Dallas ISD welcomes 1,400 new teachers

Dallas ISD welcomed around 1,400 new teachers at its New Teacher Academy, which aimed to support both experienced educators from other districts and newcomers. Superintendent Stephanie S. Elizalde emphasized self-improvement and empowerment in her speech. The event highlighted the importance of teachers' impact on students.

Dallas prepares for new school year with fewer teacher vacancies

Dallas ISD is celebrating a significant increase in teacher applications, resulting in fewer than 140 open positions out of around 10,000 slots. The vacancies are primarily in subjects like special education, math, and bilingual classrooms. The district is dedicated to ensuring all students have access to certified teachers on the first day of school. Additionally, Dallas ISD Superintendent emphasized Dallas ISD would be moving away from "teaching to the test."

Dallas ISD buses are getting technology upgrades for safety

Dallas ISD is upgrading over 900 school buses with tablets for the 2023-2034 school year. This upgrade enhances safety and communication by allowing drivers to conduct pre-trip inspections, receive messages, and navigate using turn-by-turn directions. Parents will also be able to track their student's bus routes and receive notifications about delays and changes.

What did Texas do to make students safer this school year?

Texas has enacted a new law requiring armed personnel at every public school in response to the 2022 school shooting in Uvalde. The law mandates at least one armed staff member on each campus, primarily in the form of law enforcement officers or trained educators. The preferred option is for law enforcement officers with alternatives being the school marshal program or the guardian program. The law goes into effect on September 1st and includes mental health training for staff, safety funding, and assessment of school safety measures.

'It's hard to find those who have the desire to teach' | How Texas school districts are battling the ongoing teacher shortage

Like many US school districts, ISDs in Central Texas are having to tackle the ongoing teacher shortage. One Texas ISD has raised its starting salary and started a marketing campaign in Puerto Rico, hoping to attract bilingual teachers. Through a teacher prep program, some Texas ISDs are trying to inspire individuals who don’t even realize they have the ability to be a teacher.

Texas House committee report outlines possible path forward for school vouchers

A Texas House committee has proposed a potential compromise on school vouchers, suggesting prioritization for high-need students. The report also advised that any voucher program be funded separately from the public education budget and be accountable to taxpayers. The report recommended raising the basic allotment for schools, expanding teacher incentive programs, and establishing teacher residency initiatives.

Biden Administration Announces Cybersecurity Initiative for K-12 Schools

As schools increasingly become targets for cybercriminals, the Biden administration is introducing an initiative to enhance cybersecurity in K-12 schools. The Education Department will create a "government coordinating council" to foster a partnership between governments and school districts, providing training, policy recommendations, and best practices to improve schools' ability to respond to and recover from cybersecurity threats.

What Can States Do to Patch the ‘Leaky Pipeline’ for Teachers of Color?

A report by the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) reveals that only seven US states have established public goals for increasing teacher diversity despite the fact that over half of students are from diverse backgrounds. The report emphasizes the need for states to prioritize diversity in teacher recruitment and retention policies, as a diverse faculty and staff has been shown to benefit all students, particularly students of color. The NCTQ suggests a number of measures to attract and retain teachers of color.

The Sibling Effect: How Retaining Struggling Readers Impacts Brothers and Sisters

David Figlio and his research team have discovered an unexpected "sibling spillover" effect resulting from Florida's "Just Read, Florida!" education initiative. The policy requires students to meet a reading benchmark to proceed to 4th grade; if not met, they repeat 3rd grade and receive extra support. Figlio found that the initiative's targeted resources and interventions benefited not only the retained students but also their younger siblings - particularly among males, students with learning disabilities, and new immigrant families.