The Texas Tribune

Mike Morath wanted Texas to reach No. 1 in education. Test scores show there’s more work to do.

Appointed a decade ago, the education commissioner insists that when he has direct oversight, academic gains follow. His critics await better student outcomes.

More than a dozen Texas school districts close to triggering state takeover law in 2027

At least 14 districts had at least one campus with a fourth consecutive failing grade, according to the preliminary 2026 ratings.

Tough choices face Black parents when schools struggle

Black Texas families weigh whether to send their children to schools with more academic resources — but potentially fewer of their values.

Universities can use conservative-favored entrance exam as Texas eyes wider use, agency chief says

Texas may expand use of the Classical Learning Test despite a new report finding less evidence its scores predict college success than the SAT or ACT.

Texas’ longstanding “Robin Hood” school finance system will face a new legal challenge

Midland ISD school trustees argue they have minimal control over local taxes and can’t properly serve students as a recapture system redistributes millions of the district’s revenue.

More Bible stories in public schools, changes to history lessons before Texas education board

The State Board of Education will vote on incorporating more Christian stories into public classrooms as well as on deemphasizing race and cultural diversity in history lessons.

Texas’ charter school boom may soon bust, experts caution

Texas charter schools recently saw their smallest enrollment bump in state history, signaling that similar forces crushing traditional public districts may soon hit them as well.

These Texans want better schools for Black students. They disagree on vouchers as the answer.

One Black Texan sees education savings accounts as an escape from a burning house. Another fears they threaten a robust public school system.

White Texans, students previously in private school or home-school make up bulk of voucher applicants

Of the 256,700 Texans who applied as of late March, 45% are white, 23% are Hispanic and 11% are Black. Low-income families make up 36% of applicants—defined as a family of four earning $66,000 or less per year.

Texas Education Agency orders public schools to remove mentions of Cesar Chavez from lessons

Schools were also directed to cancel or change celebrations of the late civil rights leader amid allegations of sexual abuse.

School districts can set aside prayer time under a new Texas law. Few have done so

Most Texas school districts have declined a new state-approved opportunity to set aside time each day for students and staff to pray before school. So far, only 15 districts have opted into the voluntary prayer period, while many urban, suburban and rural districts have voted against it.

Texas education board approves 4,200 corrections in Bible-infused curriculum

Texas education board members approved about 4,200 fixes to the state’s Bluebonnet curriculum after raising concerns about errors and oversight. The Texas Education Agency says taxpayers will cover the changes as updated materials roll out online and in print.

Gov. Greg Abbott wants Texas universities, schools to disclose information on H-1B visa hirings

The Texas governor said that his administration is examining whether Texas taxpayer dollars are being used in connection with employees working under H-1B visas at public K12 schools and universities.

Texas to defend law requiring schools to post Ten Commandments. Here’s what to know

The case could play a central role in the national debate over whether the laws violate the First Amendment’s establishment clause, which prohibits governments from endorsing or promoting a particular religion.

Texas teachers union sues state education agency for investigating social media posts about Charlie Kirk

The state’s largest teachers union is arguing that investigations into teachers’ social media posts about Charlie Kirk violate free speech and have a chilling effect on educators.