Podcasts about Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency will run the Houston public schools until 2027 and Beto O'Rourke is considering a run for public office in 2026? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew M. McRae is a passionate and experienced educator, public speaker, and transformational leader with over 16 years of serving in underserved communities in Houston, Tulsa, and Cleveland. As the founding Chief Academic Officer for Breakthrough Public Schools (BPS), one of the highest-rated networks of tuition-free, public charter schools in Cleveland, Ohio, he is responsible for setting academic vision and strategy, managing data and analytics, revising the curriculum, devising instruction tools, and overseeing all student services.Andrew's purpose is deeply rooted in building enduring systems of excellence for African-American students and transforming organizations to empower communities. He holds a Master's in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Thomas and a Principal certification from the Texas Education Agency. He is skilled in strategic planning, budget management, operational improvement, instructional design, educational assessment, project management, curriculum development, and staff training and leadership. He is also enthusiastic about permission-less learning models that allow students to be the drivers of their learning and reignite their imaginations.

After a prolonged delay because of a lawsuit filed by about 100 school districts, the Texas Education Agency has released the 2023 A-F accountability ratings, indicating the share of campuses that received a passing ranking dropped by 14 percent from 2022. “For far too long, families, educators, and communities have been denied access to information about the performance of their schools, thanks to frivolous lawsuits paid for by tax dollars filed by those who disagreed with the statutory goal of raising career readiness expectations to help students,” said Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath. A separate, ongoing lawsuit has delayed the...Article Link

On Friday's show: We dig deeper on the Texas Education Agency's grades for Texas schools for the 2022-2023 school year, which were just released after a 19-month legal battle between the TEA and districts that sought to prevent their release. The agency gave HISD a C grade for that period.Also this hour: A local union wants to see an increase in the minimum wage for Houston hotel and airport workers, arguing they're not seeing the benefits of the area's growing number of visitors. We learn more about what they want and how it could impact that industry.Then, from bobblehead hoarding at a recent Astros game, to a driverless car that stopped driving, and (at least according to its passengers) wouldn't let them out, we ask our non-expert panel to weigh in on The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And we talk with composer Missy Mazzoli about her opera adaptation of the Lars von Trier film Breaking the Waves, which explores heavy topics through a contemporary lens. The production is on stage at Houston Grand Opera thought May 4.

Dobie Middle School gets a brief reprieve from the Texas Education Agency, local community leaders are trying to tamp down on the youth violence rising in Travis County and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is demanding documents from Plano ISD in relation to the EPIC City development.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Multiple school districts in Texas are pushing back against the state after the Texas Education Agency released performance ratings for school districts, the Austin Police Oversight Committee has released a report saying complaints against police are on the rise and an appeals court has ruled in favor of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and his lawsuit against cities that have approved marijuana decriminalization ordinances. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After lawsuits and a long delay, the Texas Education Agency releases rankings for schools in the Lone Star State. The school rankings are more than just an indicator of how well students are doing, they can have ripple effects on the schools themselves, as well as on housing prices and more. KERA’s Bill Zeeble joins […] The post How Texas schools fared in long-awaited TEA accountability grades appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The Texas Senate has passed a bill that would ban cell phones in schools, teacher union officials are accusing the Texas Education Agency's school ratings system as being flawed for why Dobie Middle School may be shut down and Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen will travel to El Salvador in an effort to get Kilmar Abrego Garcia released.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Austin ISD School Board Trustee Noelita Lugo joins Sharyn and Cuitlahuac in conversation about how she went from Pease Elementary School parent fighting closure, to becoming an elected member of the board. Former Trustee Lugo also details the scope and limitations of a trustee working under different superintendents and administrations. The conversations also centers Special Education services in the district and the current situation with the Texas Education Agency monitor.

The latest on Tina Peters and how you can help.PLUS - Getting rid of Texas Education Agency? Levi Fuller walks us through a bill filed by Hopper that would eliminate this bureaucracy.

Podcast host Greg Jefferson and education reporter Melissa Manno delve into the school district's decades of dysfunction and what the Texas Education Agency is doing about it. Suggested reading: New leader has a plan to transform South San ISD: less money for central office, more for teachers South San ISD given chance for turnaround as Texas replaces school board 'A new era': TEA replaces South San ISD superintendent, trustees after decades of dysfunction 'A history of dysfunction': South San's troubled culture could trigger board removal Sign up here for our ENside Politics newsletter: https://www.expressnews.com/newsletters/ensidepolitics/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when we give students the tools to restore relationships rather than simply punishing behavior? In this week's episode, AJ Crabill, Senior Coach at Student Led Restorative Practices, shares with us how community circles build belonging, mediation circles resolve conflicts, and restorative circles address harm. Tune in to learn why these approaches better serve student success and how you can implement them in your own spaces.RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Connect with AJ on LinkedInVisit www.StudentLedRP.org to learn more about student-led restorative practicesGet your copy of AJ's latest book: Our Tools They Deserve: Why Adults Choose Retribution, How Students Can Practice RestorationWant to open your dream school with the freedom you deserve and the support you need?Visit https://openmyschool.my.canva.site/rebelkaipod to learn more about our partnership with KaiPod Learning and get help opening your dream school!Learn more about the Rebel Project Literacy Curriculum, a fully integrated literacy and project based learning curriculum, at  projectup.us or inkwire.co/rplc Get your copy of Rebel Educator: Create Classrooms Where Impact and Imagination MeetLearn more about Rebel Educator, explore our professional development opportunities for educators and students, and check out our project library.Visit us at UP Academy to learn more about our personalized and inclusive learning environment.Connect with Tanya and UP Academy on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram and learn more about her journey here.GUEST BIO:Airick Journey "AJ" Crabill is the Senior Coach at Student Led Restorative Practices and serves as the Director of Governance for the Council of the Great City Schools where he leads school board supports for the nation's largest urban school systems. Improving student outcomes is his relentless focus. His passion to improve student outcomes is rooted in his past: bounced in and out of foster care, he attended eleven different schools as a child. Guided by the idea that student outcomes don't change until adult behaviors change and drawing on his intimate familiarity with the triumphs and terrors of America's safety nets for children, he has devoted much of his adult life to advocating for the well-being of the United States' most vulnerable youth.He recently served as the Conservator at DeSoto (TX) Independent School District. During his guidance, DeSoto made double digit literacy gains and improved from having F ratings in areas of academics, finance, and governance to the district earning B ratings. He served as Deputy Commissioner at the Texas Education Agency and he spearheaded reforms as board chair of Kansas City (MO) Public Schools that doubled the percentage of students who are literate and numerate and, eventually, led KCPS to full accreditation for the first time in decades. He received the Education Commission of the State's James Bryant Conant Award, which recognizes extraordinary individual contributions to education and is the author of, "Great On Their Behalf: Why School Boards Fail, How Yours Can Become Effective." His new book, "Our Tools They Deserve: Why Adults Choose Retribution, How Students Can Practice Restoration" is about a fresh approach to school behavior that focuses on equipping students with the tools they need to succeed—both in school and beyond.Enjoying the show? Leave us a rating and review and help more people find us!bit.ly/RebelEducatorApplePodcastsWe'd love it if you could take a few minutes to fill out this survey to let us know how we can bring you the best possible content: forms.gle/JcKHf9DHTZnYUmQr6 Interested in being on the Rebel Educator podcast? Fill out this form and we'll reach out to you if we think you'd be a great fit for an upcoming episode. https://forms.gle/CZJXLQDdevPh22ZN7Want to learn more about opening your own UP Academy? Check out the Rebel Educator Accelerator:www.rebeleducator.com/courses/the-acceleratorMORE ABOUT THE REBEL EDUCATOR PODCAST:In each episode of the Rebel Educator podcast, I deconstruct world-class educators, students, and thought leaders in education to extract the tactics, tools, and routines that you can use as teachers and parents. Join me as we discuss how to shift the classroom, the learning environment, the mindset, and the pedagogy, to resist tradition, reignite wonder, and re-imagine the future of education.This podcast is dedicated to all of the educators who work thankless hours to make our next generation the best it can be.  It was designed to begin conversations on how we can redesign education for the future of work and the success of our students.  It is meant for teachers, students, administrators, homeschoolers and anyone who interacts with and teaches youth. We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

