Texas Education CAFE™ Advocacy Network |
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Texas Policy Weekly Update |
Each week, we are sharing the latest news about what's happening in Texas education policy and how you can make your voice heard.
In this issue
- Coming Up: Week of May 10
- IDRA Office Hours Assistance – Submit your Comments this Week
- Texas House to Vote Today on Bill that Limits Speech, Ideas and Participation in Schools
- Texas House: On the Floor
- Highlights from Last Week
- Video Advocacy Campaign: Digitally Divided, Community United
- Tools & Resources
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Coming Up: Week of May 10 |
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Hearings and activities this week will address:
- supporting bills to expand access to ethnic studies,
- working with partners to oppose bills that limit student engagement, and
- supporting the expansion of early college high school access.
You can watch the hearings live online. Each hearing covers multiple bills (click the links below to see the agendas). For hearings in the Texas House, you can submit comments about any of the bills being discussed during the hearing using an online portal (even if they've moved on to a different bill).
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Thursday, May 13
Higher Education Committee
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Monday, May 10
Senate Education Committee
Wednesday, May 12
Senate Higher Education Committee
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Submit Your Comments this Week |
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IDRA holds virtual office hours to walk you through the process of submitting public comments online |
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Every Monday afternoon, IDRA helps students, families, educators and community members submit their own comments on education bills being debated by Texas lawmakers that week. #ShareYourStory
What happens during IDRA’s virtual office hours?
- Get information on bills that will be heard by lawmakers that week.
- Summarize your own story and how a proposed bill would impact schools in your community.
- See how to use Texas’ online public comment portal so you can share your thoughts and ideas with lawmakers. Submit your comments!
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Mondays • 4:30-5:30 pm cst
Bilingual event in English & Spanish
Register once to get the link and come back any time.
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Note: IDRA will assist with bill information and the comment process, not on influencing a participant’s position. |
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Texas House to Vote on Bill that Limits Speech, Ideas and Participation in Schools |
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The Texas House vote that was expected last week on HB 3979 is now scheduled for today.
This is a very harmful bill that would prohibit Texas schools from discussing important topics related to race, gender and justice in social studies, government, civics and history courses. HB 3979 attempts to control students' and teachers' thoughts and discussions of current events and social justice issues in schools. It mischaracterizes the important conversations about diversity and equity that are happening in schools, homes and workplaces across the country.
Additionally, the bill would prohibit schools from accessing private funding for certain curriculum development and materials and would prohibit students from participating in civics activities for course credit.
You can help! Call your Representative and ask them to vote AGAINST HB 3979!
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Texas House: On the Floor Monday |
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Several education bills are scheduled for the floor of the Texas House today ( see notice, subject to change).
HB 1504, which would promote a r obust and equitable curriculum for all students. See IDRA testimony.
HB 3979, which would limit free speech in social studies education and other elements that would hurt children's education. See story above.
HB 2802, which would allow TEA to seek an assessment waiver allowing districts to support students during a crisis. See TLEEC testimony.
HB 2344, which would authorize use of a writing portfolio assessment.
HB 3298, which would create a computer science strategic advisory committee and establish a computer science and technology applications professional development grant program for public school teachers.
HB 1776, which would require "founding documents" to be posted in all schools and that high schools offer a corresponding elective course
HB 144, which would require supplemental information in IEPs during COVID-19.
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Texas House: On the Floor Tuesday |
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Several education bills are scheduled for the floor of the Texas House Tuesday ( see notice, subject to change).
HB 2554, which would f urther the inequitable practice of funneling students of color into vocational education. See IDRA testimony.
HB 3430, which would create a grant program for community schools.
HB 4509, which would require supplemental information in IEPs during COVID-19.
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Highlights from Last Week |
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Coalition Actions to Stop HB 3979 |
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Coalitions across the state took steps to encourage policymakers to oppose HB 3979 (see story above).
The list is growing fast. Stay turned to IDRA & TLEEC social media accounts for updates:
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Digitally Divided, Community United
Students, Parents, Educators:
How has the digital divide impacted you?
We need your voice! Record a 15-second testimony
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5815 Callaghan Road, Suite 101
San Antonio, TX 78228
Phone: 210-444-1710
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