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IDRA Newsletter 2015

Published 10 times a year, the IDRA Newsletter provides resources and insight for strengthening and transforming public education to serve students from communities that have historically been underserved like Black and Latino students and students from families with limited means. We publish our newsletter in print and online with highlights in our eNews.

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Below are articles published in 2015. To find a particular article or subject this year, see the index below or use the search bar above, which covers all years.

IDRA Newsletter 2015 Index

Dec 31, 2015

November-December 2015 IDRA Newsletter – Student Voices “In an effective school, all students feel welcomed, valued and above all achieve … read more

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Raising Expectations – Building College Intention into Dropout Prevention

Dec 22, 2015

• by Linda Cantu, Ph.D. • IDRA Newsletter • November-December 2015 • As a nation, we need our children to … read more

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“Our children could get lost” – Rio Grande Valley Parents Gather to Discuss Policy Implications

Dec 22, 2015

• by Sofía Bahena, Ed.D. • IDRA Newsletter • November – December 2015 • With the adoption of substantial changes to Texas … read more

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College Students Describe What a School’s College-Going Culture Really Means

Dec 22, 2015

• IDRA Newsletter • November – December 2015 • In a report, College Bound and Determined, last year IDRA explored how … read more

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Transforming a New York City Public School in the Bronx Through the IDRA Coca-Cola Valued Youth Program

Dec 22, 2015

• by Nilka Avilés, Ed.D. • IDRA Newsletter • November – December 2015 • After launching the IDRA Coca-Cola Valued Youth Program … read more

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White House names IDRA

Dec 22, 2015

White House names IDRA Coca-Cola Valued Youth Program a Hispanic Ed “Bright Spot” At a press conference in October, the … read more

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Texas Public School Attrition Study, 2014-15 – High School Attrition Holds Constant in Texas at 24 Percent

Oct 29, 2015

• by Roy L. Johnson, M.S. • IDRA Newsletter • October 2015 • The overall high school attrition rate held firm in … read more

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IDRAs Transformational Research on the Dropout Issue – A Personal Reflection

Oct 29, 2015

• Josie D. Cortez, M.A. • IDRA Newsletter • October 2015 • Editor’s Note: IDRA conducted the first comprehensive study of school … read more

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Meet Roy Johnson, M.S. – IDRA Director of Support Services and Evaluation

Oct 29, 2015

• IDRA Newsletter • October 2015 • This year, the IDRA Newsletter is highlighting our staff’s varied and diverse talents and … read more

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For School and College Success – The Power of Non-cognitive Skills

Oct 29, 2015

• by Nilka Avilés, Ed.D. • IDRA Newsletter • October 2015 • Of course, all students inherently have the ability to think … read more

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Coca-Cola Valued Youth Program Winning Essay, by Seventh-Grader, Agustina García

Oct 29, 2015

• IDRA Newsletter • October 2015 • Editor’s Note: IDRA sponsored a national essay competition among participants in the IDRA Coca-Cola … read more

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The “Win-Win” of Quality Accelerated Teacher Certification

Sep 22, 2015

• by Linda Cantú, Ph.D. • IDRA Newsletter • September 2015 • Federico Botello was a front office manager for an automotive … read more

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Quality Instruction for English Learners – Getting it Right in Writing!

Sep 22, 2015

• by Kristin Grayson, Ph.D. • IDRA Newsletter • September 2015 • Writing is one of the most difficult skills for English … read more

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Considering Multiple Intelligences Theory for English Learner Classrooms

Sep 22, 2015

• by Sulema Carreón-Sánchez, Ph.D. • IDRA Newsletter • September 2015 • As we begin another year of taking on the responsibility … read more

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Meet Kristin Grayson, Ph.D. – IDRA Education Associate

Sep 22, 2015

• IDRA Newsletter • September 2015 • This year, the IDRA Newsletter is highlighting our staff’s varied and diverse talents and … read more

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Court Can End Neglect of Millions of School Children – Texas Supreme Court School Finance Hearing Held

Sep 22, 2015

• IDRA Newsletter • September 2015 • On September 1, the Texas Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the largest school … read more

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Building STEAM – Changing the Equation for College and Career Readiness for All

Aug 05, 2015

• by Paula Johnson, M.A. • IDRA Newsletter • August 2015 • Students are encouraged for at least 12 years by parents, … read more

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More Comprehensive Advising Needed in the Aftermath of Changes to Texas High School Curriculum Requirements

Aug 05, 2015

• by Albert Cortez, Ph.D. • IDRA Newsletter • August 2015 • From 2007 to 2011, all high school students in the … read more

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Supporting Students and Families for the Transition from High School to College

Aug 05, 2015

• by Nilka Avilés, Ed.D. • IDRA Newsletter • August 2015 • Today’s global economy demands that students perform at rigorous … read more

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Meet Dr. Nilka Aviles – IDRA Senior Education Associate

Aug 05, 2015

• IDRA Newsletter • August 2015 • This year, the IDRA Newsletter is highlighting our staff’s varied and diverse talents and … read more

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