Analysis: A digital divide with dire consequences for Texas
The new coronavirus has forced Texans online for education, commerce, work and entertainment. But a third of the state's residents don't have broadband in their homes. Full Story
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![A streetview of Dumas.]()
Credit: Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas Tribune -
Watch our interview with LaTonya Goffney, Aldine ISD superintendent, on the coronavirus outbreak’s impact on public education
We sat down for a live virtual interview with Aldine ISD Superintendent LaTonya Goffney to discuss the novel coronavirus outbreak in Texas and its impact on public education in the state. Full Story
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Texas day cares are closing just when some parents need them more than ever
The new coronavirus has prompted parents to pull their kids from day care, and thousands have closed. But essential workers like nurses, police officers and grocery store clerks desperately need safe places to leave their children. Full Story
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![A flurry of colors and activity, building time started the day for pre schoolers at Greater Cornerstone Academy in North Dallas Oct. 9, 2018.]()
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Texas lets school districts decide whether students can graduate without STAAR
The state standardized test, taken in third through 12th grade, determines whether students can graduate or move on to the next grade and whether schools can stay open. Full Story
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![STAAR themed decorations adorn the hallways of Wharton Elementary School in Wharton on April 21, 2018.]()
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Texas parents struggle to find childcare, food as school closings keep kids at home
Lower-income households are being hit the hardest by school closings as parents try to hang on to jobs and care for their children. Districts are cobbling together ways to keep their educations on track. Full Story
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![A classroom in Cactus Elementary School in Cactus on Jan. 28, 2020.]()
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While other states fighting coronavirus enforce widespread closures, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott goes with a patchwork system
While most states have mandated the closure of schools, bars and restaurants; deployed their militaries; or diverted state resources to COVID-19 response, Texas is largely leaving it up to schools and local governments to decide how to proceed. Some say the approach can undermine response efforts. Full Story
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![Gov. Greg Abbott briefs reporters during a press conference on a Domestic Terrorism Task Force roundtable held at the capitol on Jan. 7, 2020.]()
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Texas STAAR test requirements waived due to coronavirus outbreak
Gov. Greg Abbott also said he would ask the federal government to waive federal testing requirements, which apply to all states. Full Story
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![A student in a classroom at Cactus Elementary School.]()
Credit: Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas Tribune -
Many Texas schools could be closed through academic year due to coronavirus, education commissioner warns
In separate calls with superintendents and lawmakers Sunday, Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath said decisions on extended school closures would be left up to locals. Full Story
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![TEA Commissioner Mike Morath testifies before the House Public Education Committee at the state capitol.]()
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Shepherd ISD steps out of limbo and closer to state takeover
The East Texas district's elected school board voted to drop any outstanding lawsuits blocking the state's takeover of the district. Board members also ended a contract with lawyers involved in the dispute. Full Story
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![Jeff Cotrill of the TEA answers questions for parents while the Shepherd Independent School District board of trustees is in executive session, before a vote in Shepherd on Friday, March 13, 2020.]()
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School districts across Texas suspend classes over coronavirus concerns, prepare for online learning
Some of the districts extending their spring breaks are working on contingency plans to transition hundreds of thousands of students and teachers to remote learning in the event of even longer closures. Full Story
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![Jessica Lemmer went over a fraction problem with her third grade math class Jan. 14, 2018 at Edward Titche Elementary School in the Pleasant Grove area of Dallas.]()
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Two Texas public school districts halt classes over possible coronavirus risks
The closures of Montgomery and Alvarado schools are short term, but hundreds of public school districts may face similar decisions. A big challenge for officials is figuring out how to feed low-income students in the event of prolonged shutdowns. Full Story
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![School children at Cantu Elementary School in Alton enjoy their free breakfast on April 24, 2013.]()
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Texas tried to take over Shepherd ISD. But a surprise, last-minute court order blocked those plans.
State officials were stopped from swearing in an appointed board of managers to run the East Texas school district where two schools received failing grades for years. Full Story
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![Shepherd ISD board of trustee Michael Courvelle outside of the Shepherd ISD administration building in Shepherd on Monday, March 9, 2020.]()
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Texas seizes power from small East Texas school district, splitting town opinion
The Texas Education Agency announced a new appointed board and a new superintendent Friday for Shepherd Independent School District, where two schools failed to meet state academic standards for five years. Full Story
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![Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath speaks to the State Board of Education members during a meeting in Austin on Jan. 29, 2019.]()
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After 2018's mass shooting, Santa Fe school officials will let some employees carry firearms at all times
District officials announced their plans Friday to implement Texas’ so-called Guardian Plan, which lets local school boards authorize specific employees to carry on campus at all times and determine their training standards. Full Story
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![A mass shooting at Santa Fe High School on May 18, 2018, killed 10 members of the local community.]()
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Watch: A conversation with Mike Morath, the Texas education commissioner
The Texas Tribune's Evan Smith moderates a discussion with Mike Morath, who has been the state's education commissioner since 2016. Full Story
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How do you solve a problem like Robert Morrow?
Despite his history of sexist, racist tweets and conspiracy-laden rants, more than 54,000 Republican voters propelled Robert Morrow into a runoff for a seat on the State Board of Education. GOP leaders are terrified he might actually win. Full Story
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![Robert Morrow holds a sign in protest of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump outside of Franklin Barbecue during the Texas Tribune Festival on Sept. 22, 2016.]()
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Gov. Greg Abbott asks 500,000 Texas educators to weigh in on preventing next school shooting
The survey on preparedness for active shooter situations and other crises will inform the largest needs assessment on school safety in Texas history. Full Story
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![Police tape in front of Santa Fe High School in Santa Fe, Texas, on May 20, 2018.]()
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Incendiary State Board of Education candidate Rob Morrow advances to runoff
Neither party wants to see Morrow, who has a history of sexist and racist rhetoric, elected to the board, but he is headed to a runoff for the District 5 seat. Full Story
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![Robert Murrow at a Texas Tribune Event on May 10, 2018.]()
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FBI agents investigating Houston ISD offices
It's unclear why the FBI showed up at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center and the home of a district official, but Houston ISD said there is no danger to students, staff or the community. Full Story
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![Wheatley High School on Nov. 14, 2019.]()
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More young Texans are registering to vote. Will they actually turn out?
Voter registration activity at Texas high schools spiked ahead of the 2018 general elections, when young and Hispanic voters turned out in record numbers for a midterm. Full Story
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![Students Jasmine Barrera, left, Louis Lor, and Liana Smoot register to vote with Pamela Orr at McCallum High School in Austin on Jan. 31, 2020.]()
Credit: Eddie Gaspar/The Texas Tribune