Latest news with #LesLinebarger
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
How did your school district score according to TEA in 2022-23?
TYLER, Texas (KETK)–The score given to Nacogdoches ISD by the state is not accurate, according to the district. The Texas Education Agency rates each school district with a letter grade from A-F, while, the criteria are based on standardized test scores, academic growth, college and career readiness. Ten school districts received a 'D' rating including Nacogdoches, Jacksonville, Crockett, Palestine- Westwood, Liberty- Eylau, Murchison, San Augustine, Trinity, Rains and Grapeland ISDs's. One district, Nacogdoches ISD says they are 'disappointed' about its 'D' rating. 'The district does not oppose testing at the end of the year to measure student progress. STAAR exams in grades three through eight and the end-of-course exams for high school students provide valuable feedback to teachers and campus administrators. The reports are granular, allowing individual students to be identified that need assistance and we used that data two years ago to guide instruction for students moving forward,' Nacogdoches Communications, Les Linebarger said. Seven districts received and 'A' rating including Springhill, Carlisle, Wells, Broaddus, Maud, Pleasant Grove and the UT Tyler University Academy. Longview and Lufkin ISD's received a 'B' and Tyler ISD received a 'C' score. 'It's also important to point out the ratings don't reflect the full picture of Nacogdoches ISD,' Linebarger said. 'These accomplishments don't simply happen when students reach high school. It's due to the support and guidance received along the way, beginning in kindergarten, and progressing through elementary and middle school.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
East Texas school district approves new controversial state learning materials
NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KETK) – Nacogdoches ISD has approved new state-created teaching materials for their elementary schools. The lessons were approved last fall by the state board of education and have been criticized for focusing too much on the Bible. TOWNHALL TENSION: State reps booed off stage during education meeting 'It's the way best for us to move forward,' Nacogdoches ISD Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Les Linebarger said. Starting next fall, Nacogdoches ISD elementary schools will use the state's new Bluebonnet Learning instructional material. The Texas Education Agency said the lessons were developed using the best evidence on how to teach reading and math. Critics have said it's a state-written curriculum that overemphasizes Christianity and could isolate some children. 'I use the phrase all-encompassing,' Linebarger said. 'I mean, these materials cover the whole run of what takes place in the classroom and it really frees the teacher up then to work on how best to deliver that information to our students.' The lessons were created by the state and are now available online for educators to use. 'It'll free up our teachers to worry about what's most important in the classroom, how best to pass along these lessons to the students,' Linebarger said. School districts don't have to use it, but they will receive $60 per student if they do. Lufkin ISD did not put it up for vote, but discussed adopting the materials and possible benefits for teachers. East Texas Rep says school choice will pass in State House 'It provides them with every piece of material they would need to teach their lesson so they would not have to pull from this resource or this resource or create on their own time,' Assistant Superintendent of Education Services and Accountability for Lufkin ISD Shelly Slaton said. The district decided to not move forward with the vote on Bluebonnet Learning after hearing community feedback and concerns. 'There are some lessons that include stories from the bible, but also from the other world religions as well,' Linebarger said. Nacogdoches will implement these learning materials starting this fall for math and language arts. 'We feel like there's a lot of positives in this, these instructional materials,' Linebarger said. Governor Greg Abbott called Bluebonnet Learning a 'critical step forward.' The TEA said there is no religious instruction in the lessons. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
