Early Learning invests in pre-k partners to offer more high-quality classrooms for Dallas ISD students

Through the School Readiness Integration PLUS initiative, childcare centers that provide Pre-k education to Dallas ISD students are eligible to receive up to $25,000 to invest in improving school operations, learning environments, and teaching practices.

Dallas ISD chess tournaments hit record-breaking numbers of participants

Almost 2,000 Dallas ISD students competed in fall chess tournaments hosted by the Student Activities department. Each school participating in the districtwide chess program receives chess boards, pieces, and chesskid.com gold memberships to allow students to play with their peers at their campus.

Dallas schools superintendent Elizalde to earn big bonus if students improve

Dallas ISD trustees have set superintendent evaluation goals mirroring approved district student outcome goals. Goals include at least 41% of Dallas ISD third graders reading on grade level by the end of this school year and 65% of 2023 Dallas ISD graduates to be deemed college, career or military ready. 60% of Superintendent Elizalde’s annual evaluation is based on student outcomes.

What Texas lawmakers can do to get kids ready for kindergarten

A new dashboard created by Texans Care for Children highlights challenges children face that play a role in their level of kindergarten readiness. According to the data, more than half of low income children under age 6 do not have reliable access to healthcare, and only 20% of families eligible for SNAP nutrition assistance are receiving benefits. In 2021, a new caucus was established in the Texas legislature aimed at looking beyond the traditional focus on Pre-K for improving children’s early lives.

Texas schools received more than 67,000 ‘threat reports’ last year

Schools across Texas received nearly twice as many threat reports compared to the previous school year. Of the 67,440 reports filed on students, 17% were determined to pose a true threat to themselves or others and 3% were reported to law enforcement. A study analyzing the Averted School Violence Database determined that most averted attacks were stopped due to student reporting.

More Texans turn to home-schooling after the pandemic showed them what learning outside of schools could be like

Approximately 30,000 Texas students grades 7-12 withdrew from public and charter schools to switch to home-schooling during the spring of 2021, an increase of 40% from the previous year. Families cite various reasons including school safety, student outcomes, and increased flexibility.

A New Federal Grant Will Fund Schools’ Energy Upgrades. Here’s What to Know

The Renew America’s School grant program will provide up to $80 million to fund energy improvements in schools. Improvements include replacing HVAC systems, improving insulation, and making the switch to electric buses. According to the U.S. Department of Education, 53% of school districts report the need to replace multiple building systems and 95% of school buses across the country use diesel fuel.

Digital Parenting: The effect of cell phones in schools

A Pew Research Center study reports that 80% of school principals said cell phones at school have a negative impact on academics and social development. A University of Texas student demonstrated reduced performance of students with phones nearby during academic tasks. Dr. Lori Cook from Brainhealth at UT Dallas recommends that parents model healthy technology use at home with hopes that habits can extend to the classroom.

Youth Apprenticeships Are Growing, But Disparities Remain. How Can Districts Help?

A recent report from Jobs for the Future found that the number of youth apprentices ages 16-24 increased by 113% since 2010. Of the apprentices, 63% identified as white and only 7% were women. Experts suggest that districts should be intentional about encouraging diverse groups of students to participate in various programs and designate a staff member to be a liaison between employers and students.