Texas education chief met with Turning Point USA to discuss group’s expansion in high schools
Read full article: Texas education chief met with Turning Point USA to discuss group’s expansion in high schoolsThe meeting happened days before Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick pledged $1 million to help establish chapters of the conservative student group on every Texas college and high school campus.
Why some Texas teachers are being forced to “deadname” trans students under a new state law
Read full article: Why some Texas teachers are being forced to “deadname” trans students under a new state lawThe law requires school employees to use names and pronouns that conform to students’ sex at birth.
Texas superintendents say school takeovers aren’t a sustainable way to boost student learning
Read full article: Texas superintendents say school takeovers aren’t a sustainable way to boost student learningThree school district leaders at The Texas Tribune Festival said the Texas Education Agency’s reliance on state takeovers to improve academic performance threatens local control.
‘A tremendous moment’: Harlandale ISD resumes local control following removal of TEA conservator
Read full article: ‘A tremendous moment’: Harlandale ISD resumes local control following removal of TEA conservatorThe Harlandale Independent School District has resumed local governance of its board of trustees following the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) removal of a state-appointed conservator this week, a district news release on Tuesday said.
What you need to know about Texas’ takeover of Fort Worth ISD
Read full article: What you need to know about Texas’ takeover of Fort Worth ISDA takeover is meant to correct the course of struggling school districts. But it can become a fraught process since the district’s elected school board loses its decision-making power.
Texas Education Agency takes over Fort Worth ISD, replacing its elected school board
Read full article: Texas Education Agency takes over Fort Worth ISD, replacing its elected school boardThe North Texas district is the 11th since 2000 to be taken over by the state and the second largest after Houston ISD.
NEISD discusses cellphone ban policy during board meeting
Read full article: NEISD discusses cellphone ban policy during board meetingNorth East ISD met on Monday to discuss their cellphone ban policy that was approved in August and is currently under investigation by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
TEA: Educators in 13 San Antonio-area districts under investigation for posts about Charlie Kirk’s death
Read full article: TEA: Educators in 13 San Antonio-area districts under investigation for posts about Charlie Kirk’s deathThe Texas Education Agency is looking into more than 350 complaints against educators or school district staff members regarding comments made or posted about Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.
Parents react as state pressures North East ISD to tighten cellphone ban policy
Read full article: Parents react as state pressures North East ISD to tighten cellphone ban policyThe Texas Education Agency is investigating North East Independent School District’s (NEISD) cellphone ban policy after receiving a complaint that it does not comply with the new controversial law.
North East ISD may revise cellphone ban policy after TEA investigation and legislative pressure
Read full article: North East ISD may revise cellphone ban policy after TEA investigation and legislative pressureAfter one month of approving a new cellphone ban policy, the North East Independent School District (NEISD) may be forced to go back to the drawing board to revise it once again.
Texas investigation into teachers’ posts after Charlie Kirk’s death violates their free speech, experts say
Read full article: Texas investigation into teachers’ posts after Charlie Kirk’s death violates their free speech, experts sayFree speech experts say that when teachers speak in their personal capacity, even on school grounds but outside their official duties, they retain their right to comment on matters of public concern.
6 Bexar County school districts risk TEA stepping in over poor performance
Read full article: 6 Bexar County school districts risk TEA stepping in over poor performanceSix Bexar County school districts must submit plans to the state for improving performance at poorly-rated campuses — and in some cases, immediately put them into action.
Jourdanton High School teacher fired following social media post about Charlie Kirk assassination
Read full article: Jourdanton High School teacher fired following social media post about Charlie Kirk assassinationJourdanton Independent School District’s school board fired a teacher after the instructor made a social media post about the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Student who mocked Charlie Kirk’s death “no longer” at Texas State University as clampdowns continue
Read full article: Student who mocked Charlie Kirk’s death “no longer” at Texas State University as clampdowns continueThe university's announcement came hours after Gov. Greg Abbott called for the student's expulsion.
