87th LegislatureEducationTexas School Boards Allowed to End Mask Mandates in Districts, Per TEA
Isaiah MitchellMarch 5, 2021
The TEA guidance assumes mask requirements but says that school boards are allowed to keep or remove them as they wish.
HomeTagMike Morath | The Texan
87th LegislatureEducationState HouseState SenateAs State Extends Hold Harmless Funds, Leaders Predict Long Future for Hybrid Learning
Isaiah MitchellMarch 4, 2021
The state's top two education leaders told the legislature that schools from kindergarten to college will probably cling to computer learning.
The Back MicThe Back Mic: Abbott Hints at Austin Police Takeover, Democrats Call for STAAR Test Suspension, Crenshaw Tops Favorability Ratings
Brad JohnsonFebruary 5, 2021
This week — here's a look at the latest news from this week in Texas politics.
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.
87th LegislatureEducationState HouseStatewide NewsTexas Education Commissioner Would Become Elected Position with New Legislation
Isaiah MitchellNovember 25, 2020
Democratic State Rep. Gina Hinojosa wants the Texas Commissioner of Education to take office by vote instead of the governor's appointment.
87th LegislatureEducationIssuesState HouseThe Back Mic: House Committee to Consider Potential Harassment Complaint, Lawmakers Request STAAR Test Cancelation, Influx of Pre-Filed Bills
Brad JohnsonNovember 20, 2020
This week — a workplace complaint prompts investigative committee meeting, legislators call for cancelation of STAAR testing, and the first week of pre-filing sees sharp uptick in submissions compared to past sessions.
EducationStatewide NewsEducation Commissioner Says Funding Waivers Still Available to Districts Delaying In-Person Opening
Holly HansenJuly 30, 2020
Commissioner Morath clarified that school districts will continue to receive funding waivers for as long as eight weeks and that the Texas Education Agency will adjust waivers further if necessary.
EducationIssuesSchool Reopenings Debated, Less than 0.1% of Coronavirus Deaths Among Minors
Daniel FriendJuly 24, 2020
Public opinion of reopening schools is divided, but the CDC supports it, noting that less than 0.1 percent of COVID-19-related deaths are among minors.
EducationSchools Will Resume In-Person Come Fall, Says Governor Abbott, TEA Commissioner Morath
Brad JohnsonJune 18, 2020
The state confirmed on Thursday that school will return this fall and in-person classes will be an option.
Civil SocietyIssuesStatewide NewsGovernor Abbott Announces Salons Can Open Friday, Gyms to Open May 18
Daniel FriendMay 5, 2020
Amidst battles between local officials and business owners, Governor Abbott announced that salons will be allowed to reopen on May 8 while gyms will be able to open May 18.
Civil SocietyEducationStatewide NewsGovernor Abbott Waives STAAR Testing Requirements
Charity NicholsonMarch 17, 2020
The state's STAAR testing requirements have been waived for the remainder of the calendar school year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
EducationIssuesLocal NewsStatewide NewsTexas Education Agency Proceeds with Takeover of Houston Independent School District
Daniel FriendNovember 20, 2019
The TEA is beginning the process of taking over the Houston ISD after a year-long investigation found the district's board of trustees violated several laws.
EducationIssuesStatewide NewsBack to School: A-F System, Community Groups Keep Texas Parents Engaged and Informed
Holly HansenAugust 21, 2019
It's that time of year again. As millions of Texas kids head back to school, parents have resources at their disposal to keep them up to speed and engaged in the classroom.
EducationIssuesTEA Announces Charter School Expansions to Meet Parent Demands
Holly HansenJune 12, 2019
The Texas Education Agency recently announced plans to expand charter schools after approving five new public charter school operators.