A new policy scraps community recommendations from last fall that some books that had been questioned should remain on shelves.
Brian Lopez
Brian Lopez was The Texas Tribune's public education reporter from 2021 until 2024. He covered how policy and politics affect Texas’ K-12 public education system and the nearly 5.5 million kids enrolled in public schools. Previously, he was the Tarrant County reporter at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Brian is a New York native but moved to Texas after high school. He graduated from The University of Texas at Arlington.
Posted in
Public Education
Uvalde school officials to discuss firing Pete Arredondo on Aug. 24
The meeting will happen exactly three months after Arredondo was among the first law enforcement officers to arrive at Robb Elementary, where a gunman killed 19 students and two teachers.
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Graphics and data reporting
Texas school ratings show improvement compared to 2019, but those in poorer neighborhoods still lag
This year’s TEA ratings were done differently than in previous years. Instead of the usual A-F ratings, which were last given in 2019, the agency gave only A-C ratings. Districts and schools that would have received a D or F instead received a “Not Rated” label this year.
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Uvalde school shooting
After the Robb Elementary shooting, some Uvalde parents are choosing private or online education
Following a state report showing that almost 400 law enforcement officers showed up at the school on May 24, some Uvalde parents are doubtful over whether their kids will be safe in the district.
Posted in
Politics
Texas Republicans are trying to sell school choice measures, but rural conservatives aren’t buying
Any school choice policy must win over rural Republicans, who have historically been against diverting public dollars to private schools.
Posted in
Politics
Author of “critical race theory” ban says Texas schools can still teach about racism
State Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, said his intention was never to gloss over American history or have negative effects on teachers and administrators. His comments to the State Board of Education come as members consider new social studies curriculum.
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Public Education
It’s not just COVID-19: Why Texas faces a teacher shortage
Texas schools have long had too few teachers. The pandemic made the situation worse — but issues like low pay, poor benefits and polarizing statewide politics all have an impact, too.
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Uvalde school shooting
Uvalde school board postpones meeting to discuss firing police Chief Pete Arredondo
The school district canceled the meeting at the request of Arredondo’s lawyer. A new date has not been set.
Posted in
Public Education
Rural Texas districts struggling to attract teachers are switching to four-day school weeks
The switch to four-day school weeks is popular among smaller school districts that don’t always have the finances to attract or retain teachers with pay increases.
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Public Education
Texas STAAR results improve in math and reading after pandemic dips
There had been fear that after another school year of COVID-19 disruptions, scores would not improve.