted by the pandemic.   


Media Releases Related to Education and COVID-19

Youth STEM Ambassadors to Peek Inside the World of Aviation and Aerospace, January 19, 2021

IDRA Delivers Laptops to South San Antonio ISD Students, November 20, 2020

Tighter Census Bureau Deadline Delivers Blow to Communities with Hard-to-Count Populations, August 18, 2020

IDRA Analysis Shows Texas Public Schools Could Lose Additional $38.7 Million to Private Schools Under New U.S. Department of Education Rule, July 17, 2020

Chief Science Officer Teens Get Creative to Promote STEM While Navigating School Closures, May 27, 2020

IDRA, Partners Provide South Texas Families Tech Support for Distance Learning During COVID-19 Crisis for Virtual Classroom, May 14, 2020

IDRA Provides Bilingual Books to Young Learners in San Antonio School Districts to Diminish Digital Divide Effects Exacerbated by COVID-19, May 11, 2020

Free Webinars on Education for Immigrant Families, May 7, 2020

Texas Legislative Education Equity Coalition Sends COVID-19 Recommendations to State Leaders, April 23, 2020


eNews 

IDRA launched a new eNews with resources for schools and families responding to coronavirus (COVID-19).

See the September 2022 edition (in English or Spanish) with stories on:

In this issue:

• Federal Student Loan Changes Meant to Address Debt Crisis
• Challenges to Implementing Texas HB 4545 Tutoring Requirements for Accelerated Learning
• Community Discussion about Equity and Attendance – Webinar
• Mask Mandate Legislation Makes It Harder for Local Schools to Keep Students and School Staff Safe
• Southern Education Equity Network
• Building Supportive Schools from the Ground Up

Scroll down to see previous eNews editions.

Sign up to receive our email updates.

¡Suscríbase a nuestro boletín de correo electrónico en español!!


Resources

Ready – Reopen – Reconnect! Proven Strategies for Re-engaging Students Who Need You the Most (eBook & webinar)

Digitally Divided – Community United – Video Advocacy Campaign

Policy Primer: Ensuring Education Equity During and After COVID-19, IDRA’s living document listing policies to preserve and promote educational equity:

  • Policies to Support Learning through Summer and the 2020-21 School Year
  • Budget and Policy Information for School Districts in State Legislative Sessions
  • Linked Resources and Tools for Ensuring Equity in COVID-19 Responses

See the guide in Spanish, Garantizar la equidad educativa durante y después de COVID-19.

Video Spotlight on the Rules for Reopening Texas Schools

Cutting Public School Relief Funds to Subsidize Private Schools – Issue Brief

Ensuring Equity in Online Learning – Considerations in Response to COVID-19’s Impact on Schooling

Spanish version: Mejores Prácticas para la Instrucción en Línea a Raíz del COVID-19

Best Practices for Online Instruction in the Wake of COVID-19

Spanish version: Garantizar la equidad en el aprendizaje en línea

COVID-19 Data Map – Texas College Responses

COVID-19 Education News Dashboard (bilingual)



COVID-19 Educational Practice Updates

IDRA released instructional strategy updates for schools regarding COVID-19 each week in our Learning Goes On eNews (sign up free). See a log of the updates here in English and in Spanish.

  • Elementary Teachers in Tennessee Explore Technology-Infused Project-Based Learning
  • Educational Leadership in Unpredictable Times
  • Science Comes Alive by Generating Interest and Promoting Inquiry-Based Learning!
  • Making ELAR Alive with Virtual Experiences
  • Models of Instruction to Help Students Interact and Engage in Hybrid, Face-to-Face and All-Remote Settings
  • Hispanic Heritage Month – An Identity Preface
  • Language Development in the Virtual Classroom
  • Girls STEAM Ahead with NASA Resources
  • Classroom Tips for Safe Zooming
  • Learner-Centered Digital Badging with Distance Learning
  • Using Choice Boards in the Virtual Classroom

Policy Resources 

TEA Announces Release of $11.2 billion in Federal Relief for Schools, April 28, 2021

Learn more about IDRA’s comprehensive approach to COVID-19’s impact on schools. See our Policy Primer: Ensuring Education Equity During and After COVID-19, IDRA’s living document listing policies to preserve and promote educational equity. See the guide in Spanish, Garantizar la equidad educativa durante y después de COVID-19.

