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Check out these fantastic U2L stories running throughout September!

Homeless Education Program training prepares staff to serve Dallas ISD’s housing-insecure families

The Homeless Education Program (HEP) provides services for the district’s housing insecure population such as providing help with enrollment, transportation, procuring supplies, and emergency food needs. The department has released a self-paced virtual training for anyone who would like to learn ways to support students struggling with homelessness.

Internet connectivity is essential for Dallas students, and free access is possible

13% of Dallas ISD students don’t have high-speed internet access in their homes. AT&T is offering free home internet to eligible Dallas families in combination with the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program which allows eligible households to receive a monthly benefit towards high-speed internet service.

State telemedicine program allows Texas children to see therapists at schools

The Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine (TCHATT) program, currently in 29 Texas school districts, allows for children to access mental health care during their school day. Students referred to the program by school counselors can access a therapist appropriate for their needs within a two week wait time at no charge.

#UvaldeStrong: Texas teachers, students show love for Uvalde students on 1st day back in school since shooting

Uvalde CISD students and staff returned to school on September 6 following the mass shooting that occurred during the last week of the 2021-2022 school year. School districts across Texas showed their support by wearing Uvalde school colors, maroon and white, through the #uvaldestrong movement on social media.

Why some schools, desperate to hire, are forced to turn away teachers

Currently, many districts across the state will not consider hiring retired teachers due to a required surcharge payment to the Teacher Retirement System (TRS). The surcharge, amounting to 16% of the employee’s salary, makes hiring a retiree significantly more expensive for a school district. The power to suspend the pension surcharge lies with the state legislature.

'Largest score decline' in reading for nation's 9-year-olds, first-ever drop in math

Federal data shows the largest average score decline in reading since 1990 and the first-ever score decline in math for 9-year-olds. The National Center for Education Studies reports that high-performing student scores declined for the first time in a decade, and the achievement gap between white and black students widened by 8 points.

Want Kids to Be More Responsible Online? Start Early

Digital Literacy guidance at an early age is becoming increasingly important as children are exposed to digital spaces earlier. According to a report by Common Sense Media, 93% of 2-4 year olds spend at least some time on mobile media. Educators note that students who receive early digital citizenship training are less likely to use social media accounts to bully others or share personal information once in middle school.

Hunger advocates want free school meals for all kids. It's tough sell in Congress

Universal meal programs for all school children regardless of income were piloted during the pandemic; however, this Fall, those waivers have expired. Those arguing for universal free meals say that it puts an end to administrative hurdles and kids feeling stigmatized for getting free meals. Currently, many states have elected to adopt universal meal legislation for the coming year in the absence of federal mandates.