WEATHER ALERT
“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.
Republican lawmaker files bills to ban DEI in Texas K-12 public schools
Read full article: Republican lawmaker files bills to ban DEI in Texas K-12 public schoolsSen. Brandon Creighton has filed bills that 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.
Health care access and economic insecurity top a list of challenges for Texas children
Read full article: Health care access and economic insecurity top a list of challenges for Texas childrenA San Antonio panel discussed the results of a new survey on the well-being of Texas children Thursday and proposed solutions to the state’s ongoing challenges.
Texas bill that lets families use tax dollars for private schools swiftly sails through Senate
Read full article: Texas bill that lets families use tax dollars for private schools swiftly sails through SenateSenate Bill 2 now heads to the House, where top officials say they have the support to create education savings accounts.
Absenteeism spiked in the pandemic. Texas schools want the state’s help to keep students in the classroom.
Read full article: Absenteeism spiked in the pandemic. Texas schools want the state’s help to keep students in the classroom.Chronically absent students — those who missed at least 10% of their school days — are more likely to drop out, education advocates say.
Abbott expected to promote vouchers and other highlights of his 2025 agenda in Sunday speech
Read full article: Abbott expected to promote vouchers and other highlights of his 2025 agenda in Sunday speechAfter successful campaigns for House allies, the governor is in a position to set an ambitious course for the legislative session.
National test scores show Texas students still lag in math and reading
Read full article: National test scores show Texas students still lag in math and readingTexas students' overall math scores dropped from 2022. But English learners and fourth-grade Black students did better than their peers elsewhere.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick outlines sweeping conservative agenda with list of top 25 legislative priorities
Read full article: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick outlines sweeping conservative agenda with list of top 25 legislative prioritiesRestrict THC, help with deportations, infuse religion in schools and provide property tax relief – these are among the Patrick priorities.
Texas Senate’s voucher proposal would give families $10,000 to fund students’ private school
Read full article: Texas Senate’s voucher proposal would give families $10,000 to fund students’ private schoolSenate Bill 2 starts a new debate on a school voucher program in Texas. A funding proposal would allow up to 100,000 K-12 students who want to enroll to a private school to participate.
State lawmakers ask education agency for guidance on how Texas schools can respond to Trump’s immigration plans
Read full article: State lawmakers ask education agency for guidance on how Texas schools can respond to Trump’s immigration plansMore than two dozen Texas Democrats expressed concern about the elimination of a federal policy preventing immigration arrests at schools.
Many Texas schools take “wait and see” approach to Trump’s mass deportation plans
Read full article: Many Texas schools take “wait and see” approach to Trump’s mass deportation plansSchools near the border say it’s hard to prepare for the unknown. Immigration advocates say they should help communities understand students’ rights.
Texans only Democrats in Congress to vote for bill restricting trans athletes
Read full article: Texans only Democrats in Congress to vote for bill restricting trans athletesRepublicans accused Rep. Vicente Gonzalez of supporting gender transitions for children throughout the 2024 election cycle, which he said took a political toll.
The Texas Legislature is back. Here’s what we’re watching.
Read full article: The Texas Legislature is back. Here’s what we’re watching.From debating school vouchers and improving the state’s water supply to reining in property taxes, the GOP-led body will look to pass its conservative priorities amid fighting within the party.
Texas is silent on whether it will offer summer food assistance for students
Read full article: Texas is silent on whether it will offer summer food assistance for studentsAfter the state missed the Jan. 1 deadline, lawmakers still have time to approve administrative costs before applying for $400 million in federal summer meal assistance.
Look back at some of the best Texas Tribune reads of 2024
Read full article: Look back at some of the best Texas Tribune reads of 2024Our journalists brought life to the experiences of everyday Texans, held powerful institutions accountable and surfaced stories that went beyond the daily news cycles.
