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Catch up on the latest Texas education news and analysis from ATPE.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: June 2, 2023
Date Posted: 6/02/2023
The HB 100 voucher scheme dies at the end of regular session, plus a special session and the TEA takeover of Houston ISD begin.
From The Texas Tribune: Tension over property taxes produces rare public clash between Dan Patrick, Greg Abbott
Date Posted: 6/01/2023
Always happy to castigate the Texas House, Patrick breaks form to criticize the governor as misinformed and unsympathetic toward homeowners.
Voucher dies as final weekend of 88th Legislature brings conflict between House and Senate
Date Posted: 5/30/2023
HB 100 was a casualty of a breakdown in communications between the House and Senate as the regular session drew to a close.
Statement on legislative impasse over teacher pay raise
Date Posted: 5/28/2023
ATPE thanks legislators who stood strong with public education students and educators during the 2023 regular legislative session.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: May 26, 2023
Date Posted: 5/26/2023
Vouchers are still a threat and the attorney general faces impeachment in the final days of the 88th Legislature.
Apply for the TRS Retirees Advisory Committee by Aug. 15
Date Posted: 5/25/2023
The Teacher Retirement System (TRS) is seeking nominations for three vacant positions on its Retirees Advisory Committee (RAC).
Senate bills die in Texas House as another midnight deadline passes
Date Posted: 5/24/2023
Tuesday, May 23, 2023, was a critical deadline for Senate bills to pass the House in order to stay alive.
Texas Senate revives voucher, effectively killing teacher pay raise legislation
Date Posted: 5/24/2023
The Senate hastily resurrected a dead voucher bill this week, killing one of the last hopes for a teacher pay raise, an increase in school funding, and needed special education funding reform.
Statement on Senate Leadership’s Addition of a Voucher to HB 100
Date Posted: 5/22/2023
State’s largest educator association condemns squandering of historic opportunity to invest in public education.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: May 19, 2023
Date Posted: 5/19/2023
Saturday is the deadline for House committees to advance Senate legislation, but the fight to advance public education is not yet over this session.
Senate Education Committee advances omnibus school library bill
Date Posted: 5/18/2023
The committee advanced an omnibus school library bill May 18, 2023, combining elements of two separate bills intended to restrict which books are allowed in school libraries.
House Public Education Committee hears testimony on SB 8, leaves bill pending for now
Date Posted: 5/17/2023
The committee met Monday, May 15, 2023, to hear invited testimony only on vouchers and testing changes proposed in CSSB 8 by Sen. Brandon Creighton (R–Conroe).
Senate Education Committee advances school safety legislation
Date Posted: 5/17/2023
The committee held an impromptu meeting Tuesday, May 16, 2023, to vote on a handful of bills, including omnibus school safety legislation shepherded by Sen. Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville).
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: May 12, 2023
Date Posted: 5/12/2023
A dramatic showdown in the House means public educators have the weekend to speak out against Senate Bill 8, an unvetted voucher/testing conglomeration.
ATPE’s Dirty Dozen Reasons to Hate SB 8
Date Posted: 5/12/2023
Learn about the voucher bill (now with more testing for public school students!) some Texas lawmakers are trying to rush through the Legislature with little transparency or educator input.
Senate Education Committee hears omnibus school safety package
Date Posted: 5/12/2023
The committee met Thursday, May 11, 2023, to consider several bills, including an omnibus school safety package.
Senate Education Committee moves HB 4545 cleanup bill closer to passage
Date Posted: 5/11/2023
The Senate Education Committee moved one step closer to passage of a bill intended to alleviate the burdens of accelerated instruction requirements imposed by House Bill (HB) 4545 from 2021.
Showdown over SB 8 on the House floor as deadlines loom
Date Posted: 5/11/2023
The Texas House had a tense and contentious evening Wednesday, May 10, 2023, as an attempt was made to force a quick vote on a voucher bill.
ATPE testifies against SB 9 before House Public Education Committee
Date Posted: 5/10/2023
Senate Bill 9 is a so-called “Teacher Bill of Rights,” but it’s not supported by ATPE or any other major teacher organization.
Rep. Bryan Slaton (R–Royse City) expelled from the Texas House
Date Posted: 5/09/2023
The Texas House voted 147-0 for HR 1542 Tuesday, May 9, 2023, to expel Rep. Bryan Slaton from the body following allegations of inappropriate behavior with a staffer under age 21.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: May 5, 2023
Date Posted: 5/05/2023
Don’t forget to vote Saturday in the May 6 local election. Plus, the House will be tackling its first Saturday calendar, which means sine die is nigh.
20 House bills still pending in Public Education Committee as deadline nears
Date Posted: 5/04/2023
Twenty House bills, including the five voucher bills, have been left pending in the House Public Education (HPE) Committee as a key May 8, 2023, deadline approaches.
Senate Education Committee hears first set of House bills
Date Posted: 5/04/2023
The committee met briefly Thursday, May 4, 2023, to hear its first round of House bills this session.
Curriculum bill HB 1605 passed by Texas House
Date Posted: 5/03/2023
ATPE has concerns the bill’s financial incentives to districts would create a de facto mandated curriculum.
House Public Education hears bill to require display of Ten Commandments in public schools
Date Posted: 5/03/2023
The committee met Tuesday, May 2, 2023, to hear eight bills, including one that would require public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: April 28, 2023
Date Posted: 4/28/2023
With one month to go, the House advanced major school safety, school finance, and teacher recruitment and retention legislation this week.
School finance and teacher recruitment & retention bills approved by House
Date Posted: 4/27/2023
The House passed two priority bills related to school finance and teacher recruitment & retention, respectively, on Wednesday, April 26, 2023.
Senate Education Committee considers curriculum audit legislation
Date Posted: 4/27/2023
ATPE opposed SB 165 at the committee’s April 27, 2023, meeting because it is unclear how curricula would be evaluated or how TEA could feasibly audit the curricula of more than 350,000 teachers annually.
Statement on Passage of House Bill (HB) 11
Date Posted: 4/26/2023
State’s largest educator association is pleased with amendment to HB 11 that will protect public oversight of certification rule making.
Why You Can’t Overlook Your Local School Board
Date Posted: 4/26/2023
If voting in the May 6 local election isn’t already on your to-do list, it should be after you read this article.
House Public Education Committee hears first Senate bills
Date Posted: 4/25/2023
The House Public Education Committee heard 10 bills, including the Senate’s major school safety bill
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: April 21, 2023
Date Posted: 4/21/2023
With 38 days left until sine die, the pace is fast and furious and the agendas are long at the State Capitol. We’ve got news about vouchers, school safety, the budget, and more.
House Public Education considers accountability, virtual education bills
Date Posted: 4/21/2023
ATPE testified April 20, 2023, against bills that would expand full-time virtual schools and allow chaplains without certification to serve as school counselors.
Senate Education Committee hears voucher aimed at school employee misconduct
Date Posted: 4/20/2023
The committee met Wednesday, April 19, 2023, to consider several bills, including a private school voucher tied to school employee misconduct.
Parental rights headline Public Education Committee hearing
Date Posted: 4/19/2023
The House Public Education Committee met April 18, 2023, in its first of three meetings this week to discuss grievance procedures and various other parental rights bills.
From The Texas Tribune: In overnight testimony, Uvalde victims’ family members call on Texas lawmakers to raise age to buy semi-automatic guns
Date Posted: 4/19/2023
The families of Uvalde shooting victims waited hours to testify at a House committee hearing in support of House Bill 2744, which would raise the minimum age to purchase semi-automatic guns from 18 to 21.
Make your voice heard in your local election this May
Date Posted: 4/19/2023
With increased politicization of education in recent years, making your voice heard at the ballot box is the best way to ensure your school board works in the best interest of your school community.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: April 14, 2023
Date Posted: 4/14/2023
ATPE members testified against vouchers during a marathon House hearing. Plus, TRS, school safety, and student discipline bills are moving.
Senate Education Committee considers discipline bill, special education voucher
Date Posted: 4/14/2023
The committee met Wednesday, April 12, 2023, to hear bills on classroom discipline, special education vouchers, and more, plus a vote on a major school safety bill.
Voucher legislation takes center stage in House Public Education Committee
Date Posted: 4/13/2023
ATPE members testified against vouchers during an April 11, 2023, hearing that stretched into the early morning hours.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: April 7, 2023
Date Posted: 4/07/2023
Opposing votes on vouchers from the House and Senate cap off a jam-packed week of action at the State Capitol.
ATPE Statement on House and Senate Voucher Votes
Date Posted: 4/06/2023
In April 6, 2023, press statement, ATPE thanks legislators in both chambers who stood up for public school students during votes on an anti-voucher budget amendment and Senate Bill 8.
Senate Bill 9 Is No Teacher Bill of Rights
Date Posted: 4/06/2023
In April 6, 2023, press statement, ATPE points to the trade-offs educators are being asked to take in exchange for a meager one-time $2,000 stipend for only some teachers.
Texas House takes first record vote against vouchers during budget debate
Date Posted: 4/06/2023
Lawmakers adopted an ATPE-backed amendment to prohibit state funds from being used for private school vouchers during the floor debate Thursday, April 6, 2023.
From The Texas Tribune: Texas House vote foreshadows tough road ahead for education savings accounts
Date Posted: 4/06/2023
State representatives approved an amendment banning the use of state funds in school voucher programs — a bad omen for ESAs, which have become a top cause for Gov. Abbott.
Senate Education Committee discusses school safety and truancy bills
Date Posted: 4/06/2023
The committee discussed the Senate’s priority school safety bill along with a variety of miscellaneous bills Wednesday, April 5, 2023.
House Public Education tackles school finance bills
Date Posted: 4/05/2023
ATPE urges legislators to raise the Basic Allotment and fund an across-the-board pay raise before expanding other programs.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: March 31, 2023
Date Posted: 3/31/2023
Another school shooting—this time at a private school—provides the backdrop for consideration of school safety bills. Plus, House and Senate committees dive into virtual education and curriculum.
Senate Education Committee considers virtual school, curriculum bills
Date Posted: 3/30/2023
The Texas Senate Education Committee considered bills on virtual schools, curriculum, and a variety of other subjects in a lengthy hearing Wednesday, March 29, 2023.
A Comparison of Major TRS Legislation
Date Posted: 3/29/2023
Check out ATPE's side-by-side comparison of this session's major TRS legislation, including SB 10, which passed out of the Senate March 29, 2023.
House Public Education Committee discusses virtual schools and more
Date Posted: 3/29/2023
The committee met Tuesday, March 28, 2023, and ATPE testified on several bills. Votes on pending bills were also taken.
House committee discusses school safety bills
Date Posted: 3/28/2023
The House Select Committee on Youth Health and Safety heard several bills Monday, March 27, 2023, intended to address school shootings.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: March 24, 2023
Date Posted: 3/24/2023
ATPE testifies against vouchers at marathon Senate Education Committee hearing, plus House committees hear bills on student restraint, curriculum, pre-k certification, and more.
Senate receives overwhelming opposition to vouchers
Date Posted: 3/23/2023
The Texas Senate Education Committee heard overwhelming opposition to school vouchers in a marathon hearing Wednesday, March 23.
House Public Education Committee considers bills on curriculum, library review
Date Posted: 3/23/2023
The pace at the Capitol noticeably increased this week, including in the House Public Education Committee where ATPE testified on several bills.
Physical restraint bill considered by House Select Committee on Youth Health and Safety
Date Posted: 3/23/2023
After learning of potential language changes related to banning prone and supine restraint, ATPE testified neutrally and asked that HB 459 move forward as originally filed.
Potential school closures highlight statewide funding issue
Date Posted: 3/22/2023
Facing financial challenges, districts across the state are discussing potential school closures in an effort to cut costs.
A voucher is bad for public school students
Date Posted: 3/21/2023
A week of pro-voucher public relations doesn’t change the facts.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: March 17, 2023
Date Posted: 3/17/2023
The ATPE lobby team looks back at another busy legislative week and previews next week's big committee hearings on private school vouchers, TRS, teacher pay, and more.
House Public Education Committee holds first votes of 88th session
Date Posted: 3/17/2023
The committee met Tuesday, March 14, to consider bills on issues ranging from health screenings to assessment of special needs students.
State formally announces its takeover of Houston ISD effective June 1, 2023
Date Posted: 3/15/2023
Education Commissioner Mike Morath will appoint a new superintendent and board of managers to replace HISD’s elected board of trustees.
Senate Education Committee discusses virtual school expansion
Date Posted: 3/15/2023
The committee considered nine bills Wednesday, including a proposal to lift the moratorium on full-time virtual schools in Texas.
Texas Senate reveals priority voucher bill
Date Posted: 3/13/2023
The Texas Senate filed its priority voucher bill in the form of an education savings account (ESA) program within Senate Bill 8 by Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe).
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: March 10, 2023
Date Posted: 3/10/2023
On final day of bill filing, Texas lawmakers rush to file legislation on vouchers, teacher pay, and more.
ATPE applauds filing of House teacher retirement bills
Date Posted: 3/09/2023
State’s largest educator association supports the House leadership’s approach to ensuring the financial security of retired educators.
House Public Education Committee meets for first consideration of bills during 88th session
Date Posted: 3/09/2023
Tuesday marked both the committee’s first consideration of bills in the 88th session and the first time for ATPE’s newest lobbyist, Tricia Cave, to testify on behalf of the association.
ATPE defends requirement that school counselors have classroom experience
Date Posted: 3/08/2023
The association submitted testimony Wednesday to the Senate Education Committee defending the requirement that school counselors have teaching experience.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: March 3, 2023
Date Posted: 3/03/2023
Morath pushes off-the-shelf curriculum materials during House and Senate committee hearings, and the governor continues his pro-voucher PR tour. Plus, connect with ATPE at SXSW EDU.
Senate Education Committee promises teacher bill of rights, pay raise
Date Posted: 3/01/2023
The Texas Senate Committee on Education vowed to pass a pay raise and a “teacher bill of rights” in its first meeting of the 2023 legislative session.
House Public Education Committee holds first hearing
Date Posted: 3/01/2023
The House Public Education Committee held its first hearing of the 88th Legislature Tuesday, Feb. 28.
House Appropriations Subcommittee on Article III holds first hearing
Date Posted: 3/01/2023
The Subcommittee on Article III (Public Education) met Monday, Feb. 27, to discuss budget recommendations for TEA, TRS, the Permanent School Fund, and more.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: ATPE members gather in Austin for ATPE at the Capitol event
Date Posted: 2/24/2023
Our lobby team attended the ATPE at the Capitol event along with ATPE members this week. We'll post our next Week in Review summary Friday, March 3.
State’s largest educator association reacts to TEA’s newly released Teacher Vacancy Task Force report
Date Posted: 2/24/2023
ATPE Executive Director Shannon Holmes offers the following statement in response to the Teacher Vacancy Task Force report released by the Texas Education Agency Feb. 24.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Feb. 17, 2023
Date Posted: 2/17/2023
The governor declared his emergency issues for the legislative session, and ATPE heads to the Capitol next week. Read more of the week’s news.
Governor declares vouchers an “emergency item” in State of the State address
Date Posted: 2/17/2023
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott pressed lawmakers to allow public funds for private schools during his Feb. 16 speech.
From The Texas Tribune: In audio, high-ranking TEA official admits public school funds could drop with voucher-like programs
Date Posted: 2/15/2023
“School districts, what they have to do if they lose a student, [is] be smart about how they allocate their resources and maybe that’s one less fourth grade teacher,” said TEA's Steve Lecholop in a recorded call.
State’s largest educator association reacts to Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s legislative priorities
Date Posted: 2/13/2023
ATPE Executive Director Shannon Holmes offers the following statement on Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s legislative priorities.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Feb. 10, 2023
Date Posted: 2/10/2023
ATPE Governmental Relations recaps today’s SBEC meeting, new Texas House committee assignments, the State of the Union, and more.
