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IDRA Newsletter

March 2025 Issue of the IDRA Newsletter – This month’s focus: National Policy Affecting All Students

NL eNews cover March 2025See PDF of this issue

See eNews highlights

Articles

What the President’s Directive to the U.S. Secretary of Education Means for Students, Families and Schools, by Morgan Craven, J.D.

What Federal Education Funding Means for Schools – A Look at Federal Funding in Georgia and Texas, by Morgan Craven, J.D.

The U.S. Department of Education’s Role in Serving and Protecting this Nation’s Students, by Vivek Datla, MPA

What 2024 NAEP Scores Tell Us About Student Progress – National Scores Suggest Need for Targeted Investments to Ensure All Students Succeed, by Morgan Craven, J.D., & Chloe Latham Sikes, Ph.D.

Extras

Executive Order Leaves All Children and Families Behind – Statement by IDRA President and CEO Celina Moreno on Executive Order to Dismantle U.S. Department of Education • English • Spanish

See IDRA’s latest Federal Advocacy Action Alert for steps you can take.

Adrian and Zariah Reflect on Their Activism and Concerns, March 17, 2025

From Petition to Podium – Students Urge School Board to Protect Immigrant Student Safety, March 17, 2025

Progressing Backward – IDRA SEEN State-Level Legislative 2024 Recap and 2025 Trends

Books by Black Authors to Add to Your Classroom Library

Feb 23, 2024

By Aurelio M. Montemayor, M.Ed. • February 27, 2024 • Access to books by Black authors highlight the importance of … read more

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Going Back to that Beautiful History – In Defense of African American Studies

Feb 23, 2024

By Terrence Wilson, J.D. • February 27, 2024 • Leaders, particularly in the Southern United States, are restricting students’ access … read more

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Books by Black Authors for Your Classroom

Feb 23, 2024

This Black History Month we are highlighting resources that you can add to your classroom libraries that include resources to … read more

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Texas Censorship Law Leads to New Rubric for State-Approved Instructional Materials

Feb 12, 2024

By Chloe Latham Sikes, Ph.D. • Knowledge is Power • February 12, 2024 • The Texas State Board of Education … read more

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State Board of Education Punts Course Adoption Consideration for American Indian/Native Studies

Feb 12, 2024

By Chloe Latham Sikes, Ph.D. • Knowledge is Power • February 12, 2024 • Advocates anticipated the Texas State Board … read more

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Texas School Counselors Point to Troubling State of College Advising – IDRA Studies the Role of Middle School Counselors in Supporting Students’ College Readiness

Jan 30, 2024

• IDRA Newsletter • January 2024 • A decade after Texas policymakers weakened graduation requirements, middle school counselors struggle with … read more

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Texas’ Ban on College Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Offices Takes Effect

Jan 30, 2024

• By Chloe Latham Sikes, Ph.D.  • IDRA Newsletter • January 2024 • The Texas legislature passed Senate Bill 17 … read more

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Encouraging STEM Pathways through Student and Teacher Experiences

Jan 30, 2024

• By Stephanie Garcia, Ph.D. • IDRA Newsletter • January 2024 • More than ever, there is a global priority … read more

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IDRA Priorities for the 2024 Georgia General Assembly Session

Jan 30, 2024

• IDRA Newsletter • January 2024 • The Georgia General Assembly opened its 2024 session this month and will operate … read more

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Envisioning a Bright Future for All Students

Dec 15, 2023

• By Celina Moreno, J.D. • IDRA Newsletter • November-December 2023 • Listen to audio version: Standing on the Shoulders … read more

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Anniversary Year in Review

Dec 15, 2023

• IDRA Newsletter • November-December 2023 • Since the Rodríguez v. San Antonio ISD Supreme Court ruling in 1973 allowed … read more

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Highlights of IDRA’s 50th Anniversary Calendar of Events

Dec 15, 2023

• IDRA Newsletter • November-December 2023 • This year, IDRA held events to both celebrate our anniversary and, importantly, do … read more

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Recognitions in 2023

Dec 15, 2023

• IDRA Newsletter • November-December 2023 • City of San Antonio Declares IDRA Day In recognition of IDRA’s 50th anniversary … read more

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Bold Legacy, Bright Future – IDRA’s 50th Anniversary Gala

Dec 15, 2023

• IDRA Newsletter • November-December 2023 • In November, our anniversary gala brought together over 300 educators, policymakers, researchers, students … read more

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Reflections on IDRA Work Across 50 Years – A Story of Innovation, Connection and Faithfulness

Nov 02, 2023

• María “Cuca” Robledo Montecel, Ph.D. • IDRA 50th Anniversary Galal Program • November 2, 2023 • 2023 marks 50 years … read more

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Teens Win 2023 National Essay Contest Awards – IDRA Valued Youth Partnership Tutors Share Stories of the Program’s Impact on Their Lives

Oct 31, 2023

Six students received prizes in a national competition among participants in the IDRA Valued Youth Partnership program, a nationally-recognized cross-age … read more

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Students Deserve to Read Diverse Books – Texas Policymakers Should Help

Oct 31, 2023

• By Rebekah Skelton • IDRA Newsletter • October 2023 • At the recent Texas State Board of Education meeting, … read more

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Digital Equity Not a Luxury for Students

Oct 31, 2023

• By Michelle Martínez Vega & Christina Quintanilla-Muñoz, M.Ed. • IDRA Newsletter • October 2023 • In an era characterized … read more

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Support the Protecting our Students in Schools Act – Why the Federal Government Must Act Now to End Corporal Punishment

Oct 27, 2023

• By Morgan Craven, J.D.  • October 2023 • In May 2023, U.S. Representatives Lucy McBath, Suzanne Bonamici, Gwen Moore, … read more

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Texas Legislative Education Equity Coalition Policy and Advocacy in 2023

Sep 29, 2023

• By Rebekah Skelton • IDRA Newsletter • September 2023 • The Texas Legislative Education Equity Coalition (TLEEC) is a … read more

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