TEA reviewing 180 complaints over educators’ Charlie Kirk assassination posts
Read full article: TEA reviewing 180 complaints over educators’ Charlie Kirk assassination postsThe head of the Texas Education Agency says his agency is already reviewing complaints about educators’ social media posts on the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and he will recommend teachers who “call for and incite further violence” have their certification suspended.
Roughly 350 complaints filed against Texas teachers for alleged comments on killing of Charlie Kirk
Read full article: Roughly 350 complaints filed against Texas teachers for alleged comments on killing of Charlie KirkSeveral school districts have already taken disciplinary action against staff for comments made about the Christian conservative activist’s death.
TEA to investigate educators’ ‘inappropriate content’ about Charlie Kirk’s assassination
Read full article: TEA to investigate educators’ ‘inappropriate content’ about Charlie Kirk’s assassinationThe Texas Education Agency said it will investigate educators accused of making “inappropriate content” on social media after the assassination of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk.
Providing basic care to students does not violate Texas’ parental consent law, state guidance to schools says
Read full article: Providing basic care to students does not violate Texas’ parental consent law, state guidance to schools saysThe guidance comes in response to confusion over a new state law requiring schools to notify parents whenever students need health care services.
Texas is officially replacing STAAR. Here is what schools’ new standardized tests will look like.
Read full article: Texas is officially replacing STAAR. Here is what schools’ new standardized tests will look like.House Bill 8 scraps the unpopular exam for three shorter tests at the beginning, middle and end of the year starting in the 2027-28 school year.
1 in 4 Texas school districts sign up for new Bible-infused curriculum
Read full article: 1 in 4 Texas school districts sign up for new Bible-infused curriculumThe numbers may grow as the state collects more data. Some districts adopted the plan not for its religious emphasis but for more funding and to better align with teaching requirements.
‘We just want to be paid’: Teachers left in limbo after charter school shuts down
Read full article: ‘We just want to be paid’: Teachers left in limbo after charter school shuts downJust days before the start of the new school year, Bexar County Academy charter school shut its doors for good. But for a group of summer school teachers, the problems didn’t end there.
Five Texas school districts at risk of a state takeover after ratings’ release
Read full article: Five Texas school districts at risk of a state takeover after ratings’ releaseThe state can take control of a school district if at least one of its campuses receives a failing grade five years in a row.
Texas released two years of A-F ratings for schools and districts. See how yours did.
Read full article: Texas released two years of A-F ratings for schools and districts. See how yours did.In the 2024-25 school year, 14% of Texas school districts got an A, 71% got a B or a C, and 15% got a D or an F, new state data shows.
TEA Accountability Ratings: A look at how San Antonio area school districts made the grade
Read full article: TEA Accountability Ratings: A look at how San Antonio area school districts made the gradeThe Texas Education Agency (TEA) announced the release of accountability ratings for school districts across Texas, which includes San Antonio-area schools.
Harlandale ISD moves closer to total control, advances to TEA observation status
Read full article: Harlandale ISD moves closer to total control, advances to TEA observation statusThe Harlandale Independent School District has taken a step toward full local control by moving from direct oversight by a Texas Education Agency conservator to observation status.
US Department of Education grants $250K to flood-impacted school districts in Texas
Read full article: US Department of Education grants $250K to flood-impacted school districts in TexasThe U.S. Department of Education announced that it would make $250,000 in funding available from Project SERV to support students and the community as they recover from the July 4 Hill Country floods.
South San ISD board formally accepts superintendent’s resignation 4 months after TEA takeover
Read full article: South San ISD board formally accepts superintendent’s resignation 4 months after TEA takeoverFour months since the Texas Education Agency stepped in to replace the school board members and superintendent at South San Antonio ISD, the former superintendent will be released from his contract.
Did Texas lawmakers do enough for children with disabilities? These child care advocates say no.
Read full article: Did Texas lawmakers do enough for children with disabilities? These child care advocates say no.Lawmakers added $100 million to a child care scholarship program but failed to expand access to free preschool for children with disabilities.
