WEATHER ALERT
Did Texas lawmakers do enough for children with disabilities? These child care advocates say no.
Read full article: Did Texas lawmakers do enough for children with disabilities? These child care advocates say no.Lawmakers added $100 million to a child care scholarship program but failed to expand access to free preschool for children with disabilities.
Texas students make gains in reading but struggle with math, STAAR scores show
Read full article: Texas students make gains in reading but struggle with math, STAAR scores showThe mixed-bag results showed early literacy improvements, a key indicator of future academic success, but underline the challenges of preparing children for STEM-related jobs.
Texas parents and teachers worry bills to root out liberal sway from public schools pave the way for conservative bias
Read full article: Texas parents and teachers worry bills to root out liberal sway from public schools pave the way for conservative biasAdvocates say the bills will give parents more power over their children’s schools. Critics say they don’t give parents anything they didn’t already have and will only strain their relationship with teachers.
Texas high school students’ STAAR scores show gains in STEM fields, struggles in reading and literacy
Read full article: Texas high school students’ STAAR scores show gains in STEM fields, struggles in reading and literacyEducation policy experts say the results align with Texas’ workforce goals but note that students still need help.
Texas will begin a summer lunch program in 2027, but only if feds don’t raise costs
Read full article: Texas will begin a summer lunch program in 2027, but only if feds don’t raise costsThe program would give low income families an extra $120 per child for summer lunches, but federal debate about food benefits could endanger the program.
Texas’ undocumented college students no longer qualify for in-state tuition
Read full article: Texas’ undocumented college students no longer qualify for in-state tuitionWithin hours of a federal lawsuit targeting Texas’ policy of letting undocumented students qualify for lower public tuition rates, the 24-year-old law was no more.
Gov. Greg Abbott signs $8.5 billion public education funding plan into law. Here’s how it works.
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott signs $8.5 billion public education funding plan into law. Here’s how it works.The spending package will give schools more money for staff pay raises, operational expenses, special education and more.
From vouchers to a cellphone ban, this year’s lawmaking session brought transformative changes to Texas schools
Read full article: From vouchers to a cellphone ban, this year’s lawmaking session brought transformative changes to Texas schoolsAn agenda driven by conservative priorities, schools’ financial duress and teacher needs led to an $8.5 billion boost, new discipline rules, more Christianity in classrooms and a DEI ban.
School vouchers, THC ban, property tax cuts: Here’s what Texas lawmakers did in the 2025 regular session
Read full article: School vouchers, THC ban, property tax cuts: Here’s what Texas lawmakers did in the 2025 regular sessionThe Legislature wrapped up without the same drama that defined the end of the last two sessions, with state GOP leaders checking off nearly everything on their to-do lists.
Texas Education Agency extends Houston school district takeover through 2027
Read full article: Texas Education Agency extends Houston school district takeover through 2027Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath applauded the district for its improvements while citing the need for more time to “achieve lasting success for students.”
How RFK Jr., Democrats and Republicans found common ground over food labels in Texas
Read full article: How RFK Jr., Democrats and Republicans found common ground over food labels in TexasTexas is poised to lead the country in an initiative to inform denizens of what’s in their food. Food industry experts say it’s going too far.
Democrats lash out as Legislature bans school clubs that support gay teens
Read full article: Democrats lash out as Legislature bans school clubs that support gay teensTensions flared and the debate turned personal as Republicans said their bill empowered parents and denied predictions that the ban will endanger children.
Texas Legislature approves $338 billion two-year spending plan with a focus on property tax relief
Read full article: Texas Legislature approves $338 billion two-year spending plan with a focus on property tax reliefA boost in public school spending, school vouchers, and money for water systems are other highlights of the state budget, which was bolstered by a $24 billion surplus.
Bill that would ban cellphones in Texas public schools heads to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk
Read full article: Bill that would ban cellphones in Texas public schools heads to Gov. Greg Abbott’s deskResearch shows cellphones interfere with students' ability to focus in class. Texas would join at least nine other states that ban students from using their phones during the school day.
Texas Legislature approves $8.5 billion boost for public schools after years of stagnant funding
Read full article: Texas Legislature approves $8.5 billion boost for public schools after years of stagnant fundingGov. Greg Abbott has already said he intends to sign the bill, which will give schools funding for salary increases, special education, teacher preparation and operational costs.
TribCast: Dan Patrick and Greg Abbott are getting what they want this legislative session
Read full article: TribCast: Dan Patrick and Greg Abbott are getting what they want this legislative sessionIn this week’s episode, Matthew and Eleanor talk with politics reporter Jasper Scherer about education funding, a THC ban and the success of conservative priorities this year.