Send us a textTEXAS LAW DAWGS!!!!  Join Dray, Stilly, Phil, and Brandon on a heavy political ep.  Normally we don't talk about it but why not?  We open up gentle on current events and get into a little bit of it all.  What is the DOGE? Where is our $ going? Russia and Ukraine, The Texas Education Agency, standardize testing, something about Columbia, and WHERE IS OUR $$$$ GOING?!!!!  All that and a little more in this episode! LAW DAWGS!!!!

The Texas Education Agency is investigating a school district and Elon Musk describes Trump derangement syndrome. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Border Czar Homan gave AOC a warning and the Texas Education Agency might be abolished? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A North Texas Republican wants to abolish the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. Freshman state Rep. Andy Hopper, R-Decatur, filed House Bill 2657, a proposal to transfer the powers and duties of the Texas Education Agency and the education commissioner to the State Board of Education, TEA's policy-making body. In other news, the Texas Senate gave unanimous approval Thursday to proposals to cut property taxes by raising the Texas homestead exemption to $140,000, sending the measures to the House; a Texas judge on Thursday ordered a New York doctor to pay more than $100,000 in penalties for prescribing abortion pills to a woman near Dallas, a ruling that could test “shield laws” in Democratic-controlled states where abortion is legal; and how did a North Texas bookstore get so popular, so quickly? Dallas-Fort Worth's newest romance bookstore, The Plot Twist, is off to a steamy start. And just in time for Valentine's Day. When the Denton shop opened in January, nearly 800 romance readers huddled in the chilly Texas weather on grand opening weekend, waiting to meet a few of their favorite authors. The Plot Twist owners, the mother-daughter duo Dawn Conner and Darci Middleton, opened The Plot Twist because they shared a love for romance novels and was created for those who read new romance novels, from contemporary to fantasy to young adult to dark and salacious. It's a big time for “romantasy” and BookTok. Fiction and nonfiction saw a slight decline in sales between 2023 and 2024, but science fiction and fantasy were up. They took a leap of faith to open up their shop and it seems to be working: Books are flying off the shelves so fast, the mother-daughter duo is restocking shelves during business hours to keep up. If you'd like to check them out, The Plot Twist Romance Bookstore & Bar is at 227 W. Oak St., in Denton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas:Congressional Democrats are railing against the abdication by the Congress of their control of federal purse strings to the unelected Elon Musk, including Austin Congressman Greg Casar:https://www.reddit.com/r/QuiverQuantitative/s/gNFR33sfZS...And Dallas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett:https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2025/02/12/first-doge-committee-hearing-showcases-partisan-divide-over-elon-musks-role/Big money is very much running the show lately not only in D.C., but also back here in Texas, where the push to Christianize our public schools is in full swing at the Lege:https://www.texastribune.org/2025/02/13/texas-speaker-race-house-tim-dunn-dustin-burrows/...Texas Republicans have filed multiple House and Senate bills that would criminalize the teaching of basic reproductive biology via sex-ed lessons in our public schools, including the arrest of teachers:https://www.austinchronicle.com/news/2025-02-14/texas-gop-gets-creative-in-crusade-against-sex-education/...Freshman State Rep. Andy Hopper wants to eliminate the Texas Education Agency altogether:https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/texas-lawmaker-files-bill-abolish-texas-education-agency/The Gaines County measles outbreak has grown to 24 cases, all unvaccinated:https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/12/science/measles-vaccination-texas.html...And all 100% preventable:https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/editorials/2025/02/13/west-texas-measles-outbreak-spreads-among-unvaccinated-residents/We celebrate Black History Month throughout February! See a great essay on this year's celebration, happening amidst so much turmoil, and a listing of related events happening across Texas:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://progresstexas.org/blog/black-history-month-2025-celebrating-texas-culture⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...Check out a terrific essay for Black History Month by Progress Texas Institute Board Chair Louis Bedford:⁠⁠ https://progresstexas.org/blog/trickle-down-diversity-doesn%E2%80%99t-work⁠⁠The early giving period for this year's Amplify Austin Day has begun! Support Progress Texas at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.amplifyatx.org/organizations/progress-texas-institute⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Progress Texas is now ranked in the top 3% of all podcasts worldwide for listenership - thank you!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/progress-texas-podcasts-progress-texas-pHdPjbaN-7B/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The merch to match your progressive values awaits at our web store! Grab your goodies at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://store.progresstexas.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.We're loving the troll-free environment at BlueSky! Follow us there at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://bsky.app/profile/progresstexas.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Thanks for listening! Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://progresstexas.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Editor: I am writing in support of the Floresville Independent School District's (FISD) consideration of a four-day school week. This innovative approach is crucial to addressing the ongoing teacher shortage and improving educational outcomes and attendance for our students. No matter how many days students attend school, the quality of their education depends on the availability and caliber of their teachers. Unfortunately, the percentage of certified, traditionally trained teachers in our schools has dropped significantly. According to the Texas Education Agency's 2024 annual report, state-wide 56 percent of first-time teachers hired during the 2023-24 school year were uncertified, compared to...Article Link

An additional 60 Texas educators are under investigation for potentially securing teaching certifications through a cheating ring, state officials said Thursday. The new probes by the Texas Education Agency bring the total number of educators accused of fraudulently obtaining certifications to roughly 160. In other news, North Texas native Scott Turner is taking charge of the federal department responsible for supporting affordable housing at a time when high rents and home prices remain a top concern of inflation-weary Americans. Turner addressed the workers he now leads Thursday as secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, saying, “we have to find long-term solutions to make homes affordable, to spur business creation, to create economic opportunity for every American family.”; the global battle for the future of artificial intelligence has begun in Texas. OpenAI is expanding its push to construct data centers as a $500 billion “Stargate” initiative with the U.S. government takes shape. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Plus, the Texas Education Agency is investigating North Texas teachers linked to a certification test cheating scandal, and Lockheed Martin will pay the U.S. Defense Department $40 million in a settlement over giving false information.

