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

FEATURED NEWS

Share your thoughts on social studies curriculum revisions and proposed K-12 literary list

The State Board of Education will meet April 6-10 to discuss a variety of topics, including a proposed list of required literary works for each grade level and significant changes to the state’s social studies curriculum. Both items have garnered lots of attention in past board meetings and will likely remain the most contentious topics in the coming months. Click here to read more.

Brief background: Once approved, the literary list would become part of the TEKS, with the required materials potentially becoming fodder for questions on state tests. The length of the list could limit teacher autonomy in selecting materials, and some critics are concerned about the inclusion of numerous Bible passages. The social studies TEKS revisions have drawn criticism for placing more emphasis on U.S. and Texas history and less on world history, and for expanding beyond what can reasonably be taught in a year.

How you can help: TCTA is seeking feedback from members on both topics to share your insight with lawmakers and state officials. Your participation in our brief survey using the button below is crucial in helping us advocate for educators. Please respond by March 27. All feedback will be anonymous.

DID YOU KNOW?: If you are assaulted by a student and miss work due to physical injuries, you are entitled to assault leave. Click here to read more.

Some Texas primary races head to May runoff elections

Several races are headed to runoff elections on May 26 after no one in the March 3 primaries secured more than 50% of the vote. Statewide races heading to runoffs include the Republican race for U.S. Senate and the Democratic race for lieutenant governor. Both parties will have runoffs for attorney general. Click here for more results.

If you voted in a party's primary, you may only vote in that party's runoff. If you did not vote in the primary election, you can select which runoff ballot you prefer on May 26 or during early voting, which is May 18-22.

DECISIONS, DECISIONS

Teacher sues principal after interference in prayer event

A teacher sued her principal, alleging that he prohibited her from praying on school grounds whenever students might see her, in violation of her constitutional rights and Texas law. 

The principal responded that he was entitled to qualified immunity, meaning that he could not be sued as an individual for his actions taken as a school principal. Click here to find out how the court ruled in the case.

OTHER NEWS

Public schools overloaded by requests for special education screening tied to vouchers

Public school districts have recently become inundated with requests for special education screening, many for students currently enrolled in private schools as families apply for voucher funding ahead of the 2026-27 school year. Students who qualify for special education services can receive up to $30,000 from the state to help pay for private school tuition.

More than 176,000 families across the state have applied to the voucher program so far, with 13.5% identified as having students with disabilities. The application period ends March 17. Most families applying for voucher funds already have children enrolled in private schools. Click here to read more.

Submit Student Heroes Award nominations by April 24

The State Board of Education is accepting nominations for the 2026 Student Heroes Award, which honors exceptional Texas public school students who demonstrate outstanding volunteer service and acts of kindness.

Click here to learn more and submit nominations by April 24. Winners from each SBOE district will be recognized during the June board meeting.

Court ends SAVE plan for student loan repayments

On Tuesday, a district court judge officially killed the rule behind the Biden-era SAVE plan for federal student loans that offered low monthly payments.

Borrowers on the SAVE plan will have to select other options in the coming weeks to repay federal student loans. Click here to read more.

TicketsatWork celebrates employee appreciation month

Celebrate employee appreciation month in March and save on spring and summer travel, income tax preparation software, clothing, accessories, electronics and more with TicketsatWork.

Click here to login or become a member and create your account using company code SWTCTA and explore all of this month's offers.

Click here to check out all of TCTA's discount programs for members.

SAVINGS ALERT: Click here to shop TCTA's Lands' End store and use promo code ELAYER at checkout to get select sweaters for $19.99 and save 20% on everything else. This offer expires at 11:59 p.m. Central time March 20.

• St. Patrick's Day is March 17.
• March 20 is the first day of spring.
• TCTA Headquarters will be closed Friday, April 3, for Easter break.