An East Texas community grapples with school closures as education options shift
Read full article: An East Texas community grapples with school closures as education options shiftThe schools were closed last week after years of declining enrollment. The school communities said increased choices were to blame.
Bill giving Texas parents, school boards more control over library books heads to Gov. Greg Abbott
Read full article: Bill giving Texas parents, school boards more control over library books heads to Gov. Greg AbbottSenate Bill 13 would require school boards or advisory councils to approve new books and review complaints. In most cases only 50 parents’ approval would be needed to create the oversight councils.
Legislature clears the way for Texas Lottery to continue under a different state agency
Read full article: Legislature clears the way for Texas Lottery to continue under a different state agencySB 3070, which awaits Gov. Greg Abbott’s signature, would move the lottery game to Texas’ Department of Licensing and Regulation and includes new restrictions on ticket purchases.
Texas will require public school classrooms to display Ten Commandments under bill signed by governor
Read full article: Texas will require public school classrooms to display Ten Commandments under bill signed by governorGov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 10, even though a similar Louisiana law was deemed unconstitutional. Supporters say Christianity is core to U.S. history.
Texas House, Senate will seek middle ground on bill to scrap STAAR test
Read full article: Texas House, Senate will seek middle ground on bill to scrap STAAR testThe chambers differ on how much power districts should have to push back in courts over their accountability ratings. They risk keeping STAAR by default if they don’t reach an agreement.
$8.5 billion school funding package passes Texas Senate
Read full article: $8.5 billion school funding package passes Texas SenateThe legislation includes new pots of money for teacher raises and other school costs like insurance and transportation. It now heads to the House, where leaders say it will pass.
Classroom violence went up in Texas after the pandemic. Is more discipline the answer?
Read full article: Classroom violence went up in Texas after the pandemic. Is more discipline the answer?Texas lawmakers are poised to make it easier to suspend disruptive students. But some teachers and school psychologists say discipline alone won’t meet the mental health needs at the root of their behavior.
Bill to teach Texas kids the dangers of communism — but not fascism — clears the Legislature
Read full article: Bill to teach Texas kids the dangers of communism — but not fascism — clears the LegislatureThe bill won bipartisan support despite efforts from multiple Democrats that would have also required students to learn about fascism and Nazism.
Texas House, Senate lawmakers reach $8.5 billion school funding deal
Read full article: Texas House, Senate lawmakers reach $8.5 billion school funding dealThe deal appears to strike a face-saving compromise for both chambers over how to increase funds for the state’s public schools, with money earmarked for teacher pay and overhead costs.
Texas Senate panel approves $8 billion school funding plan as it seeks middle ground with House
Read full article: Texas Senate panel approves $8 billion school funding plan as it seeks middle ground with HouseThe proposal would heavily invest in teacher pay and special education. It includes a modest $55 increase to schools' base per-student funding, significantly lower than what the House had sought.
Clock is ticking for Texas lawmakers to settle differences on $8 billion public school funding package
Read full article: Clock is ticking for Texas lawmakers to settle differences on $8 billion public school funding packageSenators will hold a hearing Thursday on their counterproposal to the House's school funding bill. House Democrats and public education advocates have criticized the upper chamber for not moving faster to advance the legislation.
Pressing deadlines, unfinished business: Where the Legislature stands on abortion, water, property tax and more
Read full article: Pressing deadlines, unfinished business: Where the Legislature stands on abortion, water, property tax and moreA raft of social conservative priorities backed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick hang in the balance, including efforts to infuse more religion into public schools.
Texas lawmakers debating DEI ban in K-12 schools ask: Do students benefit from teachers who look like them?
Read full article: Texas lawmakers debating DEI ban in K-12 schools ask: Do students benefit from teachers who look like them?Conservative lawmakers say DEI efforts are discriminatory and push liberal ideologies on children. Critics point to research showing a diverse teacher body helps students succeed academically.
It’s not just about vouchers and school funding. Here are other Texas public education bills you should track.
Read full article: It’s not just about vouchers and school funding. Here are other Texas public education bills you should track.Student discipline, uncertified teachers and school bans on DEI and cellphones are some of the topics being debated at the Texas Legislature this session.
After a sometimes graphic debate, Texas House advances bill limiting kids’ access to sexually explicit books in libraries
Read full article: After a sometimes graphic debate, Texas House advances bill limiting kids’ access to sexually explicit books in librariesThe bill would bar those under 18 from checking out books with sexually explicit material without parental permission.
