Mary Lou Lang News
Online education program sparks increased confidence and interest in learning for once floundering students
Remote learning became prominent in the country as a result of the pandemic, and with more parents turning to homeschooling, one online learning program helped students stay on track and gave them renewed confidence in their studies.
Students can 'choose to accelerate their learning' with Acellus in Le Grand High School District
In the rural California district of Le Grand High School, students have used an online learning program called Acellus that the superintendent believes has helped student performance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Le Grand Elementary School District superintendent: Use of Acellus has helped avoid 'learning loss'
A rural California school district has faced challenges with the pandemic like many across the country, but applying the Acellus Academy program to the curriculum is having a positive effect on students.
Military mother of two said choice to home school was 'easy decision'
A military mother of two sons, one with special needs, is finishing up her first year of home schooling her children and says she is one of many in her neighborhood who have turned to the practice as an alternative to public school.
Mother of six says there has been a 'huge explosion' in home-schooling interest
A mother of six in San Antonio has home-schooled all her children for nearly three decades and says they all excelled beyond children their age who received a public school education.
Frank seeks equal access to extracurricular activities for home-school students with House bill
Students who are home schooled cannot currently participate in Texas public school extracurricular activities, including sports, but a bill introduced by Rep. James Frank (R-Wichita Falls), if passed, will level the playing field.
Texas lawmakers file bills to give equal access to home-schooled students for extracurriculars
Children who are homeschooled in several states have not been allowed to participate in public school extracurricular activities such as athletics and music but lawmakers in several states are aiming to end that prohibition.
STAAR testing returns but requirements weakened
Although standardized testing has returned to Texas schools after it was suspended last year due to the pandemic, the requirements of the test have been lowered, including the test accountability components for grade promotions.
Acellus Academy announces new online robotics course
Roger Billings announced on Jan. 6 that Acellus Academy is a new online robotics course for students.
El Paso area public school enrollment plummets as interest in alternative education picks up
Enrollment in Texas public schools has dropped significantly and one analysis shows almost 250,000 students in the state are not in school. El Paso area schools have also seen a decrease in enrollment.
Midland-Odessa area public school enrollment drops as interest in alternative education picks up
Student enrollment in Texas public schools has dropped substantially and the Midland-Odessa area public schools have also seen enrollment declines as more parents are opting for alternative education options such as home schooling.
Texas 2036 report: Nearly 250,000 students missing from schools during pandemic
Enrollment in Texas public schools has dropped substantially and one analysis shows nearly 250,000 students across all regions of the state are not in school, and that number could continue to grow.
Officials deliver on pay raises for Texas teachers
Texas teachers statewide received pay raises, with some receiving more than $5,200, as a result of a school finance reform bill that was passed in 2019.
Students' online cheating threatens integrity of grading
Students cheating on assignments that they are required to complete at home has always been a concern for educators, but with more online assignments due to the COVID-19 pandemic the issue has drawn more attention.
Abbott waives some STAAR requirements
A growing number of lawmakers, public officials and organizations in Texas are calling for the state’s education testing to be waived for the upcoming school year, and Gov. Greg Abbott this week waived certain requirements for the standardized test.
Texas teacher groups split on need for inspector general
Teacher groups in Texas have opposed lawmakers’ attempts to create an office of inspector general (OIG) at the Texas Education Agency that would investigate any misconduct in public education and one lawmaker says the watchdog is necessary for accountability.
Texas education rules limit teachers' paperwork responsibilities during COVID-19 crisis
Many professions have seen increased workloads due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and teachers are no exception. School districts around the nation have increased the amount of documentation that educators are required to fill out.
Texas STAAR testing canceled as a result of coronavirus
School districts can now decide if students can graduate in Texas and other students can move on to the next grade without the previous requirement that they pass the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR), the Texas Tribune reported.
State poised for takeover of Shepherd Independent School District
Even though a court temporarily blocked a state takeover of the Shepherd Independent School District school board members voted last week to essentially give up control of the four schools in their district, the Texas Tribune reported.