We received word on Friday, August 22nd that the Texas Education Agency ( TEA) will not permit the Service Learning Academy to begin the new school year. We will continue to challenge the TEA for a full hearing on the merits of our case. In contrast, TEA has pursued administrative proceedings, which are limited in scope and do not allow for a full, fair hearing, in order to close our Service Learning Academy High School.
We are disappointed by the ruling today affecting our charter high school students. However, American YouthWorks will continue serving over 200 young people each year through our other programs.
Today’s ruling is a travesty for Austin’s most underserved young people who have come to our Service Learning Academy School seeking a second chance. Since we have been accepting dropouts from area schools for many years, we will use these relationships to help our students with immediate fall enrollment options elsewhere.
Despite the community’s need for our services, the TEA has moved swiftly and without due process to close our Service Learning Academy High School. We are pleased that the TEA recently issued positive financial and academic ratings for our school. - And we are surprised that they are unable to use their own data to keep a great school open for the kids who need us.
When this case was brought before a district court, the judge determined that it was worth hearing in the court system. However, the TEA made multiple procedural moves to block our opportunity for due process. And when it does reach the court, we believe that we will prevail for the students who need us.
American YouthWorks continues providing a full spectrum of education, workforce development and national service programs: including GED services, YouthBuild jobs training program, the Casa Verde Builders, the Austin Youth Media Corps, the Texas Conservation Corps, college and career transition services, and welding and automotive training programs in partnership with Austin Community College. We have seen many changes in our thirty years and the largest parts of our agency will continue as a strong provider of services to the Austin community and the young people seeking our help.
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