Send us a textWith the holiday break just around the corner, join hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell for a timely look at the latest developments in education technology. From exciting AI advancements to shifts in curriculum policy, this episode captures the key trends shaping the future of learning.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:03:16]

Plus, the Texas Education Agency has released the names of more than 100 teachers who cheated to earn their credentials, and a jury sentenced a Euless man to death for the murders of three people.

The SPEDTalk team talks to Kim Brannan of the Texas Education Agency. They discuss "one site to rule them all" and how this great resource is helping educators save time while getting what they need.

Writer, speaker, consultant, and lobbyist, Adam Jones joins the show to discuss education finance in Texas. Adam served as the Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer for the Texas Education Agency from 2003 - 2012. Since then he founded CapitolJones to help organizations achieve their objectives, and presents regularly at education and government conferences.

The SPEDTalk team talks to Anna Mondragon, Director of ESC and Stakeholder Support, Special Populations Systemwide Integration Division, and Dana Garza, Manager on the Strategic Integration team at the Texas Education Agency. They discuss how integration helps things move forward especially related to the new Strategic Integration Liaison initiative.

A possible government shutdown looming with an Oct. 1 deadline. With the backdrop of elections, how might this story unfold? UT-Austin political science professor Sean Theriault talks about a perennial issue of government funding and where its headed. Bible stories in the classroom? The Texas Education Agency is getting a lot of feedback and blowback […] The post Proposed school curriculum with Bible stories nears vote appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

In this episode of the Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast recorded at the RSA Conference in San Francisco, host Sherrod DeGrippo engages with a diverse group of cybersecurity experts. David Weston, VP of Operating System Security at Microsoft, discusses the evolution of Windows security and the role of AI. Jamie Williams from MITRE shares insights on the importance of product functionality in cybersecurity. Emma Stewart, Chief Power Grid Scientist at Idaho National Lab, talks about securing the digital transition of the power grid. Joe Slowik from MITRE emphasizes the importance of threat intelligence and integrating cybercrime entities into their attack framework. Lindsey O'Donnell, executive editor of Decipher, highlights AI's crucial role in cybersecurity and finally, Todd Pauley, deputy CISO of the Texas Education Agency, discusses the challenges faced by small school districts in Texas.    In this episode you'll learn:          How Windows security has transitioned from user-controlled to Microsoft-managed  The importance of understanding product functionality to combat cyber threats  Securing the power grid's digital transition and cloud technologies for grid control     Some questions we ask:         What challenges and opportunities arise in securing the power grid's digital transition?  How does AI enhance security in Windows operating systems?  What were some of the most memorable sessions you attended at RSA?    Resources:   View Sherrod DeGrippo on LinkedIn     Related Microsoft Podcasts:                    Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson  The BlueHat Podcast  Uncovering Hidden Risks        Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts     Get the latest threat intelligence insights and guidance at Microsoft Security Insider      The Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of N2K media network.  

The news of Texas covered today includes:Our Lone Star story of the day: An historic blow-out election hit Lubbock Saturday in the mayoral runoff. We visit with Lubbock's new mayor, Mark McBrayer, about what the election margin means to council policy and his efforts to prioritize basic services.Our Lone Star story of the day is sponsored by Allied Compliance Services providing the best service in DOT, business and personal drug and alcohol testing since 1995.The new appraisal district board of directors races are important, and next time, conservatives across the state need to be ready with a slate of candidates who will work to make Appraisal Review Boards focused on what's right for property owners instead of just what benefits tax takers.Texas Education Agency released test scores on Friday and it isn't a good report card for our highly funded public schools. Worse, for the teacher groups and educrat lobby, is that Mike Miles approach in the state takeover at Houston ISD bucked the trends statewide and regionally to produce higher results.Listen on the radio, or station stream, at 5pm Central. Click for our radio and streaming affiliates.www.PrattonTexas.com

The Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission (MIC3) addresses key educational transition issues encountered by children of military families.  But what does implementation of the Compact look like?  Listen as Shelly Ramos, Senior Director of the Curriculum Standards and Student Support Division at the Texas Education Agency and MIC3 Texas State Commissioner, shares three unique case studies and solutions that illustrate how MIC3 works to assist in successful education-related transitions.   This podcast is made possible by our partnership with Scott Spouses' Club and their generous support. To learn more, visit  https://www.scottspouseclub.com/. Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.   Show Notes: Resources:   MCEC Global Training Summit Don't miss Lindsey Dablow, Training and Operations Associate (MIC3), presenting two sessions at the Global Training Summit. Distinguished Lecture Session, Tuesday, July 30, 2024 MIC3 201: Case Studies and Implementing the Compact The format of the Compact 201 Training is an interactive session focused on discussing case studies to demonstrate the correct implementation of the Compact. Participants will learn of the legal provisions related to education that protect military children as they transition interstate between public and Department of Defense Education Activity schools. Participants will discuss Compact gray areas and learn about Commission resources and best practices for military families, school districts, and states.   Virtual Session, Thursday, August 1, 2024 MIC3 101: Addressing Key Educational Transition Issues The National Office facilitates the MIC3 Compact 101 Training. Participants will gain an understanding of the legal provisions related to education that protect military children as they transition interstate between public and Department of Defense Education Activity schools. The Compact 101 Training provides participants with a working knowledge of the Compact, state structure and implementation, rules and regulations, and how the Compact supports military students. (Registration for our Virtual Session will open June 25, 2024). https://www.militarychild.org/event/gts/gts-register/   The Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission (MIC3) https://mic3.net/   https://mic3.net/mic3training-net/   Bio: Shelly Ramos serves as the senior director of the Curriculum Standards and Student Support Division at the Texas Education Agency. Ms. Ramos provides statewide leadership for the implementation of new legislation and State Board of Education mandates for K-12 education, including the state curriculum standards known as the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, or TEKS, the Texas Virtual School Network, Mathematics Achievement Academies, and Civics Training Program as well as high school graduation requirements. Ms. Ramos has served as the commissioner designee from Texas for the Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission (MIC3) since 2016.    Prior to joining the Texas Education Agency, Ms. Ramos worked in educational publishing developing products for social studies teachers and students. She also served as a classroom social studies teacher for eleven years.      

