UP AND Down Magazine

Griffith & Coffey: Using already available data, a HS Readiness Score can provide key information to parents searching for a school for their kids Education savings accounts in Texas. Open enrollment in Missouri. Each week seems to bring a new story and more education options for American students. But to make the most of these new opportunities, families need the full picture. So, what information do they have currently? And what additional data would it make sense for them to have? When it comes to public schools, whether neighborhood schools, magnets, or charters, the most common data points are academic achievement and year-to-year growth in math and reading, as measured on standardized tests. Although this information is crucial — something is very wrong if the kids can’t pass the tests — critics from both sides of the aisle rightly note that it doesn’t capture everything that families should want to know about a school’s academics. For example, what about subjects like ...

Beto O'Rourke is scheduled to speak at a town hall event in Fort Worth, Texas, on Saturday, August 9th, at 3:00 PM CDT, at the Ridglea Theater. The town hall will focus on state and federal issues affecting the community. Unfortunately, the specific topic or theme Beto will be addressing at the event hasn't been detailed, but given his past engagements, it's likely to involve pressing local and national concerns If you're interested in attending, you can find ticket information and register on the event's website. Beto's visit to Fort Worth is part of his ongoing efforts to engage with constituents and discuss issues impacting the community. In the past, Beto has participated in similar events, such as the "Fighting Oligarchy" event in June with Senator Bernie Sanders and Congressman Greg Casar at Dickies Arena

But fewer educators overall are looking to quit — and researchers see signs teacher well-being may be stabilizing after the pandemic. Female teachers across the United States are significantly more likely to experience frequent job-related stress and burnout than male educators, according to new survey results. The RAND study found a 22-point difference in stress levels and a 6-point difference in the degree of burnout — gender disparities that have held constant since at least 2021. Female teachers are also almost twice as likely as similarly educated women in other professions to report frequent stress. These trends are worrying not just for teachers, but also for students, said Elizabeth Steiner, senior policy researcher at RAND and the lead author of the report Teacher well-being is … really important because it is related to how well teachers are able to do their jobs, which is related to how well students learn,” she said. “Having a teacher who is present and engaged and put...

The nation’s largest charter system has dealt a crushing legal blow to its foes – but challenges remain for the once-revolutionary movement. After a series of recent losses, the charter sector in Los Angeles claimed a clear win in June when a California State Supreme Court judge struck down a Los Angeles Unified policy banning charters from using classrooms at roughly a third of the city’s schools. He questioned the need for the policy at a time when LAUSD enrollments have shrunk drastically leaving empty and underused classrooms. Enrollment in LA Unified fell to around 400,000 kids this year, down from a peak of nearly 750,000 students in 2002. LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho and board president Schmerelson have each suggested some schools might have to be closed if the trend isn’t reversed. Some estimates put the district at about 40% under capacity in terms of building utilization, but LAUSD doesn’t have an official reckoning. So why is the district trying to throttle cha...

Texas Tax-Free Weekend: Save on Back-to-School Essentials The Texas Tax-Free Weekend is still going on, and shoppers have one more day to snag deals on essential back-to-school items. This annual event, which runs from August 8 to 10, allows Texans to purchase qualifying items without paying sales tax, saving them up to 8.25% on eligible purchases. What Qualifies for Tax-Free Weekend? - *Clothing and Footwear*: Shirts, pants, jeans, dresses, shoes, boots, sandals, sneakers, socks, and undergarments priced at $100 or less per item. - *School Supplies*: Pens, pencils, markers, notebooks, binders, folders, calculators, rulers, and protractors. - *Backpacks*: Including wheeled and messenger bags, priced at $100 or less. How to Maximize Savings - *Plan Your Shopping List*: Focus on essential items and compare prices online before shopping in stores. - *Combine with Store Discounts and Coupons*: Many stores offer additional back-to-school sales during the event. - *Shop Online*: Onl...

The Dallas Cowboys are set to take on the Los Angeles Rams in their preseason opener tonight. Here's what you need to know about the game: - *Game Time:* 6:00 PM CDT - *Game Venue:* SoFi Stadium - *TV Coverage:* KTVT (CBS 11 - Dallas) - *Radio Coverage:* 105.3 The FAN The Cowboys' preseason schedule has generated excitement among fans, with the team looking to build momentum heading into the regular season. However, there are some concerns about player injuries, including rookie running back Jaydon Blue, who exited Thursday's practice with a lower body injury. Fortunately, the injury doesn't seem significant, and Blue is expected to be re-evaluated by the team staff. Meanwhile, star pass rusher Micah Parsons is considered day-to-day with a back injury. Despite missing practice, Parsons is expected to play a crucial role in the team's defense. With a potential long-term extension on the table, Parsons' performance in the upcoming games will be closely watched. ...

AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton and Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows have taken legal action to enforce arrest warrants issued by the Texas House of Representatives on Democrat members who fled the State in order to break quorum. Speaker Burrows immediately issued warrants for the arrest of runaway Democrats who fled Texas, abandoned their constituents, and abdicated their legislative duties,” said Attorney General Paxton. “We are pursuing every legal remedy at our disposal to hold these rogue legislators accountable. Texas deserves representatives who do their jobs instead of running away at the behest of their billionaire handlers. If there’s one thing Texans can’t stand more than losers, it’s cowards.” Speaker Burrows added: “From day one, I have said that all options are on the table when it comes to making sure my colleagues who have fled the House return to fulfill their constitutional obligations. The members who fled have been given ample time and opportunity to r...

NAPSI)—You may know sugar-sweetened beverages are bad for your teeth, but did you know carbonated beverages can also be harmful to your smile in other ways? It’s true, and with more and more people turning to popular drinks such as sparkling water to cut down on their sugar intake, it is necessary to be cautious about what types of carbonated drinks you are consuming The important thing to know is that carbonated drinks are acidic, which can lead to tooth enamel damage and mouth diseases such as gingivitis. The acidity level of a drink is determined by its pH level. Tap or bottled water generally has a pH level of 7, whereas sparkling water is in the pH range of 4.18-7. Drinks that are below pH 5.5 can damage enamel. Excess consumption of carbonated drinks and acidic foods leads to accumulation of acid-producing harmful bacteria, which are the main causes for cavities and infections. Drinking both sugary and carbonated drinks in moderation can reduce some of their...

(NAPSI)—Americans are struggling with rising healthcare costs, driven in large part by unchecked hospital pricing practices. When large hospital systems abuse their pricing power, local employers, small businesses, working families, and communities feel the resulting impacts—through soaring premiums, shrinking wages, and cuts to services we all rely on. The result: higher healthcare costs, fewer options, and risks to patient care.So, who pays? In reality, everyone does. Healthcare costs are rapidly outpacing both inflation and wage growth, increasing the burden on employers and working families to make up the difference. As a result, data show premiums are steadily rising—today, the average annual premium for a family of four exceeds $25,000. For now, employers are paying roughly $19,000 of that cost, while employees contribute more than $6,000 from their paychecks a year, on average —not to mention the added burden of increased cost-sharing, such as copayments and coinsurance. Moreov...

A joint military operation between the Somali government forces and African Union peacekeepers has resulted in the deaths of at least 70 al-Shabaab fighters in the Lower Shabelle region of Somalia. The operation, dubbed "Silent Storm," targeted strategic militant positions in the agricultural town of Bariire, approximately 45 miles southwest of Mogadishu. KEY DETAILS: -Operation Details:* The joint forces intercepted two vehicles rigged with explosives, preventing a potential suicide attack. - *Casualties:* Two Somali National Army (SNA) soldiers were killed, and 12 others were wounded in the fighting. - *International Support:* The operation was conducted in coordination with Ugandan troops from the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and supported by international partners. IMPACT ON AL-SHABAAB This operation marks a significant blow to al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-linked group that has been waging a bloody insurgency against the Somali gove...

Gayle King, co-host of CBS Mornings, is reportedly furious over a recent downgrade of her show and may be on her way out. The network has moved her show from a luxury office in Times Square to the CBS Broadcast Center on West 57th Street, which King sees as a "final insult". This move comes as CBS's parent company, Paramount, faces a potential $28 billion acquisition by Skydance Media and is looking to cut $500 million in expenses Key Details: - *King's Salary:* Gayle King's annual salary of $12 million may be cut, making her future at CBS uncertain - *Ratings Struggles:* The show's struggling ratings and King's recent space trip with Lauren Sanchez have been criticized for being out-of-touch and frivolous - *Potential Departure:* Sources claim King is "livid" and "done putting up with this," with her friend Oprah Winfrey potentially supporting her in exploring other options - *Network Changes:* CBS aims to attract younger viewers,...

Rihanna is gearing up for a massive comeback to the stage with a series of shows in London. The pop icon has been relatively quiet in recent years, focusing on her personal life and business ventures. However, with the arrival of her new baby, Rihanna seems to be ready to return to the spotlight. LONDON SHOWS CONFIRMED Rihanna's team has confirmed that she will be performing in London, with multiple shows scheduled at a yet-to-be-announced venue. The exact dates and details of the shows are still being finalized, but fans can expect a high-energy performance from the multi-platinum artist. STAR'S RETURN Rihanna's comeback is generating significant buzz, with fans and critics alike eagerly anticipating her return to the stage. With her unique style and charisma, Rihanna is sure to deliver an unforgettable performance. WHAT'S NEXT FOR RIHANNA With her new baby and upcoming shows, Rihanna's schedule is looking busy. Fans can expect more music and performances fr...