Texas
Note: Recipient-submitted material; content authored by recipient, not ELC
Information current as of October 6, 2021
To learn more about Texas’ school testing plans, visit their websiteexternal icon or contact their school-based screening testing program. Camps serving K–12 aged students that are interested in testing can email TCECSupport@dshs.texas.gov.
Management structure for school screening
Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) provides:
- Guidance on detection and prevention of COVID-19 in K-12 schools
- Technical assistance
- Funding
- Centralized support for testing (e.g., management of a vendor contract for testing)
Support provided to school districts
Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) will support school districts’ implementation plans by providing access to testing and grants to school districts for costs related to prevention activities. DSHS will provide schools a list of four primary vendors who will offer a variety of tests and services to schools. DSHS will also directly order test kits from Abbott to store at Cold Chain Technologies, who will handle logistics and distribution of kits in limited circumstances. Schools will also be provided with information on Affinity Empowering, a testing vendor working through a program known as Operation Expanded Testing. Tests include both rapid antigen tests and PCR tests. Screening testing will be the primary focus of testing services. Schools will be encouraged to do screening testing in circumstances such as big events, sports, and other after-school activities; with cohorts who have been possibly exposed to COVID; and for return to school testing. Services will include optional vendor staff who can assist with test administration on-site on school testing days and dashboards for enhanced reporting capabilities. Texas Education Agency will coordinate grants to schools for allowable costs including personal protective equipment; hygiene and cleaning supplies; portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) fan/filtration systems or other small items that may allow for improved air circulation; as well as public health events that include students and other community members and are aimed at providing opportunities for increased detection and prevention of COVID-19.