SBEC discusses performance assessment, teacher residency programs at first 2023 meeting
Date Posted: 2/10/2023
The State Board for Educator Certification met Friday, Feb. 10, in Austin.
In Senate committee testimony, ATPE urges legislators to increase school funding, teacher pay, and retiree benefits
Date Posted: 2/10/2023
ATPE Governmental Relations Director Monty Exter testified at the Senate Finance Committee’s hearings this week on the state budget.
Buckley to chair Texas House Public Education Committee
Date Posted: 2/08/2023
Rep. Brad Buckley (R-Killeen) will chair the House Public Education Committee charged with oversight of preK-12 education policy, according to committee assignments announced today.
Op-Ed: Misuse of Charter School Funds Portends Issues with Vouchers
Date Posted: 2/07/2023
Northside (20) ISD Superintendent Brian Woods and Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Superintendent Mark Henry have a powerful op-ed in the Feb. 6 San Antonio Express-News.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Feb. 3, 2023
Date Posted: 2/03/2023
The SBOE squeezed a four-day meeting into two, and most legislative activity was canceled this week due to a winter storm. Read more from ATPE Governmental Relations.
SBOE holds first meeting of 2023, debates private school vouchers
Date Posted: 2/03/2023
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott swore in six new members at the State Board of Education’s February 2023 meeting.
Guest Post: The Fight Over Parents’ Rights in Schools Misses the Point of Public Education
Date Posted: 2/01/2023
"The public good? Sounds like Marxism." Read more from guest writer Joel Nihlean.
An Education Savings Account is a voucher
Date Posted: 2/01/2023
ATPE says Gov. Greg Abbott’s support for an ESA voucher scheme overlooks the reality of sending taxpayer dollars out of the public school system.
From The Texas Tribune: With full state coffers and bipartisan support, Texas teachers are hopeful they’ll get a raise this year
Date Posted: 1/30/2023
The pandemic, inflation and burnout have pummeled teachers in the last few years. Lawmakers from both parties agree they should get a pay bump — but it won’t happen without negotiation.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Jan. 27, 2023
Date Posted: 1/27/2023
Teacher pay and voucher bills are generating media attention, and Texas senators received their committee assignments this week.
Senate announces committee assignments for 2023 legislative session
Date Posted: 1/23/2023
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) announced Senate committee assignments Monday for the 2023 legislative session.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Jan. 20, 2023
Date Posted: 1/20/2023
Texas state leaders were inaugurated this week and previewed their priorities for the legislative session now underway. Read more from the ATPE lobby team.
During inaugural ceremony, top Texas leaders vow to pass private school voucher legislation in 2023
Date Posted: 1/17/2023
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick used the Jan. 17 event to announce he is “all in” with Gov. Greg Abbott on passing a voucher bill this session.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Jan. 13, 2023
Date Posted: 1/13/2023
We’re off to the races! Catch up on a busy week of ATPE advocacy as the 88th Texas Legislature officially gets underway.
From The Texas Tribune: Texas lawmakers will have $188.2 billion available for the next budget after record-breaking revenue growth
Date Posted: 1/10/2023
It’s more money than legislators have ever had at their disposal, with an increase in available funds that dwarfs previous jumps between cycles. It’s also more than they can constitutionally spend.
Phelan reelected Texas House Speaker as 2023 legislative session begins
Date Posted: 1/10/2023
The 88th Texas Legislature convened Jan. 10 at noon in Austin. Soon thereafter, the House reelected Rep. Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont) as its presiding officer.
Governor Abbott appoints Allred and Williams, reappoints Elliott to Teacher Retirement System of Texas Board of Trustees
Date Posted: 1/09/2023
Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Brittny Allred and Elvis Williams and reappointed John Elliott to the TRS board for terms to expire Aug. 31, 2027.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Jan. 6, 2023
Date Posted: 1/06/2023
Happy New Year! ATPE is counting down the hours until the start of the 88th Texas Legislature. Catch up on the latest advocacy developments.
ATPE's Legislative Priorities for the 88th Texas Legislature
Date Posted: 1/05/2023
Texas lawmakers will convene in Austin Jan. 10. Take a look at ATPE's priorities for the 2023 regular session.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Dec. 16, 2022
Date Posted: 12/16/2022
Catch up on a busy week of ATPE advocacy from our trip to Washington, D.C., to our input on Texas regulations and legislative recommendations.
Virtual schools commission approves final recommendations for 2023 legislative session
Date Posted: 12/14/2022
At its Dec. 14 meeting, the Texas Commission on Virtual Education approved final legislative recommendations aimed at expanding full-time virtual school programs across the state.
ATPE joins congressional leaders at Washington press conference on Social Security reform
Date Posted: 12/14/2022
ATPE State President Stacey Ward and leaders of the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee spoke to reporters in front of the U.S. Capitol Wednesday, Dec. 14.
ATPE joins congressional leaders at Washington press conference on Social Security reform
Date Posted: 12/14/2022
ATPE State President Stacey Ward and leaders of the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee spoke to reporters in front of the U.S. Capitol Wednesday, Dec. 14.
Virtual schools commission approves final recommendations for 2023 legislative session
Date Posted: 12/14/2022
At its Dec. 14 meeting, the Texas Commission on Virtual Education approved final legislative recommendations aimed at expanding full-time virtual school programs across the state.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Dec. 9, 2022
Date Posted: 12/09/2022
In Washington, ATPE turns up the heat on Congress to address Social Security, and Texas state boards are making headlines with their final meetings of 2022.
TRS Board receives 2022 annual report on health of the educator pension fund
Date Posted: 12/09/2022
At its December 2022 meeting, the board got an in-depth look at a snapshot of the fund’s health as of Aug. 31, 2022.
Media Advisory: Public Servants to Visit Capitol Dec. 14 to Exhort Congress to Act on Social Security WEP Reform Before Congress Ends
Date Posted: 12/08/2022
Leadership change, retirement of ranking member Brady mean the clock is ticking on potential for bipartisan change.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Dec. 2, 2022
Date Posted: 12/02/2022
It’s December! As ATPE gears up to fight for public education in the Texas legislative session starting next month, we’re also pushing Congress to pass an important bill before its session ends.
ATPE urges U.S. House leaders to strike a year-end deal on the WEP Social Security offset
Date Posted: 12/02/2022
ATPE and retiree groups are urging Congressional leaders to complete negotiations by the end of 2022 on a deal to fix the Windfall Elimination Provision.
Virtual commission discusses draft of its report to the 88th Texas Legislature
Date Posted: 12/01/2022
The Texas Commission on Virtual Education met Wednesday to discuss a draft of the commission’s findings and recommendations for the 2023 legislative session.
Lieutenant governor shares his 2023 session priorities for the Texas Senate
Date Posted: 11/30/2022
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick held a press conference Wednesday, Nov. 30, outlining priority issues and spending recommendations for the upcoming legislative session.
ATPE Statement on Lt. Gov. Patrick’s Legislative Priorities
Date Posted: 11/30/2022
State’s largest educator association urges legislators to engage public educators as they turn 'big concepts' into bills.
Happy Thanksgiving 2022
Date Posted: 11/23/2022
The ATPE state office is closed Nov. 23-25. We wish you a happy and safe holiday!
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Nov. 18, 2022
Date Posted: 11/18/2022
From the State Board of Education to the Legislature, there was a lot of voucher talk in Texas this week. Read about newly filed bills, school safety regs, and more from the ATPE lobby team.
Texas SBOE confirms bipartisan opposition to vouchers during November 2022 meeting
Date Posted: 11/18/2022
The State Board of Education (SBOE) voted 11-2 Friday, Nov. 18, to urge the Texas Legislature to reject private school vouchers in all forms.
Texas State Board of Education votes to reject private school vouchers
Date Posted: 11/17/2022
The Republican-majority SBOE voted to urge the Texas Legislature to oppose vouchers in all forms in the upcoming 2023 legislative session.
Privatizers push vouchers in special education funding hearing
Date Posted: 11/15/2022
Proponents of school privatization renewed their push for private school vouchers in a Nov. 14 meeting of the Texas Commission on Special Education Funding.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Nov. 11, 2022
Date Posted: 11/11/2022
Today's post from the ATPE lobby team features election results, loan forgiveness news, TRS resources, voucher updates, thanks to our veterans, kudos, and more.
Results of key Texas races in the November 2022 election
Date Posted: 11/09/2022
ATPE shares highlights of the Nov. 8 midterm election, including statewide offices, SBOE members, and state legislators on the ballot.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Nov. 4, 2022
Date Posted: 11/04/2022
It's the last day of early voting in Texas. Catch up on election news and more with the ATPE lobby team.
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Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Oct. 28, 2022
Date Posted: 10/28/2022
From ATPE Governmental Relations, take a look at the first week of early voting, NAEP scores, SBOE races, and a Halloween student loan forgiveness deadline reminder.
Voting is underway for the November 2022 election
Date Posted: 10/26/2022
Thursday, Oct. 27, is Educator Voting Day. ATPE shares some fun facts and helpful tools to get you motivated, educated, and out to the polls.
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Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Oct. 21, 2022
Date Posted: 10/21/2022
ATPE reviews the week's education news, including new voucher revelations and what you need to know about the November election. Early voting starts Monday!
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Oct. 14, 2022
Date Posted: 10/14/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps the past week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Oct. 7, 2022
Date Posted: 10/07/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps the past week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments.
TRS sells downtown Austin headquarters as it prepares to relocate
Date Posted: 10/05/2022
The Teacher Retirement System of Texas announced the sale of its property on Red River Street ahead of a move to a new location in Austin’s Mueller Business District.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Sept. 30, 2022
Date Posted: 9/30/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps the past week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments.
Highlights of the September 2022 SBEC meeting
Date Posted: 9/30/2022
The State Board for Educator Certification met Sept. 30 to revisit the edTPA debate, discuss virtual internships, and hear from ATPE and other stakeholders.
SBEC continues conversation about edTPA during second work session
Date Posted: 9/30/2022
The certification board held another work session Sept. 29, 2022, to consider options for implementing the national edTPA performance assessment in Texas.
Education takes center stage in Texas governor’s race between Abbott and O’Rourke
Date Posted: 9/29/2022
As Gov. Greg Abbott (R) campaigns at private schools pushing for vouchers, his detractors are lambasting his record on education and response to school shootings.
Make a Plan to Vote!
Date Posted: 9/28/2022
Election Day is just around the corner, and Texas’ voter registration deadline is just over two weeks away.
Texas SBOE advances pared down social studies TEKS revisions
Date Posted: 9/26/2022
The State Board of Education voted Monday, Sept. 26, 2022, to advance a pared down revision of the curriculum standards to comply with new legislative requirements.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Sept. 23, 2022
Date Posted: 9/23/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps the past week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments.
Texas House committees hear hours of testimony on educator recruitment, preparation, and retention ahead of the 2023 legislative session
Date Posted: 9/22/2022
ATPE shared educator preparation recommendations during invited testimony before the House Committees on Public Education and Higher Education, Sept. 20, 2022.
U.S. House committee hears bill to repeal Social Security offsets
Date Posted: 9/20/2022
Despite advancing the Ways and Means Committee Sept. 20, 2022, the WEP/GPO repeal legislation faces many hurdles, including a less supportive Senate.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Sept. 16, 2022
Date Posted: 9/16/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps the past week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Sept. 9, 2022
Date Posted: 9/09/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps the past week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments.
From The Texas Tribune: Politics and pandemic are driving Texas teachers to consider quitting, survey finds
Date Posted: 9/09/2022
An online survey of 1,291 teachers by the Charles Butt Foundation shows more teacher dissatisfaction as Texas school districts scramble to attract talent.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Sept. 2, 2022
Date Posted: 9/02/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps the past week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments.
Texas education commissioner discusses A-F ratings with SBOE
Date Posted: 9/01/2022
Commissioner Mike Morath updated the State Board of Education Wednesday on the latest school accountability ratings.
SBOE punts social studies TEKS overhaul to 2025
Date Posted: 8/31/2022
The State Board of Education voted Tuesday to drop a draft overhaul of social studies curriculum standards and punt the next revision to 2025.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Aug. 26, 2022
Date Posted: 8/26/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps the past week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments.
Virtual commission discusses special populations at August 2022 meetings
Date Posted: 8/25/2022
During two days of meetings, the Texas Commission on Virtual Education heard from programs and vendors on efforts to serve special populations.
Learn more about the STAAR redesign
Date Posted: 8/25/2022
Explore TEA resources related to the rollout of new assessments this school year.
Educators save on Texas Tribune Festival registration
Date Posted: 8/24/2022
TribFest features more than 100 events and speakers discussing the current political and educational landscape—right in the heart of Austin.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Aug. 19, 2022
Date Posted: 8/19/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps the past week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments.
Vote for ATPE’s SXSW EDU Session Proposal by Aug. 21!
Date Posted: 8/19/2022
Cast your vote for our session—“Politics, the Public, and the Public Educator”—to be on the agenda for SXSW EDU 2023.
A-F accountability ratings are cause for pride in our Texas public school community
Date Posted: 8/15/2022
ATPE Executive Director Shannon Holmes offers the following statement on the 2022 A-F accountability ratings.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Aug. 12, 2022
Date Posted: 8/12/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps the past week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments.
“Make kids sweat.” Morath updates House Public Education Committee on student testing developments
Date Posted: 8/10/2022
The Texas Education Commissioner addressed the committee during an interim hearing on Aug. 9, 2022.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Aug. 5, 2022
Date Posted: 8/05/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps the past week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments.
From The Texas Tribune: Author of “critical race theory” ban says Texas schools can still teach about racism
Date Posted: 8/02/2022
As the SBOE considers new curriculum standards, Sen. Bryan Hughes said his intention was never to gloss over American history or have negative effects on teachers and administrators.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: July 29, 2022
Date Posted: 7/29/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps the past week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments.
House panel discusses hiring shortage, educator prep in marathon hearings
Date Posted: 7/27/2022
The Texas House Committee on Public Education met Monday and Tuesday, July 25-26, 2022, to discuss a range of issues from teacher hiring to educator preparation.
Champing at the bit: The rush to respond to SBOE’s rejection of edTPA as a certification exam for Texas teachers
Date Posted: 7/26/2022
ATPE shared recommendations from educators at a July 21 SBEC work session, and lawmakers are hearing today from SBOE members about concerns with edTPA.
ATPE urges legislature to pay teachers for time spent in Reading Academies
Date Posted: 7/26/2022
On July 25, ATPE Lobbyist Andrea Chevalier gave invited testimony to the House Public Education Committee about ongoing implementation of 2019’s House Bill 3.
Highlights of the July 2022 SBEC meeting
Date Posted: 7/25/2022
The State Board for Educator Certification approved stricter sanctions for the largest alternative certification program in Texas and discussed the role of stakeholders.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: July 22, 2022
Date Posted: 7/22/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps the past week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: July 15, 2022
Date Posted: 7/15/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps the past week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments.
No "Week in Review" on Teach the Vote July 8, 2022
Date Posted: 7/08/2022
Our lobby team is attending the ATPE Summit. We'll post our next Week in Review summary Friday, July 15, 2022.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: July 1, 2022
Date Posted: 7/01/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps the past week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments.
State leaders divert $100 million for school security measures
Date Posted: 6/28/2022
Texas’ top three lawmakers, governor, and lieutenant governor announced plans Tuesday to use existing school funding to cover school safety measures.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: June 24, 2022
Date Posted: 6/24/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps the past week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments.
Legislative committees hold hearings in response to Uvalde school shooting
Date Posted: 6/23/2022
Multiple legislative committees are meeting this week in Austin in response to the May 2022 massacre of 19 children and two teachers at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: June 17, 2022
Date Posted: 6/17/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps the past week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments.