Video Spotlight on the Rules for Reopening Texas Schools

IDRA is releasing policy updates for schools regarding COVID-19 each Friday in our Learning Goes On eNews (sign up free). See a log of the updates here in English and in Spanish.

Cutting Public School Relief Funds to Subsidize Private Schools – An Analysis of How the Department of Education’s Equitable Services Rule Will Harm Texas Students and School Districts, IDRA Issue Brief • July 16, 2020

IDRA analysis: Without Intervention, COVID-19-Induced Budgetary Shortfalls Will Fall Hardest on Marginalized Students in the South

IDRA resource: Ensuring Equity in Online Learning – Considerations in Response to COVID-19’s Impact on Schooling

Letters and Public Comments

Policy News Updates

IDRA released policy updates for schools regarding COVID-19 each week in our Learning Goes On eNews (sign up free). See a log of the updates here in English and in Spanish.

  • U.S. Dept of Education Releases New COVID-19 School Guidance
  • Six Ways the New COVID Relief Plan will Impact Schools
  • New CDC Guidelines
  • If Teachers Controlled the Education Budget
  • New COVID-19 Emergency Relief Package
  • Possible Additions to the Federal Government’s COVID-19 Emergency Plan
  • Biden-Harris Administration’s Education Priorities
  • Effective School Assessments and Accountability that Does Not Hurt Students
  • Maintaining a Supportive School Climate
  • Federal Court Strikes Down Department of Education Rule Requiring Public School Districts to Give More Relief Funds to Private Schools
  • Texas-focused Education Equity Groups Support Lawsuit Challenging U.S. Department of Education Rule that Shifts Relief Funds from Public Schools to Private Schools
  • Family Engagement is Key to Student Safety Amidst COVID-19 Reopening
  • An Equity-focused Plan for Reopening Schools Safely
  • Video Spotlight on the Rules for Reopening Texas Schools
  • IDRA Releases Guide to Ensuring Education Equity During and After COVID-19
  • State Reopening Guidance Must Prioritize Equity
  • How School Districts and Communities Can Plan Safe Learning Environments
  • Schools Face Challenges to Reopening – Community Input and Supplemental Funds Are Critical
  • U.S. Department of Education Affirms Intent to Exclude Undocumented Students from CARES Act Relief Funds
  • COVID-19 Federal Guidance Documents Impact Schools and Communities
  • IDRA Statement in Support of Black Lives
  • What We are Hearing from Families, Students and Educators: Part I
  • Without Intervention, COVID-19-Induced Budgetary Shortfalls Will Fall Hardest on Marginalized Students in the South
  • COVID-19 Does Not Change Civil Rights Protections for Students
  • IDRA Joins Counselors in Calling for COVID-19 Responses that Include Trauma-Informed Support
  • COVID-19 Worsens Systemic Educational Inequity
  • Public School Advocates Join Forces to Push for Emergency Funding Equity
    U.S. Department of Education Announces Rules for Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Funding
  • Update: The CARES Act and Federal COVID-19 Actions
  • Equity Concerns for English Learners in Response to COVID-19
  • Students in Southern States Face Short- and Long-Term COVID-19 Challenges
  • An Overview of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act
  • Texas Colleges Respond to COVID-19
  • Testing for Students in Texas & Equity Implications

Equitable Practices for Online Learning – Free Webinar Series

See webinar hub for recorded webinars and related resources.

