TEA releases STAAR results for grades 3-8
The Texas Education Agency has released the 2022 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness
Results for grades 3-8, which showed across-the-board improvements in all grades and subjects, with especially significant gains in reading.
“The investments that the state is making in reading academies and accelerated instruction are clearly paying dividends for our students, and the results are a testament to the hard work of teachers across our state,” Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath said. “While we still have much work to do to recover from COVID-related learning loss in mathematics, the improvements our students have made in reading are clear.”
The spring results include exams in mathematics and reading for grades 3–8, 5th and 8th grade science, and 8th grade social studies.
Military bases have big impact on state’s economy
A study analyzing the impact on the state’s economy from U.S. military installations concludes they contributed at least $114.1 billion to the Texas economy last year and supported more than 600,000 jobs across the state. Texas is home to 15 military installations and the U.S. Army Futures Command, which is located in Austin and runs modernization projects for the U.S. Army.
The study was completed by the comptroller’s office at the behest of the Texas Military Preparedness Commission.
“It is amazing to see the tremendous economic impact these military installations have in Texas,” said Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar. “The importance of these bases reaches far beyond direct jobs and personal income. The facilities, and the men and women who work and are stationed at them, form the backbone of communities and support countless businesses and induced jobs throughout the state.”
Grant program to benefit travel industry
The travel industry, hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, is set to receive $180 million of funds under a grant program funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.The program is designed to provide grants for the recovery of Texas businesses in the tourism, travel, and hospitality industry affected by the pandemic.
“Travel and tourism are critical components to both the state and local economies,” said Gov. Greg Abbott. “Visitor spending at Texas destinations brings new money into communities and spurs local job creation across industries in every region of the state.”
A series of webinars are slated to provide information for specific businesses. To get more details and register, go to: https://ttir. gov.texas.gov.
Gary Borders is a veteran award-winning Texas journalist. He published a number of community newspapers in Texas during a 30-year span, including in Longview, Fort Stockton, Nacogdoches and Cedar Park. Email: gborders@ texaspress.com.