Federal government denies waiver request for HB 866
Date Posted: 9/10/2013 | Author: Jennifer Mitchell, CAE
The U.S. Department of Education (USDE) has denied a Texas Education Agency (TEA) waiver request needed to implement changes in state testing requirements called for in House Bill (HB) 866. Approved during the last legislative session, HB 866 would have reduced or eliminated certain testing requirements for high-performing elementary and middle-school students. However, the bill was contingent upon the USDE granting a waiver from federal accountability provisions contained in No Child Left Behind. Denial of the waiver means that the changes cannot be implemented. Here's the official notice from TEA.
CONVERSATION
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
03/27/2026
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: March 27, 2026
The House and Senate gear up to make moves in the interim. Plus: Gear up for “Maycember” with ATPE Summit Keynote Speaker Juan Bendana.
03/27/2026
House interim charges announced
Speaker Dustin Burrows has issued public education-related charges across multiple committee. Interim charges are often a peek at the next session’s agenda.
03/25/2026
Abbott’s big government property tax push escalates with direct implications for public schools and local control
For educators, this debate is about far more than property tax bills. It is about whether the state is prepared to fully and sustainably fund public education if local revenue is reduced.