Accelerating student success through Dyslexia Services

The Dallas ISD Dyslexia Service department consists of over 200 dyslexia evaluators and interventionists. In the 22-23 school year, close to 6,300 students were served by a dyslexia interventionist. Students are growing and improving by spending 180 minutes of their week with interventionists as they learn a unique approach to reading and spelling.

More than 1,200 Dallas ISD seniors recognized for their multilingual skills

Throughout Dallas ISD, there are more than 60 different languages spoken and 10 different language courses offered. Students can earn both local and global recognition for being multilingual by taking proficiency tests, taking 3 or more years of a foreign language, or earning AP/IB credit. Over 1,200 Dallas ISD seniors received the Texas Seal for proficiency in 2023.

Dallas ISD superintendent worries new schools rating system will lead to drop in scores

Texas’ accountability system ranks school districts’ performance every year on a scale of A-F, but they are changing their standard for grading. Scores are based predominantly on test scores while also taking into account academic achievement and college, career, and military readiness. Districts such as Dallas ISD that received a B last year would have earned a C using the same data but the new grading standard.

New Texas law allowing chaplains in public schools could be a model for other states

SB 763 allows school districts the choice to have paid chaplains provide counseling to students. Chaplains would not be required to have specific academic credentials or state certification. School districts will have no more than 6 months to make a choice regarding the use of chaplains as counseling staff into effect September 1.

75 Texas school districts have moved to 4-day weeks, affecting almost 90,000 students

In an attempt to prevent teacher turnover and increase student attendance, 75 school districts across Texas have changed to a 4-day school week, and an additional 13 districts are offering a hybrid schedule with some of the weeks throughout the school year being only 4-day weeks. This is possible due to a bill passed in 2015 that times classroom instruction by minutes rather than days. If school districts can raise attendance, they will receive an increase in state funding.

Gov. Abbott signs DEI bill into law, dismantling diversity offices at colleges

Recently signed by Governor Abbott, SB 17 dissolved diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in public higher education, making Texas less competitive in higher education. The President of the University of Texas at Austin has stated his team and leadership will continue their efforts with attracting and supporting faculty and students with different backgrounds.

Supreme Court Strikes Down Affirmative Action in College Admissions

In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court found considering race in university admissions to be unconstitutional, citing the need for admissions to be based on the experiences of an individual rather than race. For 45 years, the Supreme Court considered affirmative action to be a limited exception to the Fourteenth Amendment which ensured equal protection of the laws for individuals.

Book bans are on the rise. Biden is naming a point person to address that

President Biden has appointed a representative at the Department of Education to focus efforts on the uptick of discriminatory book bans across the United States. As of March 2023, 175 LGBTQI+ books in 23 different districts have been banned. President Biden is taking multiple actions during Pride Month to address discrimination against LGBTQI+ Americans, including protecting LGBTQI+ kids in foster care.

Do not ban social-emotional learning in schools — embrace these skills

With diagnoses of anxiety and depression on the rise, there is a greater need for social-emotional learning (SEL). SEL gives children the skills and knowledge needed to manage emotions and relationships, preparing them beyond just academics for their future careers and personal life. Despite the need for SEL, some parents and school boards are pushing for its removal from the classroom, stating SEL focuses too much on children’s identities.