After-school programs reach new heights

Dallas ISD has invested $3.3 million in ESSER funds to offer district-run after-school programs to give students a safe place to explore their interests. The Adventures and Beyond Club (ABC) and the Elite Teen Club (ETC) allow students to engage in areas such as fine arts, athletics, and leadership. The Extended Learning Opportunities Department is working to offer free after-school programs on all campuses by 2025.

Dallas ISD sends central office staff to help in classrooms

Dallas ISD has prioritized putting quality educators in front of students by temporarily reassigning certified teachers currently employed at the central office. 45 staff members are helping fill high-priority positions such as bilingual, special education and core content while Dallas ISD continues recruiting to fill remaining vacancies.

TEA Approves 1,600 New Teachers for Teacher Incentive Allotment Designation

The Texas Education Agency announced 1600 newly designated educators making them eligible to receive compensation through the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA). The TIA allows districts in rural and high-needs areas to recruit and retain highly effective teachers on their campuses, and for those educators to earn higher salaries. During the 2021-2022 school year, $55.5 million was distributed towards teacher compensation across the state.

Lawmaker aims to address ‘overload’ pushing Texas teachers to quit

A recent TEA survey found that “personal overload” was the number one issue reported by teachers who have recently left the profession. Rep. Harold Dutton, D-Houston, author of HB4545, has committed to making changes to the law in the upcoming legislative session including providing funding to help hire tutors, as well as examine state-mandated salary minimums for educators.

TEA commissioner says STAAR test will get a shakeup next year, touts academic recovery

TEA Commissioner, Mike Morath, reports that Texas has largely recovered to pre-pandemic levels after record jumps in math and literacy proficiency. 45% of kids performing below grade level showed marked improvement. School ratings and the STAAR test will have changes in the coming year such as replacing more multiple choice questions with open-ended writing questions.

‘The Timing Is Critical’: How Schools Can Help Refugee Students

This fall, schools have welcomed youth who have been displaced from Ukraine, Afghanistan, and many other countries. Schools can mitigate acculturation stress by recognizing that many of these students have had limited or interrupted formal education. Educators are encouraged to incorporate their native language where possible, and promote cross-cultural connection by acknowledging food, music, and holidays in the classroom.

As digital equity eludes 16M students, Ed Dept provides roadmap to districts

The U.S. Department of Education released a digital equity resource guide for schools to address a digital divide that was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. 32% of households cannot afford or maintain internet services, and 15-16 million K-12 students lack access to internet and learning devices at home. The guide offers strategies for using federal, state, or local funding to purchase equipment or provide affordable internet access.

Schools Face Increase in Gun Confiscations, Shootings and Hoaxes

There is an uptick of guns in schools across the nation so far this school year. The Gun Violence Archive has documented more than 220 gun seizures during August and September, up from 128 in 2021. Districts are also dealing with an increase in “swatting”, or hoax 911 calls about active shooters on school grounds, with incidents reported in at least 17 states.