Half of Abilene ISD Remote Learners Are Failing Classes

ABILENE, TX -- Remote learning has been the option many parents and administrators have selected to keep kids safe during the pandemic, but many of them are struggling to thrive academically.

According to Abilene ISD, during the second six weeks grading period at least 54% of remote learning students have failed at least one class.

During the first six weeks, at least 45% had failed at least one class.

Even as a larger number of students have returned to in-person classes, the failure rate continues to remain high.

"I have had teachers all the time tell me, 'I feel like I'm not doing a good job for either group," said Superintendent Dr. David Young. "But the one thing that they cannot overcome is the student not being there, and not engaging in the activities."

The TEA has allowed school districts to compel remote learners who are failing or have more than three unexcused absences back to school.

As of this time, AISD has opted to not enforce the new directive as they fear students would leave the district.

“I would rather us keep trying and remote to where we can at least try to help them be successful," said Young.