The news of Texas covered today includes:Our Lone Star story of the day: Despite massive vilification of the Texas Education Agency takeover of Houston ISD in the Houston Chronicle and from Democrats and the teacher unions, efforts of  Mike Miles and the board of managers are already paying big dividends in the states largest public schools system. Don't expect too many Dems to admit it.  Read also: Rod Paige: The HISD experiment matters to the entire U.S.Our Lone Star story of the day is sponsored by Allied Compliance Services providing the best service in DOT, business and personal drug and alcohol testing since 1995.The first effort at using a new law to remove a Leftist/Soros district attorney in Texas looks to be fizzling out. From this report it also looks as the outside prosecutor didn't do much real investigation.Houston company to construct new refinery at Port of Brownsville. This is the first major refinery planned in 50 years. Wait and watch how hard the Democrat radicals and their front groups work to frustrate the effort.Listen on the radio, or station stream, at 5pm Central. Click for our radio and streaming affiliates.www.PrattonTexas.com

Deadly and destructive storms sweep across downtown Houston, killing four and leaving hundreds of thousands without power. We’ll have an update on the latest as damage assessment and recovery efforts are underway.A new controversy surrounding Houston Superintendent Mike Miles is getting the attention of state lawmakers and the Texas Education Agency – this one involving […] The post Four dead after severe storms batter Houston, East Texas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Join us as we sit down with three school liaison professionals, who share insights into how they serve as a vital bridge between military-connected families, educational institutions, and communities. Discover the comprehensive support offered to ensure the academic, social, and emotional success of students navigating the unique challenges of military life.       This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Texas Education Agency. To learn more, visit https://tea.texas.gov/.     Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.    Show Notes:      Resources:    Army   hqschoolliaison@army.mil     Marine Corps   hqmc.slp@usmc.mil     Navy   NavyHQSchoolLiaison@us.navy.mil     Air Force   afsvc.daf.slo@us.af.mil     Space Force   afsvc.daf.slo@us.af.mil     Military OneSource  https://installations.militaryonesource.mil/search?program-service=12/view-by=ALL      Bio:  Dr. Stephanie Borrowman is currently the Army School Liaison/Transition Specialist with the Army Headquarters Installation Management Command (HQ IMCOM) G9, Child and Youth Services (CYS). She also has extensive experience in the public school system as a teacher, coordinator, and most recently as a special education director. She earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership in 2015, and her Master's degree in Special Education in 2009. She is also an Air Force veteran, a military spouse, and has raised four children in installations all over the world.     Lacey P. Allen is the Department of the Air Force (DAF) Regional School Liaison Specialist for the East Region at the HQ Air Force Services Center (AFSVC), HQ Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center (AFIMSC), Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. She oversees operations in the following states AL, CT, DE, FL, GA, KY, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, and WV. As the headquarters program specialist for the School Liaison Program, she supports personnel at installations within multiple Major Commands which encompasses PreK-12 Education, Public Schools on Military Installations (PSMI), and the Military & Family Life Counseling Program (MFLC). In addition, she serves as the liaison between education community stakeholders, families, state, federal, or host nation education leadership, Installation Commanders, and MAJCOM Commanders to build a platform for enhanced educational opportunities and navigate the direct link between PreK-12 Education and mission readiness. As the subject matter expert, Mrs. Allen serves as the advisor to the Installation Commanders regarding PreK- 12 education to ensure military-connected students are provided opportunities to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally as they face global educational challenges and transitions.     Horace Franklin Jr. is the CNIC Child and Youth Education Services (CYES) School Liaison Program (SLP) Manager.  He spent four years in the classroom before returning to school to complete an additional Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Trinity University. Upon completion, he served nine years as an Elementary and Middle School Principal in the San Antonio Independent School District. He relocated to Maryland and spent four years as the School Liaison at Naval Support Activity Bethesda and Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling. He served as the Naval District Washington Regional School Liaison from 2017-2023. Horace is a servant leader committed to fostering collaboration, ensuring program effectiveness, and continuously advancing the mission and goals of Child and Youth Education Services.      He resides in Clinton, Maryland, with his wife Theda (20-year Air Force retiree) and his three children (Devante, Felicia, and Horace III). When he is not at work or spending time with his family, Horace is on his bike. He is an avid cyclist, having logged thousands of miles throughout Texas and the East Coast. 

Gov. Greg Abbott has instructed the Texas Education Agency to disregard new Biden administration Title IX rules that extend sex discrimination protections to include LGBTQ+ students. The revised rules, effective August, redefine discrimination to cover gender identity, among other updates. Abbott criticizes this as a move that protects male athletes identifying as female over biological females, arguing it misinterprets the original intent of Title IX, which was to protect women from sex-based discrimination.Ohio's House Bill 8, initially aimed at parental notification of sexually explicit materials in schools, has been amended to be more stringent. Now termed "sexuality content," it includes any sexual concepts or "gender ideology." The bill now also requires schools to inform parents if a student identifies with a gender different from their biological sex, removing previous exceptions for suspected abuse and neglect. Parental consent is mandated for all school-provided health care.Link to education committee contact information: https://ohiohouse.gov/committees/primary-and-secondary-educationNew Hampshire's House Bill 1312, aiming to expand parental rights in education, narrowly passed the House and is under Senate review. It requires a two-week notification for teachings on human sexuality, including terms related to gender and sexual orientation. Critics argue the bill is overly broad and could harm LGBTQIA students by potentially fostering dishonesty between educators and parents. Proponents believe it ensures parental oversight on sensitive subjects. Critics, including teacher unions, warn it may limit educators' ability to provide a full academic experience.Affiliate ShoutoutMichelle Cunney Affiliate Location: City Grayslake, Illinois Bio: Michelle Cunney has been instrumental in spreading our mission and has helped us gain more affiliates!Thank you Michelle for protecting K-12 students by standing up for parents' rights!Support the Show.DONATE TODAY!www.ParentsRightsInEducation.com

It's Wednesday, May 1st, A.D. 2024. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Swiss abandon Christ The population of Switzerland is moving away from Christianity, despite the country once being at the center of the Protestant Reformation, led by Ulrich Zwingli. Three quarters of the Swiss live in cities. Of those, nearly one in three say they do not belong to any religion. The mainline Protestant church makes up only 19% of the city population, down from 49% in 1970. Roman Catholicism makes up 31%, down from 45%. And Islam has remained stable at 6%. Texas teacher ordered not to pray International Christian Concern warns that persecution is cropping up in America and the West, not just in other parts of the world. Just one example is the case of Staci Barber. She is a Texas school teacher who has been silenced for her faith after praying with other teachers at a school flagpole. She has been ordered not to pray.  Jeff King, President of International Christian Concern, told The Christian Post, “Basically, we are frogs in the kettle, and the bubbles keep coming up under us. ... People learn that you do not stick your head up, and you start being quiet because ‘the process' is the punishment. ... We desperately need revival, and that all starts with us personally looking to the Lord.” Zechariah 1:3 says, “Return to Me, says the LORD of hosts, and I will return to you.” 5 GOP states won't comply with Biden's transgender executive order Five Republican states are suing the Biden administration in a transgender case. The administration is trying to expand a federal civil rights law to include protection for students living sexually perverted lifestyles in public schools. Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott told the Texas Education Agency to ignore the new federal rule. He wrote to President Joe Biden, “This ham-handed effort to impose a leftist belief onto Title IX exceeds your authority as president.” Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis also pushed back, saying, “Florida rejects Joe Biden's attempt to rewrite Title IX. We will not comply, and we will fight back.” Florida's Heartbeat Law protects unborn babies at 6 weeks Meanwhile, a new Heartbeat Law goes into effect in the Sunshine State today. The law bans the killing of unborn babies with detectable heartbeats but with some exceptions. The law goes into effect after the Florida Supreme Court upheld it last month. The court also upheld a 15-week abortion ban. Once a destination in the southeast for abortion, Florida may see thousands of fewer abortions due to the Heartbeat Law. FCC fines AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon for privacy breach The Federal Communications Commission is fining big wireless companies for sharing customer data without consent. AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon face nearly $200 million in fines. Jessica Rosenworcel with the FCC said, “These carriers failed to protect the information entrusted to them. Here, we are talking about some of the most sensitive data in their possession: customers' real-time location information, revealing where they go and who they are.” People concerned with crime despite drop in crime U.S. adults are becoming more concerned about crime. However, Pew Research reports crime rates are falling. Based on data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, violent crime fell 46% between 1993 and 2022. Property crime fell by 59%.  The Bureau of Justice Statistics records even steeper declines with violent and property crime falling 71% over the same period. Meanwhile, 77% of Americans think crime is up nationally compared to 47% in 2000. And 55% think crime is up in their area compared to 34% in 2000. 10 perspectives that conflict with Biblical worldview Dr. George Barna released another survey on worldview in America. He identified 10 of the most common perspectives widely embraced by adults that conflict with a Biblical worldview. These views were influenced by other worldviews like secular humanism, pantheism, animism, Mormonism, and Judaism. One of the top beliefs was that married couples can be bonded to each other for eternity. Other top beliefs were that people are born neither good nor bad and that morality is determined by our own reason and emotions. In Ephesians 4:14-15, the Apostle Paul encourages us to “no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ.” Unique nova explosion in the skies set for August And finally, NASA reports yet another once-in-a-lifetime cosmic event will be visible this year. Sometime before September, scientists are expecting a nova explosion in a star system about 3,000 light years from Earth. The stellar explosion results from the interaction between a massive star, known as a red giant, and a white dwarf—a star about the size of Earth. This particular nova happens about every 80 years and will likely be visible to the unaided eye. Close And that's The World View in 5 Minutes on this Wednesday, May 1st in the year of our Lord 2024. Subscribe by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldView.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

