Dallas ISD principals empowered to embrace curriculum rather than test scores

The Dallas ISD Superintendent has encouraged teachers to not teach to the test but instead create the curriculum needed to achieve student success. Superintendent Elizalde aims to give teachers leeway to chase success and eliminate unnecessary paperwork requirements to address persistent gaps in student achievement.

Pre-K teacher brings “field trips” into her classroom

Hailey Rangel, a Pre-K teacher at Jill Stone, began bringing experiences to students while field trips were restricted during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the past year, her students have been exposed to various experiences such as dairy farming, water conservation and art. She hopes these enrichment activities will open up new pathways for students that wouldn’t otherwise gain these experiences.

Principal goes above and beyond to take students on more excursions

The principal of Dallas ISD's Thomas C. Marsh Preparatory Academy obtained her commercial driver's license (CDL), aiming to make active learning more accessible and affordable. The cost of procuring a school bus and paying the driver has limited field trips for her students in the past. Duke plans to expand the school's reading buddies program and utilize the school bus for camping trips funded by a grant.

With no new funding from the state, Texas schools are breaking the bank to pay for teacher raises

Despite a $32 billion surplus, Texas lawmakers did not approve extra money to support schools in paying for teacher raises. The increase of the average teacher’s salary has not matched the rate of inflation. With a need to retain teachers, many Texas school districts have had to shift their budgets and some districts have adopted millions of dollars deficit to pay for a salary increase for their teachers themselves.

Governor Abbott Announces Over $3.5 Million In Career Training Grants To North Texas Schools

Governor Abbott announced eight grants to boost career and technical education, predominately in North Texas. These eight grants are over $3.5 million in value and will train over 1,100 students in high-demanded careers such as nursing, mechanics8, electrical engineering, and more.

Booksellers sue over Texas law requiring them to rate books for appropriateness

Both Texas and national bookstores are suing the state of Texas over a House Bill 900 requiring book vendors, including school libraries, to rate books based on their level of sexually explicit material. Book vendors express concern that the bill impacts free speech and that LGBTQ+ themed books will be targeted.

From College Advising to Teacher Preparation: Affirmative Action Ruling May Reshape K-12

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision to end affirmative action in college admissions may challenge diversity initiatives and equal access to advanced courses in high school. Experts fear it might send a message to schools to scale back efforts to address racial inequities. The decision may also impact college applications, as resources provided by districts will play a vital role in students' success.

Schools are using restorative justice to resolve conflicts. Does it work?

Instead of punitive measures, restorative practices encourage conversations, understanding, and responsibility. However, some parents and students are skeptical, calling for more accountability and handling of serious incidents. Research shows that restorative practices can benefit students' academic achievement and well-being, but long-term commitment and adequate funding are necessary for successful implementation. Dallas ISD implemented many restorative practices in 2021.

High schoolers account for nearly 1 out of every 5 community college students

The number of high school students participating in dual enrollment programs, earning both high school and college credits, has surged over the past two decades. Estimates suggest over 1.4 million students were enrolled in dual enrollment courses in fall 2022, with the number possibly higher when including spring 2023 data. These programs aim to give students an early taste of college education and a head start with college credits, but underrepresentation of students of color in dual enrollment remains a challenge.