Teaching to the test is ‘officially dead’ in Dallas schools, superintendent says

During her State of the District Address on May 4th, Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde declared that Dallas ISD will be trimming down the number of assessments that schools use throughout the year to free up time for teaching and learning. The district will roll out this plan along with a new standard curriculum for math and reading.

One Dallas school board challenge poised for a runoff; incumbent keeps seat in other

The race for Dallas ISD District 2 will continue to a runoff between Sarah Weinberg and Jimmy Tran as no candidate in the 3-way race hit the 50% threshold on May 6th. The runoff will occur June 10th. District 6 incumbent Joyce Foreman was re-elected with 77% of the vote.

ESSER update: Fostering college and career readiness

An $11 million annual investment from the Elementary and Secondary School Relief Fund (ESSER fund) has allowed the College and Career Advising program in Dallas ISD to expand their program. CCAP provides students with college and career advisors when they enter high school in 9th grade. Advisors work with counselors to provide students with support for college applications, financial aide, and career readiness plans.

Shouting 'Mayday,' Texas school leaders declare funding emergency

Education leaders across 60 Texas locations came together to demand more funding from the state’s surplus of $32 billion go towards public schools. Speakers expressed the need for increased teacher pay and raising the individual student allotment.

Proposed ban on corporal punishment in Texas schools fails again

HB 772, a bill to eliminate the use of corporal punishment as discipline in Texas schools, failed to pass with a 58-86 vote. Texas is one of 17 states to allow corporal punishment in schools. Parents can opt students out of corporal punishment by providing written notice to any district allowing it.

History and civics scores drop for U.S. eighth-graders on national test

History scores for this year are the lowest recorded since the “Nation’s Report Card” assessment began in 1994. Only 14% of 8th grade students scored proficient in history, and only 22% met the benchmark in civics. These are the first results to include the pandemic years.

If You Gave Elementary School Students $2K, How Would They Spend It?

Students at Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School in Phoenix were polled on how they would like to see $2000 spent in their schools as a part of a pilot for student participatory budgeting. Students voted on initiatives that improved the beautification, sustainability, and “fun” of their campus.

Schools are Ditching Homework, Deadlines in Favor of ‘Equitable Grading’

‘Equitable Grading’ is a system that aims to measure what a student knows and masters without penalties for behaviors such as missing a deadline or attendance. Supporters say the system particularly benefits students with a less stable home life or learning disabilities, while some educators argue that the lack of traditional grading provides incentive for poor work habits.