How San Antonio’s largest school districts’ 2025 STAAR test scores compare to state averages
Read full article: How San Antonio’s largest school districts’ 2025 STAAR test scores compare to state averagesResults released by the Texas Education Agency on Tuesday show State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) scores have seen improvements this year, even as San Antonio-area districts struggled with math.
Texas students make gains in reading but struggle with math, STAAR scores show
Read full article: Texas students make gains in reading but struggle with math, STAAR scores showThe 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.
Texas Education Agency extends Houston school district takeover through 2027
Read full article: Texas Education Agency extends Houston school district takeover through 2027Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath applauded the district for its improvements while citing the need for more time to “achieve lasting success for students.”
Comal ISD dance teacher resigns amid inappropriate conduct allegations, district says
Read full article: Comal ISD dance teacher resigns amid inappropriate conduct allegations, district saysA Canyon Lake High School teacher has resigned amid allegations of inappropriate conduct with a former student, the Comal Independent School District confirmed to KSAT on Friday.
Texas House, Senate will seek middle ground on bill to scrap STAAR test
Read full article: Texas House, Senate will seek middle ground on bill to scrap STAAR testThe chambers differ on how much power districts should have to push back in courts over their accountability ratings. They risk keeping STAAR by default if they don’t reach an agreement.
SAISD program coordinator had summer school items delivered to his home, invoices show
Read full article: SAISD program coordinator had summer school items delivered to his home, invoices showPurchases for children in a San Antonio Independent School District summer program were delivered to the personal residence of a district employee, invoice records uncovered by KSAT Investigates show.
Texas’ youngest learners are behind in math and reading. A pair of bills aims to get them back on track.
Read full article: Texas’ youngest learners are behind in math and reading. A pair of bills aims to get them back on track.Students who are behind in third grade rarely catch up. Texas lawmakers want to intervene earlier.
Former SAISD teacher accused of having relationship with student under TEA investigation, agency says
Read full article: Former SAISD teacher accused of having relationship with student under TEA investigation, agency saysA former San Antonio Independent School District teacher accused of having a relationship with a student is under investigation by the Texas Education Agency, the agency told KSAT on Friday.
Texas school districts got their first A-F grades in five years. See how your school did here.
Read full article: Texas school districts got their first A-F grades in five years. See how your school did here.The Texas Education Agency released the 2022-23 school year ratings on Thursday after a 19-month legal battle over how those ratings are calculated.
TEA releases grades on San Antonio-area public schools, districts for 2022-23 academic year
Read full article: TEA releases grades on San Antonio-area public schools, districts for 2022-23 academic yearThe Texas Education Agency released its grades for each school and school district in the state for the 2022-23 academic year.
1 in 5 Texas schools got a D or F rating under new performance standards
Read full article: 1 in 5 Texas schools got a D or F rating under new performance standardsFailing grades for districts were made public for the first time since 2019. They showed schools with the poorest students were more likely to get a low score.
School districts stay quiet as lawmakers push to limit when they can sue the state
Read full article: School districts stay quiet as lawmakers push to limit when they can sue the stateSchool leaders have privately criticized a bill that would make it harder to contest their performance ratings in court. But they did not testify against it to avoid lawmakers’ ire.
‘It was completely wrong’: Former student says she had sexual relationship with McCollum HS basketball coach
Read full article: ‘It was completely wrong’: Former student says she had sexual relationship with McCollum HS basketball coachA former McCollum High School student is revealing details about what she calls a yearslong sexual relationship with now-former basketball coach Marcus Alvarado.
Schools with four-day school weeks had lower STAAR scores, TEA study says
Read full article: Schools with four-day school weeks had lower STAAR scores, TEA study saysThe Texas Education Agency released a 15-page study in February of this year that compared the STAAR test scores of schools with four-day school weeks (4dsw) to those with five-day school weeks (5dsw).
