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Texas schools are reportedly increasingly hiring uncertified teachers to address critical staff shortages, a trend accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the 2015 District of Innovation law, the number of uncertified teachers has surged by 29%, with these educators making up about 38% of new hires last year. Mark Henry, former superintendent, emphasized the need for state support, stating, “When you have a state where their coffers are full and local school districts where their coffers are empty, you're going to have to have some state help.” The Texas Education Agency reported a rise in teacher attrition rates from 9% to 12% since the pandemic, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Schools are now focusing on providing training and support for uncertified instructors, with hopes that legislative funding will help improve teacher preparation programs.

 

The Texas Tribune

The Texas Education Agency is currently unable to publish school performance scores due to a temporary restraining order obtained by five public school districts. A hearing is set for September 16th to discuss the next steps. Leaders from IDEA Public Schools, which serves around 77,000 students, argue that the delay is detrimental, stating: “Without these ratings, student recruitment and retention, as well as resources available for students, could suffer.” The lawsuit claims that the accountability grades are invalid due to issues with the STAAR tests, particularly the use of artificial intelligence for grading essays. Education Commissioner Mike Morath has defended the A-F grading system, which evaluates schools based on student achievement and progress. Despite the restraining order, some districts are estimating their potential scores to maintain transparency with families. IDEA anticipates a B rating overall for the network this year.

 

Dallas News

Kamala Harris's 2020 proposal to raise teacher salaries by $13,500 aimed to address the teacher wage gap, which the Economic Policy Institute estimated at 26% compared to similarly educated workers. However, recent findings suggest the economic case for raising teacher salaries may be more complex. For example, Arkansas raised minimum teacher salaries from $36,000 to $50,000 in 2023, but a preliminary analysis showed mixed results in reducing teacher attrition and addressing shortages in underserved areas. While salary increases can attract educators, research indicates that many teachers leave the profession for reasons beyond pay, such as retirement or career changes, and those who exit teaching often earn less in their new roles. Other factors, like professional growth opportunities and improved working conditions, may be equally important in retaining educators. 

 

The 74 (Online)

In a passionate defense of public education, Miguel Cardona, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, emphasizes the urgent need to protect public school funding amid rising privatization efforts. He highlights that "public school funding should never be allowed to atrophy while a separate, less accountable, and less transparent system thrives." Cardona warns that underfunded public schools, which serve many disadvantaged students, struggle to meet basic needs, risking the future of education for all. He calls for a united stand to ensure that every student has access to quality education, stating that the future of public education is at stake and urging communities to recognize public schools as vital to democracy.

 

JS online

As the new school year begins, schools across the U.S. are implementing stricter rules aimed at enhancing student safety and engagement. Changes include cell phone bans, dress code modifications, and even the removal of mirrors from bathrooms. According to a June report by the Pew Research Center, 72% of U.S. high school teachers view cell phone distraction as “a major problem in the classroom.” In response, many districts are tightening device usage policies. For instance, Fort Wayne Community Schools in Indiana has introduced a phone-free policy using magnetic Yondr pouches. Additionally, dress codes are becoming more stringent, with schools like Bessemer City High School in Alabama banning items such as hoodies and Crocs to reduce distractions. Principal Stoney Pritchett stated, “This policy is a dress code to help foster a sense of community and reduce distractions.” These changes reflect a broader trend in schools aiming to create a more focused learning environment.

 

CNN Edition

At the recent Katy ISD board meeting, trustees voted 5-0 to ban library books addressing gender fluidity, with two members abstaining. The policy update mandates that “no materials in elementary and junior high libraries shall contain material adopting, promoting or supporting gender fluidity.” Board president Victor Perez stated: “The focus and rationale for the proposed policy amendments is that gender fluidity materials are complex, potentially confusing and should be addressed with parental guidance.” The decision drew mixed reactions, with 13 speakers supporting the ban and 19 opposing it. Trustee Dawn Champagne expressed concerns about potential lawsuits and the policy's broadness, questioning its clarity. The board also approved design changes for several campuses and the budget for the 2024-2025 school year.

 

Katy Times

McAllen ISD has once again achieved the highest rating from the Texas Education Agency’s School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST), marking its 21st achievement in 22 years. The FIRST system evaluates Texas school districts on financial accountability, assigning ratings from A for “Superior Achievement” to F for “Substandard Achievement.” This year, McAllen ISD received a Superior Achievement rating based on its 2022-23 financial report, achieving a perfect score for the third consecutive year. Superintendent René Gutiérrez stated: “The hard work of our Business Operations Division has paid off,” highlighting the district's commitment to transparency and fiscal management. McAllen ISD has recorded 17 perfect scores in the past 22 years, demonstrating its dedication to effective resource management.