SBOE vetoes four charters, unanimously rejects edTPA as teacher certification exam
Date Posted: 6/17/2022
At its June 2022 meeting, the State Board of Education agreed with ATPE and other stakeholders in vetoing the edTPA rule.
SBOE committee unanimously rejects edTPA rule in preliminary vote
Date Posted: 6/16/2022
On Thursday, the Committee on School Initiatives unanimously recommended that the SBOE veto a rule requiring edTPA for teacher certification. The full board will vote Friday.
Commissioner lobbies SBOE to approve controversial changes to Texas teacher certification exam
Date Posted: 6/15/2022
Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath spoke in support of the move to edTPA during his presentation to the state board Wednesday, June 15, 2022.
During June 2022 SBOE meeting, ATPE testifies against problematic changes to teacher certification in Texas
Date Posted: 6/14/2022
ATPE opposes the SBEC-adopted rule to use the national edTPA instead of our state’s current pedagogy exam. The SBOE has authority to veto the rule change.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: June 10, 2022
Date Posted: 6/10/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps the past week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments.
Texas House Pensions Committee discusses cost-of-living adjustment for retired educators
Date Posted: 6/10/2022
The question for the committee members is not whether there should be a COLA, but how much and how to structure it.
From The Texas Tribune: Texas Republicans want to arm more school employees, but few districts are opting in
Date Posted: 6/07/2022
Since Texas launched the school marshal program, just 84 districts have armed staff. Educators say the program’s lack of popularity shows teachers don’t want to be the ones to defend schools from shootings.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: June 3, 2022
Date Posted: 6/03/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps the past week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments.
Gov. Greg Abbott instructs school safety officials to conduct “unannounced, random intruder” audits of Texas public schools
Date Posted: 6/02/2022
Abbott has tasked the Texas School Safety Center with conducting in-person, unannounced audits of public schools to see how quickly staff can enter a building without being stopped and detect weak points.
Gov. Abbott requests special legislative committees following Robb Elementary School shooting
Date Posted: 6/01/2022
Gov. Greg Abbott (R-Texas) asked legislative leaders Wednesday to appoint special committees to discuss potential responses to the May 24 mass shooting at Uvalde CISD’s Robb Elementary School.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: May 27, 2022
Date Posted: 5/27/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps the past week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments.
From The Texas Tribune: Texas lawmakers again want to “harden” schools. But security efforts are lacking, and experts question their worth.
Date Posted: 5/26/2022
After Uvalde, GOP leaders are pushing to boost school security. But similar legislation after a 2018 school shooting fell short of its goals. Experts say there’s no evidence such tactics work.
Unofficial results of the 2022 Texas primary runoff elections
Date Posted: 5/25/2022
While some votes are still being counted, ATPE looks at preliminary outcomes of the May 24 runoffs in the Republican and Democratic primaries.
ATPE State Vice President Stacey Ward tells state senators teachers need more time and appropriate compensation
Date Posted: 5/25/2022
Ward testified Tuesday, May 24, in the Senate Education Committee’s interim hearing on teacher pipeline issues in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nominate a Teacher for the TRS-Care Retirees Advisory Committee
Date Posted: 5/25/2022
Submit your nominations for the one active teacher seat on the TRS-Care Retirees Advisory Committee by June 15.
ATPE Statement on Shooting at Uvalde CISD’s Robb Elementary School
Date Posted: 5/24/2022
State’s largest educator association stands by to support the local school community, including our members in Uvalde CISD.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: May 20, 2022
Date Posted: 5/20/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps the past week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments.
TEA announces 24 teachers added to vacancy task force
Date Posted: 5/18/2022
In a May 18 announcement, the Texas Education Agency revealed its new appointments to expand teacher representation on the Teacher Vacancy Task Force convened earlier this year.
Charter and voucher supporters double down on spending in 2022 Texas primary races
Date Posted: 5/18/2022
With runoff voting underway, reports show organizations that support charter expansion and school privatization spent millions on Texas candidates between late February and May.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: May 13, 2022
Date Posted: 5/13/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps the past week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments.
Early voting begins next week for Texas’ 2022 primary election runoffs
Date Posted: 5/12/2022
Early voting runs Monday, May 16, through Friday, May 20, in the critical May 24 primary runoff elections.
ATPE statement on Gov. Greg Abbott’s May 9 campaign remarks on “school funding following the student”
Date Posted: 5/10/2022
ATPE Executive Director Shannon Holmes commented on the Texas governor's new push for private school vouchers.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: May 6, 2022
Date Posted: 5/06/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments.
ATPE urges state lawmakers to provide a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for TRS retirees
Date Posted: 5/04/2022
At a May 4 meeting of the Senate Finance Committee, ATPE testified that now is the time for an increase in Texas retired educators’ benefits.
SBEC approves edTPA, rejects settlement with A+ Texas Teachers at April 2022 meeting
Date Posted: 5/03/2022
The State Board for Educator Certification approved edTPA to replace the PPR exam over the next three years and rejected a sanctions settlement with the massive alt cert program.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: April 29, 2022
Date Posted: 4/29/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments.
TRS shares good news about educator health insurance premiums during April 2022 board meeting
Date Posted: 4/29/2022
Texas educators welcomed the TRS board's announcement that TRS-ActiveCare premiums will not increase in the 2022-23 school year.
State to use $435 million in federal COVID-19 relief funding for educator healthcare
Date Posted: 4/28/2022
Texas state leaders made the announcement Thursday that the funding will be used to offset healthcare costs for TRS-ActiveCare members.
From The Texas Tribune: Facing a teacher shortage, Texas considers a more rigorous teacher certification exam
Date Posted: 4/28/2022
Two states have dropped the Educative Teacher Performance Assessment, and three others passed on it or want it gone.
House Public Education Committee holds first interim hearing of 2022
Date Posted: 4/26/2022
The committee received an update from Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath and discussed two interim charges during the April 26 meeting.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: April 22, 2022
Date Posted: 4/22/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments.
Cart before the horse: edTPA in Texas
Date Posted: 4/20/2022
Plans to adopt a new nationally developed pedagogy exam for teacher certification have the Texas education community concerned.
From The Texas Tribune: Amid a teacher shortage, some Texas educators are losing their licenses for quitting during the school year
Date Posted: 4/19/2022
The policy sidelines educators, often for two school years, at a time when districts are already struggling to keep teachers in the classrooms.
No "Week in Review" on Teach the Vote today
Date Posted: 4/15/2022
The ATPE state office is closed for Good Friday. We'll post our next Week in Review summary Friday, April 22, 2022.
From The Texas Tribune: Analysis: Texas schools need support from politically distracted state leaders
Date Posted: 4/13/2022
Public education in Texas — like everywhere in the country — is hurting after more than two years of pandemic. But many in the political class are preoccupied with reforms that have more to do with social issues than with education.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: April 8, 2022
Date Posted: 4/08/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments.
Reading Academies test-out option will be all-or-nothing and tied to student outcomes
Date Posted: 4/07/2022
TEA hosted a webinar April 6, 2022, to explain the new updates for Year 3 implementation.
April SBOE meeting begins with TEA discussion of testing out of Reading Academies
Date Posted: 4/06/2022
Education Commissioner Mike Morath and TEA staff answered questions from SBOE members Wednesday about whether some teachers will be able to test out of the Reading Academies.
Don’t Florida Our Texas, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick
Date Posted: 4/05/2022
Statement from ATPE Executive Director Shannon Holmes on Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s campaign proposal for Florida-style “parental rights” legislation.
BREAKING: Lieutenant Governor issues 2022 interim charges for Senate committees
Date Posted: 4/04/2022
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick released the list of issues he wants Senate committees to study before the 88th Legislature convenes in January 2023.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: April 1, 2022
Date Posted: 4/01/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments.
Recently announced changes to Reading Academies spur vociferous response in Texas’ education community
Date Posted: 4/01/2022
Changes posted to the TEA website last week regarding the training requirements prompted many new questions from educators and training providers.
From The Texas Tribune: Texas teachers say they’re pushed to the brink by law requiring them to spend dozens of hours unpaid in training
Date Posted: 4/01/2022
K-3 teachers in Texas have until 2023 to complete a 60-hour Reading Academies course to keep the job. It’s taking some 120 hours on their own time to finish.
Virtual education commission holds second meeting
Date Posted: 3/31/2022
The commission is studying virtual schooling to make recommendations for the Texas Legislature to consider when it convenes in January 2023.
Governor announces funding flexibility for Texas schools dealing with absences
Date Posted: 3/29/2022
ATPE issued a statement Tuesday welcoming the relief for districts still struggling with COVID-19 challenges.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: March 25, 2022
Date Posted: 3/25/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments.
Texas finally offers some flexibility on Reading Academies requirements
Date Posted: 3/25/2022
After years of ATPE advocacy, TEA offers new guidance, responding to educators’ concerns about the extensive, often redundant training requirements.
Patrick merges Senate’s K-12 and higher education committees, appoints Creighton as chair
Date Posted: 3/22/2022
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is making Higher Education a subcommittee of the Senate Education Committee and appointing Sen. Brandon Creighton to chair the expanded committee.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: March 18, 2022
Date Posted: 3/18/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments.
WEP Reform Now! It’s Time to Cut a Deal
Date Posted: 3/17/2022
Texas public educators and retirees join with Massachusetts retirees to push Social Security compromise.
2022 Presidential budget focuses on racial equity, plus funding for various federal education priorities
Date Posted: 3/16/2022
Childcare tax credits, family leave, universal pre-K, and bolstering the educator workforce are among the priorities President Biden wants Congress to consider funding.
Want to shape the agenda? Participate in a party convention!
Date Posted: 3/15/2022
Conventions being held this month will determine who gets to participate in each party’s state convention – where political platforms will be up for discussion.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: March 11, 2022
Date Posted: 3/11/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments.
Use Your Teacher Voice: Reflections from ATPE’s SXSW EDU meet-up
Date Posted: 3/11/2022
The ATPE lobby team reflects on crowdsourced ideas about civic engagement from educators who attended an ATPE-hosted session at the 2022 education conference.
TEA announces its new Teacher Vacancy Task Force
Date Posted: 3/10/2022
Only two teachers will serve on a new panel requested by Gov. Greg Abbott to study teacher shortages in Texas.
BREAKING: Texas House Speaker issues 2022 interim charges to legislative committees
Date Posted: 3/10/2022
Speaker Dade Phelan released the list of issues he wants House committees to study before the 88th Legislature convenes in January.
From The Texas Tribune: Gov. Greg Abbott tells TEA to create teacher shortage task force
Date Posted: 3/08/2022
Teaching demands during the pandemic have exacerbated the nation’s teacher shortage. Abbott wants a task force to investigate.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: March 4, 2022
Date Posted: 3/04/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments.
From The Texas Tribune: GOP Texas House members ask schools not to buy books from vendors that supply “pornographic” materials
Date Posted: 3/04/2022
State Rep. Jared Patterson, R-Frisco, and 26 other House colleagues want school leaders to boycott vendors that have offered what conservatives deem pornography.
ATPE's highlights of the 2022 primary elections
Date Posted: 3/02/2022
ATPE showcases the results in high-profile state legislative races, contests for SBOE seats, and more.
Vote in today’s Texas Primary Election and make your voice heard!
Date Posted: 3/01/2022
Today is your last chance to vote for pro-public education candidates in the 2022 Texas Primaries!
Wealthy donors seek to shape state policy on vouchers, charter schools, and curriculum with big spending in the 2022 Texas primaries
Date Posted: 2/28/2022
ATPE continues our look at high-dollar campaign contributions tied to school privatization and deregulation in SBOE and legislative races.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Feb. 25, 2022
Date Posted: 2/25/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments.
Million-dollar bets on making the Texas State Capitol voucher-friendly
Date Posted: 2/25/2022
Who are the billionaires bankrolling 2022 primary election candidates with an eye toward enacting private school vouchers?
RYHT forums highlight education views of 2022 primary election candidates
Date Posted: 2/25/2022
The nonprofit organization Raise Your Hand Texas recently held nonpartisan candidate forums around the state.
From The Texas Tribune: Analysis: The 3% of Texans deciding who governs the other 97%
Date Posted: 2/25/2022
Most Texas voters skip the primary elections, leaving many of the decisions about who serves in office to a relatively small group of Texas — voters who have more clout as a result.
Your primary election vote is turbocharged
Date Posted: 2/23/2022
Few voters are turning out to vote in this year’s primary elections, and that means those who do have even more influence over who is elected.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Feb. 18, 2022
Date Posted: 2/18/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
Celebrating 10 years of ATPE’s Teach the Vote this Educator Voting Day
Date Posted: 2/16/2022
Feb. 17 is Educator Voting Day. Before you vote, research candidates at ATPE’s nonpartisan advocacy site TeachtheVote.org, Texas voters’ trusted education resource for 10 years.
SBEC gives preliminary approval to major pedagogy exam changes
Date Posted: 2/14/2022
At its Feb. 2022 meeting, the State Board for Educator Certification held an hours-long discussion about using the EdTPA exam for certification.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Feb. 11, 2022
Date Posted: 2/11/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
Beyond candidates: The rest of the story on voting in the 2022 Texas primaries
Date Posted: 2/11/2022
Learn more about the politics of voting in a Republican or Democratic primary election in 2022.
“Let’s Figure It Out”: The Public School Mandate to Educate Every Child Is Essential
Date Posted: 2/10/2022
A Houston father explains why his family returned to Texas public schools when a private school could not accommodate his son’s needs.
Early voting for the 2022 Texas primaries begins Feb. 14
Date Posted: 2/08/2022
Vote early Feb. 14-25 for the March 1 Republican or Democratic primary election.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Feb. 4, 2022
Date Posted: 2/04/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
From The Texas Tribune: As culture wars envelop schools, North Texas sees a superintendent exodus
Date Posted: 2/04/2022
Several departures come after months of contentious fights over teaching about slavery, requiring pandemic precautions and limiting what books kids can access.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Jan. 28, 2022
Date Posted: 1/28/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
SBOE approves new SBEC rules on educator contract abandonment
Date Posted: 1/28/2022
The SBOE voted 12-3 to approve rules passed by SBEC in December changing the way educator contract abandonment cases are handled. ATPE lobbied for the rule changes.
Contract abandonment rule changes inch forward at SBOE
Date Posted: 1/27/2022
A State Board of Education committee advanced contract abandonment rule changes that are the product of nearly three years of negotiations.
From The Texas Tribune: Gov. Greg Abbott taps into parent anger to fuel reelection campaign
Date Posted: 1/26/2022
Abbott promises a “parental bill of rights” amendment to the Texas Constitution. Current education code already provides an array of parent protections when it comes to schools.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Jan. 21, 2022
Date Posted: 1/21/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
ATPE suggests improvements to Teacher Incentive Allotment rules
Date Posted: 1/19/2022
ATPE submitted public comments on proposed Commissioner’s rules updating how the TIA program is administered.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Jan. 14, 2022
Date Posted: 1/14/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
From The Texas Tribune: COVID-19 in Texas: Schools struggle to stay open as teachers and bus drivers call in sick
Date Posted: 1/14/2022
School district leaders are desperately trying to fill vacant roles to stay open and some say they have no choice but to close.
“Too much.” Teachers weigh in on HB 3 Reading Academies requirement
Date Posted: 1/13/2022
ATPE shares results from a survey of nearly 1,000 educators on their experiences with the HB 3 Reading Academies requirement.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Jan. 7, 2022
Date Posted: 1/07/2022
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
Prepping for the Primaries
Date Posted: 1/07/2022
This year, ATPE’s Teach the Vote celebrates its 10th anniversary! In that time, Texas voters have visited the site more than 1.1 million times to research candidates and read the latest public education news.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Date Posted: 12/24/2021
ATPE Governmental Relations sends you holiday greetings and our best wishes for a happy 2022!
