As a special session starts with a focus on “school choice” but no mention of public school funding, some teachers said they are even considering leaving the profession.
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.
Primary threats loom over House Republicans as lawmakers again consider school vouchers
Gov. Greg Abbott promised that if House Republicans block school choice again, he’d go after them in the primaries
Vouchers return this special session — and school funding might be left out. Here’s what you need to know.
Gov. Greg Abbott called lawmakers back to Austin to try again to pass education savings accounts, which would let families use state funds to pay for their children’s private schooling. Teacher pay was not part of his agenda.
Education savings accounts and illegal immigration will be part of third special legislative session’s focus
Gov. Greg Abbott announced the items lawmakers can consider when they return Monday. His agenda also includes COVID vaccine mandates and the Colony Ridge development outside Houston.
Support for Houston ISD’s Spanish speakers has dwindled under state-appointed leader, parents say
For one reading class, Superintendent Mike Miles said instruction would focus on English, even if it meant risking state funding for dual-language programs. Parents say it goes further than that, adding that their kids are receiving no assistance in Spanish at all.
‘They just tried to scare us’: Anti-abortion centers teach sex ed inside some Texas public schools
The groups work in dozens of school districts across the state, but some public health experts say their curricula can be misleading and biased.
Gov. Greg Abbott says special lawmaking session will begin on Oct. 9, likely on school vouchers
The session comes as a rift between the Texas House and the Senate grew following Attorney General Ken Paxton’s impeachment trial, raising questions about the chambers’ ability to compromise on education issues. The governor has threatened to call for more special sessions if lawmakers fail to pass a “school choice” proposal.
The 2023 Texas Tribune Festival in photos
Here’s a look back at the 2023 Texas Tribune Festival through the eyes of Tribune photographers.
Texas House Democrats hint at disunity ahead of possible October special session
State Rep. John Bryant said Democrats will need to work together to block the “school choice” bill in October.
Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles says he needs four to five years to turn the district around
Miles said he should be held accountable and be fired if the district doesn’t improve academically in the next two years.