On Friday's show: Fort Bend ISD trustees have responded to a complaint filed with the Texas Education Agency over the early retirement of then-superintendent Christie Whitbeck. News 88.7 reporter Natalie Weber explains what the complaint alleges and what the trustees have to say about it. And she discusses other developments in Fort Bend County, including Sugar Land banning new smoke shops, vape stores, and hookah bars.Also this hour: Our non-experts weigh in on The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week, including plans to demolish a house featured in the movie Reality Bites.And we learn about the Houston Symphony's performances of Carl Orff's Carmina Burana. While many people will recognize its opening and closing numbers, the entire piece has influenced composers for TV, film, and video games.

Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas: Two advocacy groups have asked the Federal Election Commission to look into Ted Cruz's podcast income, which may have been sent to a PAC supporting his re-election illegally: https://www.texasstandard.org/stories/ted-cruz-podcast-campaign-finance-complaint/ The Texas Education Agency is planning to replace up to $20 million in human labor in STAAR Test scoring with AI: https://www.texastribune.org/2024/04/09/staar-artificial-intelligence-computer-grading-texas/ TODAY AT 11AM - Join Progress Texas and the Trade Justice Education Fund to rally against an oil polluter who is challenging a decision made in Quebec, Canada against a new LNG terminal: https://tradejusticeedfund.org/events/texas-rally-against-ruby-rivers-isds-attack-on-climate-action/ A lawsuit by three Black Texas DPS troopers, accusing the agency of racial discrimination, can move forward this summer: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/black-troopers-discrimination-lawsuit-19396537.php A Louisiana gun company, hired by multiple North Texas law enforcement agencies to destroy unwanted guns, has instead been stripping them for parts, which are then sold online: https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/i-team-guns-sent-off-by-texas-police-departments-to-be-destroyed-were-stripped-of-parts-and-sold-online/ Solar energy deployment in Texas continues to lead the nation and is now closing in on natural gas as the most sensible source and solution: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/04/09/solar-is-beginning-to-sunset-natural-gas-use-in-texas/ ...It's already a major component of the overall electical supply during daylight hours: https://cleantechnica.com/2024/04/09/texas-solar-power-growth-changing-the-shape-of-daily-electricity-supply-in-ercot/ Progress Texas invites progressive candidates to share their views with us - which we'll then share with our statewide audience - via our Certified Progressive questionnaire: https://progresstexas.org/blog/progress-texas-certified-progressives-2024-progressive-values-questionnaire Instagram users: be sure to enable political content on that platform, which has begun opting users out: https://x.com/ProgressTX/status/1771276124498100667?s=20 Thanks for listening! Find our web store and other ways to support our important work this election year at https://progresstexas.org/.

On Friday's show: With the bridge collapse in Baltimore after a container ship struck it, we talk with Roger Guenther of the Port of Houston, about whether something like that could happen in the Houston Ship Channel and about what measures are being taken to make our port safer. Also this hour: We discuss the future of in vitro fertilization in Texas in light of a recent Alabama Supreme Court decision. Then, from record visitors to Houston, to Buc-ee's partnering with the Houston Museum of Natural Science to prepare students for the upcoming eclipse, to an actor from the TV series Yellowstone getting booted off a flight here in Houston, this week's non-experts weigh in on The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week. And more light is being shed on HISD's controversial performance evaluation system for teachers from an unexpected source: the Texas Education Agency itself.

Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas: Poor turnout by Democrats in the early voting phase of the 2024 primary causes the overall turnout to fall well short of 2020: https://www.texastribune.org/2024/03/03/early-voting-turnout-2024-primaries/ ...Republicans outpaced Democrats in early voting turnout three to one: https://www.kxan.com/news/your-local-election-hq/march-2024-turnout-tracker/ ...One high-profile Democratic item, the Travis County District Attorney's race, features a shadowy PAC smearing incumbent D.A. Jose Garza: https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/03/04/jose-garza-jeremy-sylestine-travis-county Texas lawmakers in D.C. are scrambling to claim support for in-vitro fertilization, while supporting an extreme bill that would largely outlaw it nationally as written: https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2024/03/04/texas-republicans-face-questions-about-life-at-conception-bill-after-alabama-ivf-decision/ One Texas State lawmaker - a Republican who voted against school vouchers - now wants to abolish the Texas Education Agency: https://www.statesman.com/story/news/education/2024/03/03/texas-schools-lawmaker-says-abolish-tea-education-experts-weigh-in/72499627007/ Still no word from the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals on the state appeal of a federal judge's blocking of SB-4, which was set to take effect tomorrow: https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/editorials/2024/03/04/texas-sb-4-immigration-law-predictably-fails-its-first-legal-test/ ...That same ruling says that the recent wave of migrants cannot be considered by Texas an "invasion": https://reason.com/volokh/2024/03/01/federal-court-rejects-texass-argument-that-illegal-migration-qualifies-as-invasion/ Ken Paxton's office's attempts to force a trans-friendly non-profit to hand over records of young trans kids it has supported has also been blocked: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/03/us/texas-paxton-transgender-records.html Governor Abbott draws online fire for hanging out at the border with Donald Trump while historically-destructive wildfires burn in the Panhandle: https://www.newsweek.com/greg-abbotts-priorities-questioned-record-wildfires-intensify-texas-1875388 ...Those fires rage on, with very little containment: https://apnews.com/article/texas-wildfire-panhandle-hutchinson-united-way-donations-d61f26c6686ae62e855bd2075453651b Women's History Month is here and there's lots to do to celebrate across Texas: https://progresstexas.org/blog/trailblazing-texan-women The annual Amplify Austin charity and non-profit fundraiser happens Wednesday thru Thursday: https://www.amplifyatx.org/organizations/progress-texas-institute Thanks for listening! Learn all about what we do and how to support our important work at https://progresstexas.org/.

