Education
BY PARKS KUGLE
NEISD grows in emergent bilingual students The North East ISD board of trustees received the yearly bilingual and ESL, or English as a second language, program evaluation during its Oct. 7 meeting, which showed a continued increase of students enrolled in the emergent bilingual programs. The overview Presented by Alicia Alvarez-Calderon, senior director of the NEISD Bilingual and ESL program, the evaluation showed that as of the 2023-24 school year, the bilingual and ESL programs account for roughly 20% of the district’s student enrollment. Additionally, Alvarez-Calderon presented the average scores for each grade level from the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System, which assesses the progress of emer- gent bilingual students in learning the English language. The scores showed that out of grades
NISD adds associate degree program Northside ISD officials discussed an upcoming associate degree program with Alamo Colleges during its Oct. 22 meeting. Long story short Through a previous agreement with Alamo Colleges, district officials designed a program that will encourage first-generation college students to attain an associate of arts degree. Superintendent John Craft said this pro- gram would be slightly different from other magnet programs offered by NISD because it would target underrepresented students who wish to be on a college track. Put in perspective Craft said this program is important to help San Antonio youth gain a better advantage in the job market and earn higher wages.
Growth of emergent bilinguals in NEISD compared to district enrollment
Emergent bilingual population Total district enrollment
80K
60K
40K
20K
0
SOURCE: NEISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
1-12, almost every grade met state expectations, with first and sixth grade students falling slightly under the state’s target average. The evaluation also showed a marked improvement from dual-language students in the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness end-of- course exams, with every grade level surpassing state averages in all test categories.
NEISD combats vaping with campus-led campaigns In an effort to reduce student vaping, the North East ISD board of trustees discussed measures to combat the issue, including educational sessions and campus-led campaigns. The overview website in 2019, educational sessions for students, counseling for substance addicted students, guest speakers, and family specialists and family engagement liaisons.
Vaping restrictions
Mandatory Disciplinary Alternative Education Program for students caught with e-cigarettes or THC vapes Must be 21 years old to purchase Retail shops may not post advertisements within 1,000 feet of a church or school Retail shop must verify age in-store Vending machines require age verification Possession of THC products is a state jail felony
Currently, there isn’t a law or ordinance that restricts vape shops from opening near schools, NEISD Superintendent Sean Maika said. These vape shops are not just across from high schools but also elementary schools.
According to district officials, NEISD has taken a multilayer approach to combat vaping and addic- tion. These include launching the Escape the Vape
SOURCE: NEISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION
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