I’ve asked TEA Commissioner Morath to waive STAAR testing for the 2020-2021 school year. If we must resume testing, I’m asking that the scores not bear any punitive consequences on students and I’ll file legislation to do the same in the next legislative session. Our students and parents don’t need the added pressure of STAAR test scoring on top of a school year already disrupted by the pandemic.
UPDATE:
July 21, 2020
Dear Friends,
We hope this message finds you well. We wanted to share some important information and updates with you.
REQUESTING A PAUSE ON STAAR TESTING
COVID-19 has dramatically impacted public education in the state of Texas. As leaders grapple with decisions on when and how to safely re-open schools, the priority should be ensuring quality instruction for all students. With that in mind, and after hearing from families across the district, I’ve requested the Texas Education Agency waive STAAR testing for the 2020-2021 school year.
In my letter to TEA Commissioner Morath, I called on TEA to waive the testing altogether. If the testing must continue, I’ve asked that scores bear no punitive consequences to students and families like prohibiting advancement to the next grade level, preventing graduation, and impacting student’s eligibility for gifted and talented programs.
If you agree that the STAAR test should be waived next year, you can sign up on our website to make sure your voice is heard and receive updates on the issue.
COVID-19 TESTING
In Dallas County, the criteria for COVID-19 testing has been updated to the following:
• Persons with symptoms of potential COVID-19 infection, including: fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, new loss of taste or smell, vomiting or diarrhea, and/or sore throat; OR
• Anyone 65-years-old or older; OR
• Anyone with chronic health issues (diabetes, asthma, heart issues, etc.); OR
• Any first responders, DART drivers, healthcare workers, grocery store and essential retail store workers; OR
• Persons without symptoms who have been actively engaged in large group settings, such as public gatherings or congregations of people, within the past fifteen (15) days.
Residency requirement:
• Persons must live within the boundaries of the City of Dallas or Dallas County. (Except for first responders, DART drivers, healthcare workers, grocery store and essential retail store workers: must have a work ID and must work in Dallas County/City of Dallas and City of Dallas and Dallas County employees: must provide a valid work ID.)
For a full list of Dallas County testing locations, visit the county website.
COVID ECONOMIC RELIEF
Governor Greg Abbott announced that $41 million in federal funds would go toward cities and counties throughout Texas to respond to COVID-19. Funds awarded will be used by local governments for things like first responder overtime and hazard pay, equipment and supplies supporting teleworking technologies, and social distancing and personal protective gear.
The Texas Workforce Commission is reminding claimants that the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) ends the week of July 25. This program was the one which provided an additional $600 per week to claimants who lost work as a result of COVID-19. Texans will continue to receive state unemployment benefits for the remainder of their claim. Reminder, please reach out to our office with questions related to the TWC- we are happy to help.
As a reminder, we’ve set up a COVID-19 webpage in coordination with the United Way. We encourage you to visit the page to submit your questions, request assistance or learn more about how to help those in our community who are deeply impacted by this crisis.
COMBATING HUMAN TRAFFICKING
You’ve probably seen the headlines in recent weeks about the horrific crime of human trafficking. Criminal activity like this doesn’t stop during a pandemic, and in fact normal structures and networks are disrupted, so we need to be as diligent as ever in protecting our vulnerable populations. Many in our community have asked about learning more about this problem and how they can help, so we’re providing links for New Friends New Life and Traffick 911, two great organizations that exist to fight this crime and support victims.
This issue has been one of my top priorities since I was first elected. With the help of dedicated organizations like NFNL and Traffick 911, I’ve been able to author and pass some of the nation’s most comprehensive laws against human trafficking. But there’s more work to be done. We encourage everyone to learn more about this issue and join us as a voice for victims.
I’ll send further updates and information as needed. In the meantime, should you have questions or concerns, please feel free to reply to this email or call us at (469) 554-0428.