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Dec. 17, 2021
Date Posted: 12/17/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
“May you live in interesting times”
Date Posted: 12/15/2021
As we approach the end of 2021, ATPE’s federal lobbyist David Pore shares his take on recent activity in Washington, D.C.
SBEC adopts ATPE-backed changes to contract abandonment rules at December 2021 meeting
Date Posted: 12/13/2021
The State Board for Educator Certification heard testimony from ATPE and took several significant actions during its lengthy Dec. 10 meeting.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Dec. 10, 2021
Date Posted: 12/10/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
TRS pension fund tops $200 billion
Date Posted: 12/09/2021
After a year of record-breaking gains, now is the time to translate the TRS fund’s success into benefits for Texas educators through creative solutions for a comprehensive system of COLAs.
From The Texas Tribune: San Antonio-area school district reviews 400 books flagged by a Texas lawmaker’s inquiry
Date Posted: 12/06/2021
North East ISD, one of the largest districts in the state, appears to be the first one to respond to state Rep. Matt Krause’s investigation into the kinds of books held in school libraries.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Dec. 3, 2021
Date Posted: 12/03/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
From The Texas Tribune: Texas trying to reverse learning loss caused by the pandemic
Date Posted: 12/02/2021
The pandemic has undone years of educational gains in Texas schools. Here’s what the road to recovery looks like.
Happy Thanksgiving 2021
Date Posted: 11/25/2021
ATPE Governmental Relations wishes you a safe and peaceful Thanksgiving holiday.
ATPE weighs in on SBEC proposal that improves contract rules
Date Posted: 11/22/2021
ATPE submits public comments on proposed SBEC rules that would improve flexibility around educator contracts.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Nov. 19, 2021
Date Posted: 11/19/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
At SBOE meeting, commissioner says no guidance yet on new civics curriculum law compliance
Date Posted: 11/17/2021
Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath said his agency has yet to offer educators any guidance for complying with Senate Bill 3, which takes effect in a few weeks.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Nov. 12, 2021
Date Posted: 11/12/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
Federal judge sides with disability rights group on local control of school mask mandates
Date Posted: 11/11/2021
The court ruled Nov. 10 that Gov. Abbott cannot prohibit Texas public schools from imposing mask requirements.
ATPE responds to governor's call for TEA "criminal" investigation of school libraries
Date Posted: 11/10/2021
ATPE believes Abbott's allegations that educators are providing "pornography" to students are harmful, baseless distractions from the real challenges facing schools.
From The Texas Tribune: Gov. Greg Abbott calls for criminal investigation into availability of "pornographic books" in public schools
Date Posted: 11/10/2021
It’s unclear why the governor tasked the state's education agency, which does not employ law enforcement officers, to perform the investigation.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Nov. 5, 2021
Date Posted: 11/05/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
ATPE submits input to TEA on proposed rules for special education grant
Date Posted: 11/05/2021
ATPE submitted comments on new commissioner’s rules to implement the Supplemental Special Education Services grant program authorized by the Texas Legislature this year.
Texas Congressman re-introduces legislation to eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision
Date Posted: 11/04/2021
On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX) refiled his bill to address the "WEP" offset that reduces many educators' Social Security benefits.
Voucher supporters flip House seat, Texans approve constitutional amendments
Date Posted: 11/03/2021
A Republican backed by Betsy DeVos’s pro-voucher PAC won Tuesday’s special election in House District 118, the same night voters approved eight changes to the Texas Constitution.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Oct. 29, 2021
Date Posted: 10/29/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
ATPE responds to Texas lawmaker’s demand that school districts review hundreds of books and materials for content regarding race or sex
Date Posted: 10/26/2021
ATPE Executive Director Shannon Holmes called the politically motivated book inquiry by Rep. Matt Krause “a Frankenstein monster.”
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Oct. 22, 2021
Date Posted: 10/22/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
ATPE urges Congress to support school workers and facilities improvements under infrastructure plan
Date Posted: 10/22/2021
In a letter to the Texas delegation, ATPE urges Congress to keep school funding elements in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Plan being negotiated in Washington, D.C.
Why the special election runoff for Texas House District 118 is extra special
Date Posted: 10/21/2021
Whether San Antonio educators go to the polls (in specific locations) is likely to be the deciding factor in a close race for the vacant House seat that will be decided Nov. 2, 2021.
White House unveils COVID-19 vaccination plan for children aged 5-11
Date Posted: 10/20/2021
The Biden administration announced how it will make the vaccines, once approved by the FDA and CDC, accessible to families with younger children.
87th Texas Legislature adjourns third (and final?) special session
Date Posted: 10/19/2021
Lawmakers wrapped up the third special session of 2021 after passing several controversial bills, including redistricting legislation that will determine partisan control of Texas for the next 10 years.
Early voting for the Nov. 2 election starts today, Oct. 18
Date Posted: 10/18/2021
Early voting runs through Oct. 29, 2021, for the Nov. 2 election on eight constitutional amendments and local races or ballot measures.
From The Texas Tribune: Texas' "critical race theory" law confuses educators
Date Posted: 10/16/2021
Lawmakers say schools are misinterpreting a new measure designed to keep critical race theory out of public schools.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Oct. 15, 2021
Date Posted: 10/15/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
Early voting on 2021 constitutional amendments begins Oct. 18
Date Posted: 10/13/2021
Early voting for the Nov. 2 election runs Oct. 18-29 on eight amendments to the Texas Constitution, plus local elections and a special runoff for a seat in the Texas Legislature.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Oct. 8, 2021
Date Posted: 10/08/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
Feds’ changes to Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program may provide quicker debt cancellation for school employees
Date Posted: 10/06/2021
The U.S. Department of Education announced relaxation of the program criteria to help educators and other public servants access loan forgiveness more readily.
ATPE Statement on Shooting at Mansfield ISD’s Timberview High School
Date Posted: 10/06/2021
State’s largest educator association stands by to support the local school community, including our many members in Mansfield ISD.
Texas legislative budget committees consider bills to spend federal COVID-19 relief funds on TRS healthcare
Date Posted: 10/06/2021
A pair of bills, SB 8 and HB 145, seek to appropriate $286 million in federal relief funds to cover COVID-related health care expenses for TRS insurance plans.
Highlights of the October 2021 SBEC meeting
Date Posted: 10/04/2021
The State Board for Educator Certification met Oct. 1, hearing testimony from ATPE on rule changes and implementation of recent legislation.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Oct. 1, 2021
Date Posted: 10/01/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
House races in Ellis and Bexar Counties decided by low turnout
Date Posted: 9/29/2021
A pair of low-turnout races result in the election of a pro-voucher candidate to represent Ellis County and a runoff in Bexar County.
Are you registered to vote? Double- and triple-check!
Date Posted: 9/28/2021
Tuesday is National Voter Registration Day. ATPE urges all those eligible to vote to get registered!
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Sept. 24, 2021
Date Posted: 9/24/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
SBOE opens applications for social studies TEKS review panels in the wake of new civics laws
Date Posted: 9/23/2021
The state board will appoint educators to recommend changes to the curriculum standards, including those required by recent high-profile legislation.
From The Texas Tribune: Texas' ban on school mask mandates draws federal investigation for possibly violating the rights of students with disabilities
Date Posted: 9/22/2021
The U.S. Department of Education announced the inquiry days after the Texas Education Agency quietly updated its guidance to say school districts can’t require masks.
Texas Legislature convenes for third special session
Date Posted: 9/20/2021
Redistricting, vaccine mandates, and transgender student athletes are on the agenda for the special session beginning Sept. 20, 2021.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Sept. 17, 2021
Date Posted: 9/17/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
TRS board authorizes 13th check for retirees
Date Posted: 9/17/2021
The board met Sept. 16-17, 2021, acting on the 13th check, plans to purchase a new facility, and hiring a permanent ombuds.
Private school vouchers take center stage in HD 10 runoff
Date Posted: 9/15/2021
The just-announced September 28 runoff election in Texas House District 10 is shaping up to be a showdown over vouchers.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Sept. 10, 2021
Date Posted: 9/10/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
March 2022 primary elections could be delayed by redistricting
Date Posted: 9/08/2021
How long it takes to redraw Texas voting maps will determine whether the primaries proceed as scheduled or must be postponed.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Sept. 3, 2021
Date Posted: 9/03/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
A surprise sine die for the Texas Legislature’s second special session of 2021
Date Posted: 9/03/2021
In a rapid and unexpected turn of events, the Texas House and Senate called final adjournment of the session after passing a few education bills Thursday night, Sept. 2, 2021.
Texas education laws taking effect September 1, 2021
Date Posted: 9/01/2021
Nearly 50 new state laws affecting public education go into effect September 1, 2021.
Commissioner tells SBOE to expect no changes to STAAR testing this year
Date Posted: 9/01/2021
Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath answered questions from the State Board of Education Wednesday, September 1, 2021, touching on topics from STAAR to virtual education.
House Public Education Committee votes to advance civics curriculum bill, defers action on other controversial bills
Date Posted: 8/31/2021
The committee convened late Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 31, 2021, to vote on pending legislation. A civics bill advanced, but members could not agree on other controversial proposals.
Texas House Public Education Committee advances accelerated learning bill, debates masks
Date Posted: 8/31/2021
The committee met Monday, August 30, 2021, to debate mask mandates and changes to accelerated instruction laws. Another meeting is set for Tuesday.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Aug. 27, 2021
Date Posted: 8/27/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
Texas Governor expands prohibition on vaccine mandates, urges similar legislative action in new executive order
Date Posted: 8/25/2021
Gov. Greg Abbott released the new order Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021, reiterating that local governmental entities cannot mandate COVID-19 vaccinations, even if they are fully FDA-approved.
Texas House Public Education Committee holds lengthy meeting on virtual schools, civics, and other education bills
Date Posted: 8/25/2021
The committee met Tuesday, August 24, 2021, for the first time since the regular legislative session ended and heard hours of testimony.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: August 20, 2021
Date Posted: 8/20/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: August 13, 2021
Date Posted: 8/13/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
Texas Senate passes controversial social studies, virtual school bills
Date Posted: 8/12/2021
Before an all-night debate on voter laws, senators passed a pair of ATPE-opposed bills Wednesday relating to social studies curriculum and the expansion of virtual schools.
Senate committees advance troubling virtual school and social studies curriculum bills
Date Posted: 8/10/2021
In the first week of a second special session, the Texas Senate advanced two education-related bills in separate committee hearings Tuesday, August 10, 2021.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: August 6, 2021
Date Posted: 8/06/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
Abbott calls second special session with broader education agenda
Date Posted: 8/05/2021
Gov. Greg Abbott released an expanded agenda for a second special session to begin Saturday, August 7, 2021.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: July 30, 2021
Date Posted: 7/30/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
New Abbott executive order bans local mask, vaccine requirements
Date Posted: 7/29/2021
In the order issued July 29, Gov. Greg Abbott prohibits local cities, counties, and school districts from requiring masks or COVID-19 immunizations.
New CDC guidance recommends universal mask-wearing in schools
Date Posted: 7/27/2021
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control announced the new recommendations during a press conference held July 27, 2021.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: July 23, 2021
Date Posted: 7/23/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
Highlights of the July 2021 SBEC meeting
Date Posted: 7/23/2021
The State Board for Educator Certification heard a presentation by ATPE's Paul Tapp and discussed contract issues at its July 2021 meeting and a work session.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: July 16, 2021
Date Posted: 7/16/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news and updates from the Texas Legislature, plus highlights of the ATPE Virtual Summit.
ATPE Awards Highest Honor to Texas Public School Employees
Date Posted: 7/15/2021
Texas public school employees have gone above and beyond the call of duty over this past year and deserve any and all recognition,” says ATPE State President.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: July 9, 2021
Date Posted: 7/09/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news and updates from the Texas Legislature.
Two TRS bills heard on day two of special session
Date Posted: 7/09/2021
On the second day of the special session, Texas House and Senate committees both heard bills to give retired educators a 13th check.
Abbott places social studies curriculum, TRS funding on special session call
Date Posted: 7/07/2021
Gov. Greg Abbott announced Wednesday that the special session scheduled to begin Thursday will include controversial legislation on social studies curriculum, as well as TRS funding.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: July 2, 2021
Date Posted: 7/02/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
Texas election roundup: 50 years since lowering the voting age to 18
Date Posted: 7/01/2021
This week marks 50 years since the ratification of the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which lowered the voting age to 18.
From The Texas Tribune: Texas STAAR test results dipped dramatically during coronavirus pandemic, especially in math
Date Posted: 6/30/2021
The drop was more significant in districts that had most of their instruction online, compared to districts with more in-person classes.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: June 25, 2021
Date Posted: 6/25/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
SBOE vetoes record four of seven new charter chains
Date Posted: 6/25/2021
The State Board of Education voted Friday to veto four new charter school chains proposed by Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath.
Commissioner updates SBOE on legislation, charter applicants
Date Posted: 6/23/2021
Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath spoke to the State Board of Education (SBOE) Wednesday at the board’s June meeting.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: June 18, 2021
Date Posted: 6/18/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s state and federal education news and legislative updates.
Congressional hearing on retirement equity showcases bipartisan agreement on WEP reform
Date Posted: 6/18/2021
The U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittee on Social Security met June 15 to discuss Social Security reform and hear from retirees.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: June 11, 2021
Date Posted: 6/11/2021
There will be no Week in Review published today, but tune in next week for more advocacy content from ATPE.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: June 4, 2021
Date Posted: 6/04/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s state and federal education news and legislative updates.
TRS holds special post-session meeting
Date Posted: 6/04/2021
With the clarity of finally passed legislation, the TRS board called an impromptu meeting to set TRS-ActiveCare rates and appoint an interim ombuds.
Highlights and lowlights of the 2021 legislative session
Date Posted: 6/02/2021
The Texas Legislature adjourned sine die Monday, May 31. ATPE highlights a few of the major education bills passed.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: May 28, 2021
Date Posted: 5/28/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s state and federal education news and legislative updates.
House drops the hammer on curriculum bill, sends UIL bill to governor
Date Posted: 5/28/2021
After a divisive social studies curriculum bill failed on procedural grounds in the Texas House Friday, May 28, Senators brought it up for another vote.
Texas lawmakers pass more education bills amid rising tension between House and Senate in the session’s final days
Date Posted: 5/26/2021
Bills on school accountability sanctions and special education survived House deadlines. The Senate voted on the final budget Wednesday and loaded up a school finance bill with amendments.
Texas House debates variety of issues as midnight deadline looms
Date Posted: 5/25/2021
Several school-related bills face an uncertain fate while sitting on the calendar for Tuesday, May 25.
Senate Education Committee holds final meeting of session
Date Posted: 5/25/2021
The committee held its final meeting of the 87th legislative session on Monday, May 24, advancing a few more House bills to the Senate floor.
Senate Education Committee approves virtual school expansion and numerous other bills during Saturday night meeting
Date Posted: 5/23/2021
During a late-night May 22 meeting, the committee approved legislation to expand virtual education in Texas and took votes on many other pending bills.
Senate passes controversial curriculum and UIL bills
Date Posted: 5/22/2021
The Texas Senate spent the weekend passing bills that will micromanage the teaching of social studies and open the University Interscholastic League (UIL) to homeschool students.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: May 21, 2021
Date Posted: 5/21/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s state and federal education news and legislative updates.
Texas House Public Education Committee approves (likely) last batch of Senate bills
Date Posted: 5/20/2021
The committee met Thursday, May 20, on the House floor to vote on what is likely their last batch of Senate bills before a Saturday deadline.