McCollum High School basketball coach under TEA investigation, agency says
Read full article: McCollum High School basketball coach under TEA investigation, agency saysMcCollum High School boys' basketball coach Marcus Alvarado is under investigation by the Texas Education Agency, KSAT Investigates confirmed Thursday.
New South San Antonio ISD superintendent to focus on ‘quality’ teachers to turn district around
Read full article: New South San Antonio ISD superintendent to focus on ‘quality’ teachers to turn district aroundSince being appointed the South San Antonio Independent School District’s new superintendent, Dr. Saul Hinojosa has hit the ground running.
New South San ISD superintendent shares vision for district following TEA takeover
Read full article: New South San ISD superintendent shares vision for district following TEA takeoverThe Texas Education Agency (TEA) took control of South San Antonio ISD on Wednesday, pushing the elected board of trustees to the side after what it called “nearly two decades of elected trustee and administrative dysfunction.”
The Gathering Place Charter School to close after 2024-25 school year
Read full article: The Gathering Place Charter School to close after 2024-25 school yearThe Gathering Place Charter School announced it will close at the end of the 2024-2025 school year after a decision by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) not to renew its charter.
Texas Republicans want more property tax cuts. Here’s how they may do it.
Read full article: Texas Republicans want more property tax cuts. Here’s how they may do it.Gov. Greg Abbott said cutting taxes is a top priority, however, state lawmakers don’t have as much money to plug into tax cuts as they did two years ago.
Texas scores poor on ‘Nation’s Report Card’ test for 4th, 8th grade students
Read full article: Texas scores poor on ‘Nation’s Report Card’ test for 4th, 8th grade studentsThe Texas Education Agency has announced the results of the 2024 National Assessment of Education Progress, and results are not trending well for the state.
State lawmakers ask education agency for guidance on how Texas schools can respond to Trump’s immigration plans
Read full article: State lawmakers ask education agency for guidance on how Texas schools can respond to Trump’s immigration plansMore than two dozen Texas Democrats expressed concern about the elimination of a federal policy preventing immigration arrests at schools.
Why is the TEA considering taking over South San Antonio ISD?
Read full article: Why is the TEA considering taking over South San Antonio ISD?The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is considering replacing the elected board of South San Antonio ISD due to long-standing governance issues. Since 2016, the district has faced multiple challenges, including the appointment of a conservator, frequent superintendent changes, and controversial board decisions like reopening and then closing several schools.
South San ISD could become 1 of 5 districts in Texas to have school board replaced by TEA-appointed members
Read full article: South San ISD could become 1 of 5 districts in Texas to have school board replaced by TEA-appointed membersThe Texas Education Agency is considering whether to replace the South San ISD’s board of trustees with appointed board managers.
Texas Education Agency accepts applications for new South San ISD leadership
Read full article: Texas Education Agency accepts applications for new South San ISD leadershipThe conservator overseeing the South San Independent School District Board of Trustees has written a letter to the Texas Education commissioner, recommending that a board of managers be appointed to govern the district.
Houston ISD superintendent didn’t illegally funnel state money to out-of-state schools, TEA says
Read full article: Houston ISD superintendent didn’t illegally funnel state money to out-of-state schools, TEA saysThe Texas Education Agency found that checks mailed to Miles’ charter school network in Colorado were eventually deposited into the network’s Texas account.
Latest effort to block school ratings cracks Texas districts’ once-united front
Read full article: Latest effort to block school ratings cracks Texas districts’ once-united frontDozens of districts sued Texas saying the ratings painted an unfair picture of their schools. Others voluntarily have released their own.
Dozens of Texas school districts press state to suspend new student data reporting system
Read full article: Dozens of Texas school districts press state to suspend new student data reporting systemThe superintendents said they haven’t received enough support from the state or time to fix errors the system generated.
Texas school districts say upgrades to the state’s student data reporting system could hurt their funding
Read full article: Texas school districts say upgrades to the state’s student data reporting system could hurt their fundingThe Texas Education Agency says there’s time to fix problems before officially reported data is used to determine how much money districts get.
