Latest News
Texas Continues To Face Child Care Accessibility Crisis
By Austin Journal | Mar 20, 2024
Texas is currently facing a significant child care accessibility crisis, as highlighted in a recent policy brief by researchers at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin. Steven Pedigo, a professor and director of the LBJ Urban Lab, emphasized the importance of addressing this issue, stating, "Improving access to affordable, quality child care is essential for maintaining economic development and enhancing the well-being of our Texas communities."The challenges in the Texas child care system are stark. The average cost for infant care in the...
Tanks of the Triassic: New Crocodile Ancestor Identified
By Austin Journal | Mar 19, 2024
A new study led by researchers at The University of Texas at Austin has identified a new species of ancient crocodile ancestor, shedding light on the evolutionary history of these creatures. The research, published in The Anatomical Record, focuses on a well-preserved aetosaur specimen named Garzapelta muelleri.William Reyes, a doctoral student at the UT Jackson School of Geosciences and the lead researcher, highlighted the significance of the find, stating, "We have elements from the back of the neck and shoulder region all the way to the tip of the tail." Reyes also...
Austin ISD Celebrates Pride Week
By Austin Journal | Mar 19, 2024
Austin ISD Pride Week is a time to highlight the district's commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all. Promoting an attitude of acceptance supports a positive environment where students can show up as their full selves and focus on learning. This year's week-long celebration is March 18-23, 2024, which aligns with the National LGBT Health Awareness Week.June is National Pride Month and takes place during our summer break. The Austin Pride Parade is a local city event that takes place in August before students have returned to campus....
Eight Educators Honored with President’s Associates Teaching Excellence Awards at UT Austin
By Austin Journal | Mar 18, 2024
AUSTIN, Texas — Eight faculty members at The University of Texas at Austin have been named recipients of the President’s Associates Teaching Excellence Awards for the 2023-2024 academic year. The awards, which recognize educational innovators who demonstrate exceptional undergraduate and graduate teaching, were announced by President Jay Hartzell.
Study Reveals Touch as Key Driver for Early Self-Recognition in Babies
By Austin Journal | Mar 13, 2024
AUSTIN, Texas — A recent study conducted by scientists at The University of Texas at Austin has shed light on the development of self-recognition in babies, revealing touch as a crucial factor in this milestone. The findings challenge long-held beliefs about the innate nature of self-recognition in early childhood.Professor Jeffrey Lockman, one of the senior authors of the study, highlighted the significance of babies' self-directed activities, stating, "This suggests that babies pulling on their toes or tapping their fingers are not just playing. They are developing...
Austin ISD Celebrates Pride Week in 2024
By Austin Journal | Mar 5, 2024
Austin ISD is gearing up to celebrate Pride Week as a way to underscore the district's dedication to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all individuals. The week-long festivities, scheduled from March 18 to March 23, 2024, coincide with the National LGBT Health Awareness Week, emphasizing the district's commitment to promoting acceptance and positivity.In a statement, it was highlighted that promoting an attitude of acceptance plays a crucial role in creating a conducive learning environment where students feel empowered to express their true selves. The...
The Salvation Army in Austin seeking volunteers to tutor children
By Austin Journal | Mar 4, 2024
The Salvation Army's Austin Area Command is urging volunteers to assist in tutoring children at The Rathgeber Center for Families and The Austin Shelter for Women and Children. Volunteers will collaborate with the organization’s child program manager and classroom teacher to aid students with homework, reading skills, and other activities.
Austin ISD Launches #BeTheChange Attendance Campaign
By Austin Journal | Feb 8, 2024
Austin ISD has announced the launch of the #BeTheChange Attendance Campaign in collaboration with SaulPaul, aimed at encouraging all students to promote regular school attendance among their peers.According to the E3 Alliance data, chronic absence rates in all grades across Central Texas have seen a significant increase of at least 8% since 2019. This data also reveals that students from low-income households are twice as likely to be chronically absent compared to their peers from higher-income backgrounds.Recognizing the importance of attending school every day,...
Kinsey’s previous service in the Air Force and depth of experience as a business leader will be a boon
By Austin Journal | Dec 19, 2023
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Aaron Kinsey, a resident of Midland, as the new chair of the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE). The Office of the Texas Governor announced that Kinsey will serve as the head of the SBOE until December 17, 2025, succeeding Dr. Keven Ellis.
