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Bill Gates declared the "age of AI" in March 2023, noting that ChatGPT had amassed 100m users. According to McKinsey's 2024 Global Survey, 65% of organizations are utilizing generative AI tools, with that number rising to 72% for those using AI in at least one function. The Digital Education Council's 2024 Global AI Student Survey revealed that 86% of students are incorporating AI into their studies. However, while some educators are integrating AI into their curricula, many institutions are still developing policies for its use. Diane Gayeski, a professor at Ithaca College, emphasizes the necessity of AI proficiency for students, stating, "[AI] is an expected part of the portfolio." Despite concerns about academic integrity, a Stanford study found that cheating rates have remained stable since AI's introduction. As educators adapt, the focus is shifting towards collaboration and transparency in AI use, with Boston University's Azer Bestavros advocating for embracing AI to enhance teaching and learning experiences.

 

Bradenton.com

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. 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) is facing significant challenges with its new student data reporting system, which has led to thousands of unresolved errors. School districts are concerned that these inaccuracies could impact their state funding, as the TEA uses this data to assess performance and allocate resources. Lori Rapp, Superintendent of Lewisville ISD, expressed her worries in a letter to TEA Commissioner Mike Morath, stating: "We have not been able to fully send, promote, and validate our data." Despite the TEA's confidence in resolving issues before the December 12 reporting deadline, many districts feel unprepared and anxious about the potential consequences of inaccurate data. Mark White, assistant superintendent of accountability for Tomball ISD, emphasized the need for assurances, saying: "We need more answers around... how are we going to continue to assure that we're not suffering consequences for a delay or inaccuracies in the data?" The situation highlights the critical importance of accurate data in determining school funding and accountability.

 

The Texas Tribune

Texas school districts, including Eanes and Lake Travis ISDs, are adapting their curriculum adoption processes to align with new standards set by the Texas Education Agency. Molly May, Eanes ISD’s assistant superintendent, emphasized the importance of vetting instructional materials to ensure they meet student needs, stating: “This allows us to make sure we are able to properly train staff on using whatever materials we have chosen.” The recent House Bill 1605 introduced a new Instructional Materials Review and Approval process, which aims to enhance the quality of instructional materials. Districts adopting high-quality materials may receive additional funding, with $540m allocated for this purpose. As the transition unfolds, both districts are awaiting further guidance from the TEA regarding the new requirements and available resources.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Kristin Murphy, a seasoned educator with over 30 years of experience, emphasizes the importance of "flow" in the classroom, a concept introduced by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. She argues that prepackaged curricula often hinder deep engagement, reducing teachers to mere conduits of information. Murphy states, "A steady diet of scripted lessons can subtract spontaneity, deep learning, student passions, and teacher expertise." She highlights the need for educators to create tailored experiences that allow students to immerse themselves in their learning. By allowing students to engage in comprehensive writing tasks, they can experience flow, which fosters intrinsic motivation and a love for learning. Murphy advocates for teachers to select diverse lessons and trust their expertise to cultivate an environment where students can thrive and come to class with enthusiasm.

 

Education Week News

Comal Independent School District (CISD) is facing a projected budget shortfall of $23.6m for the 2024-25 school year, as it prepares to educate 30,000 students. Superintendent John Chapman explained: “The district is dealing with inflationary prices as costs for most goods and services keep escalating.” The district's revenue is estimated at $301.3m, which falls short of the $320.16m needed for expenditures. Factors contributing to the shortfall include a $14m loss in funding due to property tax compression and reductions in federal aid. Chapman emphasized the need for additional state funding, saying: “[We] asked for $5.4bn for the state of Texas.... We have to have money to continue to operate, which we did not get.” As the district explores cost-saving measures, it aims to prioritize teacher salaries and classroom instruction while addressing the challenges of a growing student population.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

The Temple ISD school board has unanimously approved a tax rate of $1.1489 per $100 of taxable value, maintaining the same rate as September 2023 for fiscal year 2024. Superintendent Bobby Ott stated, “We want to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars by keeping the tax rate flat or lowering it when possible.” The tax rate allocates $0.7939 for maintenance and operations and $0.3550 for debt service. Over the past seven years, the district has reduced its tax rate by 25.14 cents, achieving the lowest rate since 2010. Despite the flat rate, rising property valuations may lead to higher taxes for some homeowners. Ott emphasized that the board can only control the tax rate, not property evaluations. The district's financial responsibility has been acknowledged by community stakeholders, especially following a $164.8m bond package for various projects.

