The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps the past week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments.

• SBOE gives final approval to controversial Bluebonnet Learning Materials
• Trump names wrestling executive Linda McMahon as education secretary, points to her support for vouchers
• Latest ATPE News content explores efforts to curb student cell phone use and what’s next for public education advocacy
• Upcoming ATPE deadlines: Award nominations (Dec. 1) and ATPE Summit call for proposals (Dec. 2)
• Have you enrolled in the ATPE Member Advocate Program (ATPE-MAP) yet?
• Happy Thanksgiving from ATPE!

SBOE: On Friday, the State Board of Education (SBOE) gave final approval to the Bluebonnet Learning Materials, which are grade K-5 English/Language Arts/Reading materials developed by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) as part of implementation of House Bill 1605 by House Public Education Chairman Brad Buckley (R–Salado). The 2023 bill required the SBOE to approve lists of high-quality instructional materials for districts and provides a financial incentive to districts that adopt those materials. The final vote was 8–7, with the deciding vote cast by SBOE member Leslie Recine, a Gov. Greg Abbott (R) appointee who will serve at only this board meeting. Recine is filling a seat vacated by Democrat Aicha Davis, who was elected to the Texas House, and a seat to which Democrat Tiffany Clark has been elected. ATPE Senior Lobbyist Mark Wiggins and Lobbyist Tricia Cave have recapped this week’s SBOE activities in a series of blog posts, with Cave looking at the board’s initial vote Tuesday and Wiggins summarizing a contentious Q&A session between SBOE members and TEA Commissioner Mike Morath. 

TRUMP: President-elect Donald Trump announced Tuesday he was appointing former World Wrestling Entertainment chief executive Linda McMahon to serve as secretary of education and lead the U.S. Department of Education, which Trump has stated he wishes to “dismantle.” In his TruthSocial announcement, Trump pointed to McMahon’s past work to “achieve Universal School Choice in 12 States.” McMahon briefly served on the Connecticut Board of Education. She led the Small Business Administration during the first Trump term and is now co-chairing the Trump-Vance transition team.

ATPE NEWS: Don’t miss the latest content on atpenews.org, including “Schools Are Hanging Up on Phones in the Classroom,” about efforts across the state to cure student smartphone use during instructional time;  “The Road Ahead for Public Education Advocacy” by ATPE Senior Lobbyist Mark Wiggins; and “Advocacy Starts with You: Standing Up for Yourself Is Standing Up for ALL of Us” by Katy ATPE member Lena Angel. After you read these articles, be sure to log in to the new ATPE Online Community to share your reactions and personal experiences. 

ATPE DEADLINES: Two important ATPE deadlines fall right after Thanksgiving. Dec. 1 is the deadline to submit nominations for the 2024-25 Charles Pickitt Educator of the Year, Doug Rogers Campus Representative of the Year, and Floyd Trimble Local Unit of the Year awards. Learn more and submit your nominations at atpe.org/awards. Dec. 2 is the deadline to submit breakout session proposals for the 2025 ATPE Summit, July 7–9 at the JW Marriott Austin. Learn more at atpesummit.org.

ATPE-MAP: While everyone is napping after their turkey dinner, you can get started on the ATPE Member Advocate Program (ATPE-MAP)! This new ATPE member benefit allows you to earn three hours of continuing professional education (CPE) credit as well as the ATPE Member Advocate Program Microcredential with either a Local Advocacy or State-Level Advocacy focus. You can also earn both microcredentials, if you like, which also means you’ll earn additional CPE credit. Those who earn the State-Level Advocacy microcredential will unlock the ability to attend ATPE Capitol Expeditions during the upcoming legislative session. Learn more about ATPE-MAP and how to enroll.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING: The ATPE state officers and staff wish you and your family the happiest of Thanksgivings. We are grateful for all that you do for the students of Texas and your support for the preeminent public educator association in Texas. Teach the Vote’s Week in Review will take Black Friday off; in the meantime, we’ll see you in the ATPE Online Community!