After six years of low scores for students learning English, Texas educators say it’s the test’s fault
Read full article: After six years of low scores for students learning English, Texas educators say it’s the test’s faultStudents’ scores in a test that gauges their English skills have been low since a redesign introduced computer scoring.
Texas Education Agency to release schools’ 2024 performance ratings after court ruling
Read full article: Texas Education Agency to release schools’ 2024 performance ratings after court rulingAn appeals court granted the state approval to release the ratings after doing the same for 2023 scores in April.
Texas’ Christian-influenced curriculum spurs worries about bullying, church-state separation
Read full article: Texas’ Christian-influenced curriculum spurs worries about bullying, church-state separationSome secular groups and members of other faiths say the curriculum could give schools too much control over how children are taught religion.
State Board of Education fields concerns about Christian bias in proposed K-12 curriculum
Read full article: State Board of Education fields concerns about Christian bias in proposed K-12 curriculumThe proposal comes as part of a larger effort by officials in Texas and across the country to inject Christianity into public life.
How San Antonio’s biggest school districts’ STAAR test scores compare to state averages
Read full article: How San Antonio’s biggest school districts’ STAAR test scores compare to state averagesData released Friday showed Texas students’ math and science scores on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness continue to slip since the pandemic.
Some Texas school officials are skeptical that a K-12 curriculum with Christian influences is the lifeline state leaders promise
Read full article: Some Texas school officials are skeptical that a K-12 curriculum with Christian influences is the lifeline state leaders promiseProposed lesson plans could improve student performance and help teachers, Texas education officials say. Not all district leaders and education advocates are convinced.
Houston ISD superintendent accused of funneling tax dollars out of state
Read full article: Houston ISD superintendent accused of funneling tax dollars out of stateA state lawmaker and Houston residents urge the Texas Education Agency to investigate whether the state-appointed superintendent improperly sent public funds to out-of-state charter schools.
Some South Texas school employees could be barred from holding elected office after fraud investigation
Read full article: Some South Texas school employees could be barred from holding elected office after fraud investigationA state-appointed board of managers overseeing the La Joya Independent School District is set to consider the policy this week.
Texas will use computers to grade written answers on this year’s STAAR tests
Read full article: Texas will use computers to grade written answers on this year’s STAAR testsThe state will save more than $15 million by using technology similar to ChatGPT to give initial scores, reducing the number of human graders needed. The decision caught some educators by surprise.
Texas places state’s largest charter school network under conservatorship
Read full article: Texas places state’s largest charter school network under conservatorshipThe state had been investigating IDEA Public Schools since 2021 and raised questions on its spending on things like a luxury driver and private jet.
After 7 years of state oversight, Texas’ takeover of Marlin ISD starts winding down
Read full article: After 7 years of state oversight, Texas’ takeover of Marlin ISD starts winding downThe transition at the Waco-area school district will shed light on how a democratically elected school board resumes control after a takeover.
Texas children are still struggling with math after the pandemic. Some schools are trying a new approach.
Read full article: Texas children are still struggling with math after the pandemic. Some schools are trying a new approach.Policy experts worry students will fall short of the state's future workforce needs. Educators hope the new curriculum will help them.
Texas Education Agency takes over La Joya ISD after investigating school board for fraud and conflicts of interest
Read full article: Texas Education Agency takes over La Joya ISD after investigating school board for fraud and conflicts of interestThe TEA appointed a “board of managers” to replace the district’s school board trustees and named a new superintendent.
Texas’ school ratings remain in limbo as the state and school districts fight over how strict the grading should be
Read full article: Texas’ school ratings remain in limbo as the state and school districts fight over how strict the grading should beDozens of school districts sued the Texas Education Agency last fall, claiming revisions to the state’s accountability system would hurt them.
