TCTA SURVEY RESULTS
Teachers report more discipline issues this year
For many students who hadn’t been in a classroom for 15 months, the return to in-person instruction this fall has been a difficult adjustment and teachers report some significant behavior challenges as a result, according to TCTA's recent member survey.

The lack of structure during virtual instruction is leading some students to think they can do whatever they want now that they’re back in the classroom. And the TikTok challenges to destroy school property and “slap a teacher” certainly aren’t helping matters.

Survey respondents noted that the disruptive behavior from a few was undermining their efforts to address the learning needs of other students.
But the biggest frustration, they say, is a lack of backup from administrators, who have left teachers to handle behavior issues on their own.

TCTA Staff Attorney Julie Leahy advises teachers that they have the right to remove a student for disruptive conduct and, depending on the age of the student and the circumstances, more serious misconduct may require removal to the DAEP.

In addition, a TCTA-initiated law requires each campus to have a designated campus behavior coordinator who is primarily responsible for maintaining student discipline. Teachers should expect that administrators will enforce the student code of conduct, which is required by law.

As always, if a situation arises where you feel concerned about your options and/or legal rights and responsibilities regarding student discipline and classroom safety, call TCTA’s Legal Department at 888-879-8282.

FEATURED NEWS
TEA removes waiver option for school science lab space after TCTA objections

In TEA’s final adopted rules on school facility standards, several changes were made in response to requests from TCTA. TCTA submitted comprehensive comments on the rules when proposed, including requesting that the rules clarify that school districts must consider input from teachers and others in developing long-range facility plans. We also requested removal of a waiver option for districts from science lab space standards, particularly given the high-risk nature of science labs.

TEA made both of the requested changes, noting that in removing the waiver option for science lab standards: “It is a district's responsibility to ensure that safety standards are met and that class size does not exceed the number for which the space was designed.”

Additionally, TCTA objected to provisions in the proposed rules giving school districts discretion in considering the statutory School Library Standards and Guidelines when developing, implementing, or expanding library services, arguing that school districts must be required to consider these. TEA agreed, and the adopted rules make it mandatory for school district consideration. Click here to read more.
Several bills on track to pass as special session nears end

As the third special session of the Texas Legislature enters its final week, no bills have made it to Gov. Abbott’s desk, though several are on track to do so by the end of the session (no later than Tuesday, Oct. 19). Abbott asked lawmakers to pass legislation addressing a number of topics, including property tax reduction.

Among the proposals making their way through the process is House Bill 90, which could stifle future growth in education funding by dedicating 90% of surplus state funds for property tax reduction. Click here to read more.
Miss Tuesday's legal session?
You can watch it now online

Dohn Larson, TCTA's director of legal services, and staff attorneys Michael Currie and Julie Leahy spent an hour Tuesday evening offering advice, solutions and options to help with a variety of stressful situations at school. Members who missed the session can click here to log in and watch it now and get information on when to file a grievance and learn about other methods to resolve issues at school.
DECISIONS, DECISIONS
Teacher faces sanctions for bringing gun on campus

A complaint was filed with the State Board for Educator Certification alleging that a teacher's certification was subject to sanctions for carrying a firearm on school grounds. The teacher requested a hearing with the State Office of Administrative Hearings.

The teacher testified that he began bringing a gun with him to school after the Parkland school shooting in Florida. He also said he did not know that bringing a gun on campus was against school district policy. Click here to read more.
OTHER NEWS
Early voting starts Monday, with 8 constitutional amendments on the Nov. 2 ballot statewide

Early voting starts Monday, Oct. 18, and ends Friday, Oct. 29, in the Nov. 2 election. The last day to apply for a ballot by mail is Oct. 22. Voters across the state can weigh in on eight constitutional amendments that address topics ranging from religious freedom to taxes to judicial eligibility. Click here to learn more the statewide propositions.

Many school districts are electing trustees Nov. 2 and a few districts also have bond proposals. Click here to see what's on the ballot where you live.
Nation's Report Card shows decline in reading, math among 13-year-olds before pandemic

Even before the pandemic, test scores in both reading and math declined for 13-year-old students, the first drop registered in a half century in testing meant to measure student proficiency over time, the Washington Post reported today.

According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, scores for 13-year-olds in reading fell three points in 2020 compared to 2012. Scores for 13-year-olds in math fell five points. Scores for 9-year-olds in reading and math showed no significant differences between 2020 and 2012.

However, the new report finds scores have fallen for Black and Hispanic students since 2012 and remain flat for white children, widening the racial achievement gap. This year also revealed a gender gap, as 9-year-old boys’ math scores stayed steady while girls’ scores fell compared to 2012.

The national tests are better at explaining what happened than why, though there were some clues, the Washington Post reported. A survey that accompanied the test results found increases in the number of students who said they never or hardly ever read for fun on their own time. In 1984, 9% of 9-year-olds said reading for fun was rare. That rose to 11% in 2012 and to 16% in 2020. Among 13-year-olds, in 1984, 8% said they never or hardly ever read for fun, rising to 22% in 2012 and 29% in 2020.
Abbott issues order banning COVID-19 vaccine mandates

On Monday, Gov. Greg Abbott issued another executive order cracking down on COVID-19 vaccine mandates — this time banning any entity in Texas, including private businesses, from requiring vaccinations for employees or customers. In September, President Joe Biden issued an order requiring all employers with more than 100 workers to mandate vaccines or test employees weekly for the virus. As with mask mandates, lawsuits are expected.

Meanwhile, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are seeking FDA emergency authorization for booster doses of their COVID-19 vaccines for those 18 and older. FDA advisors unanimously voted to endorse Moderna's request to roll out third doses for older and higher-risk adults who were vaccinated at least six months ago. The same panel is expected to discuss and vote Friday on a second dose of J&J's vaccine. But before boosters can be given, the FDA and the CDC must give authorization, which could come next week. On Oct. 26, the FDA panel will discuss Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11.

Find the latest guidance in TCTA's COVID-19 FAQs for 2021-22. This week, we updated information about COVID testing in schools. Members with questions or concerns about their district's policies should call 888-879-8282 to speak with a staff attorney.
CALENDAR
CONTENT PUBLISHED OCTOBER 14, 2021 | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
TEXAS CLASSROOM TEACHERS ASSOCIATION
PO BOX 1489 AUSTIN, TX 78767 | 888-879-8282 | TCTA.ORG