Austin ISD X Podcast: Recent Episodes
AISDXP
While this ex officio or unofficial podcast focuses on issues in the Austin Independent School District, the conversations we have about education are important to everyone. A veces bilingüe
We hear from newly elected Austin ISD Trustee Candace Hunter as she shares her experience and journey from classroom teacher to board member. Emily and Cuitlahuac also give their analysis of the election results including the historic Austin ISD bonds. And we weigh in on the news that Interim Superintendent Dr. Anthony Mays will be leaving the district sooner than expected.
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Cuitlahuac makes his picks for the Austin ISD Trustee elections and why you should vote for all three Austin ISD bond proposals. There are only a few days of early voting left, and of course Election Day. Give this short episode a listen, share it with your friends, and get out and vote.
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Candace, Emily & Cuitlahuac are joined by special education services advocate Lisa Flores to discuss the Austin ISD discipline data presented to the trustees as part of the superintendent scorecard during the first board meeting of September. What can Austin ISD do to stop disproportionately discipling Black students? Did the district meet its goal when it comes to disciplining students with disabilities, or are campuses using "shadow discipline" to improve their data? What purpose do police on campus serve and what impact are they having? While this conversation about discipline in schools starts by focusing on the the Austin Independent School District, its goes over issues of students safety in schools that are important to everyone.
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Join the AISDXP team as we learn more about the bond, get an update on where the district is in the bond process, and hear our take on voting.
https://www.austinisd.org/equityoffice/framework
https://www.austinisd.org/advisory-bodies/lpc (meetings tab)
https://www.austinisd.org/advisory-bodies/bsc (meetings tab)
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-07-22/texas-schools-are-stuffed-to-the-max-as-voters-reject-bond-sales
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We understand that voting for a Bond is a complex and individual process. We felt that the last 4 minutes of S3 E3 deserved to be heard again and on its own.
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In this episode Emily and Candace analyze the June 23 Austin ISD Budget Hearing and Regular Board meeting; providing commentary and asking the questions that have yet to be answered around the essential areas redesign, district partner accountability, and the way forward.
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Join the AISDXP team as they reflect on the interim Superintendent selection process, how the process can be improved, as well as the path forward for the community.
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Join Cuitlahuac, Candace, and Emily as they take a look at three of the major issues facing the Austin Independent School district: Essential Areas redesign, selection of an interim superintendent, and the budget.
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I recently got intwined in the snarl that is Austin ISD communication. I attempted to make a public comment based on the requirements on the website and the outgoing instructional recording. However I was informed today that the language is incorrect and my comments do not meet the threshold to be played. Lesson learned; all my future comments will be made in person. Below is the social media post I made along with the recording of my public comment.
@Austin ISD has chosen opacity over transparency. I made a public comment based on the website (now changed see original below) and outgoing message original recorded here along with the comment you will NOT hear this evening. I was informed the process has changed; therefore my call did not meet the requirement. This only further supports the lack of communication within the district itself and with the community.
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Candace shares all the feels as Austin ISD moves to optional masking beginning Monday March, 7; the week before Spring Break and SXSW.
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The AISDXP team commiserates with our co-host, Emily, a parent at Martin and attempts to analyze and reflect on the Austin ISD's decision to remove 6th grade from two Eastside middle schools and the community engagement around the decision.
Austin ISD Q & A on the change:
https://fb.watch/bnvMyKRmMi/ (English)
https://fb.watch/bnvQAOTo9i/ (Spanish)
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Candace looks at how stressful it is educating kids, and how the district can start to heal itself and the community.
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The AISDXP team talks Covid, scheduling (7/8), community engagement, long range planning and feeder patterns. Accompany resource can be found at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1O0kbzhSN3iNDUKoZO9KUnxBO7qJ7_TReKwDO14kxmFQ/edit?usp=sharing
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Emily discusses the need for a holistic discussion about feeder patterns in Austin ISD, and touches on a few of the various methods of enrollment design.