Few things upset host Raheel Ramzanali like government inefficiencies, and today one story really got him going! Plus, Texas Education Agency commissioner Mike Morath visited HISD schools for the first time since assigning Mike Miles as superintendent. Media personality Antre'chelle Nova joins Raheel to recap these stories and more. Featured stories: Houston man without birth certificate Turkey Leg Hut goes through major changes Antre'chelle will be on the Isiah Factor Uncensored tonight 59 principal changes at HISD Mike Morath visits HISD Galveston is getting a new cruise terminal Lunar New Year celebrations around Houston Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A lot is asked of military families, and sometimes a simple form can feel like a violation of privacy. Understanding why information is requested and how that information is used – and protected – is critical to ensure resources and benefits reach those they are intended for. Recently, MCEC's Parent Webinars featured What is MSI and Impact Aid. This podcast recaptures Nikki's conversation with Lori Phipps and Nanette Pigg, subject matter experts on these two data collectors.   This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Texas Education Agency. To learn more, visit https://tea.texas.gov/.   Show Notes:   Resources:   Military Student Identifier https://tea.texas.gov/about-tea/other-services/school-support   Impact Aid Program https://oese.ed.gov/offices/office-of-formula-grants/impact-aid-program/   National Association of Federally Impacted Schools https://www.nafisdc.org/impact-aid-resources/about-impact-aid/   Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) https://www.ed.gov/essa?src=rn   School Liaison programs https://installations.militaryonesource.mil/search?program-service%3D12%2Fview-by%3DALL   Military Family Life Counseling (MFLC) https://www.militaryonesource.mil/non-medical-counseling/military-and-family-life-counseling/   MIC3 https://mic3.net/   Bios: Lori A. Phipps is Chief of the Department of the Air Force School Liaison Program Division at the HQ Air Force Services Center (AFSVC), HQ Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center (AFIMSC), Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. She is responsible for providing managerial and operational oversight of the School Liaison Program, which encompasses PreK-12 Education, Public Schools on Military Installations (PSMI), and the Military & Family Life Counseling Program (MFLC). In addition, she oversees the education, development, and training program for the School Liaison Program Managers, $2M Educational Community Outreach programs, and 71 PSMIs. Her program provides support to over 770K military-connected families, 34K schools, community stakeholders, and installation support services for Commanders, Schools, and installation personnel across all Air Force Commands, the U.S. Space Force, the Air Force Reserve, and the Air National Guard as well as all joint service component families. Division is an advocate at the State/National Level for legislation benefiting military-connected students, dedicated to ensuring equitable access to quality education, support services, and resources.   Prior to her current position, Mrs. Phipps served as the Joint Base San Antonio – Lackland School Liaison Program Manager supporting over 35,000 military-connected students in forty-two school districts. Her efforts resulted in legislation to ensure the state was in compliance with the Military Interstate Compact as well as early registration and homeschool student support. In addition, she has served as a Youth Specialist, providing youth development capabilities through a system of quality, available, and affordable programs.   Prior to her Civilian positions, Mrs. Phipps served on active duty in the U.S. Air Force. During her active-duty career, she served as a Security Forces member and was selected as the first Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Instructor for the Air Force. She was appointed the Installation Crime Prevention Manager and held other leadership positions.   Nanette Pigg began her career in Child and Youth Services in 1998, she has worked in a variety of roles in child development and education.  When she first heard about the School Liaison program, she decided that was the job she had been training for her whole career.   Nanette served as the SLO for Fort Cavazos for three years before moving to Installation Management Command in San Antonio.  In her current role, she serves as the School Program Manager with operational oversight of the Army's School Liaison Officer program.  Nanette is a proud Army spouse, she and her husband Barry raised 3 daughters who experienced firsthand the challenges of transitioning to new schools every few years.   They have 8 grandchildren, 2 great-grandsons, and two German Shepard's.    

The Purple Star School program is designed to help schools respond to the educational and social-emotional challenges military-connected children face during their transition to a new school.  Marie McGarry and Catherine Cotovsky share their perspective as parents on the impact that Purple Star schools can have on our military-connected children.      This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Texas Education Agency. To learn more, visit https:  https://tea.texas.gov/.     Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.    Show Notes:    Bio:    Marie McGarry, M.Ed., is an educator, military spouse, and proud Mom to two military-connected teens. Marie earned a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction focusing on literacy education from Lesley University in her home state of Massachusetts. She was an elementary classroom teacher for over 10 years. She has worked for the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) since 2017 as a Master Parent Educator, webinar and podcast presenter, and professional development trainer.  Marie is a member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) and is a trained Special Education Advocate who works with families in the Northern Virginia area.      Catherine Cotovsky joined the MCEC® team in 2021, where she serves as a parent educator, webinar presenter, and professional development trainer. A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduate, Catherine also attended law school at the University of Illinois and practiced civil defense litigation and family law for several years. She has served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for youth in the Kansas judicial system and as a volunteer instructor for Army Community Service. Catherine has also been a military spouse for over 16 years. She and her husband met in their hometown near Chicago and now share three daughters.        Resources:    https://www.militarychild.org/purplestarschools    https://tea.texas.gov/about-tea/other-services/military-families/purple-star-campus-designation     

Read the full transcript here. Why did students struggle so much to learn through video meetings during the locked-down days of the pandemic? What are "student-led restorative practices"? What is "self-connection practice"? What tools are students lacking? When is violence the optimal solution to a problem? What are the biggest problems in education right now? What do students need in order to be successful humans? How can schools give students more agency and autonomy? What happens if students refuse to participate in restorative processes? How do our societal goals shape our educational goals?AJ Crabill's focus is improving student outcomes. He serves as Conservator at DeSoto, Texas ISD; and during his guidance, DeSoto improved from F ratings in academics, finance, and governance to B ratings. He's also Faculty at the Leadership Institute of Nevada and Director of Governance at the Council of the Great City Schools. He served as Deputy Commissioner at the Texas Education Agency and spearheaded reforms as board chair of Kansas City Public Schools that doubled the percentage of students who are literate and numerate. Crabill is the author of Great On Their Behalf: Why School Boards Fail, How Yours Can Become Effective, and is a recipient of the Education Commission of the State's James Bryant Conant Award. Learn more about him at his website, ajc7.com, or follow him on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, or Twitter / X.Further reading:Great on Their Behalf: Why School Boards Fail, How Yours Can Become Effective by AJ CrabillResults Now 2.0: The Untapped Opportunities for Swift, Dramatic Gains in Achievement by Mike SchmokerEffective School BoardsStudent-Led Restorative Practices Staff Spencer Greenberg — Host / Director Josh Castle — Producer Ryan Kessler — Audio Engineer Uri Bram — Factotum WeAmplify — Transcriptionists Miles Kestran — Marketing Music Lee Rosevere Josh Woodward Broke for Free zapsplat.com wowamusic Quiet Music for Tiny Robots Affiliates Clearer Thinking GuidedTrack Mind Ease Positly UpLift [Read more]

