By the time the TEA finalizes the data, this year could mark the first drop in Texas public school enrollment since measurement began.
HomeAuthorIsaiah Mitchell, Reporter at The Texan
Isaiah Mitchell is a reporter for The Texan, a Texas native, and a huge Allman Brothers fan. He graduated cum laude from Trinity University in 2020 with a degree in English. Isaiah loves playing music and football with his family.
Civil SocietyJudicialEffort to End Life Support for Texan Child Tinslee Lewis Fails at U.S. Supreme Court
Isaiah MitchellJanuary 12, 2021
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to change the ruling of a Texas court that has kept Tinslee Lewis alive — a month before her second birthday.
Civil SocietyJudicialClergy Sex Abuse Defamation Case Reaches Texas Supreme Court
Isaiah MitchellJanuary 7, 2021
The Diocese of Lubbock defended their choice to publish the name of a credibly accused sex abuser yesterday before the court.
87th LegislatureState HouseTexas Lawmakers File Proposal for Annual Legislative Sessions
Isaiah MitchellJanuary 6, 2021
Two state representatives, one Democrat and one Republican, have filed proposals to have the body meet annually instead of every two years.
87th LegislatureGunsState HouseProposed Bill From Texas Democrat Would Trim List of Restricted Areas for Big Knives
Isaiah MitchellJanuary 5, 2021
Dutton's bill would cut down on the list of places where big knives are restricted — a piece of code he wrote.
86th LegislatureJudicialHigher Court Sides With Churches Targeted by City’s Hiked Water Rates
Isaiah MitchellDecember 25, 2020
The appeals court agreed that the churches, which pay more for water than regular businesses, deserve another trial.
87th LegislatureIssuesLocal NewsState HouseState SenateProposed Bill Would Bar Elected Officials from Closing Churches, Even During Disasters
Isaiah MitchellDecember 24, 2020
The proposed bill would bar government officials at all levels in Texas from shutting down houses of worship.
87th LegislatureEducationState SenateProposed Bill Would Compel Schools to Rehire Teachers Who Quit Due to COVID-19 Concerns
Isaiah MitchellDecember 23, 2020
COVID-wary teachers driven from the job by the virus would be entitled to return to the same pay and benefits under the bill.
87th LegislatureStatewide NewsThe Texas Capitol Will Reopen on January 4, State Leaders Announce
Isaiah MitchellDecember 21, 2020
Quelling some fears of a completely virtual or closed session, state leaders announced that the capitol will open eight days before session begins.
EducationStatewide NewsState Public Education Reports Highlight Student Underperformance, Teacher Strain
Isaiah MitchellDecember 18, 2020
STAAR test scores and other academic measurements have not been updated due to COVID-19, but national scores and teacher quality data remain.
Civil SocietyFederalStatewide News95,000 Doses of Pfizer Vaccine Delivered in Texas with More on the Way, Announces Gov. Abbott
Isaiah MitchellDecember 17, 2020
The vaccines have come first to doctors and nurses. Abbott also reiterated his promise to authorize no new shutdowns.
Local NewsStatewide NewsHouston Mayor Moves Forward with Vision Zero Plan Aiming to End Traffic Fatalities
Isaiah MitchellDecember 16, 2020
Houston's ambitious goal has roots in Swedish environmentalism, with the goal of ending all traffic deaths. So far, no city has succeeded.
EducationTexas A&M to Require COVID-19 Testing for All On-Campus Students
Isaiah MitchellDecember 15, 2020
While some private universities in Texas have required tests, Texas A&M is the first major public college in the state to take this measure.
87th LegislatureEducationState HouseState SenateSTAAR Testing to Remain While A-F School Rating System Suspended, TEA Says
Isaiah MitchellDecember 14, 2020
Though schools won't have to worry about their own scores this year, the TEA will still administrate the STAAR test to gauge student success.
JudicialAustin Worker Sues Union for Forced Collection of Fees for Political Activity
Isaiah MitchellDecember 10, 2020
The United Airlines union collects mandatory fees from non-members for political activism without first getting their affirmative consent.
87th LegislatureCivil SocietyState HouseStatewide NewsTexas State Rep. Proposes Bill to Allow Texans to Vote on Secession
Isaiah MitchellDecember 8, 2020
The "Texit" bill would allow Texans to vote in a referendum, Britain-style, to leave the U.S. for independent nationhood.
87th LegislatureIssuesLocal NewsAustin Mayor Adler’s Mexican Vacation Draws Criticism Amid Ongoing COVID-19 Restrictions
Isaiah MitchellDecember 4, 2020
From a timeshare in Mexico, Adler advised Austinites to stay home. He was celebrating his daughter's wedding, held the day before in Austin.
86th Legislature87th LegislatureState HouseRep. Matt Krause Announces Bid for Texas House Republican Caucus Chair
Isaiah MitchellDecember 3, 2020
Rep. Matt Krause will campaign to lead Texas House Republicans, replacing Rep. Stephanie Klick.
EducationIssuesStatewide NewsTEA Withdrawal Statistics Show Record Number of Students Leaving Public Schools
Isaiah MitchellDecember 3, 2020
State data and Texas Home School Coalition numbers show record-breaking home school withdrawals for this school year.
Civil SocietyLocal NewsAckerly Becomes 17th Texas Town to Outlaw Abortion
Isaiah MitchellDecember 2, 2020
The Ackerly City Council voted unanimously last night to ban abortion in city limits. Lubbock and Odessa may do the same.