FEATURED NEWS
Ask TCTA questions about student discipline on Tuesday

You're invited to join TCTA attorneys Dohn Larson and Michael Currie at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7, for a 30-minute webinar on student discipline. They'll review the law and answer members' questions. Click here to register and submit questions. Can't join us live? Register and we'll send you a link to watch the recording as soon as it's ready next week.

Have questions that can't wait? Members can call our Legal Department at 888-879-8282 to discuss your situation with a staff attorney.
Federal court reinstates ban on mask mandates in schools

The ban on school mask mandates is back in effect for now after the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals halted a federal judge’s injunction on Gov. Greg Abbott's executive order.

The new court order is another chapter of the months-long legal dispute launched against the state by parents of students with disabilities and a disability rights organization over whether the state was violating the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act by banning schools from requiring students and staff to wear face masks amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The order from the three-judge panel stated that there had been “no concrete, or actual or imminent, injury as a result of the enforcement” of Abbott’s executive order banning mask mandates. It temporarily reinstates the ban as the case continues to make its way through the courts.

Pearson still requiring masks at testing centers
Candidates preparing to take certification exams at company-owned Pearson Professional Centers will be required to wear masks, regardless of their COVID-19 vaccination status. Pearson said it will not issue refunds to candidates who do not comply. Click here for more information.
TEA releases allocations of ESSER III funds for districts

TEA has updated its website with the final amounts Texas school districts and charter schools are eligible to receive under the federal COVID relief funds authorized by ESSER III. Click here to see how much your district should receive.
Bills on "Critical Race Theory," preventing sex abuse in effect

Several laws passed during the Texas Legislature’s second special session are now in effect, including Senate Bill 3, which prevents the teaching of "Critical Race Theory." While not taught in Texas schools, CRT explores how racism has shaped history, policies and the legal system. SB 3 updates and replaces provisions in House Bill 3979, which was passed in the 2021 regular session.

Senate Bill 9 requires classroom instruction on how to prevent child abuse, family violence, dating violence and sex trafficking at least once during middle school and once in high school. Click here to read more about both bills.
TRS Board to review fund's value at December meeting

At its meeting in Austin next week, the TRS Board of Trustees will get an update on the actuarial valuation of the fund as of Aug. 31. Because markets were so strong, the value of the fund is expected to increase. Having a positive valuation increases the chance that the Texas Legislature will approve a cost-of-living adjustment for retirees in the future. We’ll have more coverage of the TRS meeting online next week and in the next edition of eUpdate.
DECISIONS, DECISIONS
Parent sues, claims district failed to accommodate student's learning disabilities

A parent of an 11th grader sued a school district, alleging that it failed to identify and accommodate the student's learning disabilities. While attending school in another district in third grade, the student was evaluated by a private psychologist, who recommended the student be considered for special education services. However, the student was in 11th grade before the parent requested the school district complete a full individual and initial evaluation due to "struggles with math" and "behavioral outbursts when angry." Click here to read more.
OTHER NEWS
Free courses provide training on inclusive education, TIER

The Texas Complex Access Network has released a free seven-course series on creating an inclusive educational environment. This series provides the professional development a team needs when transitioning students with significant cognitive disabilities from a self-contained setting to more inclusive environments. There are many resources within each course, including guiding considerations, step-by-step guides, fidelity checklists, and pre- and post-tests. In addition, an Inclusionary Coaching Guide was designed to help a team move through the process.

Texas educators can also access free training on Tiered Interventions Using Evidence-Based Research. The TEALearn site uses the Canvas learning platform. Current courses include:
  • Overview of Multi-Tiered System of Supports 
  • MTSS: Relationships with Other Programs 
  • Ongoing Professional Development and Support (MTSS) 
More TIER courses will be available throughout the year, and educators who complete training earn continuing professional education credits. Click here to check out the TIER courses.
Education Elements offers resources for blended and personalized learning

Education Elements is partnering with TEA to support districts across the state with blended and personalized learning initiatives, strategic planning and virtual instruction. Educators can check out their free resource on the first 20 days of virtual learning and learn more about upcoming webinars.
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Traveling for the holidays? Check out these discounts

If you're traveling during the holiday season, be sure to check out TCTA's cost-saving programs for discounts on hotels, car rentals, airfare and gifts. Save at participating Choice Hotels and Wyndham properties, including LaQuinta hotels, and on car rentals with Budget, Avis and Alamo. TicketsatWork, our most popular discount program, offers deals on food and wine, fitness, electronics, travel and entertainment.

Check out all of our cost-saving programs and other discounts as you make holiday plans or buy gifts for your family and friends.
How to get help navigating student loan forgiveness

Student loan forgiveness might seem too good to be true, but there are legitimate ways for borrowers with federal loans to get it through FREE government programs. NerdWallet outlines programs and provides more information to connect borrowers with assistance. Click here to read more.
Provide input on social studies TEKS, special ed

Friday, Dec. 10, is the deadline to provide input on potential revisions to the current social studies TEKS. Those interested in providing feedback should complete this survey. To apply to serve on a State Board of Education work group to make recommendations about the social studies TEKS, click here.

TEA is also seeking feedback by Friday, Dec. 10, on its proposed changes to the tests required for special education certification.
Comments on the framework may be sent to DeMarco Pitre at TEA.
Ask your colleagues to join TCTA with Take 2, Make $25

It's not too late to encourage your colleagues to join TCTA. Give them your member number and ask them to include it in the Take 2, Make $25 box on the application. You can earn $25 for every two eligible First-Time Active members who join by Dec. 31. Find all the details at tcta.org/take2.
CALENDAR
  • Tuesdays with TCTA: Student Discipline is at 6 p.m. Dec. 7.
  • The TRS Board meets Dec. 7-8 in Austin.
  • The State Board for Educator Certification meets Dec. 10 in Austin.
  • TCTA headquarters will be closed Dec. 20-Jan. 3 for the holidays.
CONTENT PUBLISHED DECEMBER 2, 2021 | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
TEXAS CLASSROOM TEACHERS ASSOCIATION
PO BOX 1489 AUSTIN, TX 78767 | 888-879-8282 | TCTA.ORG