It is Holocaust Remembrance Week in Texas. This week our students are learning about the Holocaust, its lasting impact, and the importance of standing up for human dignity to prevent future atrocities.
Next week will kick off Black History Month! Be sure to check out the district’s Black History Month page and calendar for upcoming happenings.
Share your thoughts on how we can maximize use of magnet bus transportation while saving money to reduce the budget deficit. Complete this short survey to provide feedback!
H-E-B surprises two Austin ISD teachers as finalist for 2025 Excellence in Education Awards
Educators from Bertha Sadler Means Young Women’s Leadership Academy and Lively Middle School will represent Austin ISD in the statewide H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards this spring, which honors outstanding school professionals.
Why it matters: This honor is a testament to the talent of Austin ISD educators who show up every day to support students and families.
The details: Sadler Means Counselor Karen Terry and Lively Spanish Teacher Wendell Norris were surprised by H-E-B staff and Superintendent Matias Segura Jan. 30 when the finalists were formally revealed
Terry is a finalist in the School Counselor category and personally received $1,000 along with $1,500 for the campus.
Norris is a finalist in the Teacher category and personally received $1,000 along with the $,1000 for the campus.
What’s next: Finalists will compete for statewide awards ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. Winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Hilton Austin on Sunday, May 4, where $480,000 will be awarded statewide.
‘National Report Card’ shows Austin ISD students returning to pre-pandemic levels
Austin ISD student scores are higher than state, peer-districts, national charter students and the nationwide average, according to the latest testing cycle of the National Assessment of Educational Progress.
Why it matters: Schools nationwide have spent years grappling with pandemic-related challenges. These results are an encouraging sign that Austin ISD has a strong academic foundation and learning is on the rise.
Zoom out: NAEP is a reading and math assessment given to a sample of fourth and eighth-grade students nationwide to better understand performance across the country and states. The test is given every two years, with 2024 being the latest test.
The highlights: Austin ISD scores were not just higher, but significantly higher than other peer groups.
The district scored significantly higher than the state in eighth-grade math and both reading levels. Austin ISD was significantly higher than national public schools in fourth-grade math. The district was significantly higher than the larger cities grouping and all Texas peer districts (Dallas, Houston, Fort Worth) in all grades and levels tested.
Student scores made small improvements from 2022. Fourth-grade math stood out and had significant learning gains.
Comparisons to 2019 were similar to pre-pandemic levels providing an indication that student learning may be in recovery. There are also some opportunities for improvement, including eighth-grade math, which was significantly lower than 2019, suggesting additional support is needed to support these students long term.
Yes, and…Gaps persist in scores for our marginalized and economically disadvantaged students. This data aligns with information in our Scorecard and statewide testing and continues to shape our strategic efforts.
What they’re saying: “The council applauds large city schools for their improvement in academic performance and the progress they are making in turning to pre-pandemic levels thanks to target investments that have addressed setbacks and driven recovery,” said Ray Hart, executive director of the Council of the Great City Schools.
Read our Austin ISD report on NAEP 2024, including the full findings, visualizations, and deep cuts into student groups.
You may remember, Austin ISD operated Pease Elementary School until 2020. Since then, district leaders have worked with the community to repurpose the building.
The childcare center will be managed by Goodwill Central Texas and serve up to 130 kids from six months to five years old. Austin ISD teachers, staff and families will be prioritized.
The building will undergo renovations and operations are slated to begin in 2027.
And as you know, the 89th legislative session has already started and we’re already monitoring the bills that could impact us. Here are some of the bills presented to the trustees:
We have our eye on two budget bills: House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 1, both of which would boost funding for education and provide tax relief.
HB 1 adds $4.85 billion for public schools, $450 million for the Teacher Retirement System, and $3.5 billion for property taxes relief (pending other legislation).
SB1 proposes increases for teacher pay by $4,000 for all teachers and an additional $6,000 for rural teachers, totaling a $10,000 increase. Plus, $3 billion in residential property tax relief and $500 million for businesses.
Vouchers are still the talk of the legislature with Senate Bill 2, which creates an Education Savings Account (AKA voucher) program.
Under this plan, every Texas student can apply for an ESA, whether they are in public, private or homeschool. Vouchers are worth $10,000 or $11,500 for students with disabilities. Homeschool students could get $2,000. Want to learn more? Read the details of the bill.
Learn more about the district’s legislative priorities approved by the Board of Trustees.
Last but not least, the board discussed its quarterly Lone Star Governance Progress Report. The board achieved a rating of “meets focus” for the third consecutive quarter, which means they are on track to complete the requirements ahead of schedule.
Catch up quick: Lone Star Governance is a framework our board has committed to as part of the TEA Special Education Order, and is rooted in an intesse focus on student academic achievement. Trustees receive coaching and are graded on their alignment with the five pillars of the Texas Framework for School Board Development:
And…if you’re trying to get your finances in check, check out this Financial Wellness Benefit offered by the district and Foundation 99. Learn how to access unlimited, confidential Financial Coaching with a certified financial coach. The next virtual event is at 5 p.m. on Feb. 5.
Have a great weekend ahead!
-JJ
For questions or comments you may email me at jorge.maldonado@austinisd.org
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