Texas’ youngest learners are behind in math and reading. A pair of bills aims to get them back on track.
Read full article: Texas’ youngest learners are behind in math and reading. A pair of bills aims to get them back on track.Students who are behind in third grade rarely catch up. Texas lawmakers want to intervene earlier.
Lawmakers want to expand Texas’ teacher pay raise program. Many educators will still be left out.
Read full article: Lawmakers want to expand Texas’ teacher pay raise program. Many educators will still be left out.The Teacher Incentive Allotment gives raises to teachers based on performance. But it leaves out many educators and school staff who contribute to students' success.
School board races across Texas deal losses for many conservatives
Read full article: School board races across Texas deal losses for many conservativesIssues about control of book purchases and how curriculums teach race and gender have led to change on many boards, including Keller, Katy and Mansfield ISDs.
Private school vouchers are now law in Texas. Here’s how they will work.
Read full article: Private school vouchers are now law in Texas. Here’s how they will work.Texas will give participating families about $10,000 to pay for their kids’ private schooling. Other details about the program, set to launch in 2026, are unclear.
Texas strips protections for teachers, parents who share “obscene” material with children
Read full article: Texas strips protections for teachers, parents who share “obscene” material with childrenA fiery debate on the House floor Friday gave way to the Senate Bill 412’s final vote. Supporters say it’s needed to protect children.
How Greg Abbott took a flailing school voucher movement and turned it into a winning issue
Read full article: How Greg Abbott took a flailing school voucher movement and turned it into a winning issueAbbott tapped into a powerful national conservative movement and his own campaign war chest to turn turned legislative races into multimillion-dollar affairs.
Plans advance for $10 billion Exxon plastics plant on the Texas coast
Read full article: Plans advance for $10 billion Exxon plastics plant on the Texas coastOfficials at a rural school district voted on Tuesday to begin developing a tax break agreement intended to draw Exxon to their stretch of the Gulf Coast north of Corpus Christi.
A 20-hour wait to speak: A pre-dawn House panel takes up Ten Commandments bill
Read full article: A 20-hour wait to speak: A pre-dawn House panel takes up Ten Commandments billDozens of people who signed up to speak were ready at 4 a.m. to debate whether public school classrooms should have to display the Ten Commandments.
Texas House approves antisemitism bill in response to pro-Palestinian protests
Read full article: Texas House approves antisemitism bill in response to pro-Palestinian protestsThe bill, which would require schools to use a definition of antisemitism when considering discipline for students, will soon head over to Abbott’s desk.
A now-discarded plan to split Keller ISD caused a stir. Lawmakers now want clear rules on how to divide districts.
Read full article: A now-discarded plan to split Keller ISD caused a stir. Lawmakers now want clear rules on how to divide districts.A House bill would require school districts to hold an election before breaking into smaller entities.
Texas students say K-12 DEI ban and other anti-LGBTQ+ bills threaten their safety, voice and mental health
Read full article: Texas students say K-12 DEI ban and other anti-LGBTQ+ bills threaten their safety, voice and mental healthStudents are concerned the legislation could silence supportive teachers, dismantle safe spaces, lead to overenforcement and prevent honest conversations about identity.
Texas school districts got their first A-F grades in five years. See how your school did here.
Read full article: Texas school districts got their first A-F grades in five years. See how your school did here.The Texas Education Agency released the 2022-23 school year ratings on Thursday after a 19-month legal battle over how those ratings are calculated.
1 in 5 Texas schools got a D or F rating under new performance standards
Read full article: 1 in 5 Texas schools got a D or F rating under new performance standardsFailing grades for districts were made public for the first time since 2019. They showed schools with the poorest students were more likely to get a low score.
School districts stay quiet as lawmakers push to limit when they can sue the state
Read full article: School districts stay quiet as lawmakers push to limit when they can sue the stateSchool leaders have privately criticized a bill that would make it harder to contest their performance ratings in court. But they did not testify against it to avoid lawmakers’ ire.
“It’s what’s best for a very select few”: Some Texans are skeptical about vouchers as they near the finish line
Read full article: “It’s what’s best for a very select few”: Some Texans are skeptical about vouchers as they near the finish lineTexas Republican lawmakers in regions known for support of public schools defended voting for vouchers, saying they gained leverage to seek concessions.
