IDRA Classnotes

Classnotes Podcast (October 1, 2013) There is a lot of attention on how students and teachers can use iPads and other tablets in and outside the classroom. But school administrators too can use these…

Classnotes Podcast (September 6, 2013) School transformation doesn’t just happen by decree from a superintendent or principal. Systems and support for teachers and other staff must be deliberate and …

Classnotes Podcast (August 21, 2013) The Pharr-San Juan-Alamo school district is demonstrating dramatic school transformation. After looking at the data, the district wanted to bring back students wh…

Classnotes Podcast (August 12, 2013) Deep in the heart of the Texas Rio Grande Valley, something amazing is happening. Many in our nation don’t expect much of economically disadvantaged minority stud…

Classnotes Podcast (June 26, 2013) Six students received prizes in a national competition among participants in the Coca-Cola Valued Youth Program, a nationally-recognized cross-age tutoring program …

Classnotes Podcast (June 13, 2013) Policies that encourage schools to funnel students into different high school tracks are making resurgence. This, after decades of research and experience showing t…

Classnotes Podcast (May 20, 2013) Sylvia Mendez remembers vividly the day in March of 1945 when her family was told she and the other children had to go to the “Mexican school.” Her father knew it wa…

Classnotes Podcast (April 15, 2013) In many cases, using one or two apps on the iPad or other tablet is just scratching the surface of possible learning opportunities. Helping teachers envision and t…

Classnotes Podcast (March 28, 2013) The demographic profile of students have always been in a state of change. But today, that change is much quicker and more dramatic. Schools must be equipped to ad…

Classnotes Podcast (March 7, 2013) The decision to change careers is a big one. Hundreds of Texans have done just that to become teachers in high-need school districts. IDRA has helped them through …

Classnotes Podcast (February 25, 2013) As students get older and move into middle school and high school, some lose their positive attitude for certain subjects like science. Brain research indicates…

Classnotes Podcast (February 15, 2013) The promotora model of community outreach evolved in neighborhoods in Mexico and Latin American countries to provide medical treatment often in marginalized com…

Classnotes Podcast (December 11, 2012) In many states across the country, school districts began implementing the Common Core State Standards developed through the work of the National Governors Asso…

Classnotes Podcast (November 26, 2012) Schools are required to provide instruction in a language that students understand. Parents serve an integral role as children’s first teachers and as they conn…

Classnotes Podcast (November 5, 2012) IDRA led the bilingual parent institute at the Texas Association for Bilingual Education with a focus on: “Bilingual Ed Paves the Road to College.” Rosie Castro …

Classnotes Podcast (October 1, 2012) More than regular computers and basic access to the Internet, iPads and other tablets present many possibilities for student learning when applied to real-world c…

Classnotes Podcast (September 21, 2012) Beginning with the Brown vs. the Board of Education Supreme Court ruling in 1954, this nation has passed through several phases – or generations – of tending t…

Classnotes Podcast (August 29, 2012) Visual development in math and science requires students to interpret all types of information from images, charts, graphs, pictures and scenes. Students who also…

Classnotes Podcast (August 20, 2012) How can a school district transform itself to create STEM-focused schools? David C. Boggio, who directs career and technology education for a low-wealth high mino…

Classnotes Podcast (July 16, 2012) There is a difference between “parent involvement” and “parent engagement.” Involvement tends to imply participation in school activities and helping to fundraise. …