The beginning of school can be exciting. It can also be stressful and expensive. This week, KERA reporters explore education trends and issues. Join us for "School Days", with reports airing daily from Monday, Aug. 20 through Friday, Aug. 24 on KERA 90.1 during Morning Edition and All Things Considered. Learn more about the education experience in North Texas.
Now Online:
Monday - All-Girls Schools: The Dallas Independent School District's all-girls school enters a fourth year with more young women applying than the school can accommodate. How has creating a single-gender school affected the educational and social experiences for young women? Do young women achieve more in this environment? Other public school districts are also opening all-girls schools. What's behind an apparent trend? KERA's Catherine Cuellar talks to educators, parents and students about the phenomenon.
Tuesday - Random Drug Tests: With funding from federal grants, numerous school districts are offering random drug testing of students. In many cases parents and students must consent to the testing. Participating parents say it's a way to monitor their children's activities. Civil libertarians worry the testing could be misused and intrude on personal rights. KERA's Bill Zeeble takes a look on how Texas schools are using random drug testing. He talks to parents, students and educators about the effects the programs are having.
Wednesday - The Parent-Teacher Price: Parents preparing to send their children to school are faced with more than the usual clothing costs. They often receive a long list of supplies their children are expected to bring, but when they can't or don't supply everything expected, classroom teachers often step in and supply the materials. Plus, teachers often provide additional classroom materials that result in hundreds of out-of-pocket dollars for teachers. Are school districts and the state providing too little for classroom resources? KERA's Shelley Kofler takes a look at the resources delegated to parents and teachers, and the effect on education.
Thursday - Immigrant Children: At least 100 languages are spoken in Texas schools. While it is unlawful to keep records on students based on their immigration status, educators know the number of immigrant students is growing. In a five year period, the number of Texas students who speak limited English has grown by 35-percent, and it is believed many of those students are immigrants. KERA's Sam Baker takes a look at what they contribute to our public school system and what is required to ensure their education.
Friday - What It Takes to Succeed: When the state recently released accountability ratings it singled out Richardson as the largest urban district given a "recognized" rating. Almost half the children in Richardson come from low-income families and the district is predominantly minority. How did it overcome the odds and improve its rating even as state standards were made tougher? KERA's Shelley Kofler talks to Richardson's superintendent and others who played a role in achieving academic success in an unlikely environment.