Texas House Public Education Committee approves more Senate bills
Date Posted: 5/19/2021
The committee met Wednesday, May 19, to approve more Senate bills ahead of a May 22 deadline.
Senate committee advances UIL homeschool bill
Date Posted: 5/18/2021
The Senate Education Committee quickly voted Tuesday, May 18, to advance a bill that would allow homeschooled students to participate in UIL activities.
Texas House Public Education Committee hears testimony and votes on controversial special education bill
Date Posted: 5/18/2021
The committee met Tuesday, May 18, to hear testimony on Senate Bill 1716 and consider changes to the bill before recommending it to the full House.
House Public Education Committee advances Senate bills and schedules a voucher hearing, and Senate State Affairs Committee approves contentious curriculum bill
Date Posted: 5/17/2021
The House committee voted on several Senate bills Monday but delayed consideration of a controversial voucher bill to Tuesday. The Senate committee voted to advance House Bill 3979.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: May 14, 2021
Date Posted: 5/14/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s state and federal education news and legislative updates.
House passes UIL homeschool bill, others on deadline night
Date Posted: 5/14/2021
The Texas House of Representatives worked until midnight, passing several bills affecting public education Thursday night.
Texas Senate committee approves bills on digital citizenship, educator preparation
Date Posted: 5/13/2021
The Senate Education Committee met Thursday, May 13, and voted on several bills, including legislation dealing with digital citizenship and educator preparation.
Today is a key deadline for bills in the Texas House. Read more about bills being considered.
Date Posted: 5/13/2021
With few exceptions, House bills must survive a House floor vote today, May 13, to remain viable this session.
Texas Senate committee approves HB 3 cleanup bill with controversial new language
Date Posted: 5/11/2021
The Senate Education Committee voted Tuesday, May 11, to advance a controversial “cleanup” bill for the House Bill 3 (2019) school finance legislation.
Texas House Public Education Committee sides with ATPE on charter school bill
Date Posted: 5/11/2021
The committee met Tuesday, May 11, to vote on several Senate bills, including some on which the committee has never accepted testimony.
As session deadlines near, Texas House holds late-night debate on contentious education bills
Date Posted: 5/11/2021
The House gave preliminary approval to a controversial curriculum bill long after midnight and hours of heated debate.
Texas Senate committee advances another private school voucher bill
Date Posted: 5/10/2021
A divided Senate Education Committee voted to advance the ATPE-opposed voucher bill Monday evening, May 10.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: May 7, 2021
Date Posted: 5/07/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s state and federal education news and legislative updates.
Texas Senate Education Committee hears classic voucher bill
Date Posted: 5/06/2021
The committee took testimony on the ATPE-opposed Senate Bill 1968 at its May 6 hearing.
Texas Senate Education Committee continues debate over local oversight of charter schools
Date Posted: 5/04/2021
The committee heard testimony Tuesday, May 4, on reducing local communities’ authority over charter schools that locate within their jurisdiction.
Texas House Public Education Committee hears testimony and votes on more Senate bills
Date Posted: 5/04/2021
The committee met Tuesday, May 4, to hear more bills and take votes on three Senate bills.
Texas Senate approves special education voucher bill
Date Posted: 5/04/2021
The full Senate passed a special education voucher bill Monday despite opposition from ATPE and others in the public education community.
Texas House Public Education Committee approves first Senate bills at May 3 meeting
Date Posted: 5/04/2021
The committee met Monday, May 3, to vote on several pending bills, including some supported and one opposed by ATPE.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: April 30, 2021
Date Posted: 4/30/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s state and federal education news and legislative updates.
Highlights of the April 30 SBEC meeting
Date Posted: 4/30/2021
The State Board for Educator Certification met April 30 to discuss rule revisions and share some changes to the board.
Texas Senate committee advances ATPE-backed sick leave legislation
Date Posted: 4/29/2021
A divided Senate Education Committee voted to advance a bill to give public school employees access to sick leave pools.
Recapping the Texas House Public Education Committee meetings for April 27-28, 2021
Date Posted: 4/29/2021
The House committee met Tuesday and Wednesday to hear its first Senate bills this session, including a controversial charter school bill that ATPE opposes.
Biden proposes education aid in "American Families Plan"
Date Posted: 4/28/2021
The President will discuss his latest federal funding request during an address to Congress Wednesday, April 28.
Texas officials announce release of federal COVID-19 relief funds to school districts
Date Posted: 4/28/2021
School districts can apply for part of the $11.2 billion in federal ESSER III funds starting April 29.
Senate committee considers ATPE-supported sick leave pool bill
Date Posted: 4/28/2021
ATPE testified before the Senate Education Committee Tuesday, April 27, in support of making sick leave pools available to school employees.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: April 23, 2021
Date Posted: 4/23/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s state and federal education news and legislative updates.
House Public Education Committee advances a laundry list of pending bills
Date Posted: 4/23/2021
The committee met Friday, April 23, to vote on pending House bills before it turns its attention to hearing Senate bills next week.
Texas House approves state budget bill after adding pro-public education amendments
Date Posted: 4/23/2021
The Texas House spent 12 hours Thursday debating amendments to SB 1, making several changes to the proposed state budget that demonstrate support for public education.
Texas Senate committee approves controversial special education voucher bill
Date Posted: 4/22/2021
The Senate Education Committee advanced a special education voucher bill at its meeting Thursday, April 22.
Texas House Public Education Committee recap from April 20, 2021
Date Posted: 4/21/2021
The committee met Tuesday, April 20, to hear 26 new bills covering such topics as bilingual education, accountability, reading academies, working conditions, and more.
Texas Senate Education Committee hears special education voucher bill
Date Posted: 4/20/2021
The committee heard testimony Tuesday, April 20, on an ATPE-opposed bill that would create a special education voucher program funded by taxpayers.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: April 16, 2021
Date Posted: 4/16/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s state and federal education news and legislative updates.
TRS and Texas Legislature address important policy issues for retired educators this week
Date Posted: 4/16/2021
The TRS board addressed an issue that could spike healthcare costs for active educators and passed a rule to help districts and retirees to work together to combat learning loss.
Texas House Public Education Committee approves mix of bills during April 15 meeting
Date Posted: 4/16/2021
The committee held a formal meeting on the evening of April 15 to vote on numerous bills, including some supported and some opposed by ATPE.
Texas Senate Education Committee hears virtual school voucher bill
Date Posted: 4/15/2021
At the April 15 meeting, the committee took testimony on an ATPE-opposed bill to expand virtual schools and fund virtual vouchers.
Texas Education Commissioner addresses STAAR failure at Wednesday’s SBOE meeting
Date Posted: 4/14/2021
Commissioner Mike Morath acknowledged last week’s tech-related failure to administer STAAR tests in a presentation to the State Board of Education Wednesday, April 14.
Texas House Public Education Committee recap from April 13, 2021
Date Posted: 4/14/2021
The House Public Education Committee met Tuesday to hear 30 bills related to special education, student testing, curriculum, and more.
Senate Education Committee hears bills on educator preparation, bilingual education, and more
Date Posted: 4/13/2021
The Texas Senate Education Committee met April 13, the first of two meetings this week, to hear new bills and vote on pending legislation previously heard.
An update on the 87th Texas Legislature’s budget proposals
Date Posted: 4/12/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team provides a status update on the plans for the next state budget and federal relief dollars for education.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: April 9, 2021
Date Posted: 4/09/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s state and federal education news and legislative developments.
Texas Senate Education Committee hears bills on educator training, curriculum, and more at April 8 meeting
Date Posted: 4/08/2021
The committee listened to testimony on roughly a dozen bills but did not take any votes at its meeting Thursday, April 8, 2021.
Recapping the House Pensions Committee’s April 7 meeting
Date Posted: 4/08/2021
The Texas House Pensions, Investments and Financial Services Committee heard several beneficial TRS-related bills during the April 7 meeting.
Texas House committee approves controversial bills on school takeovers, virtual learning, and more
Date Posted: 4/07/2021
The House Public Education Committee briefly met April 7, voting on several of its pending bills, including a few opposed by ATPE and other public education groups.
Texas House Public Education Committee recap from April 6, 2021
Date Posted: 4/07/2021
The committee held a lengthy meeting Tuesday to hear 38 bills covering topics such as teacher certification and training, virtual learning, charter schools, accountability, and curriculum.
From The Texas Tribune: First day of STAAR testing canceled for thousands of students experiencing technical issues across Texas
Date Posted: 4/06/2021
Texas officials mandated that students take STAAR tests in person this year at monitored test sites, although millions of students are still learning remotely because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: April 1, 2021
Date Posted: 4/01/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s state and federal education news, including the latest developments in the Texas legislative session.
Senate committee advances bill restricting voter oversight of charter schools
Date Posted: 3/31/2021
The Senate Education Committee voted March 31 to advance Senate Bill 28, which would significantly restrict voters’ oversight of applications for new charter school chains in Texas.
Texas House Public Education Committee hears virtual education bills, votes on school finance clean-up and more
Date Posted: 3/31/2021
The House Public Education Committee met March 30 for a lengthy hearing on several virtual bills, plus others relating to student testing, school ratings, and more.
What to Know about the May 1 Elections
Date Posted: 3/30/2021
The voter registration deadline for the May 1 uniform election is April 1. Here’s everything you need to know about this election that’s vital to local decisions for your community.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: March 26, 2021
Date Posted: 3/26/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s state and federal education news and legislative developments.
Senate committee debates voter oversight of charter applications
Date Posted: 3/26/2021
The Texas Senate Education Committee considered several bills Thursday, March 25, including legislation concerning voter oversight of charter school applications.
Texas House committee hears TRS sunset bill
Date Posted: 3/25/2021
The House Pensions, Investments and Financial Services Committee considered House Bill 1585 during its March 24 hearing.
U.S. Department of Education hosts national school reopening summit
Date Posted: 3/24/2021
The March 24 online event featured panels of educators and students from around the country discussing best practices for school safety and instruction amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Texas House Public Education Committee hears bills on school finance, educator contracts, mental health, and more
Date Posted: 3/23/2021
The House Public Education Committee met March 23 for its third substantive hearing on bills this legislative session.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: March 19, 2021
Date Posted: 3/19/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s state and federal education news.
Commissioner responds to bipartisan legislators’ letter requesting STAAR opt-out
Date Posted: 3/18/2021
Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath wrote back to a bipartisan group of Texas House members, denying their request for a STAAR test opt-out mechanism for students.
Senate Education Committee holds first meeting of 2021 legislative session
Date Posted: 3/18/2021
The Senate Education Committee held its first meeting of the session March 18, hearing six bills and an update from the commissioner of education.
Texas House Public Education committee votes on its first batch of bills
Date Posted: 3/16/2021
The House Public Education Committee met March 16 for its second hearing on bills this session, covering curriculum, school safety, accountability, and other topics.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: March 12, 2021
Date Posted: 3/12/2021
A look at this week's education news highlights from ATPE Governmental Relations.
State legislators avert voucher debate in March 11 hearing on pandemic-related bill
Date Posted: 3/11/2021
The House State Affairs Committee heard testimony on a substitute version of House Bill 3, relating to the state’s response to the pandemic. The original bill included a private school voucher.
Congress passes American Rescue Plan Act for COVID-19 relief
Date Posted: 3/11/2021
President Biden signed the $1.9 trillion pandemic relief package into law Thursday, March 11, ahead of a prime-time speech to address implementation plans.
House Public Education Committee hears first academics and school safety bills
Date Posted: 3/09/2021
On Tuesday, March 9, the Texas House Public Education Committee held its first hearing on bills this legislative session, including several related to student academics and school safety.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: March 5, 2021
Date Posted: 3/05/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news.
ATPE: "Extending the Hold Harmless Provision is Critical, Welcome Step to Providing Our Schools with the Aid They Need."
Date Posted: 3/04/2021
State’s largest educator association thanks state leadership for listening to education community and helping stave off damaging budget cuts due to low attendance numbers caused by COVID-19 pandemic.
Update on how the governor’s removal of the statewide mask mandate affects public schools
Date Posted: 3/03/2021
TEA has released new health and safety guidance reaffirming that masks must still be worn in schools but giving school boards the ability to opt out.
Teachers, school staff now eligible for vaccines
Date Posted: 3/03/2021
The Biden administration has directed all vaccine providers in the U.S. to begin providing vaccines to teachers, school staff, and child care workers.
ATPE responds to governor's removal of statewide mask mandate
Date Posted: 3/02/2021
Gov. Abbott announced he is lifting the statewide mask mandate and other COVID-19 restrictions, but he did not mention schools during today's press conference.
House Public Education Committee holds first hearing of 2021
Date Posted: 3/02/2021
The Texas House Public Education Committee held its first hearing this legislative session to hear invited testimony from Education Commissioner Mike Morath.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Feb. 26, 2021
Date Posted: 2/26/2021
Catch up on this week’s education news from the ATPE Governmental Relations team.
TRS Trustees discuss pension fund and more this week
Date Posted: 2/26/2021
The TRS board met Friday, February 26, to discuss the condition of the state's educator retirement fund and other issues.
Public education committee chairman questions need for STAAR
Date Posted: 2/25/2021
During an ATPE-sponsored interview Thursday, the newly appointed chair of the House Public Education Committee said Texas needs to “back off” the STAAR test.
Feds share more detail on testing and accountability waivers
Date Posted: 2/23/2021
The U.S. Department of Education shared information with state officials on possible waivers related to administering tests during the pandemic. ATPE issued a press statement in response.
ATPE to Sponsor Texas Tribune Event with House Public Education Committee Chair
Date Posted: 2/23/2021
The live conversation with Rep. Harold Dutton Jr. will take place February 25 and will also be available to watch on demand afterward.
Texas legislative committees consider public education funding in multiple hearings this week
Date Posted: 2/23/2021
ATPE shared input with the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees ahead of their Feb. 22 meetings on state budget needs, including funding for TEA and TRS.
ATPE submits comments on proposed changes to Teacher Incentive Allotment rules
Date Posted: 2/22/2021
Last week, ATPE submitted comments to TEA on proposed changes to rules for school districts participating in the Teacher Incentive Allotment.
From The Texas Tribune: Texas students slammed again as storm scrambles already chaotic school year
Date Posted: 2/22/2021
The pandemic had already destabilized parents, teachers and students. Now the winter storm's damage is preventing schools from serving as lifelines for students needing shelter and food.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Feb. 19, 2021
Date Posted: 2/19/2021
ATPE Governmental Relations offers a look at the week's education headlines.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Feb. 12, 2021
Date Posted: 2/12/2021
Catch up on this week’s education news from the ATPE Governmental Relations team.
Highlights of the February 2021 SBEC meeting
Date Posted: 2/12/2021
The State Board for Educator Certification met February 12 for its first meeting of the year.
Morath reflects on online learning, defends STAAR during interview
Date Posted: 2/12/2021
Education Commissioner Mike Morath spoke to the Texas Tribune's Evan Smith about education issues facing Texas amid the pandemic.
ATPE shares federal priorities with the Texas congressional delegation
Date Posted: 2/10/2021
ATPE's Washington-based lobby team is sharing our federal legislative priorities with members of the 117th Congress.
Legislators ask TEA to allow students to opt out of STAAR
Date Posted: 2/09/2021
A bipartisan coalition of legislators wants the state to let students opt out of the 2020-21 STAAR test administration.
SBOE members seek immediate vaccine access for school employees
Date Posted: 2/09/2021
On Monday, members of the State Board of Education asked state officials to grant educators immediate access to COVID-19 vaccines.
Senate Finance Committee holds first public hearing on the state budget
Date Posted: 2/08/2021
The budget-writing committee held its first meeting of the 2021 legislative session Monday, February 8.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Feb. 5, 2021
Date Posted: 2/05/2021
Catch up on this week’s education news from the ATPE Governmental Relations team.
