Texas public schools

According to an analysis by IDRA, 18% of students who started 9th grade in 2020 left school without graduating last year — a record low attrition rate.

Some advisers have criticized diversity efforts, questioned the historical contributions of people of color, and promoted debunked beliefs.

Attorney General Paxton sent letters to Garland, Northwest, Judson and Liberty Hill ISDs accusing them of using tax dollars to advocate for recent school funding elections, something the districts deny.

Similar lawsuits in Texas and Louisiana have moved to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and will be heard in January.

As the nation prepares for SNAP benefits to halt on Saturday, leaders turned their attention to public schools. For millions of students, school is the most reliable source of meals.

More than half of new Texas classroom teachers who joined the profession last year lacked certification. Education leaders say that's hurting students and district budgets.

For the first time since Texas authorized the program, the state heard public testimony from people concerned about pre-K funding, special education provisions and data reporting.

The Charles Butt Foundation Texas Teacher Poll found a desire for more administrative support, and a need for a significant salary increase.

House Bill 8 scraps the unpopular exam for three shorter tests at the beginning, middle and end of the year starting in the 2027-28 school year.

The law's authors urged districts to use "common sense." But some nurses worry they could violate the law and face discipline for providing basic care without a parent's approval.