 

The Monitor

Gonzalo Salazar, the superintendent of Los Fresnos CISD, has been named one of five finalists for the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Superintendent of the Year award. Serving since 2006, Salazar has overseen a district that spans 487 square miles and serves over 10,350 students. TASB recognized his "commitment to public education, excellent student outcomes, and strong fiscal management." The finalists were chosen from 18 regional nominees based on their contributions to education innovation and leadership. The winner will be announced on September 28 during txEDCON24 in San Antonio. Salazar also received the 2024 Region One Superintendent of the Year Award, highlighting his 24 years of service, including 18 as superintendent.

 

Star-Telegram

Jefferson High School in El Paso is gearing up for its 75th anniversary celebration on September 14 at the El Paso County Coliseum, featuring live music and entertainment. The school, which opened on September 6, 1949, was built at a cost of $340,000 and was initially named after Thomas Jefferson following a suggestion from the Burleson Parent-Teacher Association. Principal J.M. Whitaker noted that the school adopted silver and scarlet as its colors, with the silver fox as its mascot. The school's name was later affectionately shortened to "La Jeff," a term first used in a letter to the El Paso Herald-Post in 1969.

 

El Paso Times

Plainview ISD has adopted a deficit budget for the 2024-25 school year, primarily due to recent property tax revisions mandated by state lawmakers. Superintendent H.T. Sanchez explained that the tax rate has decreased by $0.0025, a result of Proposition 4, which aimed to provide significant property tax cuts but also limited school districts' tax-setting abilities. Sanchez stated: "Of course, the state did make the promise that it would make up the difference," but the state has not fulfilled this commitment. The district's expenditures are projected to exceed revenues by $4.59m. Despite the financial strain, the board decided to proceed with plans for new welding facilities, which could have reduced the deficit. The Texas Association of School Business Officials reported that over half of Texas school districts are adopting deficit budgets this year, highlighting a growing trend in financial challenges across the state.

 

Plainview Daily Herald

Marshall ISD has announced its intention to apply for the Rural and Low-Income Schools Program (RLIS) grant for the 2024-25 academic year, seeking approximately $140,000. The district aims to utilize these funds to address various academic needs in rural areas. According to the official notice: “The purpose of the Rural and Low Income Schools (RLIS) program is to provide financial assistance to rural districts to meet local academic needs.” The funding will support activities such as teacher recruitment, professional development, and educational technology. To qualify for the RLIS program, schools must meet specific criteria set by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), including serving a significant percentage of low-income students. The TEA also provides guidance on how districts can effectively use the funding to enhance parental involvement and academic achievement.

 

Marshall News Messenger

Alpha School in Austin, Texas, is pioneering an AI-based educational model that claims to deliver faster results than traditional methods. Their "2 + 4" teaching approach emphasizes two hours of Common Core work using AI, followed by four hours of life skills and entrepreneurship classes. However, concerns have been raised among teachers and parents about the implications of such changes on public education. Daniel Buck from the Thomas B. Fordham Institute highlights the overwhelming behavior issues teachers face, stating: "Teachers are cussed out, threatened, disrespected with no consequences." Amidst rising dissatisfaction with public education, homeschooling has surged, with a 373% increase in Anderson City, South Carolina, from 2017 to 2023. Despite challenges, Alpha School reports that "Alpha students achieve 2.6x more growth compared to their peers," indicating a potential shift in educational paradigms.

 

Victoria Advocate

Protecting students during their commutes involves various strategies, including the use of cleaner transportation options. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, 25 million children ride nearly 500,000 school buses daily, many of which are outdated diesel models. Tucker Perkins, president and CEO of the Propane Education & Research Council, emphasizes the importance of transitioning to cleaner alternatives, stating: “With significant investments being made to clean up the nation's school bus fleet... there's never been a better time to prioritize clean transportation.” Propane buses offer numerous benefits, including a reduction in harmful emissions by up to 96% compared to diesel, improved student health, and significant cost savings for school districts. Propane buses are also more reliable, with a range of 400 miles, making them suitable for long-distance travel. Transitioning to propane could allow districts to retire aging diesel buses faster and save enough money to hire thousands of teachers.

 

Missoulian

Superintendent David Canales emphasized the importance of student safety during a training session for substitutes, stating, "Never leave a student behind." The session, led by Safety and Crisis Response Manager Ruben Ayala, introduced the Centegix Crisis Alert system, which allows staff to alert emergency personnel quickly. This innovative technology enhances response times in emergencies. The event also featured insights from teacher retirement representatives and concluded with a motivational message from substitutes coordinator Patricia Gutierrez, who likened substitutes to apples, symbolizing strength and growth. Each substitute received a bag of classroom essentials as a token of appreciation for their vital role in the district.

 

Laredo Morning Times

The Houston Texans are significantly investing in youth sports by expanding their girls' flag football program in Houston Independent School District (HISD). Following the announcement of participation from 12 HISD high schools, the Texans' Season Premiere event raised a record $1.4m to fund the program in all 25 HISD high schools for the next three years. Nike contributed uniforms, while USA Football provided essential equipment kits to support the student athletes. As the Texans stated, this initiative aims to "fully fund girls flag football in every HISD high school."

 

KTRK-TV