May issue of the IDRA Newsletter Focusing on College Access and Success
Take a look at our latest newsletter with articles on teaching quality, civil rights concerns with state ESEA flexibility waivers, student tracking, and effective dropout prevention, IDRA’s Coca-Cola Valued Youth Program. The IDRA Newsletter is now in a mobile-ready e-Letter format! So you can choose how you want to receive the newsletter, which is also published in print and on the IDRA website. Sign up to get the IDRA Newsletter by email today!

Science Classroom Strategies for English Learners – iPads and Other Tablets for Teachers
Having already explored some iPad possibilities as a student tool in their previous article, in which they discussed the learning potential for students when the iPad becomes a medium for producing knowledge, Veronica Betancourt, M.A., and Paula Johnson, M.A., shift their focus to how teachers, as instructional leaders, can maximize the capabilities of iPads and other tablets in the classroom as a teacher tool. In addition to giving examples of how teachers are using iPads, this article presents steps to ensuring teachers feel comfortable in implementing apps in the classroom.

New Teachers Learning and Leading through IDRA’s Transition to Teaching Programs
To be successful, schools must have skilled, committed teachers who are passionate about innovation and engaging all students. IDRA has teamed up with universities and K-12 schools across Texas to address this need. IDRA’s teacher preparation strategy is cultivating hundreds of new teachers to serve a more diverse student body, engaging seasoned teachers as mentors, and building networks for ongoing growth and support. Linda Cantú, Ph.D., Shares highlights of these programs and stories from some of the many successful teachers who are part of IDRA’s Transition to Teaching programs working today in Texas high-need schools and working in high-need areas.

Why More Charter Schools and School Vouchers Are Not Needed in Texas
IDRA released a new policy brief in May 2013 that presents IDRA’s analyses finding that no new additional charter sites are needed in Texas. Instead, more effective and efficient use of the available charters currently authorized by law could address existing demand. IDRA’s research also shows that vouchers do little if anything to improve local public schools and, for the most part, fail to deliver on promises to provide better quality academic outcomes for students enrolled in lower performing public schools. Dr. María "Cuca" Robledo Montecel, IDRA President & CEO stated: “Texas must do what is best for all Texas students and their families. Our children are worth more than education by lottery.”