1. Equitable Practices for Teaching Online

Friday, March 20, 2020 @ 2:00 pm (cst) – Watch recording 

2. Digital Divide: Connectivity, Infrastructure and Devices

Tuesday, March 24, 2020 @ 2:00 pm (cst) – Watch recording 

3. Tools & Tips to Alleviate the Homework Gap

Tuesday, March 31, 2020 @ 2:00 pm (cat) – Watch recording

4. Facilitating Online Math Sessions

Tuesday, April 3, 2020 @ 1:00 pm (cat) – Watch recording

5. PBL at Home & Across the Curriculum 

Tuesday, April 14, 2020 @ 2:00 pm (cat) – Watch recording

6. Journal Writing About the Present for the Future – ELAR Webinar Part 1

Wednesday, April 22, 2020, at 2:00 PM (cdt) Watch recording

7. From Journaling to Personal Narratives – ELAR Webinar Part 2

Wednesday, April 29, 2020, at 2:00 PM (cdt) Watch recording

8. From Journaling and Personal Narratives to Letter Writing – ELAR Webinar Part 3

Thursday, April 30, 2020, at 2:00 PM (cdt) Watch recording

9. Chief Science Officer Students Determined to Promote STEM Despite School Closures

Thursday, April 30, 2020, at 2:00 PM (cdt) – Watch recording 

10. Teaching Science in Virtual Learning Environment

Tuesday, May 12, 2020, at 2:00 PM (cdt) – Watch recording

11. How a School District Tackled the Digital Divide 

Tuesday, May 19, 2020, at 2:00 PM (cdt) – Watch recording

12. Teacher, Parent and Student Perspectives on Using Google Classroom Effectively

Tuesday, May 26, 2020, at 2:00 PM (cdt) – Watch recording 

13. Student Perspectives on a Changing School Climate – School Reopening Webinar Series

June 16, 2020, at 2:00 to 3:30 cdt – Watch recording

14. Nurturing Students’ Hearts and Minds – School Reopening Webinar Series

June 23, 2020, at 2:00 to 3:30 cdt – Watch recording

15. Partnering with Families to Reopen and Reimagine Schools – School Reopening Webinar Series

July 15, 2020, at 11:30 to 1:00 cdt – Watch recording

16. Getting Schools Ready to Support Students Facing a New World of Challenges – School Reopening Webinar Series

July 22 2020, at 2:00 to 3:30 cdt – Watch recording

17. Youth Tech Mentors Bridge Schools and Families – Creative Community Responses to COVID-19 Webinar 

Wednesday, August 26, 6:00-7:30 pm (cst) – Watch recording

18. The Power Schools Bring to the Last Days of the 2020 Census – How Schools Can Help their Communities Get Counted  

Thursday, August 27, 2:00-3:00 pm CST – Watch recording

19. Impact of the Pandemic on Bilingual Education  

Tuesday, January 26, 2021, 2:00-3:00 pm CST – Watch recording

20. Principals Leading in a Pandemic 

Thursday, February 25, 2021 • 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm CST – Watch recording

21. Highlights for Creating a More Bilingual Texas 

Wednesday, March 31, 2021 • 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm CST – Watch recording

22. First Steps in Project-Based Learning  

Wednesday, April 28, 2021 • 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm CST – Watch recording 

23. Ready – Reopen – Reconnect! – Proven Strategies for Re-engaging Students Who Need You the Most

Thursday, May 20, 2021 • 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm CST – Watch recording 


eNews – Earlier Editions

IDRA launched a new eNews with resources for schools and families responding to coronavirus (COVID-19).

See the March 2022 edition (in English or Spanish) with stories on:

  • Realizing Our Common Humanity – Restorative Practices Can Build and Strengthen Relationships in Post-Pandemic Schools
  • Building Supportive Schools from the Ground Up
  • Women’s History is U.S. History
  • New Podcast Episodes
  • Georgia Education CAFE Advocacy Network
  • What do you think about school dress codes?
  • Networks

See the April 2021 edition (in English or Spanish) with stories on:

  • Six Ways the New COVID Relief Plan will Impact Schools
  • Upcoming Webinar: Highlights for Creating a More Bilingual Texas
  • Webinar Recording Available: Principals Leading in a Pandemic

See the March 2021 edition (in English or Spanish) with stories on:

  • Six Ways the New COVID Relief Plan will Impact Schools
  • Upcoming Webinar: Highlights for Creating a More Bilingual Texas
  • Webinar Recording Available: Principals Leading in a Pandemic

See the February 2021 edition (in English or Spanish) with stories on

  • Education News: New CDC Guidelines & TEA – STAAR News
  • If Teachers Controlled the Education Budget
  • New Classnotes Podcast Episode: Teaching High-Level Math through Distance Learning
  • Educational Leadership in Unpredictable Times
  • Upcoming Webinar: Principals Leading in a Pandemic
  • Webinar Recording Available: Impact of the Pandemic on Bilingual Education

See the January 2021 edition (in English or Spanish) with stories on:

  • New COVID-19 Emergency Relief Package
  • Possible Additions to the Federal Government’s COVID-19 Emergency Plan
  • Biden-Harris Administration’s Education Priorities
  • Upcoming Webinar: Impact of the Pandemic on Bilingual Education
  • IDRA Valued Youth Partnership Tutors Build Leadership Skills in Virtual Environment
  • Texas Education CAFE Advocacy Network

See the December 2020 edition (in English or Spanish) with stories on:

  • Effective School Assessments and Accountability that Does Not Hurt Students
  • Join Our Texas Education CAFE Advocacy Network
  • Science Comes Alive by Generating Interest and Promoting Inquiry-Based Learning!
  • Science Webinars On-Demand

See the November 19, 2020 edition (in English or Spanish) with stories on:

  • Families Share Insights on Young Emergent Bilingual Children to Inform Policy & Practice
  • Making ELAR Alive with Virtual Experiences
  • ELAR Instruction Webinars On-Demand

See the October 28, 2020 edition (in English or Spanish) with stories on:

  • Instructional Tools: Models of Instruction to Help Students Interact and Engage in Hybrid, Face-to-Face and All-Remote Settings
  • Online Learning Resources and Tools
  • Bridging Academic and Home Knowledge with Home Works Lessons
  • Free Webinars on Equitable Practices for Online Learning

See the October 14, 2020 edition (in English or Spanish) with stories on:

  • Reopening Presents Opportunities for Innovation and Collaboration throughout the South
  • Hispanic Heritage Month – An Identity Preface
  • Hispanic Heritage in STEM

See the October 8, 2020 edition (in English or Spanish) with stories on:

    • Serving English Learners During COVID-19 – School Leadership and Teacher Support
    • Language Development in the Virtual Classroom
    • Supplemental Bilingual Early Childhood Curriculum
    • English Language Arts Webinar Series
    • Free Webinars on Education for Immigrant Families

See the September 24, 2020 edition (in English or Spanish) with stories on:

      • Only 7 Days Left for the 2020 Census!
      • Policy Update: Maintaining a Supportive School Climate
      • Instructional Tools: Girls STEAM Ahead with NASA Resources
      • Free Webinars on Equitable Practices for Online Learning

See the September 17, 2020 edition (in English or Spanish) with stories on:

      • Instructional Tools: Classroom Tips for Safe Zooming
      • Family Engagement: Building Trust through Authentic Communication
      • IDRA COVID-19 Education News Dashboard
      • Free Webinars on Equitable Practices for Online Learning

See the September 9, 2020 edition (in English or Spanish) with stories on:

      • Policy Update: Federal Court Strikes Down Department of Education Rule Requiring Public School Districts to Give More Relief Funds to Private Schools
      • Big Give Ends Tomorrow Night!
      • Instructional Strategies: Learner-Centered Digital Badging with Distance Learning
      • Free Webinars on Equitable Practices for Online Learning
      • Free Webinars on Education for Immigrant Families

See the September 3, 2020 edition (in English or Spanish) with stories on:

      • Texas-focused Education Equity Groups Support Lawsuit Challenging U.S. Department of Education Rule that Shifts Relief Funds from Public Schools to Private Schools
      • Using Choice Boards in the Virtual Classroom
      • Student Team Gathering Community Perspectives on School Reopening
      • IDRA Partners with UT Austin to Lift Up Latino Experiences During Pandemic
      • Webinar On-Demand: Youth Tech Mentors Bridge Schools and Families – Creative Community Responses to COVID-19
      • Webinar On-Demand: The Power Schools Bring to the Last Days of the 2020 Census – How Schools Can Help their Communities Get Counted

