FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Texas Education Agency
Media Relations
512.463.9000
Victoria Cordova
Houston Public Media
713.376.8120
vcordova@houstonpublicmedia.org
TEA and Texas PBS Announce Educational Programming Collaboration
Innovative initiative will bring educational content to 10 Texas television markets to supplement at-home learning during the COVID-19 pandemic
AUSTIN, Texas – April 21, 2020 – The Texas Education Agency (TEA) and Texas PBS stations are proud to promote a joint initiative to air TEKS-aligned educational programming each week in 10 different PBS viewing areas during the COVID-19 pandemic. Officially known as the At-Home Learning Initiative, the collaboration strengthens TEA's efforts in assisting school districts and public charter schools with establishing instructional continuity and at-home learning during this unprecedented public health crisis.
The partnership calls for all 10 of Texas's PBS affiliates to preempt regularly scheduled weekday programming with grade-level-appropriate programming featuring shows such as Peg+Cat, NOVA, and American Experience. Affiliates will air educational programming each weekday, with the slate of programming divided into three distinct age groups: Pre-K through 3rd grade, 5th through 8th grade, and high school. This free programming will reach 96 percent of Texas's student-age population and each age group will receive targeted programming at specific times throughout the school day.
"This joint initiative between TEA and PBS stands to benefit all students as they work each day to navigate uncharted waters and continue to do their best to learn and grow as students and individuals" said Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath. "While we're living through uncertain times, we are thankful to have PBS commit itself in such a meaningful way to serve the needs of communities across our state. We are all in this together, and our friends at PBS understand and exemplify that."
Weekday education programming commenced statewide April 20.
"The Texas PBS stations are proud to work with the Texas Education Agency and Commissioner Morath to ensure that kids in our state stay on track with learning," said Texas PBS Executive Director Kierstan Schwab.
In addition to the broadcast options, TEKS-aligned supplemental materials—including interactive lessons and media galleries—are available at http://pbslearningmedia.org/. TEA has provided instructional resources for school districts at COVID-19 Support: Instructional Continuity.
To find the PBS affiliate in your area, please refer to the station map below:
# # #
About Houston Public Media
Houston Public Media is a service of the University of Houston and supported with financial gifts from the community. Houston Public Media combines broadcast and digital assets to serve residents of Southeast Texas with trusted local news and entertainment, as well as national programming from NPR and PBS. With a combined weekly audience of more than 1.6 million, Houston Public Media is committed to delivering content that expands minds and possibilities with trusted information.