Benjamin Kibbey News
Census Bureau: Houston records growing home-schooling trend
The Houston area has become a major hub for home schooling as the number of families choosing to take a direct role in their children’s education saw a significant surge during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Home schooling in Texas almost tripled during pandemic
The percentage of Texas students being homeschooled full time more than doubled during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the share of households homeschooling students in the state jumping from 4.5% to 12.3%.
Home schooling on the rise in Texas and across the nation
Recent increases in the number of Dallas-Fort Worth families choosing home schooling reflects a larger, national trend that significantly accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, but health concerns are not the only factor driving the move.
Home-schooled students 'thrive in our diverse classrooms' at Houston's College of Biblical Studies
As parents consider education alternatives for their children due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some have chosen full-time home schooling, and several Texas colleges and universities are already prepared for these students.
Austin-area homeschoolers embrace variety and choice of an individual education
Even before the pandemic, there were already thousands of parents in the Austin area who had chosen to educate their children themselves.
The difference one person can make
Despite the current environment of contentious politics, teachers can still make a significant difference in the kind of voters and citizens who will make the decisions of tomorrow.
San Antonio teacher receives leadership award
Texas State Teachers Association (TSTA) member Adrian Reyna, a U.S. history teacher at Longfellow Middle School in San Antonio, was recently recognized by Humanities Texas with the organization’s Julius Glickman Educational Leadership Award.
Leading from the heart: actually getting into the core of your team to help guide them
As leaders in academic environments, the COVID-19 pandemic presents challenges that are both common and unique.
Teachers association states raises given against budget constraints are still not enough
After educators across the state recently received pay raises in the midst of the state’s budget problems from the economic crisis created by COVID-19 restrictions, the Texas State Teachers Association (TSTA) issued a statement to remind that the state is behind the national average.
Texas educators received average of $3,800 or $5,200 in pay raises this year
A new report from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) showing that House Bill 3 has led to significant pay increases for teachers around the state.
ATPE highlights Nacogdoches as Region 7 Local Unit of the Year
The Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE) recently recognized the local unit in Nacogdoches as its Region 7 Local Unit of the Year.
In midst of COVID-19 decision fatigue, schools can’t afford to let cybersecurity fall by the wayside
As school administrators face a whole new set of questions and potential problems added to their plate by the COVID-19 pandemic, old concerns, such as cybersecurity, have gained new prominence due to the increased reliance on Internet-based solutions.
The importance of a vote and the examples that we make
In the U.S., people have a variety of reasons for why voting is important to them, from personal conviction to the examples others have set and sacrifices others have made.
McAllen ISD) Superintendent Jose Gonzalez wins Texas Superintendent of the Year
McAllen Independent School District (ISD) Superintendent Jose Gonzalez was recently named as the 2020 Superintendent of the Year by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) after beating out foru other finalist superintendents from across the state.
TEA rolls out first portion of Texas Home Learning 3.0 materials and curriculums
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) recently released it’s Texas Home Learning 3.0 (THL 3.0) initiative to provide schools across the state with materials that are optional, digitized, aligned to the state’s standards, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).
Texas teacher’s union commemorates the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg
The Texas AFT teacher’s union recently posted in honor of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg shortly following her passing, noting not only her accomplishments, but also her commitments to her ideals and convictions.
Twenty-eight Texas schools awarded National Blue Ribbon status
Twenty-eight Texas schools were recognized this year as National Blue Ribbon Schools, a testament to their academic performance and progress in closing achievement gaps.
All 26 Texas schools nominate nominated for Blue Ribbon Honors receive recognition
All 26 schools nominated by the Texas Education Agency have received 2020 National Blue Ribbon Honors from the U.S. Department of Education based on their high student achievement or exemplary progress in closing achievement gaps.
Texas teacher retirements are down, but Texas AFT union warns 3.5% increase in information requests could signal impending exodus
Texas teachers are currently retiring at a lower rate than at this time in 2019, based on a recent staff report delivered to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas Board of Trustees, but requests for information on retirement options have risen slightly.
Texas Association of School Boards offers guidance in response to ACLU letter calling out gendered dress codes
The Texas Association of School Boards (TSBA) recently issued guidance to local school boards in relation to a letter from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Foundation expressing concern over the impact of dress codes on students.