Austin ISD has launched new webpages to support Community Learning Spaces and caregivers as students begin learning remotely for the first four weeks of school, beginning Sept. 8. 

Austin ISD defines a Community Learning Space as a place outside school where a legal guardian takes the student to receive in-person supervision, access to digital resources and other support.

Community Learning Spaces are facilitated by community organizations, groups of parents, faith-based organizations or other public entities. They then provide in-person support to students during times of remote off-campus instruction. Similar concepts are often called "learning pods." However, Austin ISD prefers Community Learning Space because it represents the many ways individuals and organizations have stepped up to support students during the pandemic. 

Community Learning Spaces are not monitored or managed by Austin ISD staff.

The new webpages will include:

• Training to support remote student learning.
• FAQs for caregivers.
• Resources to support students in Community Learning Spaces, including how to participate in Austin ISD Food Services.
• Listings of Community Learning Spaces.
• Video and step-by-step tutorials for navigating Austin ISD technology devices and the learning platforms.

The pages can also be found through the district's Open for Learning webpage by navigating to austinisd.org/caregivers.