IDRA

10/16/2026

💙 October is National Bullying Prevention Month!

Every student deserves to feel safe, welcomed and respected at school.

Preventing bullying takes more than responding to incidents. It requires intentional policies, supportive relationships and school environments where every student's identity and experiences are valued.

This month, IDRA is highlighting resources to help educators, families and school leaders prevent bullying and harassment.

📚 Explore IDRA's free resources: https://www.idra.org/support/interrupting-bullying-harassment-in-schools-technical-assistance-toolkit/

Interrupting Bullying & Harassment in Schools Equity Assistance Safe, Friendly and Learning Supportive Spaces Bullying prevention does not happen without ... read more

10/16/2026

🌎 Every language is an asset!

As educators gather for the Texas Association for Bilingual Education (TABE) Conference, IDRA celebrates the knowledge, languages and cultural experiences that emergent bilingual students bring to their classrooms.

High-quality bilingual education supports students' academic achievement while building on their home languages. Students should have opportunities to develop their bilingualism and biliteracy throughout their education.

Explore IDRA's research and recommendations for strengthening bilingual education in Texas.
🔗 https://www.idra.org/education_policy/texas-policy-for-serving-bilingual-students/

Texas Must Expand Excellent Education for Emergent Bilingual Students – IDRA 2025 Policy Digest for Texas All students must be able ... read more

10/16/2026

🌐 Digital inclusion starts with community leadership!

This Digital Inclusion Month, we're celebrating our partnership with GFiber and Empower House to expand IDRA Digital Ambassadors in San Antonio.

Through research, technology training and community service, high school students are developing their leadership skills and preparing to help adults use technology for education, employment, healthcare and everyday needs.

Thank you to for supporting young people as technology leaders in their communities!

🔗 Learn more: https://www.idra.org/resource-center/idra-empower-house-and-gfiber-team-up-to-bring-idra-digital-ambassadors-program-to-san-antonio-2/

10/16/2026

📚 Teach What's Happening This Month!

October offers meaningful opportunities to bring history, civil rights and inclusion into the classroom!

Explore free lessons and teaching resources from IDRA's SEEN School Resource Hub that connect to important October observances:

📖 Banned Books Week

👩‍💻 International Day of the Girl Child

🌎 Indigenous Peoples' Day

🤝 Learning Disabilities Awareness Month

Help students explore diverse perspectives, learn about important contributions and make connections between history and the world around them.

🔗 Explore these and more free classroom resources: https://idraseen.org/hub/

10/16/2026

Students bring their whole selves to school. Our systems should be designed to support them that way.

For multilingual students with disabilities, language, culture, communication and disability are interconnected parts of how they learn and experience school.

In the September IDRA Newsletter, Lizdelia Piñón, Ed.D., examines what school districts can do differently, from improving evaluation and connecting bilingual or ESL and special education services to redesigning MTSS and strengthening partnerships with families.

📖 Read “Where Language and Disability Meet – What Schools Must Do Differently”:
idra.news/nlsep26a

10/14/2026

🎓 College planning season is here!

The 2027-28 FAFSA and TASFA are now open, an important step for students and families planning for college and exploring financial aid options.

But applying for financial aid is just one part of the journey.

IDRA’s free Community-Based College Access Toolkit offers bilingual resources to help students, families and educators navigate college planning, applications and the transition from high school to college.

From preparing for college fairs and organizing application information to building family and student networks for support, these tools are designed to help students move forward with information and confidence.

🔗 Explore the toolkit: IDRA Community-Based College Access Toolkit
https://www.idra.org/support/community-based-college-access-online-technical-assistance-toolkit/

10/14/2026

Celebrate Latino Heritage Month with the IDRA SEEN School Resource Hub! Explore free lessons that bring Latino history, leadership, culture and contributions into the classroom.

🔗 idraseen.org/hub

¡Celebremos el Mes de la Herencia Latina con el Centro de Recursos Escolares SEEN de IDRA! Explore lecciones gratuitas que llevan al aula la historia, el liderazgo, la cultura y las contribuciones de la comunidad latina.

🔗 idraseen.org/hub

10/14/2026

Young people’s leadership is essential to building a future where every student has access to excellent education and opportunities to thrive.

IDRA’s Dr. Stephanie Garcia joined youth leaders, UP Partnership and Team Opportunity at Bexar County Commissioners Court on October 13 for the proclamation recognizing Future Ready Week.

This recognition underscores a shared responsibility: schools, community organizations and local leaders must work together to expand opportunities and ensure young people help shape the decisions that affect their futures.

IDRA is proud to contribute to this work alongside our partners. When communities recognize students’ strengths, listen to their perspectives and invest in their aspirations, we build a stronger future for all.

10/13/2026

Bilingualism and biliteracy are strengths worth recognizing at every stage of a student’s education.

The Seal of Biliteracy is often awarded at high school graduation, but schools can celebrate students’ progress toward bilingualism and biliteracy throughout their pre-K-12 experience.

In the September IDRA Newsletter, Chloe Latham Sikes, Ph.D., explores how Texas can strengthen bilingual education pathways across grade levels and create more opportunities for students to develop and be recognized for their multilingual skills.

📖 Read more: idra.news/nlsep26c

10/12/2026

Language rights are civil rights.

The landmark Lau v. Nichols decision helped establish a fundamental principle in education: equal treatment alone does not guarantee equal educational opportunity.

The case required schools to address language barriers that prevent emergent bilingual students from meaningfully accessing instruction and helped shape protections that continue to impact students and families today.

In the September IDRA Newsletter, Alexis Molden and Paige Duggins-Clay, J.D., explore the multiracial movement behind Lau v. Nichols, its legacy and the continued importance of protecting students’ language rights.

📖 Read more: idra.news/nlsep26b