Reminder that our FALL Network SUMMIT is TOMORROW!
Registration is still open until 9:00pm tonight.

Tuesday, SEPTEMBER 28, 2021
11:30am - 1:00pm
Local News
Statewide News
First draft of Legislature’s map of new State Board of Education districts shores up Republican majority
The Texas Senate released its first draft for the State Board of Education’s 15 districts. The map is likely to change throughout the special session and must be approved by both chambers and Governor Abbott. The elected members of the SBOE are responsible for adopting textbooks and changing curriculum standards.
Texas’ ban on school mask mandates draws federal investigation for possibly violating the rights of students with disabilities
The US Department of Education has launched an investigation into TEA’s newly released guidelines stating that districts may not require masks. The Federal inquiry will be assessing whether Texas’ mask policy allows for an equal opportunity for students with disabilities who are at a heightened risk of COVID-19.
Texas bill that would set limits on transgender athletes in sports advances during third special session
Senate Bill 3 aims to make transgender student athletes play school sports aligned with the gender assigned at birth. Supporters of the bill argue the bill will protect biological female’s access to school sports, while those in opposition think it is likely to cause trauma to students in need of a welcoming and safe environment to be themselves.
National News
U.S. Department of Education Announces Return-to-School Road Trip to Spotlight Safe Return to In-Person Learning
U.S Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona, and members of USDE are going across the country to highlight schools that have implemented the department’s “Return to School Roadmap '' and safely returned to in-person learning. This resource includes prioritizing health and safety, supporting mental health, and accelerating academic achievement.  
How a Big Federal Spending Package Could Affect School Meals and Student Poverty Counts
The proposed legislation package “Build Back Better Act” would allow for schools to provide free breakfast and lunches to all students if 25% of the community already participates in other programs such as SNAP, lowering the threshold from the current 40% of student body requirement. If passed, this will have repercussions on the free and reduced lunch participant data collected used to target aid to disadvantaged students and could complicate other federal reporting for districts.
Follow us @unitedtolearn