In order to roll out the program, hire tutors, and expand the initiative to districts, the state partnered with local universities and Pearl, a tutor management platform.
After Britt Kelly's son participated in a lockdown drill two years ago in his Lamar, Texas, kindergarten class, he had nightmares and wet his bed. Now 8, he can sleep only with a light on.
During the pandemic – in 2020 and 2021 – the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) gave Fort Bend ISD along with other districts waivers to feed all students for free.
"We have had a lot of success and we have a lot to be proud of," says Virginia Superintentendent Rick Clemons. "But there are a lot of things that still need to be done."
The district's plan goes beyond what's required by a state law approved last year that says that the cameras be installed "upon the written request of a parent or legal guardian."
Educators are hoping that the distressing plunge on the latest Nation's Report Card convinces political leaders to go beyond ESSER relief in efforts to help students regain lost ground.