Guest Post: Texas educators have earned the higher support of their fellow Texans during pandemic
Date Posted: 2/05/2021
Whether it’s support for additional funding, skepticism about high stakes tests and voucher schemes, majorities of Texans stand with our public schools.
BREAKING: Texas House committees announced for 87th Legislature
Date Posted: 2/04/2021
Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan announced the assignments, including a few surprises, Thursday, February 4.
Dr. Miguel Cardona brings his educator voice to Senate confirmation hearing
Date Posted: 2/04/2021
On Wednesday, Feb. 3, President Biden’s Education Secretary nominee sat before a Senate committee weighing his confirmation.
From The Texas Tribune: There aren't enough substitute teachers to step in when coronavirus keeps Texas teachers out of the classroom
Date Posted: 2/03/2021
Administrators, school staff and uncredentialed stand-ins are being sent into classrooms to cover for teachers who fall ill or have to isolate. But those improvisations aren't keeping classrooms staffed.
Black History Month 2021
Date Posted: 2/02/2021
Explore resources to engage students in the ever-relevant facet of American history that is the Black experience.
Abbott highlights teacher pay, broadband access in State of the State address
Date Posted: 2/01/2021
Gov. Greg Abbott delivered his State of the State address on Monday, Feb. 1, touching on a few education-related issues in the primetime speech.
Feds offer more time for states to request waivers of student testing requirements
Date Posted: 2/01/2021
Some states are already seeking waivers of federal testing requirements, and the Biden administration is now giving them more time to do so. Will Texas follow?
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Jan. 29, 2021
Date Posted: 1/29/2021
Catch up on this week's education news from Texas and Washington, DC.
SBOE honors outstanding teachers in final January meeting
Date Posted: 1/29/2021
The State Board of Education honored distinguished Texas math and science teachers today before concluding its first meeting of the year.
Senate Education Chair talks education and the 87th Texas Legislature
Date Posted: 1/28/2021
Senator Larry Taylor sat down with the Texas Tribune’s Evan Smith in an ATPE-sponsored podcast to talk about the outlook for education during the 2021 Texas legislative session.
ATPE past president reelected SBOE committee chair
Date Posted: 1/28/2021
The State Board of Education elected committee chairs Thursday, with one of ATPE’s own past presidents winning reelection to chair a key committee.
Morath tells SBOE he won’t cancel this spring's STAAR tests
Date Posted: 1/27/2021
Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath told the State Board of Education he will not cancel the spring STAAR, even if a federal waiver is offered.
New SBOE members sworn in, committees announced
Date Posted: 1/26/2021
In its first meeting of the year, the Texas State Board of Education swears in newly-elected members and reorganizes.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Jan. 22, 2021
Date Posted: 1/22/2021
Read this week's education news highlights from the ATPE Governmental Relations team.
Biden takes immediate action on education issues
Date Posted: 1/22/2021
Within his first few days in office, President Joe Biden took several executive actions related to education this week.
From The Texas Tribune: Texas House and Senate propose similar spending amounts in preliminary budgets
Date Posted: 1/22/2021
The proposals are about $7 billion over the amount Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said lawmakers have to spend during the 2021 legislative session.
From ATPE.org: Statewide Holocaust Remembrance Week Starts January 25
Date Posted: 1/21/2021
The week of January 25 is Holocaust Remembrance Week in Texas, per a bill passed by the 86th Legislature. Find resources you can use to observe this week with your students.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Jan. 15, 2021
Date Posted: 1/15/2021
Read this week's education news recap, including highlights of the first week of the 87th Legislative Session, from ATPE Governmental Relations.
BREAKING: Texas Senate committees announced for 87th Legislature
Date Posted: 1/15/2021
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick released his assignments for Senate committee chairs and members for the 2021 session.
From The Texas Tribune: Texas schools are wary of losing funding gains lawmakers provided in 2019
Date Posted: 1/15/2021
A school finance bill in 2019 boosted funding for districts, but the pandemic has since added layers of financial uncertainty.
Texas House and Senate adopt rules for the 87th Texas Legislature
Date Posted: 1/15/2021
The Texas House and Senate voted this week on rules and procedures outlining how each chamber will conduct its business this session.
Phelan elected Texas House Speaker on opening day of session
Date Posted: 1/12/2021
The Texas House and Senate gaveled in at noon today with abridged ceremonies amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
TEA enrollment data show youngest Texas students aren’t in school
Date Posted: 1/12/2021
ATPE summarizes a new report comparing public school enrollment changes from October 2019 to October 2020, showing a drop in the number of students attending school in person.
ATPE submits comments on proposed Blended Learning Grant rule
Date Posted: 1/11/2021
ATPE submitted formal input on a proposed commissioner’s rule to implement a new Blended Learning Grant Program.
Legislature will face tight budget, but not as bad as expected
Date Posted: 1/11/2021
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar shared his revenue estimate on the eve of the legislative session, letting lawmakers know how much money is available for spending this session.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Jan. 8, 2021
Date Posted: 1/08/2021
Read this week's education news highlights from the ATPE Governmental Relations team for Jan. 8, 2021.
Betsy DeVos tenure ends with abrupt resignation
Date Posted: 1/08/2021
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has resigned effective January 8, 2021. ATPE looks back at her controversial tenure.
Texas legislative session begins in one week
Date Posted: 1/05/2021
The 87th Texas Legislature will convene Tuesday, January 12. ATPE's lobby team looks at the plans for opening day.
From The Texas Tribune: Texas hires two companies to run STAAR, moving toward statewide online testing
Date Posted: 1/04/2021
Contracts totaling $388 million have been awarded to Cambium Assessment and Pearson, a longtime player in testing Texas public school students, to develop and administer STAAR for the next four years.
A status report on House Bill 3: Special Education Funding
Date Posted: 12/31/2020
ATPE is taking a look at implementation of key elements of last session's House Bill 3, including funding for special education.
A status report on House Bill 3: Educator Employment, Certification, and Training
Date Posted: 12/30/2020
ATPE is taking a look at implementation of key elements of last session's House Bill 3, including provisions affecting the education profession.
A status report on House Bill 3: Educator Compensation
Date Posted: 12/29/2020
ATPE is taking a look at implementation of key elements of last session's House Bill 3, including educator compensation provisions.
Teach the Vote’s Holiday Week in Review for Dec. 23, 2020
Date Posted: 12/23/2020
ATPE Governmental Relations shares an update on significant education news developments this week at the state and federal level.
Congress passed a coronavirus relief bill that the president may not sign
Date Posted: 12/23/2020
Congress finally passed a coronavirus relief package after months of negotiations. Will the president sign it into law?
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Dec. 18, 2020
Date Posted: 12/18/2020
This week's education news highlights from the ATPE Governmental Relations team for Dec. 18, 2020.
Governor Abbott discusses vaccine distribution in Texas
Date Posted: 12/17/2020
The governor discussed COVID-19 vaccines at a morning press conference, expressing hope that teachers will be vaccinated early.
ATPE urges Congress to extend federal COVID-19-related paid leave benefits into 2021
Date Posted: 12/17/2020
The conditions that necessitated paid sick and family medical leave extensions as part of COVID-19 relief continue to exist, even with potential vaccine arrival.
TEA seeks nominations for School Librarian and Reading Specialist advisory committees
Date Posted: 12/16/2020
Educators on two advisory committees will advise state regulators on certification standards for School Librarians and Reading Specialists.
ATPE asks governor to extend “hold harmless” protections for school funding
Date Posted: 12/16/2020
ATPE joins other education groups seeking to extend school funding protections due to COVID-19.
Teach the Vote has a brand-new look
Date Posted: 12/15/2020
Since 2012, ATPE’s Teach the Vote has been a go-to resource for the Texas public education community, providing an issues-focused look at candidates’ and officeholders’ stances on education issues.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Dec. 11, 2020
Date Posted: 12/11/2020
Read this week’s education news, including a big accountability announcement, final 2020 meetings for a few state boards, coronavirus developments, session preparations, and more.
Highlights of the December 2020 TRS meeting
Date Posted: 12/11/2020
The Teacher Retirement System (TRS) Board of Trustees met Dec. 9-11, 2020.
SBEC discusses certification amid COVID-19 and other topics at its December meeting
Date Posted: 12/11/2020
The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) held a virtual meeting Friday, December 11, 2020.
State waives A-F accountability ratings for 2020-21
Date Posted: 12/10/2020
ATPE responds to TEA's announcement that schools will be "not rated" in 2020-21 due to the pandemic.
Countdown to Science of Teaching Reading changes
Date Posted: 12/09/2020
New Science of Teaching Reading (STR) requirements for educator certification take effect in January 2021.
ATPE and Coalition for Public Schools address talk of vouchers as legislative session nears
Date Posted: 12/08/2020
ATPE and other members of Coalition for Public Schools share concerns about vouchers.
A roundup of ATPE's latest advocacy efforts regarding COVID-19
Date Posted: 12/08/2020
As the Texas education community deals with the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, ATPE continues to advocate for its members and students.
ATPE's legislative priorities for 2021
Date Posted: 12/08/2020
ATPE, the state’s largest educator association, has released its advocacy priorities for the upcoming legislative session, which convenes Jan. 12, 2021.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Dec. 4, 2020
Date Posted: 12/04/2020
As we roll on toward the end of the year, stay on top of the education news with this week's highlights from ATPE Governmental Relations.
ATPE’s statement on COVID-19 vaccine distribution plans
Date Posted: 12/03/2020
Read ATPE's response to plans for distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine.
From The Texas Tribune: Texas budget forecast improves despite coronavirus losses
Date Posted: 12/01/2020
Despite “historic declines,” state lawmakers will have more money to work with in the upcoming legislative session than Comptroller Glenn Hegar expected over the summer, he said Monday.
Happy Thanksgiving
Date Posted: 11/26/2020
We wish you a safe and peaceful Thanksgiving holiday.
What will a Biden presidency mean for education?
Date Posted: 11/24/2020
Much speculation has surfaced on what a Biden presidency will mean for education, especially in light of a Congress that will likely be divided.
SBOE wraps up November meeting with goodbyes
Date Posted: 11/20/2020
The State Board of Education (SBOE) met Friday, November 20, to conclude its week-long meeting with a final vote on revisions to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for health, physical education, and science.
From The Texas Tribune: Texas families say remote learning isn't working and they want it fixed
Date Posted: 11/20/2020
Almost midway through the school year, it has become increasingly clear that virtual learning is failing a sizable number of Texas public school students whose parents decided to keep them home as COVID-19 grips the state.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Nov. 20, 2020
Date Posted: 11/20/2020
ATPE wishes every Teach the Vote reader a happy and safe Thanksgiving! Take a break from meal-planning to read this week's education news highlights from ATPE Governmental Relations.
SBOE Update: Board seeks more authority over charter expansion, ATPE advances Master Teacher rule fix
Date Posted: 11/19/2020
The State Board of Education (SBOE) is meeting this week for the last time this calendar year.
Texas schools may access federal funds to reimburse remote learning costs
Date Posted: 11/19/2020
Earlier this year Congress passed the CARES Act to provide pandemic relief funds to individuals, as well as K-12 schools.
ATPE commends legislators for joining the push for STAAR waivers
Date Posted: 11/18/2020
Rep. Diego Bernal (D-San Antonio), joined by 67 of his Texas House colleagues, sent a letter to the Texas commissioner of education today calling for the cancellation of this school year's STAAR tests.
SBOE presses commissioner over STAAR
Date Posted: 11/18/2020
Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath addressed the State Board of Education (SBOE) Wednesday morning at the board's November meeting.
ATPE releases report on educator experiences during COVID-19
Date Posted: 11/18/2020
Educators find themselves in an “impossible situation” as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the state of Texas and are increasingly dissatisfied with state and district leadership’s handling of the crisis.
A bill to eliminate TRS healthcare plans: Crazy genius or just plain crazy?
Date Posted: 11/17/2020
On Tuesday, Nov. 10, Rep. Ken King (R-Hemphill) pre-filed HB 430, a bill that aims to eliminate the healthcare plans currently administered by TRS for active and retired educators in Texas.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Nov. 13, 2020
Date Posted: 11/13/2020
From COVID-19 to Social Security and everything in between, check out this week's education news highlights from the ATPE Governmental Relations team on this Friday the 13th.
Senate Education Committee discusses virtual schools, special education, and COVID-19
Date Posted: 11/13/2020
The Senate Education Committee met Friday, November 13, at the Texas Capitol to discuss an agenda including digital learning, special education, House Bill (HB) 3, and state assessments.
Texas election roundup: The final tally
Date Posted: 11/12/2020
Texas has begun canvassing the votes for the 2020 general election, the process by which counties certify the official votes and open the window for any challenges or recounts.
From The Texas Tribune: A presentation on public education in rural Texas
Date Posted: 11/11/2020
This week The Texas Tribune is hosting a free, online symposium on "The Future of Rural Texas."
ATPE again urges state officials to waive student testing requirements during COVID-19
Date Posted: 11/11/2020
ATPE sent a letter to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott November 11 seeking relief for Texas public schools as they face rigid testing and accountability requirements while still dealing with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Full results of the 2020 general election in Texas
Date Posted: 11/10/2020
The results are in for the Texas House, Texas Senate, and State Board of Education (SBOE) races on the ballot in last week's general election.
From the Texas Tribune: A handful of battleground races in Texas remain unsettled after Election Day
Date Posted: 11/10/2020
A few battleground races in Texas are still not fully settled as the current runner-up holds off on conceding, waiting to see more votes get counted.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Nov. 6, 2020
Date Posted: 11/06/2020
It's been a long week, but the election isn't the only thing happening. Catch up with these news highlights from ATPE Governmental Relations.
ATPE criticizes state's response to local COVID-19 issues
Date Posted: 11/05/2020
On Monday, November 2, ATPE Executive Director Shannon Holmes sent a letter to Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath to complain about the state's recent handling of certain local COVID-19 issues.
Texas 2020 election recap: What we know so far
Date Posted: 11/04/2020
After one of the most unusual campaign seasons we've ever experienced, the 2020 election is finally (mostly) in the books!
Today Is the Day: Election 2020
Date Posted: 11/02/2020
November 3—Election Day—is finally here. Today is the last day to make your voice heard through your vote.
Congressional leaders file retirement bill, but fail to address the WEP
Date Posted: 10/30/2020
On Tuesday, U.S. Congressmen Richard Neal (D-Mass.) and Kevin Brady (R-TX) filed the bipartisan "Securing a Strong Retirement Act of 2020," directed at helping more Americans save for their future.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Oct. 30, 2020
Date Posted: 10/30/2020
From ATPE Governmental Relations, here are this week's spooky news highlights in the education world.
State issues report on educator compensation increases under HB 3
Date Posted: 10/30/2020
Gov. Greg Abbott and TEA released a new 2019-20 compensation report this week showing the pay increases teachers, counselors, librarians, and nurses received as a result of last session's HB 3.
Texas election roundup: The final countdown
Date Posted: 10/29/2020
There are just five days left before Election Day, and it's becoming clearer by the hour that every single vote will matter in this historic election.
ATPE and others recommend changing the state's charter application process
Date Posted: 10/28/2020
Following immediately on the heels of the approval of the latest round of new charter school operators, TEA is looking to finalize its Generation 26 Charter Operator Application Process.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Oct. 23, 2020
Date Posted: 10/23/2020
Here are this week's education news highlights from the ATPE Governmental Relations team.
Texas election roundup: Less than two weeks remaining!
Date Posted: 10/23/2020
Early voting continues through Friday, October 30, with Election Day on November 3.
Abbott, TEA launch voucher program for students with disabilities
Date Posted: 10/22/2020
On Oct. 21, Gov. Greg Abbott and TEA announced a new funding program for students with disabilities that is strikingly similar to previous voucher-like privatization proposals.