Links:
Example of a healthy feeder pattern
Example of a fractured feeder pattern
Segregation Contribution Index
A Vox explainer highlighting the work of Tomàs Monarrez and the Urban Institute on school boundaries
Dividing Lines: How School Districts Draw Attendance Boundaries to Perpetuate School Segregation
San Francisco United School District's new student assignment policy
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This week Candace prepares to take her 7th grader to the High School Fair in the hope of finding a program aligned to her daughter's current course of study in Digital Arts.
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Basic breakdown of Period Scheduling and lots of questions.
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In an attempt to provide clarification for the community Austin ISD publishes Myth Buster posts. However this only served to increase the chasm between administration and some district families.
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This BlogCast captures Candace's thoughts about the Austin ISD Middle School Fair on 11/13/21.
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Welcoming our new host. Emily, Candace and Cuitlahuac talk about the contract extension given to the Austin ISD superintendent. The three also weigh in on the district's long range planning committee, and the superintendent's scorecard currently being drafted by trustees.
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In this Blog Cast Candace shares some thoughts around middle school magnet/arts academy programing and its impact on neighborhood schools.
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Candace and Cuitlahuac share their hot take on the latest regarding the new Northeast Middle School being built in the Mueller development, an what they know about issues at LBJ High School. They also talk about how district's hiring of a new General Counsel and who the new hire is, and their reaction to the district's plan for a bond election in fall of 2022.
Here are links to the stories we mention.
Northeast Middle School
- https://www.austinisd.org/construction-management/bond/project-status/new-northeast
- https://www.austinisd.org/sites/default/files/dept/schoolchanges/scenarios/english/AISD_scenarios-ENGv3.pdf (p23)
- https://www.austinisd.org/sites/default/files/dept/schoolchanges/scenarios/english/110419_AISD-School-Changes-Scenarios-V2-3.pdf (p26 & p27)
- https://communityimpact.com/austin/central-austin/education/2021/06/10/land-deal-snag-delays-new-middle-school-in-austins-mueller-neighborhood/
LBJ
- https://www.austinisd.org/announcements/2020/04/28/aisd-board-trustees-approves-new-principal-appointments-0
- https://www.lbjechsaustinisd.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1614801&type=d&pREC_ID=1754125
- https://4.files.edl.io/31e5/09/02/21/012545-f5bd4534-3675-4ba1-a960-05a95ac7bb3d.pdf
- https://austinisd2017bond.org/schools/lbj-echs/
- https://www.statesman.com/article/20120901/NEWS/309006656
- https://lasaliberator.com/917/news/bidding-farewell-to-sheila-henry/
General Counsel
- https://communityimpact.com/austin/southwest-austin-dripping-springs/2021/08/18/austin-isds-new-general-counsel-has-background-in-intelligence/
- https://www.austinisd.org/announcements/2021/08/18/austin-isd-appoints-new-general-counsel
- https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/Despite-contract-scandal-panel-has-few-questions-6078483.php
- https://www.texastribune.org/2017/05/11/report-texas-fraud-investigator-resigns-over-work-iraqi-government/
2022 Bond
- https://www.statesman.com/article/20130513/NEWS/305139748
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Cuitlahuac and Candace sit down with Austin ISD's Executive Director of Enrollment and Advocacy, Alejandro Delgado. Listen as they walk through his background, philosophy, and career that led him to the largest public school district in central Texas, finding intersections while they discuss the challenges, and future of enrollment in the district.
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Candace and Cuitlahuac break down the special board meeting called to present the district's plan for use of federal funds, share how they feel about the virtual option, mask mandates, and more, and reflect on the work they've done in the past two episodes. This hot take was recorded on Wednesday July 28.
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Founder of Taju Learning, Alexandra Guilamo co-hosts this episode and gives her perspective on a range of topics including bilingual education, equitable funding of schools, the effect federal policy has on a local level, and how best for parents and community members can impact their children's education.
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Ellison and Bavu Blakes, authors of the book El's Mirror, co-host this special episode of AISDXP. They share the real-life events and their creative process behind writing their book, the meaning of Lion History, and what Netflix and Blockbuster have to do with the future of education. Buy the book El's Mirror by clicking here !
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Candace & Cuitlahuac discuss an ongoing issue at Martin Middle School, the district's response to the Great Texas Snow Storm, and the ever growing number of Central Office resignations.