Struggling to find teachers close to home, some Texas schools are looking overseas for help
Read full article: Struggling to find teachers close to home, some Texas schools are looking overseas for helpPublic schools got little help from lawmakers this year to address the state’s chronic teacher shortage, so they’ve turned to other creative solutions — like leaning on cultural exchange programs to recruit international teachers.
An effort to prepare West Texas students to work in the oil and gas industry is expanding
Read full article: An effort to prepare West Texas students to work in the oil and gas industry is expandingThe expansion, which will start with a smaller pilot in four high schools between Texas and New Mexico, is being paid for by the Permian Strategic Partnership, a group funded by major energy producers.
South San ISD given one year to improve board governance, avoid state takeover
Read full article: South San ISD given one year to improve board governance, avoid state takeoverThe Texas Education Agency has given the South San Antonio ISD board one year to become more stable with the help of a conservator, or it will implement its own board of managers.
Texas judge temporarily blocks release of “unlawful” school accountability ratings
Read full article: Texas judge temporarily blocks release of “unlawful” school accountability ratingsThe ruling comes after dozens of school districts sued the Texas Education Agency, claiming the revised accountability system would hurt their ratings.
Gov. Abbott directs Texas schools to resources for teaching about Israel-Hamas war
Read full article: Gov. Abbott directs Texas schools to resources for teaching about Israel-Hamas warAs tensions have flared in the escalating conflict and protests have spread across Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott announced that the Texas Education Agency would provide resources to schools to counter misinformation and antisemitism.
Voucher proposal spurs mix of excitement, wariness in Texas home schooling community
Read full article: Voucher proposal spurs mix of excitement, wariness in Texas home schooling communityParents of Texas’ growing population of home-schooled students are split over whether education savings accounts would give them much-needed financial help or represent an unwanted government involvement in their kids’ educations.
Why a North Texas suburban school district is opening a new health clinic for students on Medicaid
Read full article: Why a North Texas suburban school district is opening a new health clinic for students on MedicaidThe new clinic met resistance from a vocal group of parents who raised concerns the district was overstepping its authority in caring for students.
Support for Houston ISD’s Spanish speakers has dwindled under state-appointed leader, parents say
Read full article: Support for Houston ISD’s Spanish speakers has dwindled under state-appointed leader, parents sayFor 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.
Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles says he needs four to five years to turn the district around
Read full article: Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles says he needs four to five years to turn the district aroundMiles said he should be held accountable and be fired if the district doesn’t improve academically in the next two years.
Texas Education Agency delays release of annual school ratings
Read full article: Texas Education Agency delays release of annual school ratingsTEA said it needs to make adjustments to account for changes in students’ academic performance after the pandemic. The delay comes after several school districts sued to stop the agency from releasing school rankings produced under a new rating system.
School safety, tutoring and hair: These are some of the new education laws that go into effect this year
Read full article: School safety, tutoring and hair: These are some of the new education laws that go into effect this yearLawmakers failed to pass legislation on school vouchers or teacher raises this year, but they approved other education-related laws like an $800 million investment in high-quality instructional materials and new rules for students found vaping or using marijuana.
Federal judge bars Texas from enforcing book rating law
Read full article: Federal judge bars Texas from enforcing book rating lawHouse Bill 900 requires book vendors to rate all their materials based on their depictions or references to sex before selling them to schools. Vendors say the law aims to regulate protected speech with “vague and over broad” terms.
Booksellers sue over Texas law requiring them to rate books for appropriateness
Read full article: Booksellers sue over Texas law requiring them to rate books for appropriatenessTwo Texas bookstores and three national bookseller associations file suit over House Bill 900, which requires private booksellers to rate books on appropriateness, and bans “sexually explicit” material from libraries.
New school safety laws seek to add armed guards, chaplains and mental health training. Here’s what you need to know.
Read full article: New school safety laws seek to add armed guards, chaplains and mental health training. Here’s what you need to know.Experts say many of the changes will bolster school safety but some requirements may be challenging for public schools to implement by the upcoming school year with limited funding and staffing constraints.