Texas school districts asked to return $16 million in federal funding for special education services
Read full article: Texas school districts asked to return $16 million in federal funding for special education servicesThe request comes after an audit found Texas improperly billed the federal government for reimbursements related to Medicaid-eligible students.
A school voucher program in Texas is more likely than ever. Can lawmakers craft a bill they agree on?
Read full article: A school voucher program in Texas is more likely than ever. Can lawmakers craft a bill they agree on?Some voucher opponents are ready to compromise; others are hoping supporters will fumble over the program's size, eligibility and accountability.
At this Fort Worth charter school, Texas adults are getting a second chance at a diploma
Read full article: At this Fort Worth charter school, Texas adults are getting a second chance at a diplomaThe Texas Legislature has prioritized getting high school dropouts the skills they need to enter the workforce.
State Board of Education says it wants more control over public school library books
Read full article: State Board of Education says it wants more control over public school library booksA majority of the panel voted to call on the Texas Legislature to pass a state law giving members the authority to determine age-appropriate books for students.
Approval of Texas' Bible-infused curriculum will likely depend on Abbott appointee
Read full article: Approval of Texas' Bible-infused curriculum will likely depend on Abbott appointeeTiffany Clark, who was elected to fill a vacant State Board of Education seat in January, said she would have voted against the curriculum.
How some Texas parents and historians say a new state curriculum glosses over slavery and racism
Read full article: How some Texas parents and historians say a new state curriculum glosses over slavery and racismEducation officials say the materials were designed to be age appropriate but critics argue they repeatedly omit key context and oversimplify history.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick names private school vouchers as his top legislative priority
Read full article: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick names private school vouchers as his top legislative prioritySchool voucher supporters say they have the votes to get a bill across both the Texas Senate, led by Patrick, and the House, which has repeatedly blocked such proposals.
Texas Legislature will approve school vouchers and boost public education funds next year, Abbott says
Read full article: Texas Legislature will approve school vouchers and boost public education funds next year, Abbott saysLast year, Abbott refused to give public schools a major raise without passing a voucher program. His tone was more conciliatory after Election Day.
Republicans maintain majority on the Texas State Board of Education
Read full article: Republicans maintain majority on the Texas State Board of EducationRepublicans Tom Maynard, Pam Little, Aaron Kinsey and Brandon Hall prevailed in contested races. Democrat Gustavo Reveles won in the District 1 race.
Hundreds illegally got Texas teacher licenses through cheating ring, Harris County prosecutors say
Read full article: Hundreds illegally got Texas teacher licenses through cheating ring, Harris County prosecutors sayFive people were charged in connection with the scheme. Investigators say aspiring teachers would pay for help cheating in the certification test.
Texas is slashing $607 million in Medicaid funding from program for students with disabilities
Read full article: Texas is slashing $607 million in Medicaid funding from program for students with disabilitiesSchool officials says the state decision to cut federal money likely will hurt their ability to recruit and retain critical staff for students with disabilities.
How a boom in East Texas high schoolers taking college classes is transforming Kilgore College
Read full article: How a boom in East Texas high schoolers taking college classes is transforming Kilgore CollegeHigh school students that are getting a jump on college through dual credit now make up the majority of students at one East Texas community college.
Five races for the Republican-dominated State Board of Education to watch this year
Read full article: Five races for the Republican-dominated State Board of Education to watch this yearRevising the social studies curriculum could be among the divisive issues the Texas State Board of Education tackles next year.
Nearly half of Texas high school students who earn college credits are Hispanic, study says
Read full article: Nearly half of Texas high school students who earn college credits are Hispanic, study saysDespite the group’s strong participation, Hispanic students graduate college at a lower rate than peers in the program, according to a report.
Houston ISD superintendent didn’t illegally funnel state money to out-of-state schools, TEA says
Read full article: Houston ISD superintendent didn’t illegally funnel state money to out-of-state schools, TEA saysThe Texas Education Agency found that checks mailed to Miles’ charter school network in Colorado were eventually deposited into the network’s Texas account.