Dan Patrick endorses Texas House’s voucher plan, clearing path to final approval
Read full article: Dan Patrick endorses Texas House’s voucher plan, clearing path to final approvalThe lieutenant governor proposes that the Texas Senate adopt the House bill, which would eliminate a negotiation over the two versions and cement the victory for supporters.
In private school voucher push, Gov. Abbott breaks through by playing hardball
Read full article: In private school voucher push, Gov. Abbott breaks through by playing hardballAnti-voucher Republicans said they voted for the bill so they could fight to improve it, and also to fend off political retribution.
In historic first, Texas House approves private school voucher program
Read full article: In historic first, Texas House approves private school voucher programThe bill would let families use taxpayer dollars for their children’s private schooling. Lawmakers also signed off on a sweeping $7.7 billion package to boost public school funding.
Texas bill increasing public school funding and teacher pay gets final House approval
Read full article: Texas bill increasing public school funding and teacher pay gets final House approvalThe lower chamber overwhelmingly voted in favor of House Bill 2, a sweeping $8 billion piece of legislation that would also limit schools’ reliance on teachers without formal classroom training.
Texas Senate panel advances bill that gives schools more latitude to discipline students
Read full article: Texas Senate panel advances bill that gives schools more latitude to discipline studentsHouse Bill 6 is a response to reports of more violent classroom disruptions after the pandemic. It lowers the bar for when schools can discipline for the state’s homeless and youngest students.
Texas House Democrats could hold GOP priorities hostage to force statewide school vouchers vote
Read full article: Texas House Democrats could hold GOP priorities hostage to force statewide school vouchers voteFrom The Blast: More than 50 House Democrats have signed on to a plan to spike all constitutional amendments unless the House allows voters to decide whether school vouchers will be legalized.
Texas Republican lawmakers unwilling to change abortion laws to address doomed pregnancies
Read full article: Texas Republican lawmakers unwilling to change abortion laws to address doomed pregnanciesFor the first time since Texas outlawed nearly all abortions, lawmakers are clarifying the “life of mother” exception. But they don’t plan to address cases where the fetus won’t survive.
Trump wants to dismantle the Education Department. That could hurt students with disabilities in Texas.
Read full article: Trump wants to dismantle the Education Department. That could hurt students with disabilities in Texas.In a state with a checkered history with federal special education law, advocates say Texas students will see an erosion of their disability rights protections.
Private school voucher bill clears first test in Texas House
Read full article: Private school voucher bill clears first test in Texas HouseThe House Public Education Committee voted to advance a pair of priority bills to create education savings accounts and to raise how much state money public school districts receive.
Ken Paxton wants Dallas school officials under oath on transgender athlete policy
Read full article: Ken Paxton wants Dallas school officials under oath on transgender athlete policyPaxton’s office launched an investigation into the district’s policy after an administrator was caught on tape discussing a possible loophole in the state’s ban.
Texas officials’ claim that school funding is at an all-time high ignores inflation and temporary federal money
Read full article: Texas officials’ claim that school funding is at an all-time high ignores inflation and temporary federal moneyA Tribune analysis also found the state’s share of the funds that schools receive per student significantly decreased in the last decade until recently.
Jewish Texans disagree on how to combat antisemitism in schools during hearing on Senate bill
Read full article: Jewish Texans disagree on how to combat antisemitism in schools during hearing on Senate billLawmakers propose addressing antisemitism by requiring schools to use a set definition. Critics say the measure will stifle speech.
Texas’ DEI debate centers on a disagreement about whether programs perpetuate or prevent discrimination
Read full article: Texas’ DEI debate centers on a disagreement about whether programs perpetuate or prevent discriminationSupporters say diversity initiatives close educational and income gaps born from a history of prejudice. Republican officials say they prioritize identity over merit.
Texas AG Ken Paxton accuses Coppell ISD of violating Texas’ “critical race theory” ban
Read full article: Texas AG Ken Paxton accuses Coppell ISD of violating Texas’ “critical race theory” banThe attorney general office’s lawsuit is based on an undercover video published in February by a conservative activist group.
Lawmakers want to give schools more leeway to suspend Texas’ youngest and homeless students
Read full article: Lawmakers want to give schools more leeway to suspend Texas’ youngest and homeless studentsThe proposal aims to make working conditions safer for teachers but critics worry it could push the state’s most vulnerable students out of the classroom.
Texas bill would ban K-12 students from using cell phones during school hours
Read full article: Texas bill would ban K-12 students from using cell phones during school hoursIf the proposal becomes law, Texas would follow in the footsteps of several Democrat- and Republican-led states that have enacted similar bans.
