Will The Board Of Education Approval An Online Only Program? – NewsRadio 740 KTRH

Report on Texas Instructional Materials Review and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Overview of the Instructional Materials Review and Approval (IMRA) Cycle 2025

• The Texas State Board of Education is reviewing new K–5 instructional program materials as part of the IMRA Cycle 2025.
• Initial reports raised concerns about a potential move to exclusively digital materials.
• It has been confirmed that the materials in question, created by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, are available in both print and digital formats.
• There is a stated preference from state education officials, including Commissioner Mike Morath, for the adoption of print materials.

Alignment with SDG 4: Quality Education

• The state’s preference for print materials directly addresses the goal of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education (SDG 4).
• By prioritizing print, the state aims to provide effective learning environments (Target 4.a) and ensure all children have access to quality primary education (Target 4.1), mitigating potential inequalities related to the digital divide (SDG 10).
• The evaluation of print versus digital effectiveness is central to improving the quality of educational resources and learning outcomes.

Analysis of Health and Well-being Implications (SDG 3)

• Expert testimony highlighted significant risks associated with increased screen time from digital-only materials, aligning with concerns central to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
• The potential negative impacts on student well-being include:
  1. Increased risk of screen addiction in young children.
  2. Development of socialization problems.
  3. Disruption of healthy sleep patterns.
• Prioritizing print materials is presented as a measure to protect and promote the mental and physical well-being of students, in accordance with Target 3.4.

Institutional Integrity and Content Security (SDG 16)

• A key advantage identified for print materials is their content stability, which supports the development of effective and accountable institutions (SDG 16).
• A primary vulnerability of digital materials is the potential for content to be altered or supplemented after the formal approval process has concluded.
• The use of physical paper copies ensures that the approved curriculum remains unchanged, upholding the integrity and transparency of the educational system (Target 16.6).

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   The article addresses issues related to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

   • SDG 4: Quality Education
     
     The core subject of the article is the review of K–5 instructional materials for reading in Texas. The discussion revolves around the choice between print and digital formats to ensure the most effective and appropriate education for young children. This directly aligns with the goal of providing quality education.
   • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
     
     The article explicitly raises concerns about the negative health impacts of digital learning tools. It mentions risks such as screen addiction, socialization problems, and sleep issues, which are directly related to the physical and mental well-being of children.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   Based on the article’s content, the following specific targets can be identified:

   • SDG 4: Quality Education

     • Target 4.1: “By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.” The article’s focus on the effectiveness of K-5 reading materials and the state commissioner’s preference for print to ensure children learn properly connects directly to achieving quality primary education and effective learning outcomes.
     • Target 4.a: “Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all.” The concern that digital content could be altered for indoctrination purposes after approval relates to providing a “safe” learning environment. The debate over the effectiveness of digital tools and their potential for causing addiction addresses the need for an “effective learning environment.”

   • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

     • Target 3.4: “By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.” The article’s warning that screen addiction can lead to “socialization problems to sleep issues” is a direct reference to promoting the mental health and well-being of children by preventing the negative side effects of excessive screen time.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

   The article implies several indicators that could be used to measure progress:

   • Indicators for SDG 4 Targets

     • Effectiveness of learning tools: The article contrasts the perceived effectiveness of print versus digital materials. The choice of instructional materials based on their ability to produce positive learning outcomes serves as an indicator for Target 4.1.
     • Provision of safe and unalterable educational content: Dr. Haynes’s point about the vulnerability of digital content to post-approval changes implies that the security and stability of curriculum content is an indicator of a safe learning environment, relevant to Target 4.a.

   • Indicator for SDG 3 Target

     • Level of screen time for children: The article identifies increased screen time as a primary risk factor for addiction and other health issues. Therefore, monitoring and managing the amount of screen time children are exposed to in educational settings is an implied indicator for promoting well-being under Target 3.4.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

   SDGs	Targets	Indicators
   SDG 4: Quality Education	Target 4.1: Ensure quality primary education for effective learning outcomes.	Effectiveness of learning tools (print vs. digital).
   SDG 4: Quality Education	Target 4.a: Provide safe and effective learning environments.	Provision of safe and unalterable educational content.
   SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being.	Level of screen time for children.

Source: ktrh.iheart.com