Abortion, private school vouchers and legislative control are the key issues in Texas’ 2024 election
Read full article: Abortion, private school vouchers and legislative control are the key issues in Texas’ 2024 electionTexan voters will have significant influence in November, both within and outside the state. They will be electing a U.S. senator, 38 U.S. House members, 150 state House members, as well as various judges and local elected officials. Additionally, they will have influence over important questions.
How a school voucher supporter won in a Texas House district with almost no private schools
Read full article: How a school voucher supporter won in a Texas House district with almost no private schoolsGov. Greg Abbott said the primary showed Texans want vouchers. In House District 18, an ad blitz and immigration fears may have played a larger role.
A battered child care industry’s latest challenge? Competing for 4-year-olds.
Read full article: A battered child care industry’s latest challenge? Competing for 4-year-olds.A 2019 state law requiring schools to offer full-day pre-K is capturing child care’s most profitable customer base: 3- and 4-year-olds.
Latest effort to block school ratings cracks Texas districts’ once-united front
Read full article: Latest effort to block school ratings cracks Texas districts’ once-united frontDozens of districts sued Texas saying the ratings painted an unfair picture of their schools. Others voluntarily have released their own.
Dozens of Texas school districts press state to suspend new student data reporting system
Read full article: Dozens of Texas school districts press state to suspend new student data reporting systemThe superintendents said they haven’t received enough support from the state or time to fix errors the system generated.
Democrats hope anti-voucher campaign will help win back South Texas House seat
Read full article: Democrats hope anti-voucher campaign will help win back South Texas House seatThe first-term Republican defending her seat said a private school voucher program will help her community, especially students from low-income families.
Texas school districts say upgrades to the state’s student data reporting system could hurt their funding
Read full article: Texas school districts say upgrades to the state’s student data reporting system could hurt their fundingThe Texas Education Agency says there’s time to fix problems before officially reported data is used to determine how much money districts get.
Former schools police chief says he was not at fault in Uvalde shooting, asks judge to toss charges
Read full article: Former schools police chief says he was not at fault in Uvalde shooting, asks judge to toss chargesPete Arredondo’s lawyers tell the court that the shooter, not the police, was to blame for the school violence.
Texas schools are hiring more teachers without traditional training. They hope the state will pay to prepare them.
Read full article: Texas schools are hiring more teachers without traditional training. They hope the state will pay to prepare them.Schools are hiring instructors with different types of backgrounds to deal with critical staff shortages.
A South Texas school district received a request to remove 676 books from its libraries
Read full article: A South Texas school district received a request to remove 676 books from its librariesThe request came from a local pastor who is part of a group that trains people to “defend their freedom and liberty.” Other faith leaders have pushed back.
Federal judge in Texas expands ruling that blocks Biden administration protections of LGBTQ students
Read full article: Federal judge in Texas expands ruling that blocks Biden administration protections of LGBTQ studentsThe decision in the case brought by the Texas Attorney General preempts any future Title IX regulations that extend federal protections to LGBTQ students.
After six years of low scores for students learning English, Texas educators say it’s the test’s fault
Read full article: After six years of low scores for students learning English, Texas educators say it’s the test’s faultStudents’ scores in a test that gauges their English skills have been low since a redesign introduced computer scoring.
Judge blocks Texas from releasing this year’s school accountability ratings
Read full article: Judge blocks Texas from releasing this year’s school accountability ratingsThe ruling marks the fifth consecutive year Texas families have not received a full picture of their schools’ ratings, which are used to determine how they are performing.
After Uvalde city officials end battle over shooting records, victims’ families say other agencies need to follow suit
Read full article: After Uvalde city officials end battle over shooting records, victims’ families say other agencies need to follow suitThe city’s release ends a legal battle with news outlets, but other government agencies are withholding materials.