From The Texas Tribune: Texas schools tell teachers with medical risks to return to classrooms
Date Posted: 10/20/2020
Several school districts are trying to accommodate teachers with health conditions who want to work from home, but many are being called back in as more students return to classrooms.
Happy Educator Voting Day!
Date Posted: 10/19/2020
It’s been a wild election season—and a wild year in general. Today, October 19, marks Educator Voting Day in Texas.
TEA announces modified STAAR progress measure
Date Posted: 10/16/2020
TEA sent a notification to Education Service Centers and school district testing coordinators this week outlining how they intend to approach the STAAR progress measure for the 2020-21 school year.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Oct. 16, 2020
Date Posted: 10/16/2020
Here are this week's education news highlights, brought to you by ATPE Governmental Relations.
From The Texas Tribune: Eight Texas school systems will get rapid tests with new pilot program
Date Posted: 10/15/2020
Coronavirus tests with results in 15 minutes or less are coming to a few Texas schools as part of a new pilot program announced Wednesday by Gov. Greg Abbott.
Texas election roundup: Early voting breaking records
Date Posted: 10/15/2020
Early voting is now underway in Texas, and over one million Texans have already cast their ballots!
Census deadline is now Oct. 15 following Supreme Court ruling
Date Posted: 10/14/2020
At the request of the Trump administration, the United States Supreme Court yesterday issued an order to cut the 2020 Census count short.
ATPE discusses teacher workforce issues with Senate committee
Date Posted: 10/14/2020
The Senate Education Committee met Wednesday morning, Oct. 14, in Austin to discuss teacher workforce and adult education topics.
Early voting in the 2020 general election, pandemic-style
Date Posted: 10/13/2020
Today is the first day of early voting in Texas for the 2020 general election. Plenty of time to make a plan and choose a time when the lines may be shorter.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Oct. 9, 2020
Date Posted: 10/09/2020
Here are this week's education news highlights, brought to you by ATPE Governmental Relations.
Texas election roundup: Early voting begins next week!
Date Posted: 10/08/2020
At long last, the strangest election season in our lifetime is reaching a crescendo.
From The Texas Tribune: How the Texas Legislature will operate next year is up in the air
Date Posted: 10/06/2020
The Texas Legislature meets in less than 100 days. Nobody knows how the session will look.
TEA gets federal funding to grow charters and approves one controversial charter chain's expansion
Date Posted: 10/05/2020
Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath approved the controversial expansion of IDEA, one of the state's largest charter school chains, to 12 new campuses in 2021.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Oct. 2, 2020
Date Posted: 10/02/2020
Here is this week's recap of the latest education news from your ATPE Governmental Relations team.
Texas election roundup: Registration deadline Monday!
Date Posted: 10/01/2020
Monday, October 5 is the last to register to vote if you are not already registered in the county in which you plan to cast your ballot.
TEA extends funding hold harmless period, ties to in-person instruction
Date Posted: 10/01/2020
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) released a press statement today regarding how Texas public schools will be funded during the pandemic amid unstable enrollment.
Equitable services saga ends following court decision against DeVos rule
Date Posted: 9/30/2020
It seems as though the equitable services saga has finally come to an end. Here's the story from start to finish.
ATPE Submits Interim Testimony to House Committees on COVID-19, School Funding, and More
Date Posted: 9/30/2020
As we have been reporting here on Teach the Vote, several Texas legislative committees have solicited written feedback from stakeholders this year in lieu of taking public testimony at in-person hearings this year.
Senate District 30 special election results
Date Posted: 9/29/2020
Today, September 29, voters in Senate District (SD) 30 in North Texas headed to the polls for a special election.
Texas adjusts incorrect data on COVID-19 in schools
Date Posted: 9/28/2020
The state has adjusted numbers on the dashboard managed by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and Department of State Health Services (DSHS) that tracks COVID-19 cases in public schools.
From The Texas Tribune: Federal judge blocks Texas' elimination of straight-ticket voting
Date Posted: 9/26/2020
Less than three weeks before early voting begins, a U.S. district judge has blocked Texas from eliminating straight-ticket voting as an option for people who go to the polls this November.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Sept. 25, 2020
Date Posted: 9/25/2020
Here is this week's recap of the latest education news from your ATPE Governmental Relations team.
U.S. Department of Education hosts webinar on school reopening
Date Posted: 9/23/2020
The U.S. Department of Education hosted a virtual panel presentation today, Sept. 23, on successful strategies to reopen schools this year amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Happy National Voter Registration Day!
Date Posted: 9/22/2020
September 22 is National Voter Registration Day across the United States. Are you registered to vote?
Texas election roundup: More court rulings
Date Posted: 9/18/2020
A pair of court decisions this week could make a significant impact on the November elections.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Sept. 18, 2020
Date Posted: 9/18/2020
Texas is set to reopen further next week, just as most schools have started the new school year. For more on recent developments, here is this week's recap from ATPE Governmental Relations.
TRS board holds its fall meeting
Date Posted: 9/18/2020
Teacher Retirement System (TRS) of Texas Executive Director, Brian Guthrie, presented his comments to the TRS Board of Trustees virtually today, the final day of the board's fall meeting.
State legislators preview budget, public education ahead of 2021 session
Date Posted: 9/17/2020
State legislators offered up a preview this week of what debates over public education policy and the budget could look like in the 87th Texas Legislature.
Census workers are knocking
Date Posted: 9/17/2020
We can all work together to make sure Texas receives its fair share of federal funding for roads, schools, healthcare, representation in Congress, and much more.
SBOE tentatively approves 6 new charter chains
Date Posted: 9/11/2020
The State Board of Education (SBOE) narrowly voted to give tentative approval to six of the eight new charter school chains the Texas Education Agency (TEA) has recommended for approval this year.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Sept. 11, 2020
Date Posted: 9/11/2020
Here is a look at this week's education news from the ATPE Governmental Relations team.
SBOE vetoes three proposed charter chains
Date Posted: 9/11/2020
The State Board of Education (SBOE) formally vetoed three applications to operate new charter school chains in Texas on Friday.
ATPE urges Congress to keep private school vouchers out of COVID-19 relief legislation
Date Posted: 9/10/2020
Republican leaders in the U.S. Senate shared their latest proposal for COVID-19 relief legislation, termed the "Delivering Immediate Relief to America’s Families, Schools and Small Businesses Act."
Senate task force includes ATPE recommendations in letter to education commissioner
Date Posted: 9/09/2020
The Texas Senate Democratic Caucus issued a letter signed by all 12 caucus members to Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath last week with recommendations to assist Texas schools.
Morath pitches new charters to skeptical SBOE
Date Posted: 9/09/2020
The State Board of Education (SBOE) is meeting in person this week to tackle a packed schedule.
Teachers, superintendents, and commissioner speak at Tribune Festival
Date Posted: 9/09/2020
Rather than an in-person event jam-packed with speakers over a few days, this year's festival is taking place virtually throughout the entire month of September.
From The Texas Tribune: Many Texas students will return to classrooms Tuesday. Little will be normal.
Date Posted: 9/08/2020
As students across Texas return to schools for in-person classes, there will be masks, distancing and lunches eaten at desks. Many students will remain at home, joining in on laptops and phones.
So, you’re thinking about voting by mail?
Date Posted: 9/04/2020
Make sure you are registered to vote, and decide if you are going to vote by mail.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Sept. 4, 2020
Date Posted: 9/04/2020
Here is a summary of this week's education news from ATPE Governmental Relations.
Texas election roundup: HEB owner advocates for voter safety
Date Posted: 9/03/2020
The owner of beloved Texas grocery chain H-E-B wrote a letter to the Texas Supreme Court this week arguing in support of the ability of Texans to vote by mail during the COVID-19 pandemic.
TEA adds "Project Restore" trauma training to COVID-19 resources
Date Posted: 9/03/2020
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has launched a trauma-informed training webinar series called "Project Restore."
Betsy DeVos tells states not to expect student testing waivers
Date Posted: 9/03/2020
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos sent a letter to the top school official in every state today regarding federal requirements for student testing in the 2020-21 school year.
SBOE holds abbreviated virtual meeting this week
Date Posted: 9/01/2020
On Tuesday, Sept. 1, the State Board of Education met for the first of two virtual meetings this week in order to clear a handful of less controversial items from the board’s agenda.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Aug. 28, 2020
Date Posted: 8/28/2020
Whether you're back in class or still getting ready to meet your new students, check out this week's education news from the ATPE Governmental Relations team.
COVID case reporting in schools and more updates from TEA
Date Posted: 8/27/2020
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) released official correspondence today detailing COVID-19 case reporting in schools.
ATPE supports lifetime Legacy Master Teacher certificates
Date Posted: 8/27/2020
ATPE submitted public comments to TEA and SBEC in support of a proposed rule change that would help Legacy Master Teachers maintain their teaching positions.
Texas election roundup: North Texas Senate race takes shape and more
Date Posted: 8/27/2020
SD 30 special election news, mail-in ballot issues, and a Republican National Convention update.
"School choice" in the spotlight as presidential election approaches
Date Posted: 8/26/2020
Now that the presidential slate of candidates has been finalized, the focus is shifting to the candidates' views on particular issues, including some related to education.
ATPE's timeline of COVID-19 in Texas and our association's response
Date Posted: 8/25/2020
ATPE has launched a new timeline allowing website visitors to visualize the growth of the COVID-19 pandemic in Texas, related governmental developments, and our association's response to the crisis.
Guest post: Schools need reliable and consistent funding
Date Posted: 8/24/2020
Public education advocate and parent Laura Yeager shares her opinion on why the state needs to do a better job of ensuring that Texas public schools have reliable and consistent funding.
Master Teacher rule fix opens for public comment
Date Posted: 8/21/2020
After months of advocacy by ATPE, SBEC tentatively agreed upon a proposed rule that will eliminate the expiration date of "Legacy Master Teacher" certificates.
TEA updates its COVID-19 resources to include case reporting instructions and educator wellness guidance
Date Posted: 8/21/2020
TEA announced two new resources that educators and parents have been requesting: guidance on promoting educator well-being and information about COVID-19 case reporting in Texas public schools.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Aug. 21, 2020
Date Posted: 8/21/2020
Read this week's education news from the ATPE Governmental Relations team.
House Public Education committee posts formal requests for information
Date Posted: 8/20/2020
Read a summary of the requests here.
Texas election roundup: Postmaster General pauses disruption
Date Posted: 8/20/2020
The U.S. Postal Service warned Texas officials in July that it may be unable to deliver some mail-in ballots on time in order to meet the deadlines for them to be counted in the November election.
Teachers and suffrage: Remembering the 19th Amendment a century later
Date Posted: 8/18/2020
On August 18, 1920, after an intense showdown, the Tennessee House of Representatives provided the final (and narrow) approval necessary for the amendment's ratification.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Aug. 14, 2020
Date Posted: 8/14/2020
Stay up-to-date with this week's education news from the ATPE Governmental Relations team.
Texas election roundup: A shakeup in North Texas
Date Posted: 8/13/2020
Newly-elected state Sen. Sarah Eckhardt (D-Austin) was ceremonially sworn into her new office at the Texas State Capitol this week after being formally sworn in a couple of weeks ago.
Senate Finance releases first interim report as the House ramps up its committee work
Date Posted: 8/10/2020
The report touched on proposed reforms to the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) of Texas and the Permanent School Fund (PSF), which helps fund public schools in Texas.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Aug. 7, 2020
Date Posted: 8/07/2020
Check out this week's wrap-up from the ATPE Governmental Relations team.
ATPE meets virtually with Texas Congressional delegation
Date Posted: 8/06/2020
ATPE State President Jimmy Lee and immediate Past President Tonja Gray spent time in July joining me and the ATPE Governmental Relations team for a series of online roundtable policy discussions.
Food for thought: School nutrition and COVID-19
Date Posted: 8/04/2020
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck Texas in March, one of our first concerns was how students who normally relied on the school for meals would continue to have access to nutritious food.
From The Texas Tribune: Gov. Greg Abbott stresses local school officials "know best" whether schools should reopen
Date Posted: 8/04/2020
Gov. Greg Abbott stressed Tuesday that only local school boards, not local governments, have the power to decide how to open schools this fall amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: July 31, 2020
Date Posted: 7/31/2020
Read this week's wrap-up from the ATPE Governmental Relations team.
SBEC holds special meeting to discuss educator preparation amid COVID-19
Date Posted: 7/31/2020
The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) met today to discuss a special rule to address educator preparation amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Governor removes STAAR requirements for grade promotion, but state leaders show no intent to waive testing in 2020-21
Date Posted: 7/29/2020
On Monday, July 27, Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Education Agency (TEA) announced that STAAR scores would not be required factors in determining fifth and eighth grade promotion next year.
BREAKING: Schools receive updated TEA guidance on closures, reflecting new advice from attorney general
Date Posted: 7/28/2020
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a press release sharing a letter he penned about local authorities' power (or lack thereof) to restrict schools from reopening for on-campus instruction.
Another round of federal stimulus inching closer to reality
Date Posted: 7/28/2020
There is much work to be done to negotiate a plan that can pass out of both chambers.
Summary of July 24 SBEC meeting
Date Posted: 7/24/2020
SBEC met today regarding the adoption of five items related to the implementation of the Science of Teaching Reading and a proposed fix for expiring Legacy Master Teacher certificates.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: July 24, 2020
Date Posted: 7/24/2020
With the start of school just around the corner, it's been another busy week for ATPE and the education community. Read about this week's developments below from the ATPE Governmental Relations team.
Congressional panel discusses school reopening, safety considerations
Date Posted: 7/23/2020
The U.S. House Committee on Education and Labor Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education met July 23 to discuss the safe reopening of public schools across the nation.
Texas projected to face $4.6 billion deficit by the end of the current biennium
Date Posted: 7/22/2020
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar, the elected official charged with overseeing the state's finances, now expects Texas will face a $4.6 billion deficit by the end of the current two-year budget cycle.
Wrapping up the July TRS board meeting
Date Posted: 7/21/2020
The Teacher Retirement System (TRS) of Texas Board of Trustees met virtually last week on Wednesday through Friday, July 15-17, for its regular board meeting.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: July 17, 2020
Date Posted: 7/17/2020
Read this week's wrap-up from the ATPE Governmental Relations team.
BREAKING: TEA issues new reopening guidance; ATPE deems it insufficient to ensure safety
Date Posted: 7/17/2020
TEA announced it would allow school districts to begin their school year with a four-week transition period of virtual instruction (up from three weeks permitted under prior TEA guidance).
Texas election roundup: Runoff results are in!
Date Posted: 7/15/2020
On a day that raised serious questions about the state's ability to hold an effective election during the COVID-19 pandemic, there were a few surprise wins and losses.
From The Texas Tribune: Texas schools can stay closed if local health officials order it
Date Posted: 7/15/2020
Local public health officials will be able to keep schools closed for in-person instruction this fall without risking state education funding, a TEA spokesperson confirmed to The Texas Tribune.
ATPE releases plan with new recommendations for reopening schools
Date Posted: 7/14/2020
The Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE) released new recommendations Tuesday including a statewide plan to facilitate a safer start to the 2020-21 school year.
ATPE expects more from state efforts to protect educators
Date Posted: 7/10/2020
Our statement on the guidance reflects our overall disappointment in the lack of clarity and specificity provided to educators who are concerned for their health and safety when returning to school.
Texas election roundup: Last chance to vote in the runoffs!
Date Posted: 7/10/2020
Friday, July 10, is the last day to early vote before the July 14 runoff elections across Texas, and campaigns are in the final sprint to the finish line.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: July 10, 2020
Date Posted: 7/10/2020
ATPE closed out its first virtual Summit today, which featured several discussions about COVID-19 and school safety. Read more about what happened this week from our Governmental Relations team.
