03.28.07

teachers receive cash bonuses

Posted in News at 10:40 pm by Paloma Cruz

“Eight Houston-area educators and their schools were surprised this week with cash prizes for being selected as finalists for the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards,” reported the Houston Chronicle’s School Zone blog. See their post for a great reaction picture.

Local teacher finalists include: Kathalene Jernigan, Clear Brook High School; Monica Ramirez, Anderson Elementary; Sergio Reyna, Gladys Birdwell-Horn Elementary; Hanne Rodriguez, Housman Elementary; Patricia “Bibby” Savage, Humble Middle School; and Ronald Burke II, North Shore Middle School. The two local principal finalists are Ann Kucera, Stratford High School; and Valerie Vogt, Coulson Tough K-6 School.

Congratulations.

03.27.07

what’s the effect of the 10% rule?

Posted in News at 10:27 pm by Paloma Cruz

In Texas, state universities have to accept any Texas applicant who graduates in the top 10%of his/her class. A rule that was put into place to increase diversity, this is about to be challenged by lawmakers because, they say, it limits opportunities for other students.

I don’t know if that’s true. What I do know is that the rule has done what it intended. From the University of Texas at Austin, nd Texas A&M University at College Station, via the Houston Chronicle:

TOP 10 PERCENT LAW
Before Top 10 Percent:

  • 616: High schools represented at University of Texas at Austin
  • 719 :High schools represented at Texas A&M University

After Top 10 Percent:

  • 853: High schools represented at University of Texas at Austin
  • 868: High schools represented at Texas A&M university

Minority enrollment changes

  • A&M: Minority students increased from 11 percent to 14 percent
  • UT: Hispanic students rose from 16 percent to 21 percent. African-American enrollment rose from 4 percent to 5 percent.

Sources:

teacher of the year honored by Hispanic Magazine

Posted in News at 6:29 am by Paloma Cruz

It’s nice to see teachers recognized for all the great work they do.

Hispanic Magazine Honored 2006 Teacher of the Year
– reported by HispanicAd.com

On February 28th, Hispanic Magazine along with NORDSTROM, Inc. honored Mrs. Marguerite Imperial Kirschner with the 2006 Teacher of the Year award. Mrs. Kirschner is a Foreign Language teacher and Department Head at Cypress Bay High School in Weston, FL. A national panel of Hispanic leaders and educators selected Mrs. Kirschner from a pool of over 115 nominees.

The selection process begins with open-nominations and teachers are then selected based on experience, extra curricular activity contributions and accomplishments beyond the classroom. In addition, nomination letters are reviewed by a panel made up of an editorial committee. In the case of Mrs. Kirschner, hundred of signatures were sent of students nominating and showing their support of her mentoring.

[snip]

03.26.07

Texas receives $1M grant for pre-college programs

Posted in News at 10:25 pm by Paloma Cruz

Sallie Mae gives Texas $1M grant to aid pre-college programs
– reported by the Houston Business Journal

The Sallie Mae Fund has pledged $1 million over three years for college access efforts across Texas, including new initiatives for Houston.

The Reston, Va.-based charitable organization said the gift represents its largest commitment to date for college access and outreach in Texas.

[snip]

03.25.07

job opportunities

Posted in News at 10:57 pm by Paloma Cruz

Clear Creek and Pearland ISDs are hiring. Info you need:

The Pearland Independent School District will host its sixth annual job fair March 31.

The event will be from 9 a.m. to noon in the North Commons of Pearland High School, 3775 S. Main.

Resources:

03.15.07

I want a $67,000 bonus

Posted in News at 10:45 pm by Paloma Cruz

Houston ISD chief’s $67,000 bonus raises more concern
It represents 22% of his pay, compared with teachers’ 4%
– reported by the Houston Chronicle

Houston ISD Superintendent Abelardo Saavedra will be $67,250 richer today when the school district distributes its latest round of performance bonuses.

Saavedra’s new contract, approved by the school board in January, made him eligible for $80,000 in bonus pay based in part on students’ test scores.

As head of the state’s largest school district, Saavedra earns a base salary of $302,000. His bonus — 22 percent of his base pay — is more than almost all his teachers take home in a year.

[snip]