Latest Contributions

• School safety, tutoring and hair: These are some of the new education laws that go into effect this year

  by Brian Lopez Sept. 1, 2023

  Lawmakers failed to pass legislation on school vouchers or teacher raises this year, but they approved other education-related laws like an $800 million investment in high-quality instructional materials and new rules for students found vaping or using marijuana. Full Story 

• How a state effort to fund Texas schools equitably is shortchanging dozens of rural districts

  by Brian Lopez Aug. 25, 2023

  For decades, the Texas comptroller’s office has double-checked property valuations across the state, which help determine how much school districts can levy in property taxes. But when state and county appraisers disagree, districts can end up with big holes in their budgets. Full Story 

• Despite post-pandemic improvements, STAAR scores show Texas students are still struggling with math and reading

  by Brian Lopez Aug. 16, 2023

  Test results have gone up since the pandemic in both subjects, but math scores are still below 2019 levels and about half of Texas students read below the level appropriate for most children in their grade. Full Story 

• Texas House committee report outlines possible path forward for school vouchers

  by Brian Lopez Aug. 11, 2023

  The House blocked school vouchers during this year’s regular lawmaking session, but a report released Friday shows some members might be willing to approve a scaled-back version of the program that doesn’t compete with public schools for funds. Full Story 

• Brazosport ISD is training its own teachers. The program might become a model for other Texas schools.

  by Brian Lopez July 18, 2023

  The small district’s apprenticeship program lets aspiring teachers earn a bachelor’s degree and teacher certification at no cost. In return, participants must work at the district for at least three years. Observers hope state lawmakers will use the program as a model for legislation. Full Story 

• With no new funding from the state, Texas schools are breaking the bank to pay for teacher raises

  by Brian Lopez July 10, 2023

  Lawmakers this year didn’t approve extra money to help schools pay for raises despite having an unprecedented $32 billion surplus — even after Gov. Greg Abbott commissioned a task force last year to improve teacher pay and retention. Full Story 

• Texas’ pick to lead Houston’s schools used aggressive, polarizing methods in Dallas

  by Brian Lopez Updated: June 29, 2023

  Mike Miles has wasted no time in restructuring schools and proposing administrative layoffs. The changes are designed to pay teachers at struggling schools more if their students show improvement. Full Story 

• Gov. Greg Abbott and House Speaker Dade Phelan join forces on property taxes. It might help the push for school vouchers.

  by Brian Lopez Updated: June 15, 2023

  Phelan announced the formation of a House committee that could set the tone in favor of vouchers ahead of an expected special session on education. The move comes weeks after Abbott sided with Phelan on a plan to lower property taxes. Full Story 

• No teacher raises. A failed school voucher push. Armed guards. Here’s what changed for public education this legislative session.

  by Brian Lopez June 2, 2023

  Lawmakers sacrificed school funding to block school vouchers, but the issue could be debated again in a special session. Districts will get new funds for school safety, though Uvalde families were ultimately left disappointed with inaction on gun restrictions. Full Story 

• Texas Education Agency picks Mike Miles for Houston ISD superintendent as state takeover begins

  by Alejandro Serrano and Brian Lopez Updated: June 1, 2023

  The former Dallas ISD superintendent and a state-appointed board of managers will replace Houston’s elected school board in response to years of poor academic outcomes at a single campus in the district. Full Story