The latest public education news from The Texas Tribune.
A law providing $8.5 billion in new funding for Texas public schools lacks the spending flexibility that previously let districts address their campuses’ needs as they saw fit. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/cbf402e8066ff87d7518eeb0435e42ba/Pre-AP%20Algebra%20Class%20TK%20TT.jpg)
The long-awaited vote survived objections from the panel’s most right-leaning Republicans, who criticized the lessons as “un-American woke indoctrination.” Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/0f952f3169b8a51961959e50b8bccd27/1117%20TEA%20SBOE%20Meeting%20JS%20TT%2024.jpg)
The ACLU has filed a new lawsuit on behalf of 16 parents of various religious faiths, the second such suit against the new law. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/9f9ac8eb604e435951bc53c32c4bfb66/0622%2010%20Commandments%20BD%20REUTERS%20TT%2001.jpg)
Lawmakers added $100 million to a child care scholarship program but failed to expand access to free preschool for children with disabilities. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/51ae6f0b41b85dcd91be211e07383abf/Yoakum%20Child%20Care%20AM%20TT%2026.jpg)
The 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. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/845135797d4460298c4c03f52b0fc261/0913%20Odessa%20School%20Tours%20EH%2021.jpg)
Advocates 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. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/dc1484bc97b5941f261e7316186d6a53/0524%20Parental%20Rights%20JZ%20TT%2008.jpg)
Education policy experts say the results align with Texas’ workforce goals but note that students still need help. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/55932e55b31a722530b517c7fee51b0e/Elsik%20High%20School%20PYH%20TT%2001.jpg)
The program would give low income families an extra $120 per child for summer lunches, but federal debate about food benefits could endanger the program. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/274ec039a78173e5624ebd592ea957ce/0913%20Odessa%20School%20Tours%20EH%2050.jpg)
Lawmakers sought to close gaps in education and support funding for agriculture, disaster preparedness and health care this year. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/7d2e3098d64d84759776f897866e11b5/0317%20Capitol%20File%20LW%2002.JPG)
Within 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. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/3d336410cf72665ddb57373fd44f430e/UT%20Austin%20Covid%20File%20TT%2012.jpg)
The spending package will give schools more money for staff pay raises, operational expenses, special education and more. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/32f2fdf762776dc794ede2c7be2860b3/0417%20Teacher%20Incentive%20Allotment%20IPL%2030.jpg)
The San Angelo Republican, at a Texas Tribune event, also weighed in on water and energy policy. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/852006d55cbaf4b4af04e937cff1f4a6/6-24_RTSession-Lead-Title-v1.png)
An 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. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/f2eb3ed4f8c2c402083af2ef531ad1a8/0417%20Teacher%20Incentive%20Allotment%20IPL%20TT%2034.jpg)
The 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. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/af0e284d192e1616f6685c4cd7167a31/0526%20House%20Floor%20EG%20TT%2025.jpg)
Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath applauded the district for its improvements while citing the need for more time to “achieve lasting success for students.” Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d60877cd24fb0010705b05707be8fbf8/2606%20SBOE%20Meeting%20OA%200018.jpg)
Texas 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. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/f82ffba8b8845c0e745fcd84735d40d5/0629%20Mine%20to%20Garden%20JT%20TT%2050.JPG)
The state standardized test has long been criticized for taking instructional time away from teachers and putting unnecessary pressure on students. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/490cffb755af85c90b24f92bd05c06e0/STAAR%20PYH%20TT%2001.jpg)
Tensions flared and the debate turned personal as Republicans said their bill empowered parents and denied predictions that the ban will endanger children. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/23608926b754cf166515c53b749b8b86/AISD%20Pride%20Event%20LW%20TT%2013.jpg)
A 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. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/f33f037e2eb1c56a2049fba5ab091f77/Capitol%20File%20AI%20TT%2001.jpg)
Research 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. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/3d1419f802a1ffb38bb0b095f7dccfa2/0913%20Odessa%20School%20Tours%20EH%2030.jpg)