Debate empowers student voices through meeting the real needs of the community

Dallas ISD debate coaches, in partnership with the Dallas Urban Debate Alliance (DUDA), have introduced a new debate format called Community Action Debate (CAD). This format has been implemented in 158 Dallas ISD elementary and secondary campuses and addresses issues like inequality, racism, and housing. The program aims to empower students, build confidence, and foster civic engagement.

Dallas ISD students are thriving through hands-on learning with LEGO

LEGO Education President Victor Saeijs visited Dallas ISD to observe how LEGO products are integrated into education. The initiative involves using LEGO sets to teach subjects such as Algebra and Robotics. In mathematics classes, LEGO integration has led to increased student engagement, confidence, and high standardized test scores.

Dallas’ new lessons aim to keep kids on track, but some worry about limiting teachers

Dallas ISD has implemented a new district-wide curriculum called Amplify, costing approximately $14 million, to provide consistency and ensure all fifth-grade students receive engaging lessons on grade level. The curriculum aligns with state standards and addresses variations in teaching materials and pacing across the district. The curriculum includes pauses and assessments to accommodate student needs.

School voucher fallout leaves Texas Legislature with no clear sense on next steps

Texas lawmakers are facing uncertainty over Governor Greg Abbott's push for school vouchers after the House rejected the measure in a recent vote. The House voted 84-63 to remove a voucher program from an education bill. The governor has not clarified whether he wants legislators to continue trying in the current special session or if he would call another session.

An effort to prepare West Texas students to work in the oil and gas industry is expanding

The Midland school is offering technical education programs preparing students for work in the oil fields. The program is supported by the Permian Strategic Partnership and will cover costs for classroom supplies, teacher training, and marketing. The initiative aims to address workforce shortages in the oil and gas industry and provide students with specific employable skills.

Could polarization on the Texas State Board of Education push away textbook publishers?

The State Board of Education in Texas has approved a list of science textbooks for use in classrooms after requesting changes from publishers to address board members' concerns about the presentation of climate change and evolution education. Critics worry the polarization on these topics will drive away textbook publishers, potentially limiting the available materials for Texas students. However, since school districts in Texas are not obligated to choose from the state board's approved list, the impact on classroom instruction may be minimal.

Cursive is coming back, now that kids can’t read grandma’s letters

California will mandate cursive instruction for all elementary school children starting in January 2024, marking a resurgence of cursive. Cursive had previously diminished in importance with the widespread adoption of Common Core curriculum standards that did not include its instruction. Over half of U.S. states now have laws or state standards requiring cursive instruction.

Getting an early start on group work: Tips from teachers

Research suggests that engaging in group work helps students stay on task, communicate effectively with peers, and develop essential life skills such as communication and collaboration.

This school leader believes AI could transform education for students with dyslexia

Josh Clark, leader of the Landmark School and chairman of the board of the International Dyslexia Association, sees significant potential in artificial intelligence (AI) for students with dyslexia. Clark envisions AI creating powerful reading tools that generate texts based on students' past performance, aligning with their abilities and interests.