The Speaker of the Texas House intends to fix everything that went wrong during last month’s winter storm. Dade Phelan has a list of priority bills and will tell us how the state could pay for these reforms. And in the aftermath of the storm, experts are carefully counting those who perished, it’s not as straight forward as it may seem. And we are keenly aware of the need to improve our mental health, we’ll tell you how some Texans are doing it. And one thing that will raise your spirits high is the sound of some Texas birds in song. All of that and more today on the Texas Standard:
Teachers
Texas Standard: March 4, 2021
The president calls it Neanderthal Thinking. But in places like Lubbock, Governor Abbott’s rollback of restrictions getting more mixed reviews. We’ll have more on the Governor’s lifting of COVID-19 restrictions effective next Wednesday. But what changes at school? Texas educators and parents asking questions. Also a shot in the arm for Texas teachers, we’ll hear more. Plus a new report on how failures in the state’s mental health system are leading to a cycle of misery for many. And an investigation in Dallas claims big banks are profiting from low-income apartments and illegal red-lining. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: February 10, 2021
The wait for a vaccine and the frustration of many over even getting on a list. We put some questions to a doctor on the state’s Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel today on the Texas Standard. So how is Texas allocating vaccines and why did the state open up phase 1B wider than the CDC recommendations? We get some answers. We’ll also explore the equity of vaccine distribution… and whether should teachers be higher on the priority list. Plus a push by Texas sports team to legalize betting. And the new voice that’s come out in hesitation. And Texas through the lens of a new PBS Nature documentary. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: September 8, 2020
The governor’s plan for a DPS takeover of Austin Police, how would that work exactly? The politics of policing, it’s not just Austin in the spotlight: the Dallas police Chief facing calls for her removal after protests this summer over police brutality, we’ll have the latest. And back to school day for many statewide, many first time teachers and students eager to go bilingual. And the border wall on a pre-election day fast track, and fighting the scourge of mosquitoes with more mosquitoes? Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: May 7, 2020
As many Texans face economic hardship, a new study shows a growing trend toward taking debtors to court, we’ll have the latest. Also, anyone else ready for a haircut? Are you sure? As the governor relaxes orders to keep salons and barbershops closed, concerns about reopening on Friday. And Dr.Fred Campbell of UT Health San Antonio taking on more listener questions about COVID-19. And higher ed students finishing studies for the year, tho many cant go home. Plus Omar Gallaga with the scoop on scooters hitting Texas sized potholes. Those stories and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:
Higher Ed: For Some Teachers “It’s Not A Matter Of Being Nice But Setting Great Expectations”
Just about everybody can recall an influential teacher who nurtured and inspired them. But not all great teachers are “warm and fuzzy.” In this episode of KUT’s podcast “Higher Ed,” Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT’s Jennifer Stayton explore dealing with fantastic teachers who have challenging personalities.
Ed recalls a wonderful Philosophy teacher he had in college whose lectures Ed describes as “utterly fascinating” but whose personality he says was kind of “off-putting.”
But that naturally raises the question: Can a good teacher have, well, a bad personality?
Ed encourages students to steer clear of that simple dichotomy and instead examine potential reasons for behavior that may appear less than nurturing.
“He had incredibly high standards so that might have been kind of like the not-friendly part,” recalls Ed. “It’s not a matter of being nice, but it’s a matter of setting great expectations.”
Ed says society now desperately needs people to treat each with kindness, politeness and respect, especially when they disagree. But he believes sometimes teachers need to use different tools to motivate a group of students.
“There is something to be said for that kind of tough love, so it’s not meanness but it’s tough love,” Ed believes. “You want the person to be more independent. You want that person to reach further than they thought they could.”
Listen to the entire episode to hear why Ed also believes that, at least sometimes, that teacher “tough love” might be more of an act than the teacher’s true personality. Also listen on for the solution to last week’s Roman numerals puzzler (don’t worry – no tough love if you didn’t get it!).
This episode was recorded on Aug. 7, 2019.
After this episode was recorded, Dr. Ed Burger announced that he is leaving Southwestern University in Jan. 2020 to become President and Chief Executive Officer of St. David’s Foundation.
Texas Standard: June 4, 2019
Policing the police? A Texas Democrat running for president wants to make police accountability a theme in 2020, we’ll have details. Also, they went abroad to spread the gospel. Now an investigation finds a legacy of abuse by Southern Baptist missionaries, we’ll take a look. And new rankings for public schools across the Lone Star State, one part of Texas continues to shine. But a surprising downturn for some larger districts…we’ll have a closer look. Also, what didn’t happen in the just concluded 86th legislature? All of those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Trailer: Held Back
In most urban school districts across the country, black and Latino students don’t perform as well on standardized tests as their white and Asian peers. KUT’s Claire McInerny explores the reasons for this gap and looks at one teacher’s possible solution.