See the August 26, 2020 edition (in English or Spanish) with stories on:

      • Family Engagement is Key to Student Safety Amidst COVID-19 Reopening
      • Webinar Today! Youth Tech Mentors Bridge Schools and Families
      • Webinar Tomorrow! The Power Schools Bring to the Last Days of the 2020 Census
      • IDRA COVID-19 Education News Dashboard
      • Free On-Demand Webinars on Equitable Practices for Online Learning

See the August 20, 2020 edition (in English or Spanish) with stories on:

      • Webinar: Youth Tech Mentors Bridge Schools and Families
      • Webinar: The Power Schools Bring to the Last Days of the 2020 Census
      • IDRA Valued Youth Partnership Operating with Virtual Adjustments for COVID-19
      • IDRA Provides Bilingual Books to Young Learners in Southwest ISD to Diminish Digital Divide Effects Exacerbated by COVID-19
      • Free On-Demand Webinars on Equitable Practices for Online Learning

See the August 12, 2020 edition (in English or Spanish) with stories on:

      • An Equity-focused Plan for Reopening Schools Safely
      • Video Spotlight on the Rules for Reopening Texas Schools
      • Public Relief Funds Diverted Away from Public Schools
      • On-Demand Webinars
      • Virtual VOE Webinars

See the July 10, 2020 edition (in English or Spanish) with stories on: 

      • IDRA Releases Guide to Ensuring Education Equity During and After COVID-19
      • Free School Reopening Webinar Series
      • On-Demand Webinars

See the June 26, 2020 edition (in English or Spanish) with stories on:

      • State Reopening Guidance Must Prioritize Equity
      • How School Districts and Communities Can Plan Safe Learning Environments
      • Considerations for Reopening Schools
      • Free School Reopening Webinar Series
      • Overview of IDRA’s Learning Goes On Initiative

See the June 19, 2020 edition (in English or Spanish) with stories on:

      • Schools Face Challenges to Reopening – Community Input and Supplemental Funds Are Critical
      • Free School Reopening Webinar Series
      • As Schools Plan to Reopen Safely, IDRA Valued Youth Partnership Tutors Will Lead in New Ways

See the June 12, 2020 edition (in English or Spanish) with stories on:

      • U.S. Department of Education Affirms Intent to Exclude Undocumented Students from CARES Act Relief Funds
      • COVID-19 Federal Guidance Documents Impact Schools and Communities
      • Last Chance! Survey Closes Monday!
      • Free School Reopening Webinar Series
      • State Education Agencies Explore Family Engagement in a COVID-19 World

See the June 5, 2020 edition (in English or Spanish) with stories on:

      • IDRA Statement in Support of Black Lives – Learning Goes On – IDRA eNews

See the May 29, 2020 edition (in English or Spanish) with stories on:

      • Policy Update: What We are Hearing from Families, Students and Educators: Part II
      • Survey for parents, students, educators and other
      • New Podcast Episode: STEM Students Describe Life in a COVID-19 World
      • Free Webinar: How a School District Tackled the Digital Divide
      • Free Webinar: Teacher, Parent and Student Perspectives on Using Google Classroom Effectively
      • News: Chief Science Officer Teens Get Creative to Promote STEM While Navigating School Closures

See the May 22, 2020 edition (in English or Spanish) with stories on:

      • Policy Update: Without Intervention, COVID-19-Induced Budgetary Shortfalls Will Fall Hardest on Marginalized Students in the South
      • Free Webinar: Teacher, Parent and Student Perspectives on Using Google Classroom Effectively
      • Free Webinar: Elevate the Voices of Students in STEM at Your School – Webinar Q&A on Hosting the Texas Chief Science Officer Program
      • Survey for parents, students, educators and others

See the May 15, 2020 edition (in English or Spanish) with stories on:

