The state parcels out school funding based on attendance, but many districts have seen sharp declines this fall. Local school officials are worried that they’ll run out of money to pay for staff, facilities and other fixed expenses.
Public Education
Explore The Texas Tribune’s coverage of public education, from K-12 schools and funding to teachers, students, and policies shaping classrooms across Texas.
Posted in
Reopening Texas Schools
Texas updates coronavirus case totals in schools, but the data remains limited and murky
The state’s second attempt at reporting known COVID-19 cases among students and staff doesn’t get much closer to helping the public understand how or whether infections are spreading in Texas public schools.
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Economy
Texas woman says she was fired by Whataburger for wearing a Black Lives Matter mask
Similar cases are popping up elsewhere in the state. Over the summer, two Texas teachers faced disciplinary action from their schools, one for wearing a mask and the other for displaying a Black Lives Matter sign, among others, in her virtual classroom.
Posted in
Reopening Texas Schools
Texas Department of State Health Services withdraws data on school infections, citing “issues”
Data released this week showing reported coronavirus infection breakdowns by school district has been withdrawn by state health officials after “issues” were discovered.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Analysis: COVID-19’s almost incomprehensible toll in Texas
We’ve lost a lot of Texans already and will surely lose more to the coronavirus. Doesn’t it seem like there should at least be a moment of silence?
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas Tribune photojournalists on the front line: photography in a year of pandemic and unrest
Photojournalists are regularly in the thick of things when they cover stories, but 2020 has made their jobs even more difficult. Here’s a look at the work of five Tribune photographers in this extraordinary year — and some of the gear they’ve used.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Analysis: Texas reopenings tied more to COVID-19 severity than to spread
Leaving behind their focus on the spread of the coronavirus, Texas leaders now say hospitalizations will guide their decisions on how to regulate social distancing at businesses and cultural centers.
Posted in
Reopening Texas Schools
State releases numbers showing low Texas public school infection rates, but the data is limited
The state’s first effort to publicly report coronavirus data from schools shows low statewide infection rates. Breakdowns by school districts should be reported next week.
Posted in
Reopening Texas Schools
Faceless avatars and microphone malfunctions: A Houston teacher wonders if his students are learning
Spend a day with Westfield High School teacher Cris Hernandez, and you’ll see the frustrations and uncertainties of virtual teaching. More than four weeks into the school year, he still can’t tell if he’s connecting with his students.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Lawmakers call on Gov. Greg Abbott to plan to expand broadband access as pandemic worsens disparities
A bipartisan group of 88 state lawmakers said in a letter that a statewide broadband plan is well overdue.