Having trouble reading this email? Click here to view it as a webpage.

FEATURED NEWS

Texas House, Senate release interim charges for lawmakers

Between legislative sessions, Texas lawmakers don’t just “take a break.” Instead, the lieutenant governor and speaker of the House assign interim charges — specific topics that legislative committees are asked to study. 

On Thursday, Speaker Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) released House interim charges that could lead to potential changes in retirement benefits, compensation and working conditions, classroom policies and expectations, and student supports and resources.

Today, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick released Senate interim charges that offer an early look at what education issues may be addressed next legislative session — especially around staffing, schedules, pay, curriculum and school choice.

Patrick also recently announced changes to Senate committees, naming Donna Campbell (R-New Braunfels) Chair of the Senate Committee on Education. Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) will serve as the Vice-Chair for that committee in addition to Chair of the Senate Committee on Higher Education.

Click here to read more on the interim charges and committee changes.

Last chance to share your thoughts on social studies TEKS and K-12 literary list

TCTA is seeking feedback from members on a proposed list of required literary works for each grade level and significant changes to the state’s social studies curriculum (read more here).

If you haven't already submitted responses, use the button below to share your insight and help us advocate for educators at the State Board of Education meeting April 6-10. The survey closes at 11:59 p.m. CDT today (March 27).

DID YOU KNOW?: It is a violation of law for a school district to require you to forfeit your duty-free lunch during student testing. Click here to read more.

TEA seeks comments on new testing schedule for 2027-28

The Texas Education Agency has released its proposed testing schedule for the 2027-28 school year, when the Student Success Tool assessment program, which requires beginning-, middle- and end-of-year testing, replaces the current STAAR exams.

Public comments on the 2027-28 Student Assessment Testing Calendar should be sent to Test.Calendar@tea.texas.gov by Thursday, April 16.

DECISIONS, DECISIONS

Parent sues district over its response to sexual harassment

A parent sued a school district for alleged sexual harassment that his son suffered at the hands of another student. The school district requested that the lawsuit be dismissed, arguing that the parent was required to prove that the district had been "deliberately indifferent" to the harassment and had failed to do so. The trial court granted that motion and dismissed the lawsuit.

The parent appealed to the court of appeals. Click here to read more.

OTHER NEWS

Watch this video to learn more about the IMRA process

TCTA member Stephanie Daniel of Denison ISD discusses the Instructional Materials Review and Approval process to highlight state-approved resources for classrooms and explain how educators can get involved in the review process, sharing her personal experience.

A recording of this session, initially presented during TCTA's 2026 Convention, is now available to watch online here and in our CPE portal here.

Civics training program for teachers starts this summer

The Texas Education Agency will begin Civics Training Programs for elementary teachers and administrators this summer to facilitate the teaching of civics curriculum as required under Senate Bill 3.

TEA encourages each elementary campus to designate a teacher to attend training. Stipends will be available to teachers who complete training outside of the regular school day. Training for secondary teachers is expected to begin in summer 2027. Click here to read more.

TEA orders schools to remove mentions of Cesar Chavez

This week, the Texas Education Agency directed all public schools to revise lesson plans to remove mentions of Cesar Chavez after sexual abuse allegations surfaced against the labor leader.

TEA also ordered school districts to cancel “or otherwise redirect” events and activities planned for Cesar Chavez Day on March 31, an extension of Gov. Greg Abbott’s state directive. Click here to read more.

Morath names new leaders for Fort Worth, Lake Worth ISDs

A Floridian who briefly led one of the nation’s largest school districts will lead Fort Worth ISD while it is under state control. Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath named Peter B. Licata superintendent and appointed nine members to a board of managers for Fort Worth ISD. Click here to read more.

Morath also selected Trent Dowd to lead Lake Worth ISD as acting superintendent amid TEA's takeover there. Click here to read more.

More changes announced at U.S. Department of Education

The Trump administration announced this week that all staff will be leaving the U.S. Department of Education's longtime Washington, D.C., headquarters. The Department of Energy will move into the Lyndon B. Johnson building while the remaining Department of Education staff moves into a smaller space nearby. Click here to read more.

The announcement follows news last week of a three-phase transition that will move significant management of and responsibility for the nation's federal student loan portfolio to the Treasury Department. Click here to read more.

Enter Bored Teachers sweepstakes by March 30

Enter now for your chance to win the ultimate Recess Flyaway! Outback Presents is sending one lucky teacher and a friend to The Bored Teachers Comedy Tour in Pensacola, Florida, on April 18. Click here for more details on how to win. Must be age 21+ to enter. Winner will be chosen on March 31.

MERCHANDISE SAVINGS ALERT: Click here to shop TCTA's Lands' End store and use promo code E35250 at checkout to save 35% off orders of $250 or more. This offer expires at 11:59 p.m. Central time April 3.

• TCTA Headquarters will be closed Friday, April 3, for Easter break.
• The State Board of Education meets April 6-10 in Austin.
• 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.