Polling data suggests the majority of Texas teachers are discontented with their jobs despite rising numbers of hired educators.
Houston ISD, the state's biggest school district, underperformed on the STAAR compared to most charter schools in its borders.
Public school students made improvements in all subjects except English I on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR).
More teachers were working under emergency or provisional credentials, but fewer were inexperienced than in previous years.
The bill will let Texas public schools set up virtual learning programs for eligible students to attend full-time.
“Elementary school reading proficiency is actually the worst it’s ever been since the dawn of the STAAR test," Commissioner Morath said.
The district will give "COVID-19 paid leave" and a $500 stipend to workers who are vaccinated or medically exempt from vaccination.
Catch up on the week's hottest stories in Texas politics with the reporting team at The Texan.
Students at ISDs scored higher than charters in every subject. Black and Hispanic students scored comparatively higher at charters.
Social services, new technology, and staff expenses are all vying for top spots in the state's biggest local school budgets.
Parents of FWISD students are raising concerns about time and resources spent on equity policies rather than the basic skills of education like reading and math.
Texas high schoolers rose modestly in English and fell sharply elsewhere. Federal data shows 8th graders struggled even before the pandemic.
