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FEATURED NEWS

SBOE continues review of social studies TEKS revisions and proposed literary lists

The State Board of Education resumed consideration of proposed changes to the social studies TEKS and of a proposed required list of literary works for each grade level during its meeting this week as it moves toward final votes on both items in June.

More than 100 people provided testimony this week. TCTA's testimony on the literary list echoed many of the other speakers’ concerns about its length, but we also cautioned the Board about the potentially high cost of acquiring these materials for school districts.

Today, the Board added an amendment to allow literary works to be taught in an earlier grade than the one specified on the list if the school district desires. It also voted to advance Board member Keven Ellis's version of the list, which is a little shorter than the original, to a final vote in June.

Regarding the social studies TEKS revisions, TCTA’s testimony cited the length of the standards as a potential challenge for teachers, as well as the standards’ reduction of teacher autonomy in choosing materials for students. The Board reviewed changes by grade level as it works toward a final passage of the revisions in June. Click here to read more.

DID YOU KNOW?: A teacher must receive notice from the district of contract nonrenewal at least 10 days before the last day of instruction. Click here to read more about contracts.

Program reimburses current educators who become diagnosticians, psychologists

Applications are due by April 14 for the Evaluation Certification Reimbursement Program. ECRP provides funding for current school staff members to further their education to become an educational diagnostician or a school psychologist.

To qualify, applicants must:

1. Currently work in and/or be sponsored by a school system that is: 

• Classified as small (serving 700 or fewer K-12 students),
• Rural (located 60 or more miles from the nearest ESC), or
• A member of a Shared Services Arrangement (SSA)

2. Be currently enrolled and actively taking classes in an educational diagnostician or a school psychology certification program. 

Upon completion of the certification program, participants will have committed to providing a minimum of 3 years of evaluation service in a small and/or rural school system in Texas. Click here to learn more.

DECISIONS, DECISIONS

Ex-teacher files discrimination suit against charter school

A teacher sued her former employer, a charter school, alleging she was subjected to race-based discrimination, a hostile work environment and retaliation. The charter school requested that the lawsuit be dismissed, and the trial court denied that motion. The charter school filed an appeal to the court of appeals.

During her employment, the teacher complained about the manner in which the director of academics treated her. After the teacher raised these concerns, the campus principal placed her on a growth plan and eventually terminated her contract. Then the teacher filed a charge of discrimination with both the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Texas Workforce Commission. She received a right-to-sue letter and filed a petition in district court, alleging 16 causes of action against the school, including discrimination, hostile work environment and retaliation. Click here to read more.

OTHER NEWS

New TEA training focuses on addressing disabilities in behavioral threat assessments

TEA’s Offices of School Safety and Security and Special Populations and Student Supports are offering a new statewide training focused on how disabilities, particularly special education services, intersect with Behavioral Threat Assessment. This free, interactive session covers key legal considerations, practical decision-making factors and scenario-based exercises.

Contact your regional Education Service Center to express interest or for possible session dates and registration details. Additional questions can be emailed to SafeSchools@tea.texas.gov.

Trump seeks more education cuts in 2027 budget proposal

Education Department programs aimed at supporting minority students and teacher training are on the chopping block in President Donald Trump’s budget proposal for fiscal year 2027.

Budget documents released last week offered slim details on the president’s plans for the Education Department and its programs as the administration seeks to eliminate the agency.

Most of the programs on the president’s list to eliminate already faced funding hurdles during the first year of Trump’s second term, but Congress maintained federal funding for most of them in its 2026 budget. Click here to read more.

White families, private school students make up bulk of applicants for state vouchers

Most of Texas’ school voucher applications came from white families and children who previously attended a private school or home-school, according to final data from the comptroller's office. Demand for the program exceeds $1 billion in available funding, which means the state will conduct a lottery to determine who can receive vouchers for the 2026-27 school year.

Of the 274,183 Texans who applied for vouchers before the March 31 deadline, 45% are white, 23% are Hispanic and 12% are Black. Low-income families make up 37% of applicants — defined by the program as a family of four earning $66,000 or less per year. Children with disabilities make up 16% of applicants. The state found nearly 25,000 voucher applications ineligible. 

For comparison, 24% of Texas 5.5 million public school students are white, 53% are Hispanic and 13% are Black. About 60% of students are considered low-income — defined in public education as a family of four earning $61,050 or less annually. Children with disabilities make up 16% of enrollment.  

Click here to read more from The Texas Tribune.

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• The State Board for Educator Certification meets April 24 in Austin.
• Student Heroes Award nominations are due April 24.
• The TRS Board of Trustees meets April 30-May 1 in Austin.