Texas’ youngest students are struggling with their learning, educators say
Read full article: Texas’ youngest students are struggling with their learning, educators sayA national study found young children are faring worse academically than their peers before the pandemic. The problem’s scope in Texas is unclear.
Rising costs and stagnant state funds pushed this West Texas school district to the financial brink
Read full article: Rising costs and stagnant state funds pushed this West Texas school district to the financial brinkThe Ector County school district boosted student learning but now faces financial uncertainty. It closed schools and cut costs to stay afloat, but it won’t slash teacher jobs.
Texas schools got billions in federal pandemic relief. It is coming to an end as the school year starts.
Read full article: Texas schools got billions in federal pandemic relief. It is coming to an end as the school year starts.Educators say they’ll struggle to keep the programs they created with those funds, highlighting their precarious situation without more state help.
Texas teachers stand behind Kamala Harris after years of feeling targeted, neglected by Republicans
Read full article: Texas teachers stand behind Kamala Harris after years of feeling targeted, neglected by RepublicansAt a gathering for teachers in Houston, educators saw Harris as a potential ally at a time when conservatives push for changes in Texas classrooms.
51 Texas school districts are not complying with state ban on hairstyle discrimination, ACLU says
Read full article: 51 Texas school districts are not complying with state ban on hairstyle discrimination, ACLU saysAt least one school district, Tolar ISD in North Texas, told the ACLU it would update its policies to comply with the CROWN Act.
Texas’ Christian-influenced curriculum spurs worries about bullying, church-state separation
Read full article: Texas’ Christian-influenced curriculum spurs worries about bullying, church-state separationSome secular groups and members of other faiths say the curriculum could give schools too much control over how children are taught religion.
State Board of Education fields concerns about Christian bias in proposed K-12 curriculum
Read full article: State Board of Education fields concerns about Christian bias in proposed K-12 curriculumThe proposal comes as part of a larger effort by officials in Texas and across the country to inject Christianity into public life.
Federal judge blocks Biden administration’s Title IX guidelines to protect LGBTQ+ students
Read full article: Federal judge blocks Biden administration’s Title IX guidelines to protect LGBTQ+ studentsJudge Reed O’Connor said the Biden administration didn’t have the authority to make the changes, which would expand anti-discrimination protections.
Some Texas school officials are skeptical that a K-12 curriculum with Christian influences is the lifeline state leaders promise
Read full article: Some Texas school officials are skeptical that a K-12 curriculum with Christian influences is the lifeline state leaders promiseProposed lesson plans could improve student performance and help teachers, Texas education officials say. Not all district leaders and education advocates are convinced.
Here’s how school vouchers, Paxton impeachment affected the Texas GOP primaries
Read full article: Here’s how school vouchers, Paxton impeachment affected the Texas GOP primariesGov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton crusaded against House Republicans who voted against school vouchers and in favor of impeachment, respectively.
Texas House runoffs bring wave of GOP incumbent defeats, give Abbott votes for school vouchers
Read full article: Texas House runoffs bring wave of GOP incumbent defeats, give Abbott votes for school vouchersSix of eight GOP incumbents lost their races. Gov. Greg Abbott declared he “now has enough votes to pass school choice.”
Families of Uvalde shooting victims sue Texas DPS officers for waiting to confront gunman
Read full article: Families of Uvalde shooting victims sue Texas DPS officers for waiting to confront gunmanIn a separate settlement, the city of Uvalde will pay $2 million to the families, create a permanent memorial to the victims and provide enhanced training for police officers.
Houston ISD superintendent accused of funneling tax dollars out of state
Read full article: Houston ISD superintendent accused of funneling tax dollars out of stateA state lawmaker and Houston residents urge the Texas Education Agency to investigate whether the state-appointed superintendent improperly sent public funds to out-of-state charter schools.
Feds investigate another Texas school district for its gender identity mandate
Read full article: Feds investigate another Texas school district for its gender identity mandateKaty ISD’s board voted this past fall to require staff to notify parents if their child wants to use a different pronoun or identifies as a different gender.