Relationship Capital is the ignitor to the flame of difference when your attempting to establish a sense of allyship and understanding.  When attempting to travel down a road less travelled and connect with others.  When it comes to: Trust in America: Do Americans trust the police?  Here are some findings from the Pew Research Center. The relationship between the public and police across the United States was brought into sharp focus over the course of 2020 and 2021 following the high-profile killings of several Black Americans by police, including George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, and the worldwide protests that followed. The Center reports only 10% of young black teens and adults believe they'll be treated fairly by police as compared to 18% of Hispanic youth and 16% of Asians who were asked the same question.  The highest level of trust came from whites at a clip of 32% Therefore, I am motivated  to ask the question what's the key to bridging the gap and providing the police and the youth they serve with better camaraderie between the two parties? For some in depth answers to this very question I want to tell you about the Teen And Police Service Academy. The Teen And Police Service Academy (TAPS) was founded in 2011 by the late Chief Brian Lumpkin and Criminologist, Dr. Everette Penn. At the time, the Houston Police Department was granted funds to create a program that would enhance and build a more trusting relationship between teens and police in Houston. Chief Lumpkin, Dr. Penn, and Officer Mott took on this mission and worked collaboratively to build out the TAPS Academy program. In the Spring of 2012, the first Teen And Police Service Academy was launched at Beechnut Academy, a Houston Independent School District alternative school. Data showed there were dramatic positive behavioral changes between youth and police among those who participated in the program. Now, TAPS Academy is a 501-C-3 non-profit organization and has expanded into more than 30 schools nationwide. A distinct component of the program is that TAPS Academy-trained officers spearhead the lessons. Giving law enforcement and the youth a unique chance to get to know each other on equal footing, in order to exchange ideas and learn from each other while also learning an array of life-building skills such as drug and alcohol prevention, conflict resolution, the importance of mental health, safe driving, service learning and more. Currently, TAPS Academy provides 5 programs: TAPS Academy, an 11-week curriculum-based program, TEENPOL – a TEA-accredited class in Texas, TAPS Clubs, Summer Leadership Workshops, and the SB-30 Community Safety Course. Dr. Everette B. Penn is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Teen and Police Service (TAPS) Academy in Houston, Texas. TAPS Academy's mission is to bridge the gap between youth and police and reduce crime through education, skill building, and service-learning TAPS Academy's TeenPol program is a Texas Education Agency approved curriculum which grants one high school credit to students upon completion. TAPS Academy reaches over 1,500 youth annually internationally. Dr. Penn joined me this week to tell me more.   For more information: https://www.tapsacademy.org/ Follow: @tapsacademy Call: (832) .525-1560

enVision Together: Going to Our Next Level of Best is happy to present Airick Journey (AJ) Crabill, who's focus is improving student outcomes. He serves as Conservator at DeSoto, Texas ISD. Under AJ's guidance, the DeSoto district improved their F-rated performances in academics, finance, and governance to B ratings. He's Education Faculty at the Leadership Institute of Nevada and National Director of Governance at the Council of the Great City Schools. He served as Deputy Commissioner at the Texas Education Agency and, as Board Chair of Kansas City Public Schools, spearheaded reforms that doubled the percentage of literate and numerate students. Crabill is a recipient of the Education Commission of the State's James Bryant Conant Award. This conversation gets at the core of why he does this work.

The news of Texas covered today includes:Our Lone Star story of the day: Governor Abbott released the agenda for his third called Special Session of the Legislature which begins at 1 p.m. on Monday, 9 October 2023.The governor listed four items with the second item on border security having three items listed under it. The fourth item in the call titled “public safety” is dangerously vague and comes from the hype* surrounding the Colony Ridge development in Liberty County.The big question is whether an Education Savings Account plan can be passed that provides honest, universal public school choice for Texas parents and students.*Sheriff, data refutes crime claims about Colony RidgeOur Lone Star story of the day is sponsored by Allied Compliance Services providing the best service in DOT, business and personal drug and alcohol testing since 1995.Oil and gas drilling rig count falls again. And, “Exxon move on Pioneer signals Big Oil's tightening grip on shale.”Texas Education Agency makes La Joya ISD findings public.“The State Office of Administrative Hearings found the entire school board voted to spend $38 million to install LED lights on school campuses, even when former superintendent Alda Benavides cautioned the board against such a big investment when there was no evidence the lights would save the district money. “The contract was part of a criminal conspiracy that involved millions of dollars in bribes and kickbacks.”Listen on the radio, or station stream, at 5pm Central. Click for our radio and streaming affiliates.www.PrattonTexas.com

The Texas Education Agency is moving forward with plans to monitor problems with Austin ISD’s special education services. What did we learn from COVID-19? We’ll talk to UT’s Lauren Ancel Meyers, who has been tapped to help the U.S. develop a plan to better tackle the next pandemic. Texas tops the nation in oil industry […] The post How a UT professor is helping the CDC plan for the next pandemic appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

 We're talking about a big change that's about to wallop Texas school districts. At the end of September, as lawmakers approach an anticipated special session this fall on private school vouchers, about one out of every four public school campuses will see the letter grade that marks their performance in the state's A-F accountability system drop. In many cases this will happen despite student achievement at these campuses having gone up. And for high schools, there's an added hit: a key component of their rating, the Career, College, and Military Readiness Indicator, will be retroactively applied, based on the performance of students who graduated in 2022. So going into the 2023-2024 school year, there's nothing they can do to change it, even if they could. So why is this happening? Put simply, it's because of a paperwork change—or in more precise terms, a “technical adjustment”—in how the Texas Education Agency calculates the accountability ratings. So taking the Career, College, and Military Readiness Indicator, or CCMR, as an example—instead of requiring 60 percent of kids to meet the standard to receive an A rating, now 88 percent of kids must meet it. The roll out of new standards was not directed by the Legislature, it is an agency level decision. And to understand how we got to this point, we have to take a trip to the opaque world of agency rulemaking. In this episode, we will hear from Todd Webster, Former Interim Commissioner of the Texas Education Agency and Rep. Gina Hinojosa explain the rulemaking process. We will also hear from  Dee Carney, Assessment and Accountability Policy Consultant and  Dr. Bobby Ott, Superintendent, Temple ISD discuss the process and how it the upcoming changes can negatively impact schools and their local communities.  