Texas school districts hopeful lawmakers will help plug $1.7 billion gap in special education funding
Read full article: Texas school districts hopeful lawmakers will help plug $1.7 billion gap in special education fundingProponents say the changes would better serve special education students with widely varying needs — and help schools pay for it.
Texas schools have leaned on uncertified teachers to fill vacancies. Lawmakers want to put a stop to it.
Read full article: Texas schools have leaned on uncertified teachers to fill vacancies. Lawmakers want to put a stop to it.Underprepared teachers have been tied to student learning losses. But amid a teacher shortage crisis, school leaders fear the restrictions will lead to fewer instructors in their classrooms.
Debate on House’s school voucher bill centers on a question: Should wealthy Texans be included?
Read full article: Debate on House’s school voucher bill centers on a question: Should wealthy Texans be included?The hearing on House Bill 3 started Tuesday and ended Wednesday morning. Hundreds of Texans waited overnight to testify.
Rafael Cruz, father of Ted Cruz, wants Texas to require school lessons about “evil” of communism
Read full article: Rafael Cruz, father of Ted Cruz, wants Texas to require school lessons about “evil” of communismThe prominent right-wing pastor told state lawmakers that an anti-communist curriculum is crucial to reaffirming that America is a “Christian country.”
Texas Senate approves bill changing how schools select library books
Read full article: Texas Senate approves bill changing how schools select library booksSenate Bill 13 would create school library advisory councils largely made up of parents. It would give school boards, rather than librarians, the final say over new books.
Texas Democrats criticize school leaders for being too “nice” about their funding needs
Read full article: Texas Democrats criticize school leaders for being too “nice” about their funding needsLawmakers this week listened to testimony on House Bill 2, which would raise schools’ base funding per student by $220 — a figure that falls short of what many Texans say is needed.
Former Uvalde mayor files Texas bill to improve law enforcement response to mass shootings
Read full article: Former Uvalde mayor files Texas bill to improve law enforcement response to mass shootingsThe bill would require school districts and law enforcement to meet once a year to plan their response to an active shooter situation. It would also mandate annual multi-agency exercise drills on how to respond to an active shooter.
Voucher bills want to prioritize low-income families and be open to all students. Those goals might be at odds.
Read full article: Voucher bills want to prioritize low-income families and be open to all students. Those goals might be at odds.Neither of the Legislature’s voucher bills require private schools to accept certain students, which some warn could block the neediest children from access.
“We’re in competition”: An East Texas school district faces hard choices as education options grow
Read full article: “We’re in competition”: An East Texas school district faces hard choices as education options growThe Lufkin school district says it must do a better job of promoting itself amid growing competition from charter schools and homeschooling.
Texas Senate approves bill banning DEI in K-12 public schools
Read full article: Texas Senate approves bill banning DEI in K-12 public schoolsThe bill would ban diversity, equity and inclusion policies related to hiring and programming, while creating ways for parents to complain about violations to the DEI ban.
Under Texas House bill, value of education savings accounts would be tied to public school funding
Read full article: Under Texas House bill, value of education savings accounts would be tied to public school fundingThe proposal sets a few possible points of contention between the House and Senate, including how much money should families get through the program.
National leaders mount pressure campaign on Texas House GOP to pass voucher bill
Read full article: National leaders mount pressure campaign on Texas House GOP to pass voucher billSupporters of voucher-like education savings accounts are trying to press their advantage early and build a sense of inevitability.
Texas Teacher Retirement System leader says Senate voucher proposal would not harm retirement funds
Read full article: Texas Teacher Retirement System leader says Senate voucher proposal would not harm retirement fundsA recent budget analysis noted the Texas Senate’s voucher bill could affect the fund if it leads students and teachers to leave public schools.
Texas Senate approves school funding proposal focused on teacher raises
Read full article: Texas Senate approves school funding proposal focused on teacher raisesTeachers with three and five years of experience would qualify for raises under Senate Bill 26. Instructors in smaller school districts would get bigger pay bumps.
In quest to infuse more religion into Texas schools, advocates say courts are now on their side
Read full article: In quest to infuse more religion into Texas schools, advocates say courts are now on their sidePast efforts to allow more religion in public schools have been hamstrung by legal challenges. But those on the religious right feel empowered by recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions.
With vouchers fast-tracked, other Texas public education issues to watch this session
Read full article: With vouchers fast-tracked, other Texas public education issues to watch this sessionFrom teacher pay and preparation to special education and DEI, here are issues Texas lawmakers are prioritizing this legislative session.