      • Policy Update: COVID-19 Does Not Change Civil Rights Protections for Students
      • IDRA Joins Counselors in Calling for COVID-19 Responses that Include Trauma-Informed Support
      • Not Aiding DACA Students Merciless – Op-ed by Celina Moreno
      • Next Free Webinar: How a School District Tackled the Digital Divide
      • Upcoming Webinar: Teacher, Parent and Student Perspectives on Using Google Classroom Effectively
      • Upcoming Webinar: Elevate the Voices of Students in STEM at Your School – Webinar Q&A on Hosting the Texas Chief Science Officer Program
      • Survey for parents, students, educators and others
      • IDRA, Partners Provide South Texas Families Tech Support for Distance Learning During COVID-19 Crisis for Virtual Classroom
      • Free Webinars on Education for Immigrant Families

See the May 8, 2020 edition (in English or Spanish) with stories on:

      • Policy Update: COVID-19 Worsens Systemic Educational Inequity
      • Next Free Webinar: Teaching Science in Virtual Learning Environments
      • More Webinars on Equitable Practices for Online Learning
      • IDRA Provides Bilingual Books to Young Learners in San Antonio School Districts to Diminish Digital Divide Effects Exacerbated by COVID-19

See the May 1, 2020 edition (in English or Spanish) with stories on:

      • Family and Community Input Needed for COVID-19 Relief Funds
      • Colleges Plan for Fall Classes
      • On-Demand Webinars: Equitable Practices for Online Learning
      • Webinar Tuesday: Chief Science Officer Students Determined to Promote STEM Despite School Closures

See the April 24, 2020 edition (in English or Spanish) with stories on:

      • Policy Update: Public School Advocates Join Forces to Push for Emergency Funding Equity
      • Policy Update: U.S. Department of Education Announces Rules for Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Funding
      • Census Bureau Launches COVID-19 Data Hub
      • COVID-19 Data Map – Texas College Responses
      • Free Webinar Series: Equitable Practices for Online Learning

See the April 17, 2020 edition (in English or Spanish) with stories on:

      • Community Voices: What We are Hearing from Families
      • Policy Update: The CARES Act and Federal COVID-19 Actions
      • Free Webinar Series: Equitable Practices for Online Learning Webinars – Watch On-Demand
      • Register for Our Next Three Webinars on English Language Arts and Reading
      • Virtual VOE: Free Webinars on Education for Immigrant Families
      • IDRA’s COVID-19 Education News Dashboard

See the April 9, 2020 edition (in English or Spanish) with stories on:

      • Policy Update: Policy Recommendations to Equity Concerns for English Learners in Response to COVID-19
      • Virtual VOE: Free Webinars on Education for Immigrant Families
      • Next Educator Webinar: PBL at Home & Across the Curriculum, April 14
      • At Home During COVID-19 – Making Math Connections
      • Equity Resources for Online Learning
      • IDRA’s COVID-19 Education News Dashboard

See the April 3, 2020 edition (in English or Spanish) with stories on:

      • Regional Policy Update: Students in Southern States Face Short- and Long-Term COVID-19 Challenges
      • IDRA’s New COVID-19 Education News Dashboard
      • State Education Agency COVID-19 Websites in the U.S. South
      • Next Webinar: Facilitating Online Math Sessions
      • Online Technical Assistance Academies for School Districts
      • Free Webinars on Education for Immigrant Families

See the March 27, 2020 edition (in English or Spanish) with stories on:

      • An Overview of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that Congress Just Passed
      • Free Webinar Series: Next Webinar This Tuesday
      • COVID-19 Policy Update -Texas Colleges Respond to COVID-19
      • New COVID-19 Data Map – Texas College Responses
      • And more!

See the March 21, 2020 edition (in English or Spanish) with stories on:

        • Equity Resources for Online Learning;
        • COVID-19 Policy Update – Testing for Students in Texas & Equity Implications;
        • IDRA Launches Free Webinar Series on Equitable Practices for Online Learning;
        • Equity Connection – IDRA’s Free Online Community of Practice; and
        • Online Technical Assistance Online Technical Assistance Academies for School Districts for School Districts.

Share