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Students in Texas will now be graded by an AI scoring engine for open-ended questions on the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has introduced this automated grading system to save money and reduce the time it takes to score exams. However, some superintendents have expressed concerns about the AI's ability to accurately interpret and score students' writing samples. The TEA's auto scoring engine uses natural language processing and has been programmed to assign scores that are consistent with human grading. The computer will grade all constructed responses, with a quarter of the responses being rescored by humans. If the computer has low confidence in a score or encounters a response it does not recognize, it will be reassigned to a human. While some districts have reservations about the new system, automated scoring technology has been used for over a decade and is widely employed in other states. The main concern is ensuring that students' work is scored fairly and accurately.

 

Hood County News

School Leadership’s Guide to Building an Online Learning Program

No two students learn the same way, and alternative options for education have never been more necessary than they are right now. Online learning has become an option that’s gained traction nationwide. According to a recent study, 81% of parents believe online learning helps their children better prepare for the future and 94% believe it positively impacts their children’s ability to understand courses.*

This guide will help school and district leaders like you learn more about the fundamentals of online learning and its benefits.

Topics include:

• Debunking common myths about online education
• An outline of the first steps to create and implement a new program
• Strategies for creating open communication with parents, students, and staff
• How to select the best industry partner to help develop your new program

*FlexPoint 2021 Parent Survey

Download the Guide

 

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has taken over failing public school districts, including Socorro ISD and Marlin ISD. The TEA appointed two conservators to manage Socorro ISD after a special investigation found violations of the Texas Education Code. The conservators' responsibilities include ensuring compliance with all applicable statutes and rules. Socorro ISD, the second-largest school district in El Paso County, has a $33m deficit and its superintendent is leaving in June. The TEA began the transition process for Marlin ISD in February. The district had received consecutive years of unacceptable academic accountability ratings, leading to the appointment of a new Board of Managers. The transition of district governance from the appointed Board of Managers to the elected Board of Trustees has now been initiated. The TEA's actions are part of a larger effort to respond to failing schools and corruption in the education system.

 

Killeen Daily Herald

Parents of students at New Caney Elementary School in Texas have expressed concerns about the building's condition, with reports of a strange odor and students falling ill upon arrival having raised concern. The school district claims the smell may be due to construction, but parents argue that the building's roof has been leaking for months, leading to mold and other issues. The district says a roof replacement project is underway, but a new elementary school won't be ready until 2026. While parents are worried about the health problems their children have experienced as a result of attending the school, the district insists it is taking steps to address the issues and ensure a safe learning environment.

 

KTRK-TV

Pflugerville ISD board has approved a 2% increase in salaries and wages for the 2024-25 school year. The increase will apply to teachers, nurses, and hourly bus drivers. This decision aims to improve the financial situation of staff members and ensure fair compensation for their work.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

With the Elysian Fields ISD calling a $55m bond election in May, the district is showcasing a plan for the future built through years of community collaboration. The bond announcement includes multiple propositions to upgrade and repair the district's facilities. The proposals include the construction of a new elementary school campus, relocating the transportation department, renovating the high school gym locker room, and more. The bond proposal comes after recommendations from the district's Long Range Facility Planning committee. Superintendent Monica Simmons has emphasized the importance of safety and security for students and staff.

 

Marshall News Messenger

Axtell ISD is looking to pass a $25m bond on May 4 to address safety concerns, capacity issues, and aging infrastructure at its two campuses. The bond will be used for campus upgrades and improvements. According to the district, the funds will be allocated towards enhancing safety measures, expanding facilities to accommodate the growing student population, and renovating the aging infrastructure. The district believes that the bond is necessary to provide a conducive learning environment for students and ensure their well-being. As stated by the district spokesperson, "This bond is crucial for the future of our schools and the success of our students." The bond proposal has garnered mixed opinions, with some questioning its necessity and others supporting the investment in the district's infrastructure. The district is hopeful that the bond will be approved, allowing them to address the pressing needs of their campuses and provide a better educational experience for their students.

 

Wacotrib

St. Cyprian's Episcopal School officials have decided to discontinue the high school program after this school year due to financial reasons. The decision was made after a number of CPAs analyzed the school's finances and concluded that the high school would not be financially sustainable without charging more than the local market could bear. "The high school would not be financially sustainable without charging far more than the Lufkin market could bear," said the Rev. David Faulkner, rector of the church and school and chair of the school board.

 

Lufkin Daily News

As anticipation builds for the upcoming World Championship, robotics teams from Katy ISD are gearing up to showcase their talents on a global stage, aiming to make their mark while representing their school and community, said the district in the press release. Cinco Ranch High School emerged triumphant in the Apollo Tournament at the UIL State Robotics Competition, securing a spot in the final State Championship round. Katy ISD had seven high schools competing, with four of them earning their place in the upcoming World Championship. Morton Ranch High School also secured the Team Spirit Award for the second consecutive year. The success of the competition highlights the importance of STEM education and robotics programs in shaping future leaders of technology and innovation, according to a district spokesperson.

 

Katy Times

Students in a physics class at Tyler High School built an electric car from scratch as part of their STEM lessons. With the help of NASA, the students learned about the history, development, and design features of electric vehicles. The students used simple materials like popsicle sticks, plastic, and alligator wires to construct the vehicle. The physics teacher, Hannah Nandamudu, organized the learning opportunity with NASA and found it to be a valuable experience for her students. The experience was described as a great learning opportunity and a fun experience by the students involved.

 

Killeen Daily Herald

Brenham Banner Press

Two Texas high schools, Midland and Odessa, played one of the longest baseball games in prep sports history, lasting 23 innings over two days. Midland emerged victorious with a 4-3 win, after more than 6 1/2 hours on the field and 602 pitches thrown. This game is believed to be the longest ever played in Texas and among the seven longest in the United States. The previous high school record was 25 innings, set in games played in Hawaii in 1967 and California in 1975.

 

Killeen Daily Herald

The Galveston County Daily News