Category: Education

Texas has the second largest public education system in the United States. Reform Austin is committed to providing in-depth reporting to illuminate the critical issues and challenges facing students and teachers in Texas.

Currently, the state educates 5.4 million children, and the student population is only growing. However, Texas ranks 40th in the nation for per-student funding.

Educating and molding the next generation of thinkers, workers, and leaders is a vitally important job. Texas does rank first for the number of operating public school districts, the number of teachers in public K-12 schools, and the total number of instructional staff in public K-12 schools. Yet Texas has remained well below the national average for teacher salaries.

In the 86th Legislative Session, Texas lawmakers passed legislation requiring school districts to provide full-day Pre-K for eligible students. Though this is important progress for early childhood education in Texas, some school districts are struggling to implement Pre-K programs.

A U.S. Department of Education investigation that concluded in 2018 revealed Texas had failed to meet special education expectations. Since 2016, Texas has earned the same rating of “needs assistance” in relation to compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Although Texas legislators did allocate more money to students with disabilities in the 86th Legislative Session, Texas education leadership says they will not be able to provide all students with disabilities an adequate public education until 2020.

In August 2018, the Texas Education Agency released a newly designed accountability system to rank schools and school districts in three designated areas: student achievement, school progress, and closing the gaps. If a school district ranks poorly over consecutive years, the district is under threat of closure or state takeover. Reform Austin closely follows developments in school districts across Texas, including campus closures.

Reform Austin covers laws the Texas Legislature passes and the effects they have on the education system, as well as the laws that fail. In addition, we report on lawmakers involved to ensure our elected leaders are working for the public good.

Education

Category: Education

Five things we learned from the School Finance Panel

Houston ISD appealing Wheatley’s failing grade

Austin ISD considers closing 12 campuses

Texas school districts struggling with full day pre-K

Harlandale ISD threatens civil rights lawsuit against the Texas Education Agency

HISD avoids recapture for the first time in three years

HISD board still at risk

More than 70,000 4-6 years old children suspended from Texas schools in 2017-18

Abbott’s recent appointments to the Education Commission of the States raises some eyebrows

At school district event, Sen. Bob Hall seemingly praises education bill he did not support

Despite Focus on Student Mental Health by the Texas Legislature, Counselors Still Not Mandated in Every School

TEA to release ratings — school districts will have to deal with the consequences

A cloud of uncertainty lingers over the Houston Independent School District. Its list of critics continues to grow.

After years of waiting, full day pre-K for more Texas children finally begins in the fall

STAAR on the horizon: testing changes and what it means for students.

Texas fails students who receive special education

With conflicting budget estimates, will Texas teachers get the pay raises they anticipated?

Kids can’t count on recess in Texas

Gov. Greg Abbott signs $11.6 billion school finance measure into law

Texas lawmakers boosted special education funding this year, prompting hope for more from advocates

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