Ralph welcomes Sherry Turkle, Professor of the Social Studies of Science and Technology at MIT and an expert on culture and therapy, mobile technology, social networking, and sociable robotics to talk about our addictions to screens and how to break out of them. Plus, our resident constitutional scholar, Bruce Fein, opens the program with everything you need to know about the latest Trump indictment.Bruce Fein is a Constitutional scholar and an expert on international law.  Mr. Fein was Associate Deputy Attorney General under Ronald Reagan and he is the author of Constitutional Peril: The Life and Death Struggle for Our Constitution and Democracy, and American Empire: Before the Fall.I think it's important for the audience to recognize that 100% of the incriminating evidence was supplied by Trump appointees or supporters. No Democrat made a cameo appearance. There was no incriminating evidence from any opponent of Donald Trump. It's all his own people. And therefore, when you think about the indictment, the idea that it's a witch hunt by Trump's political enemies is facially lunatic.Bruce FeinThese expressions by Trump were not good-faith belief that there may have been a few blunders someplace or other. And [they demonstrate] that the whole goal was to defraud the American people out of the right to have a peaceful transition of power based upon a free and fair count of the electoral votes.Bruce FeinSherry Turkle is Professor of the Social Studies of Science and Technology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the founding director of the MIT Initiative on Technology and Self. Professor Turkle is a sociologist, a licensed clinical psychologist, and she is an expert on culture and therapy, mobile technology, social networking, and sociable robotics. She is the author of several books, including Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age, Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other, and The Empathy Diaries: A Memoir.That's really what you're fighting— this ethos that says, “When technology makes a problem, technology will solve that problem. In a friction-free manner. It will not involve changing capitalism, changing the structures of power, or saying that science and engineering need to be dethroned as the moral and cultural arbiters for the society we live in.” So, I think that the resistance movement has to come from politics and really has to come from political organization.Sherry Turkle[If I were king in this domain,] you absolutely have legislation that treats generative AI as though it were nuclear energy. In other words, do not say, “Well, there's kind of an analogy. Maybe there's an analogy because it's very powerful.” But to really say, “This is going to disrupt us, it's a national security threat, and it's certainly a threat to our elections…” So, it can wreak havoc— unless you're extremely vigilant and the thing is controlled— with every aspect of our democracy.Sherry TurkleThere's always a big-time gap between the damage of new technology and accountability catching up with it, or public awareness.Ralph NaderHi everybody, Steve Skrovan here. This is halfway between a shameless plug and some useful information. As some of you may know, I have my own Substack page called Bits & Pieces. It's mainly funny stories and essays. I wanted to alert you specifically to the last piece I wrote concerning the Writers' Guild Strike. It's funny but also packed with a lot of information for those of you who are interested. Some of you may think writers and actors striking is not a big deal, but our strike is emblematic of what is going on across many industries where the corporations are trying to turn us all into gig workers. On the RNRH, we have talked a lot about AI for instance, especially on the program you just heard. The writers and the actors have a chance to be the first entities to address regulating AI in a meaningful way. We are on the cutting edge of what people are calling the Hot Labor Summer. So, check it out at steveskrovan.substack.com. That's s-t-e-v-e-s-k-r-o-v-a-n dot substack dot com. We'll link to it on the RNRH page also. Feel free to subscribe. It's free! Thanks.In Case You Haven't Heard with Francesco DeSantis1. Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Bobby Scott announced that they have introduced a new bill to raise the minimum wage. To account for the rising cost of living, this new bill would raise the wage not to $15 per hour, but $17. Sanders and Scott note that “If the minimum wage had increased with productivity over the last 50 years, it would be $23 an hour today. If it had increased at the same rate that Wall Street…bonuses have increased, it would be more than $42 an hour.”2. USA Today reports that the Houston Independent School District in Texas has decided to “eliminate 28 school libraries,” and use at least some of those spaces as “discipline centers.”  This article further notes that “The Houston Independent School District is the largest district in Texas and serves more than 189,000 students at its 274 campuses…[and that] The once- independent district was recently taken over by the Texas Education Agency.”3. The Intercept reports that, amid the strikes roiling Hollywood, Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania has introduced the Food Secure Strikers Act of 2023. This bill would “repeal a restriction on striking workers receiving SNAP benefits, protect food stamp eligibility for public-sector workers fired for striking, and clarify that any income-eligible household can receive SNAP benefits even if a member of that household is on strike.” This bill would provide a crucial lifeline to striking workers, particularly as the Hollywood bosses have made clear that they are willing to see workers lose their homes before coming back to the negotiating table.4. A new report in Reuters alleges that employees at Elon Musk's Tesla Motors “had been instructed to thwart any customers complaining about poor driving range from bringing their vehicles in for service.” The company even went so far as to create a “Diversion Team” with orders to “cancel as many range-related [service] appointments as possible,” in order to stifle consumer complaints that the automobiles range on a single charge was far below advertised. According to the report “some employees celebrated canceling service appointments by putting their phones on mute and striking a metal xylophone, triggering applause from coworkers who sometimes stood on desks.”5. Bloomberg reports that the Abraham Accords –  Trump's middle east peace plan which rested on inducing Arab states to recognize Israel by offering them money, weapons, or whatever else they desired – seem to be coming apart at the seams. The numbers are stark. While the agreements never enjoyed majority support in any Arab state, support has declined considerably – from 47% initially in the UAE, to just 27%, from 45% to 20% in Bahrain, and 40% to 20% in Saudi Arabia. This last drop is most significant, as the underlying purpose of the agreements were to align Israel and Saudi Arabia against Iran. The Saudis now plan to extract further concessions from the United States.6. Listeners may recall a story from North Carolina about Tricia Cotham, a Democratic state legislator from a safe blue seat who switched parties, giving Republicans a super-majority in the state House – and cast the deciding vote to override the Democratic Governor's veto and impose a 12-week abortion ban. Now, a New York Times report sheds light on why she made the switch: “Lacey Williams, a former advocacy director at the Charlotte-based Latin American Coalition who considered Ms. Cotham a friend for years, said Ms. Cotham “felt she did not get the gratitude or spotlight that she felt she deserved,” and added, “she was jealous that other Democrats were getting…adulation from the party.” This report also suggests that she was working hand-in-glove with Republican leadership prior to her election, suggesting that perhaps this was her plan all along.7. In Julian Assange's native Australia, political officials are calling on the U.S. to drop their efforts to extradite the publisher to the United States to stand trial under the espionage act. These officials include Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Democracy Now! reports that US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has rejected this demand, claiming that the WikiLeaks disclosures “risked very serious harm to our national security, to the benefit of our adversaries, and put named human sources at grave risk.” Australian lawmaker Andrew Wilkie,  co-chair of the Bring Julian Assange Home Parliamentary Group, called this “patent nonsense,” and told The Guardian, “Mr. Blinken would be well aware of the inquiries in both the U.S. and Australia which found that the relevant WikiLeaks disclosures did not result in harm to anyone.”8. Finally, former President Donald Trump has been indicted for the third time, this time on four counts related to trying to overturn the 2020 election. Yet, what is most striking about this indictment is that Trump is being charged under the Enforcement Act of 1870, originally intended to prevent Ku Klux Klan terror to deprive Black voters of their 13th, 14th and 15th amendment rights. Section 241 of this law deems criminal any attempt to “conspire to injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate any person” exercising a right protected by the Constitution or federal law,” per the Washington Post. Charging Trump under the Klan act may seem a bit on the nose, but hey, if the hood fits. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

TOPIC: Bill Lockwood interview, Texas Education Agency, Houston Independent School District, Ken Paxton, HAKE NEWS