Gov. expects 'to see students return to schools' this fall, will make full announcement soon

Gov. Greg Abbott shared Tuesday that he expects to make an announcement about the upcoming school year—and how it might look amid the pandemic—this week or next.

"It is my expectation to see students return to schools in a classroom setting—able to interact with teachers as well as able to interact with other students," Abbott said at a press conference today.

Schools shut down across the country in March as stay-at-home orders went into place, forcing many students to abruptly transition to online learning.

Austin ISD told parents recently that a "blended learning approach" is being considered for when the district returns Aug. 18, meaning that students would be taught via a hybrid in-school/at-home approach.

"It is important to remember that health-related data points and guidance from public health officials have led and will continue to inform decisions in this rapidly changing environment. As such, any suggested educational models could change due to circumstances," the district wrote in an email to parents.

Abbott also said he hopes that athletics and other non-classroom activities will be able to return.