Extended Virtual Education Options through the Texas Virtual School Network
| Date: | June 22, 2023 |
|---|---|
| Subject: | Extended Virtual Education Options through the Texas Virtual School Network |
| Category: | Full-time online instruction |
| Next Steps: | Visit TXVSN website for more information |
On June 12, 2023, Governor Abbott charged the commissioner of education to waive specific requirements for school districts or open-enrollment charter schools to be able to continue offering virtual instruction options for students through the Texas Virtual School Network (TXVSN) for the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years.
TEA’s waiver authority will allow local education agencies (LEAs) that offered full-time virtual instruction or participated in the Virtual Accelerator in 2022-2023 to receive full funding for each student who successfully completes the school year as defined in 19 Texas Administration Code (TAC) §70.1001(2-3). LEA requirements include obtaining a dedicated CDCN for the full-time online school and gaining waiver approval. The process is outlined below:
| Activity | Start Date |
|---|---|
| 1. Obtain local board approval to participate in the TXVSN | Prior to waiver submission |
| 2. Complete the Notice of Intent and Informed Choice information | Prior to waiver submission |
|
3. Complete and submit the TXVSN waiver(s) *Charter schools may need to apply for a charter waiver and amendment concurrently |
July 5, 2023, through 30 days prior to school start |
| 4. Apply for and obtain a CDCN | After waiver is determined |
The following supports are available for LEA personnel that supported full-time online programs or participated in the Virtual Accelerator in 2022-2023:
- Extending Virtual Options: TEA hosted a webinar to provide further information about participation in the TXVSN as a full-time online school and details about the waiver application process. Information shared can be found here.
- TXVSN webpage: TEA will provide additional supports, including frequently asked questions from LEAs, on the TEA’s Texas Virtual School Network – Online Schools Program webpage. Resources will be added as developed.
- For questions about the TXVSN full-time, online school program or the TXVSN waivers, please submit a TXVSN Help Desk ticket.
- For questions about charter amendments and waivers, please email charteramendments@tea.texas.gov.