Past Contributions

• Texas struggled to teach students learning English before COVID-19. The pandemic made it worse.

  By Brian Lopez Oct. 8, 2021

  Since 2008, the number of Texas students learning English as a second language who take longer than five years to become proficient is growing. Full Story 

• Justice Department argues Texas ban on school mask mandates violates disabled students’ rights

  By Brian Lopez Updated: Oct. 1, 2021

  Plaintiffs say the governor’s order denies children with disabilities, who are at a high risk of illness and death from the coronavirus, access to public education. Full Story 

• Texas’ ban on school mask mandates draws federal investigation for possibly violating the rights of students with disabilities

  By Brian Lopez Updated: Sept. 22, 2021

  The U.S. Department of Education announced the inquiry days after the Texas Education Agency quietly updated its guidance to say school districts can’t require masks. Full Story 

• How a Black high school principal was swept into a “critical race theory” maelstrom in a mostly white Texas suburb

  By Brian Lopez Updated: Sept. 20, 2021

  James Whitfield was put on paid leave about a month after being accused of teaching critical race theory. His future could soon be decided after an evidentiary hearing where he can argue his case to the school board. Full Story 

• After the omicron surge in early 2022, COVID-19 cases declined in Texas schools

  By Kalley Huang, Mandi Cai and Brian Lopez Updated: March 18, 2022

  Student and staff COVID-19 cases declined after districts reported their highest levels in January since the pandemic began. But the data is incomplete and likely an undercount. Full Story 

• Texas sues six school districts that issued mask mandates in defiance of Gov. Greg Abbott’s order

  By Joshua Fechter and Brian Lopez Updated: Sept. 10, 2021

  Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton have long threatened to sue school districts that defy Abbott’s ban on local mask mandates. On Friday, Paxton made good on that threat. Full Story 

• The pandemic’s toll on educators has made Texas’ teacher shortage worse

  By Brian Lopez Sept. 9, 2021

  Teachers report being spread thin by the demands of remote learning and exhausted by the constant health concerns. Full Story 

• GOP bill targeting how race, slavery and history are taught in Texas schools heads to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk

  By Brian Lopez Sept. 2, 2021

  Before the second special session ended, lawmakers sent the GOP-backed bill for the governor's signature. Full Story 

• Texas lawmakers send Gov. Greg Abbott a bill that funds virtual learning, but could leave out many students of color

  By Brian Lopez Aug. 31, 2021

  The bill would pay for virtual learning until September 2023, but won't fund it for students who have failed their STAAR exams. Full Story 

• Texas is one step closer to funding virtual learning, but could leave out many students of color

  By Brian Lopez Updated: Aug. 30, 2021

  The bill, which would provide funding through September 2023, will head back to the Senate before reaching Gov. Greg Abbott's desk. Full Story