There is a lot going on in your life as a parent and a lot going on in the Greater Houston Education Village. To assist you in staying informed we bring you a weekly list of links for the top education stories and events.

Cy-Fair ISD Plans for Recaptured Funding
If all goes well, Cypress Fairbanks ISD will use recovered money from the current Texas Legislative session to increase teachers’ salaries among other items. See what their priority items include.

Legislators Closer in Agreement on Education
“Budget leaders in the [Texas] House and Senate have been engaged in discussions for weeks on how to address last session’s $5.4 billion in cuts to education and to also put money toward water infrastructure projects. Various lawmakers and groups have floated proposals for tapping the state’s Rainy Day Fund, projected to have $11.8 billion by the end of the next biennium, to address these and other issues.”

Diplomas At Risk
For many students with learning disabilities earning a high school diploma remains a dream. To view the statistics by states, and to learn which states are currently below average in graduating students with regular diplomas, review this article.

“Dual Language in Early Education”
Recent studies now indicate “dual-language learners develop language skills differently than their monolingual, English-speaking peers. Young dual-language learners, who are using two separate language systems, will take longer to reach proficiency in both languages than their peers learning only one…” and for that reason, dual language instruction is better received in early education.

“Compare College TX”
The Texas Higher Education Board recently announced a new online tool which allows families convenient assess to comparison data which will aide in their decisions regarding Texas’ public higher education. This tool will present typical tuition and course information as well as graduation rates. More importantly, historical post graduation earnings and employment statistics will be readily available.

Nepotism in Charter Schools Slated to End
Many charter schools in Texas have been plagued with the staffing of questionably qualified family members. This practice is scheduled to change with new legislation which requires public charter education facilities to abide by rules that currently apply to other public education systems across the State.

There is a lot going on in your life as a parent and a lot going on in the Greater Houston Education Village. To assist you in staying informed we bring you a weekly list of links for the top education stories and events.

“No Rich Child Left Behind”
Is it possible that educators have been analyzing the wrong data to affect positive change in education? Should the achievement gap in education become a discussion of familial finances? Are public schools overly concerned with high stakes testing instead of equitable high-quality instruction and results? If you are curious about the origins of these questions, this article should at the very least give you food for thought.

College Calculator
“Do you want to know how much it will cost for you to attend college? Check out [the] Net Price Calculator Center” from the United States Department of Education. Real time estimates are available for colleges and universities across the country.

National Healthy Lunch Challenge
First Lady, Michelle Obama, recently announced the 2nd Annual Lunchtime Challenge. This initiative offers students ages 8-12 and their parent or guardian an opportunity to submit healthy lunch recipes to ultimately be shared by the nation. Healthy lunch alternatives is the ultimate goal, but the very exciting incentive for having a recipe chosen will be the special invitation to participate in an exclusive “Kids Dinner at the White House.”

“Concussion Insurance”
“The Texas House has approved a public school pilot program allowing parents to purchase supplemental concussion insurance for boys who play football and girls who play soccer.”

Summer Volunteer Events
The Summer Service Club of Volunteer Houston has opportunities for students to volunteer this summer. If your children are between the ages of 13 and 18, they are eligible for summer fun in a variety of organizations throughout the summer.

Legislative Impasse
A bit of controversy surrounds the fact that Texas Democrats strongly believe the Rainy Day Fund should not be used for any infrastructure changes until funding is returned for education. Will this become the issue which will drive this session of legislators into a summer session?

There is a lot going on in your life as a parent and a lot going on in the Greater Houston Education Village. To assist you in staying informed we bring you a weekly list of links for the top education stories and events.

Political Hazards for Education Changes
The current Texas Legislative session is in full swing. Texas Tribune recently published an article in which its author equated hazards associated with changing standards for high school graduation across Texas.

Texas Corporation Lobbies for Algebra
Texas Instruments, electronic innovator of technology for STEM industries, is expending its significant influence to assure Algebra 2 remains a requirement for graduation from high schools across the State. This lobby effort is unorthodox.

“New Accountability System in Texas”
“Four components-student achievement, student progress, closing performance gaps, and postsecondary readiness-comprise Texas’ new accountability system for school districts, campuses, and charters. Commissioner of Education Michael L. Williams made the announcement and said, “The new system makes use of multiple indicators to provide parents and taxpayers a more detailed view of the successes, as well as areas of necessary improvement, for each district, charter and campus.” They will receive one of three ratings: Met Standard, Met Alternative Standard (for alternative education campuses or districts), or Improvement Required. The first ratings under this system will be issued August 8, 2013.” A note of thanks to Jane Beach of PPS, Inc. for bringing this article to our attention.

