ReportWire

Tag: HB3

  • 13 Investigates: Districts still need more officers as law calls for one per campus

    13 Investigates: Districts still need more officers as law calls for one per campus

    ALIEF, Texas (KTRK) — Alief Independent School District Police Chief Dan Turner said he spends more than half his time trying to recruit and hire officers to comply with a new law that requires an armed individual on every campus.

    But, as the school year comes to an end, the district still has 25 officer openings.

    “It takes a special person to be a police officer. You put your life on the line every day. You never know what you’re walking into or what you’re walking away from and it’s going to take a strong-willed person to make the decision that I want to do that every day,” Turner told 13 Investigates.

    It takes a special person to be a police officer. You put your life on the line every day.

    Alief Independent School District Police Chief Dan Turner

    Alief ISD is competing with districts across the state to hire officers after House Bill 3 went into effect Sept. 1. The law requires “at least one armed security officer is present during regular school hours at each district campus.”

    If a school district is unable to employ an armed officer due to funding or staffing issues, the law allows the district to claim a “good cause exemption,” which means developing an alternative safety plan approved by its school board.

    Texas law says the alternative plan can include hiring a school marshal, who has 80 hours of training, or arming an employee who has completed school safety training.

    “We’d rather take our time to get that officer that fits what Alief is looking for versus just taking a shortcut that may be there for us,” the district’s Superintendent Dr. Anthony Mays said.

    13 Investigates found some school districts are relying on security guards, and why Alief ISD says that’s not the route for them, at 10 on ABC13 Houston.

    For updates on this story, follow Kevin Ozebek on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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    Kevin Ozebek

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  • Funding Available From New Tech Network for Innovative Exploration in Texas Schools

    Funding Available From New Tech Network for Innovative Exploration in Texas Schools

    Education Nonprofit Provides Planning Grants to Explore Project-Based Learning, Blended and Virtual Learning Model

    Press Release
    –


    updated: Sep 9, 2020


    HOUSTON, September 9, 2020 (Newswire.com)
    –
    New Tech Network (NTN), a leading design partner for comprehensive K – 12 school change, has officially opened the application for competitive Planning Grants (valued at more than $6,500) offered to Texas schools or districts interested in improving blended, project-based learning and implementing NTN’s innovative school model.

    The NTN Planning Grants include a custom school readiness assessment, access to NTN’s School Design Studio courses and participation in NTN’s School Design Academy. The grants allow Texas school and districts to initiate school redesign and are available to schools K-12. New Tech Network has been working with Texas schools since 2007 and now has more than 30 schools in the state.

    “Through our student-centered learning model, NTN has helped schools achieve their vision for graduates by providing professional development and rich resources with a focus on project-based learning and work-based education within current school or district structures,” said Lydia Dobyns, President & CEO of New Tech Network. “The NTN Planning Grants allow schools to explore this model at no cost to the district. We have a proven track record of success in Texas and look forward to the opportunity to partner with even more educators to reimagine learning in a way that creates the best outcomes for all students.”

    The grant application period opens today, September 9, and will close on September 23, 2020. Recipients will be announced September 28, with professional development sessions beginning in October.

    NTN’s Planning Grants (valued at more than $6,500) provide district and charter schools with:

    •  Participation in New Tech Network’s School Design Academy for school teams
    • Custom School Readiness Assessment for school teams
    • NTN Model Overview workshop for school and district teams
    • Full access to NTN School Design Studio self-paced courses
    • NTN virtual learning resources

    House Bill 3 (HB 3) specifically offers a financial incentive for engaging in school design and professional development with NTN. In the Career and Technology Education (CTE) section of HB 3, campuses that are NTN members qualify for an additional $50 per student allotment.

    To learn more about NTN in Texas, please visit: https://newtechnetwork.org/texas.

    About New Tech Network 

    New Tech Network, a national nonprofit organization, is a leading design partner for comprehensive K-12 school change. NTN has successfully guided over 200 schools and districts in 28 states with a whole school, systemic approach where student skills are valued as much as test scores. New Tech Network provides professional development and coaching for teachers and school leaders to inspire and engage all students through authentic and challenging work. The New Tech school model features multiple student learning outcomes combined with pervasive project-based learning, an inclusive school-wide culture and the real-world use of technology tools and resources. 

    Media Contact: Danielle Gates
    dgates@newtechnetwork.org
    925.435.3201

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    Source: New Tech Network

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