Austin Chronicle article regarding special education in Austin ISD
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Candace and Cuitlahuac take a look at the infection rates for kids in Travis County schools, breakdown snap decisions made by leadership, reflect on the board officer elections, and share a service opportunity which you can learn more about by visiting www.sparkchangeproject.org
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Candace and Cuitlahuac get the download on upcoming board officer elections and why they're important from Paul Saldaña, former Austin ISD trustee, businessman, advocate, and philanthropist. Listen to find out our choice for AISD Board President, Vice President, and Secretary.
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Candace and Cuitlahuac catch up on the latest education news as communities try to stay alive and educated during a global pandemic. In this episode: AISD family survey, state testing, Social Media "civil" war, teacher accommodations, and more.
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The Texas State Board of Education is revising the Science and Health/Sexual Education standards. The SBOE is engaged in erasure of climate change and refusal to include any acknowledgement of LGBTQIA+ community. Science and Sex Ed teacher Geoff Carlisle explains how people can let their voices be heard in this curriculum update and why inclusive standards are so important. Candace and Cuitlahuac also bring you Hot Takes on the latest Covid-19 pandemic re-opening news, reflect on the results of the school board election.
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Four Austin ISD teachers speak candidly about their circumstances, the choices they've made, and what they'd like to see moving forward in this time of teaching and learning in a pandemic.
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The missed opportunity to reimagine school with a focus towards equity. Texas Education Agency’s ever evolving guidance gives permission to districts to end virtual learning with a 14 day notice. Waxahachie ISD’s assault on public education.
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Candace and Cuitlahuac give you their hot take on the candidates for Austin ISD Board of Trustees and reflect on their endorsements.
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Austin ISD At-Large Trustee Candidate Noelita Lugo
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Austin ISD District 8 Trustee Candidate Jared Breckenridge
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Austin ISD District 2 Trustee Candidate John Mckiernan-González
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Austin ISD District 2 Trustee Candidate Ofelia Zapata
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Austin ISD At-Large Trustee candidate Leticia Caballero
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Austin ISD District 5 Trustee candidate Lynn Boswell
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Austin ISD District 5 Trustee Candidate Piper Stege Nelson
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Austin ISD District 5 Trustee candidate Jennifer Littlefield
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Austin ISD At-Large Trustee Candidate Mike Herschenfeld
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James Butler, Austin ISD SEL Mindfulness Specialist & 2014 Austin ISD Teacher of the Year, joins Candace and Cuitlahuac to lead a moment of mindfulness and anchors that experience for a conversation about the importance of mindfulness and how its practiced in the district. The group discusses how mindfulness fits in with current school discipline practices, and James takes a moment to reflect on his journey as an anti-racist educator. Check out the work of Dr. Angela Rose Black and others at http://mindfulnessforthepeople.org/ Tovi Scruggs-Hussein https://www.ticiess.com/ Dr. Angela Ward http://2wardequity.com/ Visit Mindful AISD at tinyurl.com/mindfulaisd Find more from James Butler at https://mindfulclassrooms.com/ And listen to Dr. Ward co-host this podcast https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/episodes/03-Dr--Angela-Ward---What-are-Culture--Cultural-Proficiency--and-the-Obstacles--Opportunities-the-Work-Presents--Standardized-Testing-eh7j82/a-a2o7seo
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First, Candace brings you the job descriptions for the new Chief-of-Staff and Chief of Governmental Relations and Board Services positions in Austin ISD, then highlights coronavirus transmission data at schools that are reopening. Cuitlahuac breaks down what it's like at the schools that are re-opening by centering teachers' voice and discusses with Candace some things parents should consider when choosing whether or not to send their children back. CHIEF OF STAFF Job Description https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_ed7qTuciTP1SUqwYIf5lf8U6d-5pSqy/view?usp=sharing CHIEF OFFICER FOR GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS AND BOARD SERVICES Job Description https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t-nT6SwnYp_Vs_iedvDxsvFZigAs-tuG/view?usp=sharing (Westlake) HS Biology Teacher (Eanes ISD) Opens Up About Returning to School https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rI1V67nWzM&ab_channel=AllysonWhiteVaughn
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Roxanne Evans, a former education reporter & member of the editorial board for the Austin American Statesman, a former Austin ISD parent, ad a media and public relations professional with more than 25 years experience, lays out the district's repeated failed attempts to integrate schools.
