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Aliyya Swaby was the public education reporter for The Texas Tribune, where she worked from 2016 to 2021. Previously she worked at the hyperlocal nonprofit New Haven Independent, where she covered education, zoning and transit for two years. After graduating from Yale University in 2013, she spent a year freelance reporting in Panama on social issues affecting black Panamanian communities. She was an Education Writers Association finalist in 2017 for beat reporting and a Livingston Awards finalist in 2019 for a series on school desegregation.
In a letter Friday, federal officials said Texas should do more to monitor school districts' compliance with special education law and ensure parents have necessary information in their native languages. Full Story
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The legal battle played out at a federal appeals court Wednesday, with the two sides debating whether Texas' decreased spending on kids with disabilities years ago violated federal law. Full Story
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Texas will argue Wednesday at a federal appeals court that its decision to decrease special education funding several years ago did not violate federal law. Full Story
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In a preliminary budget request, the Texas Education Agency revealed it expects the state to put less money into public education next year because of fast-increasing local property values. Full Story
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State education officials did not seem to be aware the two public schools were located in migrant shelters, despite approving their applications. Full Story
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The Teacher Retirement System likely will not vote to increase premiums for retired teachers this month, as previously expected, an agency official said. Full Story
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The audit says the Texas Education Agency consistently bypassed required steps and failed to consider other options before awarding a special education contract. Full Story
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Justin Porter, previously the education agency's executive director of special populations, will oversee how Texas school districts are serving kids with special needs. Full Story
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In a lawsuit filed Wednesday, two teacher groups argue Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath exceeded his authority and weakened protections for public school employees. Full Story
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As school communities and state officials discuss their school districts' official state ratings, many disagree on what the results actually mean. Full Story
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