Dallas ISD to launch first-ever Firefighter Academy at Franklin D. Roosevelt High School of Innovation

Starting next school year, Dallas ISD will introduce a Firefighter Academy at Franklin D. Roosevelt High School of Innovation. Students can earn their high school degree while simultaneously obtaining firefighter certifications. The program is a four-year commitment for incoming freshmen and includes 32 dual credit hours in Fire Science and Emergency Medical Services.

ISD Day connects vendors with local school districts for business opportunities

On November 8th, Dallas Independent School District hosted an event called ISD Day, allowing vendors to network with DISD's personnel and emphasizes the use of minority and women-owned businesses. Hosted by DISD's Minority/Women Business Enterprise Department (M/WBE) in partnership with the Dallas/Fort Worth Minority Supplier Development Council, ISD Day provides insights into business opportunities, buyer connections, and information on engaging with school districts and community colleges.

Dallas, Other North Texas Districts Say 'No' to School Chaplains

Texas Republicans proposed the use of chaplains in schools to address various issues, but the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) rejected the idea in a 7-0 vote.

School leaders say Texas’ campus safety funding doesn’t cover new state mandates

In response to the 2022 Uvalde school shooting, Texas legislators passed legislation that mandated various safety measures but provided limited funding. 

Senate Bill 2 aims to increase safety funding, but Governor Greg Abbott hasn't added it to the legislative agenda. Many school officials argue that even if an increase in funding passes, it may not be enough, particularly for urban districts.

The Texas House’s new priority education bill offers the most concessions yet to sway voucher skeptics

A revised education bill in Texas aims to introduce school vouchers with increased funding and academic accountability measures for students in the program. House Bill 1 includes a significant increase in the basic allotment for school funding, allowing all Texas students to apply for the voucher program, and introducing standardized testing and potential removal for students with consecutive failing grades.

Judge blocks TEA from issuing A-F accountability scores during lawsuit

A judge in Texas has issued a temporary injunction preventing the Texas Education Agency (TEA) from releasing A-F accountability scores for public schools. Over 100 school districts are suing the TEA over a new formula expected to lower many district grades significantly. The lawsuit trial is set for February 12, 2024. The TEA plans to appeal the decision, stating that the ruling disregards state laws and prevents the release of important performance information for parents and educators.

Got Milk … Cartons? School Cafeterias Won’t, Thanks to a Shortage

A nationwide shortage of half-pint cartons of milk is impacting the dairy industry and causing schools to find alternative ways to serve milk to students. School districts are considering various solutions, such as purchasing milk in bulk and pouring it for students or using self-serve milk stations. The shortage coincides with efforts by conservation groups to transition from single-use milk cartons to bulk dispensers to reduce waste and packaging.

How Many AP Classes Are Enough? What Researchers (and College Hopefuls) Say

The College Board conducted research that suggests taking and performing well on more than five Advanced Placement (AP) course exams does not significantly improve a student's chances of achieving good first-year college grades and completing a four-year degree. However, the pressure to take many AP courses often comes from highly selective colleges, which value high AP exam results in applications but don't specify a threshold for the number of scores they wish to see.

Few Educators Say A-F and Numeric Grades Offer ‘Very Effective’ Feedback for Students

A survey conducted by the EdWeek Research Center found that traditional A through F or numeric grading systems are not viewed as very effective by most educators. Some districts are transitioning to standards-based grading, which offers more detailed feedback but requires more time and effort from both teachers and parents to adapt.