Texas Standard: March 11, 2019
Political lightning round: capitalist or socialist? High profile Democrats get a grilling in an unlikely venue as SXSW gets political. Democratic luminaries shining bright this weekend at what many think of as a music and film festival. We’ll hear who was making news and what it means for election season 2020. Also, an infectious disease specialist says San Francisco is beating HIV, why not Houston or other southern cities? Plus the $7,000 film: director Robert Rodriguez gets back to his DIY roots with a scrappy new release about a budding filmmaker. All of those stories and then some today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: January 29, 2019
The Texas voter fraud claim: 95 thousand registered voters may be non-citizens. But does the citizenship check violate federal law? We’ll take a look. Also, in Texas few things are more sacred than property rights, until they’re pitted against oil and gas interests. How a planned pipeline through the hill country could prove a test of Texas values. And more venture capital money flowing into the Lone Star State, reaching levels not seen since the dot com heyday. Happy days are here again? Why you might want to hold off on the party hats. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: July 30, 2018
Retired Texas teachers say they feel let down by a vote that could mean lower pension checks. We’ll explore the impact and the next steps. Also a multi-million dollar settlement involving a Houston-area refinery accused of doing too much polluting. We’ll look at the legal moves that made it happen. Plus, the story of a small town principal jailed for murder and the questionable evidence that put him there. And when wildfires pop up across Texas it’s often volunteer firefighters that are there first to put out the flames. We’ll look at why many volunteer departments are struggling. And keep an eye on your cacti. The insects that could destroy your xeriscape, yuck up your yucca and obliterate your agave. All of that and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: January 15, 2018
With just under two months til primary voters go to the polls in Texas, the US supreme court wants to weigh in on the state’s election maps. We’ll explore what that means. Also, after a bitter legislative session in 2017, an unlikely coalition of republicans and democrats are going after the Lt. Governor, and there are signs that his allies are worried. We’ll hear the backstory. And Gen Xers worried about retirement: how much does it take to retire in Texas? Also, Sex and the single cow? More like single sex cows at the center of new legal battles. And a Texas musician retools a rock classic, and it smells like Teen Sprite. Those stories and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: August 3, 2017
There’s a group of Texans who could see health care costs skyrocket, unless the House and Senate compromise. We’ll explore. Retired teachers across the state are hoping a proposal to funnel money into health care plans goes through, but both would be temporary fixes. Also you’ve heard of the Crips and Bloods, maybe the Texas Mexican Mafia. How about Tango Blast? A new report says it’s the biggest gang threat in Texas. Plus, heard of the town “Midnight,” Texas? We explain why you won’t find it on the map. and how to visit. That’s all coming up on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: July 20, 2017
An historic selection to head the police force of one Texas’ biggest cities. The changing face of law enforcement- today on the Texas Standard
You’re getting a raise! Now that’s something you’d expect Texas teachers to get behind, right? So why are so many holding their noses over the governor’s plan?
South of the border they’ve been bracing for change under President Donald Trump, but not always in the way you might think. The Mexicans welcoming the shakeup of NAFTA.
The John Birch Society once defined the hard right in America…now they’re back, putting down roots in Texas.
And a teaching tool or just toys? Educators ask questions about augmented books.
Texas Standard: July 5, 2017
North Korea has launched a rocket that can reach the United States. It’s a game changer, says a top Texas expert on national security, we’ll have the latest. Also, if you’re a retired teacher living in Texas, stay healthy, because the other option is about to get a whole lot more expensive. Troubling holes in a statewide safety net. And the comments that rocked college station: 5 years after an A&M professors remarks about race and violence, the dust is far from settled. We’ll hear the what and why. And a Grammy winning troubadour on leaving Texas in the rear view mirror and the close ties that bind him to home. You might second the emotion…all those stories and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: May 8, 2017
A weekend of voting and ballot counting across Texas: from El Paso to San Antonio to Pasadena: we’ll explore the outcomes and the implications. Also if you’re spending more than you’re bringing in and you’ve been smart enough to plan for a rainy day, you might tap that savings to get thru the storm. But as Texas lawmakers argue over whether to do just that, listeners are asking us where did those unspent billions come from in the first place? We’ll take a look. Plus HEB and Kroger: under German attack? And who says the spirit of bipartisanship has disappeared? Evidence to the contrary, and a texan in the top ten of aisle crossers. All of that and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Higher Ed: Teachers and Teaching
Teachers. We’ve all had some great ones, and we’ve all had some teachers who didn’t rank among the best. What makes a good teacher? How has the profession changed over time? How has technology impacted the way teachers do their jobs? In this week’s episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger talk about the evolving role of teachers. Ed has taught Math for about 30 years so he has lots to say about what he thinks teachers can do to reach and inspire their students. He and Jennifer reminisce about some memorable teachers they have had and discuss the ways in which the profession has changed. Listen on to hear some classroom tales and to get the new puzzler which, by the way, happens to involve a mean Math teacher.
This episode was recorded on March 24, 2017.
Texas Standard: November 25, 2016
Improving education: a lot of Texans know the talk, but a Texas lawmaker walk the walk. We’ll meet him and hear his strategy. Plus as mainstream media continues to wrestle with how they got the election so wrong, what’s next? How the events and the outcome of campaign 2016 translate for tomorrow’s journalists. Plus free stuff. Anybody up for that? Viral videos claim to teach consumers how to get expensive high tech goodies without paying. We’ll explore the truth behind the claims. Also a conversation with one of the Lone Star State’s best known film makers: Richard Linklater. Plus the week in Texas politics and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard: