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April 2017
TOP STORIES
Highlights of the TSTA state convention
At its April 7-8 state convention in Houston, TSTA honored the following: former Texas Teacher of the Year Revathi Balakrishnan, who won the Ermalee Boice Instructional Advocacy Award; Richard Martin, Ronnie Ray ESP Advocate of the Year; Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Mickey Leland Memorial Award for Social Justice; Carla A. Ranger, Frank Tejeda Award; and Rep. Diego Bernal, Friend of Education. Delegates also reelected President Noel Candelaria, Vice President Ovidia Molina, and NEA Director Linda Estrada to three-year terms.
Walker named top ESP
NEA-Dallas member Sheila Walker, a community liaison at Lincoln High School in Dallas ISD, was named 2017 ESP of the Year at the TSTA Education Support Professionals Conference April 9 in Houston. Massachusetts paraeducator Saul Ramos, who was named national ESP of the Year by NEA, was the keynote speaker.
Bipartisan House majority soundly rejects vouchers
On April 6, the Texas House approved an amendment to the Appropriations Bill prohibiting the use of state funds for private school vouchers. The House rejected vouchers by a 104-43 vote. The broad bipartisan opposition to vouchers sends a powerful message to Lt Gov. Dan Patrick and his Senate. more
For more legislative news...
Please read this week's full report from Public Affairs Director Ed Martin and Government Relations Specialists Portia Bosse and John Grey.
BLOGS
Retired educators need more than kind words and fond memories
Attorney general joins the attack on educators
Dan Patrick disrespects educators, then misleads public
Senate did not protect any taxpayers from voucher bill
HEADLINES
What to watch: Texas House defies Senate, decries vouchers - again
Has the Top 10 Percent Rule impacted diversity at UT-Austin? It's complicated.
New Texas school buses could be required to have seat belts
Analysis: A state school finance system that can choke a city's growth
Senate panel weighs alternate graduation route for students who fail exams
ECISD'S District of Innovation Plan could bring changes
Study: Pflugerville ISD should increase employee pay
Four things Texans want the Legislature to know about special education
What the charter school industry can learn from Enron - before it's too late
Paraprofessionals come together to fight the stigma of mental illness
Commentary: Texas should invest in a strong education system for all
House Education Committee backs bill overhauling A-F system
Texas lawmakers discuss bill to prohibit special education 'cap'
Senate approves two-year tuition freeze, 1% cap on increases after that
Lawmakers consider requiring Texas schools to test water for lead
Texas lawmakers are letting teachers down
TEA issues report on rural and small schools
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