 

Temple Daily Telegram

The Pflugerville ISD is actively engaging its community to develop a strategic plan through an online thought exchange initiated by Superintendent Quintin Shepherd. This initiative, part of Shepherd's 100-day entry plan, aims to gather feedback from staff, students, and community members over a five-month period. Chief Communications Officer Tamra Spence noted, “It’s not just entering your thought and then finding the most thoughts... it allows everyone to go in and rate those and see what’s really floating to the top.” Nearly 4,000 community members have participated, submitting around 2,500 ideas and 70,000 ratings. Key areas of focus identified include safety, teacher pay and retention, communication gaps, and support for special education. The thought exchange will continue through October, with findings presented to the board in January for approval.

 

Community Impact

Midland ISD and local law enforcement are investigating a social media post that warned of a potential threat to schools in the 432 area. Although no specific threats were directed at Midland ISD, Chief Communications Officer Lyndsey White stated, "All threats or rumored threats are taken seriously and investigated." The district has increased police presence on campuses as a precaution. Parents were informed promptly, and the district emphasized that any violations of law or conduct, including threats, will be addressed immediately.  

 

Star-Telegram

Bob Hope School, a public charter school in Baytown, has been named one of 25 semifinalists for the prestigious Yass award. This recognition guarantees the school $200,000, with the potential to win up to $1m at the upcoming Awards Gala in November. The announcement highlights the school's commitment to excellence in education.

 

The Baytown Sun

The Celina Independent School District (ISD) Board of Trustees has approved an interlocal agreement with the city, allowing the Celina Police Department to provide school resource officers to its campuses. This initiative aims to enhance safety and support for students, particularly with the addition of Bothwell Elementary School. According to a district memo, the partnership will include an additional officer to ensure a secure environment. The school resource officers are selected for their commitment to mentoring and safety, serving as both security presences and positive role models for students.

 

Allen American

Round Rock ISD is set to enhance security at several campuses by installing forced-entry resistant window film, utilizing nearly $1m in grant funding. The decision, approved on August 15, aligns with Texas Administrative Code 61.031, which mandates safety measures for ground-level windows near exterior doors. The project will cover multiple schools, including Cedar Ridge High School and Brushy Creek Elementary School. This initiative is part of a broader effort, as the Texas Legislature allocated $800m for safety enhancements during the 88th session. According to the Texas Education Agency, RRISD has received over $1.22m for safety improvements through the Safety and Facility Enhancements grant.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Jahmall Thomas, a 39-year-old teacher from Hardin ISD, was arrested for allegedly engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a female student from another school district. According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Thomas picked up the student and engaged in sexual activity in his car before dropping her off at home. Following the investigation, he was booked into the Polk County jail with a bond set at $75,000. Hardin ISD placed Thomas on administrative leave and announced: "We have zero tolerance for inappropriate behavior and expect our teachers and staff to adhere to the highest standards of conduct." 

 

KTRK-TV

While the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision is celebrated for ending legal segregation, the 1974 Milliken v. Bradley ruling, which limited cross-district integration efforts, has had a lasting impact on the state of American education. As Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall warned in his dissent, schools remain deeply segregated, particularly across district lines, with demographic divisions driving 97% of Detroit's segregation. Despite this, legal and policy efforts are gaining momentum, offering potential pathways for addressing segregation and inequality in schools today.

 

The 74 (Online)