Why School Wasn’t Online Last Week During Snow Days

Last week, when snow covered Collin County, kids ended up at home, somewhat extending their holiday break. In the era of virtual learning brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, a once-unthinkable question emerged: why don’t schools embrace online classes when snowstorms hit? Not exactly a question kids want adults asking, but it was one we wondered. 

Short Notice Works For No One 

Several years ago, during the height of remote learning necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the model for education looked vastly different. At that time, students were accustomed to fully online learning environments — I know I, as a college student, did. (And it was something I didn’t exactly enjoy.) However, today’s education system is structured around in-person instruction, making a sudden shift to remote learning far more challenging — a far cry from the virtual world of the COVID era. 

“We are set up for in-person learning, and we don't utilize remote learning during the school year," Allen ISD Chief Communications Officer David Hicks told Local Profile. “To try to shift to that in a pretty clear format would be logistically impossible on such a short notice.” 

While most students now have one-to-one computer devices, the logistics of transitioning aren’t as straightforward. Teachers design their lesson plans with in-person interactions in mind, carefully crafting assignments and activities for a physical classroom. Adapting these plans on short notice for a virtual format isn’t a simple task, highlighting the complexity of pivoting during events like snow days.

What Texas Law Says

During the COVID-19 pandemic, schools were granted the authority to switch to remote learning as needed. However, this flexibility was not extended beyond the 2022-23 school year, meaning that schools no longer have the same level of autonomy to shift to virtual classes in response to unforeseen circumstances, such as snow days.

“There is no current statute in Texas law that would allow public schools to provide virtual instruction,” a Frisco ISD spokesperson told Local Profile.

School Make-Up Days

While students are out enjoying the snow, it could lead to fewer days spent in the Texas heat. When weather-related absences occur, districts implement a system of instructional minutes and designated make-up days to ensure that students don't fall behind on important lessons due to unexpected weather events, typically taking days away from summer vacation.

If your kids are still hoping for more snow days, next week is looking to get cold again. According to the old wives' tale, wearing your PJs inside-out and backward and placing a spoon under your pillow is believed to work magic.

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