Important Changes to FAFSA
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, recently announced changes to the FAFSA forms to begin with the 2014-2015 school year. He states: “These changes will allow us to more precisely calculate federal student aid eligibility based on what a student’s whole family is able to contribute and ensure taxpayer dollars are better targeted toward those students who have the most need, as well as provide an inclusive form that reflects the diversity of American families.”

Op-Ed Regarding College Remediation
The author of this article addresses Pell Grants as they relate to tuition payments for remedial college courses. This would not be an issue for discussion if all students graduated from high schools career and/or college prepared.

History a Priority
The organization of American Historians (OAH) named more than 85,000 winners in their 2013 Friends of History Award Program. History is a priority for members and participants who value our past to prepare for our future.

Our “Guiding Star Award” program celebrates everyone who participates in all aspects of education. There is a category for everyone who helps. We hope you will join us as we recognize all of our nominees and award recipients.

• Wednesday, May 29, 2013
• 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

• Harris County Department of Education
• 6300 Irvington Blvd.
• Houston, Texas 77022
• 5th Floor Conference Center
• Directions

Seating is limited. RSVP Required.
Click Here to RSVP

Event Sponsors
Harris County Department of Education
HISD Aramark

There is a lot going on in your life as a parent and a lot going on in the Greater Houston Education Village. To assist you in staying informed we bring you a weekly list of links for the top education stories and events.

Alief ISD Names Teachers of the Year
The Alief Independent School District (ALIEF ISD) recently named its Teachers of the Year. Courtney Rees and Susan Brunell, both with more than ten (10) years in the classroom were named Elementary and High School Teacher of the Year respectfully.

Humble ISD Candidate Forums
Candidates for Humble Independent School District Board of Trustees were given an opportunity to address the issues of their district at two candidates’ forums held recently. Parents and other district stakeholders are always encouraged to participate to allow for election of the best trustee to represent our future.

Texas’ Education Statistics Remain Grim
“…[T]he Legislative Study Group released ‘Texas on the Brink,’ a project … [that] compiles research and statistics on numerous public policies affecting the lives of Texas families. We hope Texas on the Brink will be a recurring resource for elected officials and the public as we work together on solving the public policy challenges Texas faces.” Of great interest to our readers are the less than remarkable results in education.

School Rankings are Available
Children at Risk recently published its annual list of school rankings. Education quality and reform are the driving factors along with other statistical results. Clear explanations and comparisons make this information interesting and creditable.

A Discussion of Universal Preschool
“‘The evidence is clear,’ Secretary Arne Duncan wrote in a Washington Post op-ed …, ‘we need to stop asking whether early learning works — and start asking whether we have the national will to make it a reality for the children who need it most.’”

Cameras Proposed for Teachers’ Evaluation
The Gates foundation is proposing a more technical alternative to assist with teacher evaluation. The Measures of Effective Teaching (MET) project, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation would use recorded and/or remote surveillance along with test scores to enhance teacher evaluation systems in the future.

Preschool Focus for Education Excellence
“San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro has not only persuaded his constituents to spend $248 million to pay for an unusual and ambitious preschool program for poor 4-year-olds, but he’s also going to open doors in August-a mere nine months after people asked for it…[This] gold standard academics…[will be offered] in addition to intensive professional development…and extensive parental supports.”

There is a lot going on in your life as a parent and a lot going on in the Greater Houston Education Village. To assist you in staying informed we bring you a weekly list of links for the top education stories and events.

You Can Help West!: KTRK | KPRC
Families in West, Texas need our immediate assistance. Survivors of the fertilizer plant explosion earlier this week desperately need to rebuild their lives. You can help them by donating food, clothing, pet supplies, and other essential items through the Red Cross, Gallery Furniture, or DeMontrond in Conroe. Monetary donations are also appreciated.

Age Appropriate Conversations about Boston
Local media expert, Rachel McNeill, from KPRC, uses this column to address age appropriate approaches to discuss the recent bombings in Boston. Her research gives parents suggestions to help their children “Make Sense of Boston.”

Kettering Foundation Studies Public Education
“’… [T]he nation seems to be having two parallel discussions about accountability in education reform.’ According to the study, education leaders focus on what schools and educators should do more proficiently to raise student achievement, while the public’s focus is on student behavior and student motivation and parents’ responsibility for helping their children develop the habits and values that ensure success in school. Parents also place more of an emphasis on the role of schools in building communities.”

