Erin Davis Valdez is a policy analyst with Right on Work at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. She conducts research on career and technical education at the secondary and post-secondary levels, civics education, and wel- fare to work programs in Texas.
A “learning pod” is simply a group of families who voluntarily gather either in a home, park, or other location to share aca- demic resources, tutoring, or just moral support. Recent polling reveals that about 85% of parents currently participating in a learning pod are doing so in addition to regular schooling (p. 21). Unfortunately, certain municipalities, including Austin, have attempted to regulate learning pods using provisions that apply to child care providers, residential zoning, and school health guidelines.
Testimony in Support Submitted to the Texas Senate Education Committee