The latest Texas Education Agency news from The Texas Tribune.
Texas schools have long had too few teachers. The pandemic made the situation worse — but issues like low pay, poor benefits and polarizing statewide politics all have an impact, too. Full Story
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There had been fear that after another school year of COVID-19 disruptions, scores would not improve. Full Story
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Texas has more than 1,200 school districts, but the education commissioner promised plans for the review will be completed this summer. Full Story
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For the first time since the pandemic, Texas schools will again be rated based on standardized tests. But for one year only, schools that receive a D or F will get a “not rated” label. Full Story
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Two states have dropped the Educative Teacher Performance Assessment, and three others passed on it or want it gone. Full Story
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School districts are not required to adopt the agency’s recommendations but can use them as guidance as they develop new procedures or alter their policies for selecting or removing library books. Full Story
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K-3 teachers in Texas have until 2023 to complete a 60-hour Reading Academies course to keep the job. It’s taking some 120 hours on their own time to finish. Full Story
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Paxton equated the week of LGBTQ-inclusive activities with sex education in a letter to the district. Austin ISD says it’s about acceptance. Full Story
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Use our database to learn about Texas public school districts and campuses, including hundreds of charter schools and alternative campuses. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the state waived accountability ratings for the 2020-21 school year. Full Story
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Teaching demands during the pandemic have exacerbated the nation’s teacher shortage. Abbott wants a task force to investigate. Full Story
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School district leaders are desperately trying to fill vacant roles to stay open and some say they have no choice but to close. Full Story
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After lawmakers passed a law about how racism was to be taught in Texas schools, Essence Preparatory in San Antonio was sent back to the drawing board. Full Story
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The district appears to be the first one to be investigated since Republicans started raising questions in October about content in public school libraries. Full Story
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The so-called “critical race theory” law prohibits teachers from discussing “a widely debated and currently controversial issue of public policy or social affairs.” Full Story
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It’s unclear why the governor tasked the state's education agency, which does not employ law enforcement officers, to perform the investigation. Full Story
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Abbott targeted two books that have been removed by schools recently that center on LGBTQ characters. One of the books includes a graphic illustration and the other includes depictions of sex. Full Story
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State Rep. Matt Krause, a candidate for state attorney general, asked school superintendents to confirm whether any books on a list of 850 titles are in their libraries and classrooms. Full Story
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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
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Cardona spoke about how students, teachers, schools and districts have fared during the pandemic — and what happens now. Full Story
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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
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