MADD Launches Annual Graduation Campaign
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) sponsors an annual campaign to stop alcohol abuse. It is designed to coincide with graduation and other end of the school year activities which are historically celebrated. This year, the program is called: “… PowerTalk21. It officially starts April 21st, but MADD wants to get the word out so kids know what to do before they head out to end-of-the-year parties.”

SBOE Losses Power to Approve Charters
Current State legislators have revised regulations regarding authority to approve charter schools. Texas Senators moved the responsibility to grant charters from the State Board of Education (SBOE) to Commissioner of Education, Michael Williams. Some SBOE members complained of a lack of clarity for the change in policy.

2014 Proposed Federal Budget for Education
President Obama recently released his proposed budget for 2014. Among the highlights of the budget was a $1.8 billion allocation for vocational and adult education; $300 million for a high school redesign intuitive; continuation of programs to assist with English language acquisition; and grants to States for Adult education.

New Round for Race to Top
“The U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced they will invest the majority of the 2013 Race to the Top funds for a second Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge competition. About $370 million will be available this year for states to develop new approaches to increase high-quality early learning opportunities and close the school readiness gap.”

There is a lot going on in your life as a parent and a lot going on in the Greater Houston Education Village. To assist you in staying informed we bring you a weekly list of links for the top education stories and events.

“Seven IEP Tips”
Parents of students with special needs become experts to allow them to advocate for modifications and/or accommodations for the success of their children. The wisdom they acquire is often extremely helpful to other parents and educators because of their personal passion to encourage enrichment and achievement. An example of a parent who cares and shares her expertise gives us “Seven IEP Tips,” and reminds us that each child is an individual.

Instruction Quality in Math Related to Early Success
Two recent reports state that high school students who are struggling in mathematics do not receive high quality instruction. According to these statistics, the most qualified instructors are made available to students who competencies make them eligible for higher mathematics instead of evaluation and remediation.

Alarming Stats Regarding School Suspension
“There are well-documented methods and trainings for teachers that can create safe and effective learning environments in our middle and high schools without relying on the frequent suspension of students who are at the greatest risk for academic failure,… The public should reject the high-suspending status quo and take measures to ensure that the approach to challenging adolescent behavior is age-appropriate and not counterproductive.”

Two Area ISD’s Honored
Houston ISD and Cypress – FairBanks ISD were among the school districts to receive honorable mention for programs designed for education progress by Sodexo. “The Magna Awards, supported by Sodexo, recognize districts across the country for outstanding programs that advance student learning and encourage community involvement in schools. This year’s three grand prize, 15 first place, and 15 honorable mention winners were selected from three enrollment categories: under 5,000 students, 5,000 to 20,000 students, and over 20,000 students.”

“Achieving the Greatest”
Ali Younes, is a “University of Houston senior and founder of ATG Foundations (Achieving the Greatest), a non-profit organization aimed at helping students prepare for the rigors of college…” This young man firmly believes that there are no excuses to prevent attainment of a formal college education as long as there is a will to be successful. His beliefs are so strong that he began an organization to prove it.

HISD Testing Calendar 2012-2013 School Year
There are a number of dates set aside for testing near the end of each school year. This reminder is in the form of a calendar published by the Houston Independent School District.

There is a lot going on in your life as a parent and a lot going on in the Greater Houston Education Village. To assist you in staying informed we bring you a weekly list of links for the top education stories and events.

Alief Asks for Public Library Expansion
Members of the Alief community have started a petition to expand the only Houston Public Library in their immediate community. The Henington Branch ranks second only to the central library in downtown Houston for circulation and use.

“National Autism Awareness Month”
April is “National Autism Awareness Month.” This is an annual event which addresses the need for continued autism research and awareness. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius addresses this event from a national perspective.

USDA Resources
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently distributed a press release to inform Americans of their plans and initiatives to “Raise a Healthier Generation of Americans.” Available resources included information regarding the Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 and the “Choose My Plate” program. Most important, was the reminder that: “…[H]ealthy foods are often no more expensive than less-nutritious foods.” All efforts are to “[i]ncrease access and empower families to provide healthy food.”

“Bill Would Train Teachers to Spot Mental Illness”
“A state lawmaker says Texas students are grappling with mental illness, but not all teachers, counselors and principals know how to recognize the signs. So the lawmaker, Sen. Bob Deuell, R-Greenville, is backing a mental health bill that he says would encourage educators in more than 1,100 school districts to get the necessary training. According to the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15- to 19-year-olds in Texas.”