Abbott graces Higher EDge 2023 leadership conference
By Austin Journal | Dec 14, 2023
Governor Greg Abbott recently addressed the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s (THECB) Higher EDge 2023 leadership conference in Austin. During his speech, the Republican governor celebrated the significant achievements of the Lone Star State in higher education.
Texas alum receives Schwarzman Scholarship
By Austin Journal | Dec 13, 2023
The University of Texas at Austin (UT) has announced that Sebastian De Beurs, a Dutch immigrant and 2019 Presidential Scholar graduate with bachelor's degrees in Plan II Honors and Government, has been awarded the prestigious Schwarzman Scholarship. De Beurs, who co-founded Healis Therapeutics after his tenure at Boston Consulting Group, will now be part of a fully-funded program focused on enhancing participants' understanding of China and nurturing leadership skills.
Longhorns throttle visiting Texas Tech 57-7 to secure berth in Big XII title game
By Austin Journal | Nov 27, 2023
The University of Texas (UT) Longhorns football team has secured a place in their last Big XII Conference championship game, by trouncing the Texas Tech University (TTU) Red Raiders at home 57-7. This upcoming match with the No. 13 Oklahoma State University (OSU) Cowboys on Dec. 2 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX will be a key determinant of UT's legacy in the conference before its departure.
Abbott on expansion of third special session agenda: 'The legislation will create an Education Savings Accounts program with universal eligibility for all Texas schoolchildren'
By Austin Journal | Nov 1, 2023
Gov. Greg Abbott has expanded the agenda for the third special session of the 88th Texas Legislature to include additional school finance, such as teacher pay raises, school safety, and special education, the Office of the Texas Governor said. Abbott, a Republican, said that the announcement follows what he described as productive discussions with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives Representative Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont).
Concordia University Texas reduces tuition costs by nearly 40%
By Austin Journal | Oct 30, 2023
Concordia University Texas has announced a new tuition plan called "The Right Call Initiative" for the 2024-25 academic year. This initiative will reduce tuition costs by nearly 40%, bringing the published tuition down to $23,500. The university aims to make college education more accessible and transparent, breaking down financial barriers and expanding access to higher learning for all students.
UT establishes open source software office for research support
By Austin Journal | Oct 27, 2023
The University of Texas at Austin (UT) has established the Open Source Program Office, a central hub for open source initiatives in research and education, to enhance their societal and economic impact. The project, funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, aims to promote open source practices across the institution and is led by experts from various university departments.
UFCU highlights UT Austin Texas One Stop partnership
By Austin Journal | Oct 21, 2023
University Federal Credit Union (UFCU) has announced its collaboration with Texas Ex and New York artist Isabella Hollis in creating a vibrant mural at Texas One Stop, highlighting the essence of the iconic "Drag" and the University of Texas (UT) campus culture. The mural, located in the Texas One Stop Home of UFCU Lounge, aims to enhance the atmosphere, according to a press release by UFCU.
UT's Texas Institute for Electronics and Infleqtion collaborate for the Quantum Manufacturing Center of Excellence
By Austin Journal | Oct 6, 2023
The University of Texas at Austin and Infleqtion, a global quantum technologies company, have joined forces to establish a center of excellence for quantum manufacturing called qNexus. The goal of this collaboration is to expand quantum-enabled device production to meet the growing demands of government and commercial sectors, as stated in a press release.
Texas colleges claim new anti-DEI law is causing hiring issues
By Austin Journal | Oct 6, 2023
Three university chancellors recently discussed the effects of the new anti-DEI law in Texas, specifically as it pertains to the hiring process. According to an article from September 24, some who believe that the new law has harmed the process gave their opinion at the recent Texas Tribune Festival.
Austin middle schoolers visited by financial literacy game show
By Austin Journal | Oct 3, 2023
Middle school students in Austin were recently visited by Million Bazillion Live as a part of their financial literacy tour. Middle schoolers at O. Henry Middle School and John P. Ojeda Middle School participated in Million Bazillion Live’s program “Who Wants to be a Bazillionaire?”
Texas Education Agency delays release of 2023 A-F Accountability Ratings
By Austin Journal | Sep 13, 2023
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has announced a temporary delay in the release of the 2023 A-F accountability ratings for districts and campuses. Originally scheduled for September 28th, the delay will allow TEA to make adjustments to its growth goals. TEA Commissioner Mike Morath stated that the A-F system is designed to reflect how well schools are meeting high expectations and that these adjustments will ensure it continues to serve as a useful tool for parents and educators.