Texas has spent $2.2 million on a largely unused and unproven safety tool intended to thwart school shootings like the Uvalde massacre.
The News
iWatchTexas fielded 747 school-related tips in the three-and-a-half years after Santa Fe, according to data provided by DPS. The state refused to release metrics on how effective the tool is other than sharing the number of total tips received.The state’s system also doesn’t adhere to some research-based practices followed by the other programs, such as student-focused training.
Lawmakers will reconvene in a few months, and school safety is likely to be a major focus. Republicans have repeatedly emphasized firearm safety, so-called school hardening, better police training and tools like iWatchTexas —Uvalde school shooting quickly renews gun laws debate in TexasiWatchTexas launched as a statewide suspicious activity reporting system in 2013. It expanded five years later to include a separate reporting tool for school-related tips.
Then, during the pandemic, the Texas Education Agency stopped working with DPS to inform schools about iWatchTexas.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Uvalde Shooting Victims' Families Disgusted Texas Reelected Governor Greg AbbottParents of children killed in the Uvalde school shooting are disgusted the town helped Texas Governor Greg Abbott win reelection.
Read more »
No. 25 Texas Tech downs Texas SouthernTexas Southern (0-2) was led by Zytarius Morlte with 12 points.
Read more »
Obanor, Tyson lead No. 25 Texas Tech past Texas SouthernKevin Obanor and Jaylon Tyson each scored 13 points and No. 25 Texas Tech overpowered Texas Southern 78-54 on Thursday night.
Read more »
'The fight goes on': Families of Uvalde shooting victims hoped for change that didn’t comeThe families of some of the 19 children killed at Robb Elementary rooted for Beto O’Rourke, hoping he would help change Texas gun laws. They left disappointed. SanAntonio SATX UvaldeStrong UvaldeMassacre Uvalde GregAbbott BetoORourke
Read more »
Texas prediction: Will Longhorns hand TCU its first loss of the season?Where: 6:30 p.m. Saturday at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin Records: Texas (6-3; 4-2 in Big 12); TCU (9-0; 6-0 in Big 12) Last meeting: Texas defeated...
Read more »
Texas school board candidates win big by opposing critical race theoryLJ Francis, elected to Texas School Board, and Pat Hardy, re-elected to the Texas School Board, share how they hope to combat critical race theory from entering Texas schools.
Read more »