“…Mental Health Campaign”
“…The Clarity Child Guidance Center, a local mental health treatment center for children and adolescents, came up with the idea for the One in Five Minds campaign. The program aims to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues and to increase access to care for families caring for a child struggling with a mental health condition.”

How Educators are Effectively Using Student Data
A widely used education protocol is the use of student data to drive curriculum. Three school systems in separate areas of the country have achieved some measurable success by incorporating the use of technology to share the information for effect.

Nominations Due Friday, April 12, 2013 (7:00 PM CT)

Complete Nomination Form Online
Download Nomination Form

The Parents for Public Schools of Houston “Guiding Star Award” program will identify superstars in education. We are asking our Greater Houston Education Village to acknowledge their appreciation for contributions of education innovators, producers, supporters, directors and other stars by completing the required nomination form by 7:00 PM CT, Friday, April 12, 2013. Our “Guiding Star Award” program celebrates everyone who participates in all aspects of education. There is a category for everyone who helps, such as:

• Parent, Grandparent or Guardian
• Certified Staff (teacher, principal, librarian, nurse, etc.)
• Non-Certified Staff (office staff, security, food service, custodian, bus driver, etc.)
• Non-Parent Volunteer (tutor, mentor, alumni parent, extra-curricular instructor, coach, etc.)
• Community Organization or Partner in Education
• Parent/Community Friendly School

Nominating your Guiding Star will show how much they are truly appreciated, no matter what their official title. What they bring to the table is enhanced education of our children and that is most important!

Feel free to share this information with your network.

Jaime Castañeda, HISD Assistant Superintendent, Office of School Support, will be the keynote speaker for the 3rd Annual Guiding Star Award program, hosted and sponsored by Parents for Public Schools of Houston. The former Principal of Davis High School has epitomized best practices for community and family engagement in education. We believe Mr. Castañeda is highly qualified to address the topic of successful schools because both he and Davis are previous winners of our award.

Thank you to former Davis Secretary Alice Zamora for the following biography.

Jaime Castañeda graduated from Davis High School in 1975. While there, he played football and was elected Mr. JDHS his senior year. After high school, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Texas Lutheran College and his Master of Education and Mid-Management certification from the University of Houston. Mr. Castañeda taught Social Studies in both the Crosby and the Brazosport Independent School Districts before starting his administrative career in HISD. He served as an assistant principal at Wheatley, Robert E. Lee, and Jefferson Davis High Schools before becoming the principal of J.R. Harris Elementary School for six years. In 1993-97, while serving as Assistant Principal at Lee High School, a book written by Hillary Clinton, “It takes a Village”, featured the Lee High School’s administration’s involvement in the community dealing with the student drop-out situation. In 2007, Mr. Castañeda was called back to his alma mater, Jefferson Davis High School, to serve as principal.

In his six years at Jefferson Davis High School, Jaime Castañeda’s academic accomplishments have been phenomenal. For the first time in history, Jefferson Davis High School became a T.E.A. Recognized School. Other accomplishments include Davis High School being named a Children at Risk Top Ten Most Improved School, boasting an 80% Graduation Rate, having the third lowest dropout rate among comprehensive HISD high schools, and making significant increases in AP and Pre-AP course offerings and AP exam passing rates—to name just a few. In November of 2011, Davis High School was featured on the Department of Education website “Doing What Works” for its notable work with recovering dropouts and graduating students. During his tenure, students have soared in both athletic and academic competitions.

He has served on several local and national educational panels including Gear Up, Children at Risk, Parents in Public Schools, Hispanic Forum, and Action Center. In 2006, he was named the North Region successful Leadership Award. He has been recognized for a variety of contributions to student success while at Davis High School: Jeff Davis R.O.T.C. Appreciation Award, Davis P.T.O. Appreciation Award, the 2007-08 Secondary Administrator of the Year, the 2008 La Paz Scholarship Award, the 2009 B.O.N.D. (Building Our Neighborhood Defense) award, the 2010 Jeff Davis Hispanic Alumni Educator of the Year, and the 2011 Parents of Public Schools Guiding Star Award. Most recently, in recognition for his accomplishments and dedication to education, Houston Mayor Anise D. Parker proclaimed October 8, 2011 Jaime Castañeda Day in Houston, Texas.

Jaime Castañeda believes that every student has the ability to succeed, and that it is up to the school community to develop the gifts of the child. It is up to all educators to clear

the way for these young people and to guide them toward opportunities for greater learning and financial security. He works to move each of his students forward, compelling each one with encouragement, great knowledge, a fierce sense of school pride, and a strong sense of community that each of these children deserves and requires for a building a self-sufficient and prosperous life.