Here’s what the law says about protesting on Texas college campuses
Read full article: Here’s what the law says about protesting on Texas college campusesStudents can generally peacefully protest, regardless of their viewpoint, but colleges and authorities may enforce some restrictions and criminal laws to maintain peace and order.
Some South Texas school employees could be barred from holding elected office after fraud investigation
Read full article: Some South Texas school employees could be barred from holding elected office after fraud investigationA state-appointed board of managers overseeing the La Joya Independent School District is set to consider the policy this week.
Texas will use computers to grade written answers on this year’s STAAR tests
Read full article: Texas will use computers to grade written answers on this year’s STAAR testsThe state will save more than $15 million by using technology similar to ChatGPT to give initial scores, reducing the number of human graders needed. The decision caught some educators by surprise.
Two Denton school district principals indicted on charges of illegal electioneering
Read full article: Two Denton school district principals indicted on charges of illegal electioneeringA grand jury indicted the principals for allegedly using their school emails to encourage staff to vote for certain candidates in the March primary.
A new Texas law allows schools to hire chaplains as counselors. So far, only one school has opted into the program.
Read full article: A new Texas law allows schools to hire chaplains as counselors. So far, only one school has opted into the program.Many independent school districts, including the largest ones, do not allow chaplains to serve as counselors, which is now allowed under a new Texas law.
To close or stay open? Ahead of the eclipse, Texas schools weighed logistical hurdles versus learning opportunities
Read full article: To close or stay open? Ahead of the eclipse, Texas schools weighed logistical hurdles versus learning opportunitiesSome districts will close for the day expecting traffic jams and busy city services. Others will stay open for parents who can’t find child care.
State Board of Education again delays discussion on whether to approve new Native studies course
Read full article: State Board of Education again delays discussion on whether to approve new Native studies courseThe next opportunity for the board to review the course will not happen until its meeting in June.
Gov. Greg Abbott says Texas is two House votes away from passing school vouchers
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott says Texas is two House votes away from passing school vouchersAbbott called on supporters to push through the primary runoffs to deliver the final pro-voucher members needed to pass his legislation, plus some padding.
Veteran State Board of Education member loses her seat, two other Republican incumbents face runoffs
Read full article: Veteran State Board of Education member loses her seat, two other Republican incumbents face runoffsThe results of Tuesday’s primary elections could foreshadow a further push to the right for the body that sets the state's educational standards.
Texas places state’s largest charter school network under conservatorship
Read full article: Texas places state’s largest charter school network under conservatorshipThe state had been investigating IDEA Public Schools since 2021 and raised questions on its spending on things like a luxury driver and private jet.
Judge says Texas school district can punish Black student for length of his hairstyle
Read full article: Judge says Texas school district can punish Black student for length of his hairstyleAfter a short trial, a Texas judge ruled that Barbers Hill school officials are not violating a new state law prohibiting hair discrimination.
Texas passes on $450 million summer lunch program for low-income families
Read full article: Texas passes on $450 million summer lunch program for low-income familiesThe USDA estimates the families of 3.8 million children could have received $120 per child to cover summer lunches if the state participated in the new $2.5 billion program launching this summer. Texas is one of 15 states opting out.
A Texas school has punished a Black student over his hairstyle for months. Neither side is backing down.
Read full article: A Texas school has punished a Black student over his hairstyle for months. Neither side is backing down.In a test of Texas’ new CROWN Act, which prohibits discrimination based on hairstyles, a judge ruled that the Barbers Hill school district can enforce a ban on certain male hairstyles.
After 7 years of state oversight, Texas’ takeover of Marlin ISD starts winding down
Read full article: After 7 years of state oversight, Texas’ takeover of Marlin ISD starts winding downThe transition at the Waco-area school district will shed light on how a democratically elected school board resumes control after a takeover.