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08 April Clark - LEED accredited licensed Architect April Clark breaks down the Design Information and Education Specifications Austin ISD uses to build new schools. Candace and Cuitlahuac talk about their experience on the Campus Architectural Team of a new school construction. And April shares share her personal journey through the permanent closing of her children's campus.
Ed Specs
https://www.austinisd.org/construction-management/designinformation
Austin ISD Future Projects
http://aisdfuture.com/
Menchaca Elementary
https://lpadesignstudios.com/projects/menchaca-elementary-school
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Candace and Cuitlahuac give their hot take on how Austin ISD is going to involve or not involve themselves in learning pods, break down changes at the top of the district administration with new positions and new people in leadership, and weigh in on the debate over zoom cameras and teachers being suspended for posting Black Lives Matter in their virtual classrooms. We also reflect on why we started this podcast, how we go about making it, and are asking for listeners to become patron on Paetron. patreon.com/aisdxp
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Mercedes Perry, a former Austin ISD Parent Support Specialist, talks about that role, describes the Dual-Capacity-Building Framework for Family-School Partnerships www.dualcapacity.org , discusses PTAs, parent choice & her lived experience in Austin’s segregated schools.
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We sat down with Diana to talk about the hard choices parents are making, unintentional defunding of public education, increasing the opportunity gap, and resources for families along the socio-economic spectrum.
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Candace and Cuitlahuac break down the comments made by Austin ISD Trustee Rev. Dr. Jayme Mathias towards the district's equity office, his subsequent nonpology, and statements made by Board President Geronimo Rodriguez and Trustee LaTisha Anderson.
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Dr. Stephanie Hawley defines equity, shares the framework her office uses, and breaks down their plans moving forward. Visit https://www.austinisd.org/equityoffice for more information and to stay updated on details for the next Equity Summit
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Candace & Cuitlahuac give their hot take on the latest news. Mississippi Learning? Georgia On Our Mind. What the delayed start means for Austin ISD and our first impression of Superintendent-Designee Dr. Stephanie Elizalde. We also reflect on what we’ve learned from our first four episodes.
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Marisa Flores-Gonzalez shares her three week long email odyssey that starts with looking for a pod for her son in south west Austin and now involves work with city council offices and organizations across the community already supporting public schools and centering the families with the most needs.
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Dr. Angela Ward manages the child centered implementation of Cultural Proficiency & Inclusiveness, and Restorative Practices for the Austin Independent School District and we are celebrating a 10 year milestone. She shares her knowledge of what culture and cultural proficiency are, describes the obstacles she faces, and spells out how community members can take advantage of opportunities to engage in the work. We thank Dr. Ward for joining us in this conversation and sharing very personal stories about the impact of standardized testing, and her journey as an educator. Follow her on twitter @2WardEquity and be sure to visit https://www.austinisd.org/cpi to sign up for the sessions being offered.
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Arati Singh At-Large Member of the Austin ISD Board of Trustees talks about the effect learning pods could have on district enrollment and how funding for public-education is currently at risk, now during the pandemic and beyond. Cuitlahuac Tonatiuh Guerra-Mojarro and Trustee Singh disagree on the process the Board is using to pick the next district's next superintendent, and this SPECIAL EDITION includes updates on the superintendent search.
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Co-Hosts Candace Hunter, founder of Teacher Boot Camp and publisher of the Parent Edition, joins Cuitlahuac Tonatiuh Guerra-Mojarro as he tries to drink water from a fire hydrant. Candace helps break down new TEA Guidelines released just hours before recording, talks re-opening plans, and how parents can stay in-the-know. Candace then expands on some news; the district dissolving the committee that draws the attendance zone boundaries for neighborhood schools, and Candace shines light on a lens of equity that may be missing form the conversation. Listen until the end for a special appearance from a 3rd co-host, who is the most important co-host this podcast will ever have.
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