Ready Texas Study of New Graduation Requirements

Ready Texas Study of New Graduation Requirements – Podcast Episode 178 | Classnotes Podcast 178

Classnotes Podcast (January 23, 2018) In 2013, Texas lowered graduation requirements for math, science and social studies and created a new requirement for career readiness called “endorsements.” These changes contained in House Bill 5 can have a deep impact on college preparation, access and completion, particularly for students who already are underrepresented in college. With funding from the Greater Texas Foundation, IDRA conducted a study of course-taking patterns, specifically Algebra II, and how educators, families and students are navigating the requirements.

In this podcast episode, lead researcher, Hector Bojorquez, gives a preview of the key findings from the student, parent and counselor interviews and shares implications for potential similar changes in other states. Learn more about Ready Texas – A Study of the Implementation of HB5 in Texas and sign up to see the final report when it is available. Hector is interviewed by Christie Goodman, APR, IDRA’s director of communications. Send comments to podcast@idra.org. Show length: 24:13 min.

Send comments to podcast@idra.org.

Resources

IDRA Ready Texas study website

Ready Texas: Stakeholder Convening Proceedings Report

Community survey finds three out of four parents of teens in the Texas Rio Grande Valley have not received info about the new tracking policies and graduation plans. See the bilingual infographic and the report as a PDF or on Slideshare.

Tracking, Endorsements and Differentiated Diplomas – When ‘Different’ Really is Less

At a time when we most need strength, Texas education is at-risk of being weakened

Bilingual Flier on the New Texas Graduation Requirements

What Parents Want to Know about the New Texas Graduation Requirements

HB5 Does Not Have to Block Students from College – San Antonio City Council Passes Distinguished as Default Resolution

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Show Notes

Hector summarizes the previous graduation requirements in Texas, under the 4x4 graduation plan, and shares data on the effectiveness of those requirements in preparing students for college.

Hector gives an overview of “endorsements,” which were created with the new graduation requirements in 2013 under House Bill 5.

Hector shares the highlights from the Ready Texas study, including the response to the new graduation requirements from parents, students, and counselors, and their understanding of endorsements.

Hector talks about the dangers and long-term implications of students treating and collecting endorsements “like badges,” at the expense of college-preparation classes, even though endorsements have no real-life value once the students graduate high school.

Hector discusses some of the secondary findings from the study, including the stress felt by many students from having to select their endorsements in the 8th grade.

Hector talks about IDRA’s plans to release the Texas Study report.

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