ATPE House of Delegates adopts resolutions on COVID-19 educational considerations
Date Posted: 7/10/2020
The ATPE House of Delegates (HOD) met Thursday, July 9, for the association's annual business meeting.
Help spread the word about the 2020 Census
Date Posted: 7/07/2020
The 2020 Census is well underway, but at a smidge over 56%, Texas still has a long way to go in its response rate.
BREAKING: TEA posts updated public health guidance for school reopening
Date Posted: 7/07/2020
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) today released a new Public Health Planning Guidance document for the 2020-21 school year.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: July 3, 2020
Date Posted: 7/03/2020
Here is our wrap-up of this week's education news from the ATPE Governmental Relations team.
From The Texas Tribune: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott mandates face masks in most counties
Date Posted: 7/03/2020
Abbott previously resisted calls for such an order and at one point banned local governments from requiring masks.
Setting the record straight on the myth of "temporary" teacher retirement
Date Posted: 7/01/2020
Exactly what is the law, and what considerations should educators be aware of as they are making retirement decisions in the wake of COVID-19?
ATPE survey, TEA data show pandemic-related decline in student engagement
Date Posted: 7/01/2020
When COVID-19 sent our educational system into triage mode, educators were asked by TEA to document "student engagement" in the state's Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS).
Commissioner discusses COVID-19 issues at the June SBOE meeting
Date Posted: 6/30/2020
The Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) is holding its June meeting this week.
Voting in a pandemic: One ATPE lobbyist's experience
Date Posted: 6/29/2020
ATPE Lobbyist Andrea Chevalier shares her early voting experience.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: June 26, 2020
Date Posted: 6/26/2020
In this week's wrap-up, the ATPE Governmental Relations team will fill you in on the latest happenings.
Texas election roundup: Early voting begins Monday, June 29
Date Posted: 6/25/2020
Early voting begins Monday, June 29, 2020, for the July 14 primary runoff elections across the state of Texas, as well as for a special election to fill an open Texas Senate seat in Central Texas.
DeVos issues rule on sending stimulus funds to private schools
Date Posted: 6/25/2020
The U.S. Dept. of Education issued a final interim rule to address disdain over its previous guidance directing public school districts to share federal emergency relief funds with private schools.
ATPE reacts to preview of TEA's health guidance for next school year
Date Posted: 6/24/2020
ATPE issued a statement this afternoon on a draft document that was widely circulated today regarding state officials' plans for the next school year.
TEA shares remote learning guidance for fall 2020
Date Posted: 6/24/2020
TEA has been working on a funding framework that encompasses distance learning options within existing law.
From The Texas Tribune: Draft documents show Texas planning few mandatory safety measures when public schools reopen in fall
Date Posted: 6/23/2020
Texas education officials are envisioning a largely hands-off approach to helping school districts bring students back to campus this fall.
Governor acknowledges COVID-19 surge, but no new mandates
Date Posted: 6/22/2020
Gov. Greg Abbott acknowledged that cases of COVID-19 are surging in Texas, but did not issue any new executive orders or require any additional action be taken to decrease the spread.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: June 19, 2020
Date Posted: 6/19/2020
For what happened in education this week, read this from the ATPE Governmental Relations team.
From The Texas Tribune: Texas students will return to school campuses this fall, Gov. Greg Abbott tells lawmakers
Date Posted: 6/18/2020
Texas students will be returning to public schools in person this fall, Gov. Greg Abbott told state lawmakers Thursday morning.
ATPE responds to plans for in-person instruction this fall
Date Posted: 6/18/2020
responded Thursday to news that Gov. Greg Abbott plans for Texas schools to resume in-person instruction when the 2020-21 school year begins this fall.
Educators cite health and safety as their top concern in ATPE survey
Date Posted: 6/15/2020
Educators say health and safety issues are their biggest concerns heading into the next school year, according to results of a statewide poll of more than 4,200 educators recently conducted by ATPE.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: June 12, 2020
Date Posted: 6/12/2020
Check out this week's education news from ATPE Governmental Relations.
Texas election roundup: Registration deadline approaching!
Date Posted: 6/11/2020
The primary runoff elections that were postponed to July 14 from their original May 26 date are almost upon us.
SBEC meets to discuss COVID-19 considerations for certification candidates
Date Posted: 6/11/2020
SBEC met off their normal schedule today to discuss a new coronavirus-inspired rule regarding face-to-face requirements for certification candidates in educator preparation programs.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: June 5, 2020
Date Posted: 6/05/2020
See our headlines and read a recap of education developments this week from the ATPE Governmental Relations team.
Texas election roundup: Another court decision on mail-in voting
Date Posted: 6/04/2020
For weeks there has been a back-and-forth battle being waged over Texas voting laws, but that fight may be drawing closer to an end.
Virtual charter school students experienced learning loss, study shows
Date Posted: 6/03/2020
Virtual schooling is in the spotlight right now, especially with many parents considering how to approach returning to school this fall in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: May 29, 2020
Date Posted: 5/29/2020
As you start your summer, relax and enjoy some reading on this week's education news from the ATPE lobby team.
Texas election roundup: Voter safety and a court ruling
Date Posted: 5/28/2020
The on-again, off-again saga of whether or not all Texas voters can vote by mail continued this week with a ruling from the Texas Supreme Court yesterday.
ATPE weighs in on proposed Teacher Incentive Allotment rules
Date Posted: 5/28/2020
House Bill (HB) 3, the landmark school finance bill passed by Texas lawmakers in 2019, included funding for a new Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA).
Surveys illuminate parent and teacher worries in light of COVID-19
Date Posted: 5/27/2020
With numerous unknowns amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to gauge how parents, families, and educators feel about the current state of emergency learning and potential paths forward.
Dispute over CARES Act funding for private schools intensifies
Date Posted: 5/26/2020
In April, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos directed public school districts to use CARES Act funds to provide "equitable services" to non-profit private school students in their bounds.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: May 22, 2020
Date Posted: 5/22/2020
Catch up on this week's education news.
Texas election roundup: The mail voting seesaw
Date Posted: 5/21/2020
The back and forth over calls to expand mail-in voting peaked this week with a flurry of court orders, further confusing what has become a dramatic, partisan fight.
Texas signals it may send federal K-12 dollars to private schools
Date Posted: 5/20/2020
Federal stimulus funding to help states and school districts deal with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic could find its way into the coffers of private schools and virtual education vendors.
From The Texas Tribune: Texas schools can hold summer classes, but students can't be required to attend in person
Date Posted: 5/19/2020
Texas public school districts may offer summer school in their classrooms as early as June 1, but they cannot require any students to attend in person.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: May 15, 2020
Date Posted: 5/15/2020
Here's a look at this week's news.
Guest Post: One parent's questions about TEA's optional assessments
Date Posted: 5/15/2020
TEA announced recently the implementation of optional standardized end of year and beginning of year assessments as part of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. One parent shares her concerns.
Texas election roundup: Senate special election
Date Posted: 5/14/2020
Wednesday, May 13, 2020, marked the deadline for candidates to file for the legislative seat recently vacated by former state Sen. Kirk Watson (D-Austin).
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: May 8, 2020
Date Posted: 5/08/2020
Here is this week's education news from the ATPE lobby team.
Recapping education changes due to the coronavirus
Date Posted: 5/08/2020
New information surfaces daily amid an ever-developing curve of cases, while educators work speedily to learn and implement effective distance learning methods.
UPDATE: Texas election roundup: Runoff registration
Date Posted: 5/07/2020
This post has been updated to reflect the governor's decision to extend early voting in the July 14 primary runoffs by one week in an attempt to accommodate greater social distancing.
From SXSW EDU: Growth mindset holds promise in education
Date Posted: 5/06/2020
Here are some takeaways from the event.
From The Texas Tribune: "Between 0 and 100%": Texas schools weigh the odds of students returning this fall
Date Posted: 5/05/2020
It's way too early to know how COVID-19 cases will trend over the next few months, but school leaders are trying to draw up preliminary plans for bringing students back to classrooms.
Highlights of the May 2020 SBEC meeting
Date Posted: 5/01/2020
In its first meeting conducted via Zoom, the certification board discussed educators and coronavirus, Master Teachers, and more.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: May 1, 2020
Date Posted: 5/01/2020
Check out the latest installment of education news from the ATPE Governmental Relations team.
DeVos uses federal coronavirus aid to fund "microgrant" vouchers
Date Posted: 4/30/2020
As we previously reported, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, a longtime champion of privatization, has been advocating for federal funding of "microgrants."
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: April 24, 2020
Date Posted: 4/24/2020
Here is a look at this week's education news from the ATPE Governmental Relations team.
Texas election roundup: Texans could face serious decision whether to vote during pandemic
Date Posted: 4/23/2020
Texas voters may have a difficult decision ahead of them when it comes to casting their ballot in the upcoming runoff elections.
ATPE continues advocacy for Master Teacher fix
Date Posted: 4/22/2020
ATPE's lobbyists have been working diligently with state leaders and officials to ensure that the expertise and value of Master Teacher certificate holders is upheld.
SBOE formally approves African American studies course
Date Posted: 4/17/2020
The Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) met today to conclude its April meeting, which was conducted virtually over Zoom and covered a pared-down agenda.
BREAKING: Abbott says schools to remain closed, offers early plan to open other Texas businesses
Date Posted: 4/17/2020
Today, Gov. Greg Abbott held a press conference at the Texas State Capitol in which he outlined early plans for reopening the state to commerce.
SBOE hosts April meeting via videoconference
Date Posted: 4/16/2020
The Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) met virtually Thursday for its scheduled April meeting.
U.S. Dept. of Education releases first K-12 coronavirus dollars
Date Posted: 4/15/2020
Ever since the CARES Act became law on on March 27, 2020, education stakeholders have anxiously awaited the release of billions of federal dollars for education in the states.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: April 10, 2020
Date Posted: 4/10/2020
Check out this edition of Teach the Vote's Week in Review.
Sunset report recommends TRS improve its member relations
Date Posted: 4/09/2020
While much of the report addresses standard sunset fare, one issue may resonate with TRS members above the rest: “TRS Needs to Repair Its Relationship With Its Members by Focusing on Their Needs.”
Texas educator preparation and testing in viral limbo
Date Posted: 4/08/2020
Uncertainty around educator preparation and testing in Texas during the novel coronavirus pandemic has left some aspiring and current educators wondering, "What's next?"
State comptroller says Texas is in a recession
Date Posted: 4/07/2020
In an April 7 interview with The Texas Tribune, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar repeated a statement he had already made to legislators regarding the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
ATPE joins call for moratorium on charter expansions
Date Posted: 4/06/2020
ATPE has joined with 17 other education organizations in a call for a moratorium on the expansion of charter schools across the state during the coronavirus pandemic.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: April 3, 2020
Date Posted: 4/03/2020
Check out the latest education news from the ATPE Governmental Relations team.
Texas election roundup: More convention and election delays
Date Posted: 4/02/2020
Like the elections themselves, political party conventions across the country are struggling to make adjustments under the COVID-19 pandemic.
No fooling, it's Census Day!
Date Posted: 4/01/2020
We all know that April 1 is April Fool's Day, but did you know that every 10 years it is also Census Day?
Are "microgrants" a new name for DeVos' same old voucher proposal?
Date Posted: 4/01/2020
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos is asking Congress to fund "microgrants" to provide money for online learning during the coronavirus outbreak.
BREAKING: New executive order by Gov. Abbott extends closure of school facilities
Date Posted: 3/31/2020
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott held a press conference today addressing the state's response to the new coronavirus pandemic.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: March 27, 2020
Date Posted: 3/27/2020
As you press on into "pandemic-mode" learning, check out the latest education news from the ATPE Governmental Relations team.
BREAKING: Congress passes third stimulus bill for coronavirus relief
Date Posted: 3/26/2020
Known as the CARES Act, the wide-ranging package is the largest stimulus package, in terms of absolute dollars, in US history.
Texas election roundup: The long delay
Date Posted: 3/26/2020
Election politics is pretty much in a holding pattern across most of Texas as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: March 20, 2020
Date Posted: 3/20/2020
Read the latest in education news updates from the ATPE Governmental Relations team, including a lighthearted reminder about the importance of teachers.
Feds announce availability of student testing waivers
Date Posted: 3/20/2020
The U.S. Department of Education today signaled willingness to waive federal testing requirements for the 2019-20 school year for students impacted by school closures due to the coronavirus outbreak.
State and federal officials respond to virus with new closures, contemplate aid for schools
Date Posted: 3/19/2020
Regulatory developments stemming from the growing concerns about the new coronavirus pandemic gripping the nation have been occurring swiftly these last two weeks.
Texas election roundup: Municipal elections may be postponed
Date Posted: 3/19/2020
The coronavirus outbreak is affecting everything in Texas, including upcoming municipal elections.
2020 Census: FAQs and coronavirus
Date Posted: 3/18/2020
Have you completed your 2020 Census questionnaire yet?
From The Texas Tribune: Texas' coronavirus strategy is a patchwork of different local rules
Date Posted: 3/17/2020
While other states fighting coronavirus enforce widespread closures, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott goes with a patchwork system.
BREAKING: STAAR testing waived for 2019-20 school year
Date Posted: 3/16/2020
Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Education Agency (TEA) announced Monday that Texas is waiving STAAR testing requirements for the 2019-20 school year due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Coronavirus and Texas education: Policy implications as of March 16
Date Posted: 3/16/2020
Here's a rundown of the latest information we have so far regarding how the novel coronavirus COVID-19 is impacting the public education system in Texas.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: March 13, 2020
Date Posted: 3/13/2020
The ATPE Governmental Relations team has your education news update.
Texas election roundup: Runoff endorsements and late surprises
Date Posted: 3/12/2020
As the rest of Texas turns its focus to the primary election runoffs, it turns out there is still a surprise or two left over from last Tuesday's primary elections.
Texas public schools are counting on the 2020 Census
Date Posted: 3/12/2020
Check your mailbox today. Did you get a 2020 Census invitation?
Election 2020: The runoff rundown
Date Posted: 3/11/2020
Super Tuesday has come and gone, but many Texans have a runoff election just around the corner!
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: March 6, 2020
Date Posted: 3/06/2020
The ATPE Governmental Relations team has the scoop on what happened at the polls and other education news.
Rural schools get a temporary reprieve on loss of federal funds
Date Posted: 3/05/2020
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has backed down, at least temporarily, on her department's plan to cut federal resources currently flowing to more than 800 low-income rural schools.
Primary Election Day 2020 is here. Go vote!
Date Posted: 3/03/2020
Today is "Super Tuesday," the date of the 2020 primary election in Texas.
Texas primary election results for 2020
Date Posted: 3/03/2020
Texas held its Republican and Democratic primary elections yesterday, March 3, 2020.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Feb. 28, 2020
Date Posted: 2/28/2020
Catch up on the latest education news from the ATPE Governmental Relations team.
Texas election roundup: Last chance to vote early!
Date Posted: 2/28/2020
February 28 is the last chance to vote early in the 2020 Texas primary elections, so make plans to vote before 7 pm Friday to avoid the long lines we're expecting to see on Election Day, March 3.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Feb. 21, 2020
Date Posted: 2/21/2020
Stay up-to-date on the latest education news from the ATPE Governmental Relations team.
Healthcare and office space discussions dominate February 2020 TRS meeting
Date Posted: 2/21/2020
The Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) Board of Trustees held its first meeting of 2020 in Austin this week.
Highlights of the Feb. 2020 SBEC meeting
Date Posted: 2/21/2020
SBEC discussed rule changes to implement recently passed legislation, enact numerous technical updates, and approve new supplemental certifications in special education and bilingual education.
Texas election roundup: Week 1 of early voting
Date Posted: 2/20/2020
Preliminary information is trickling in that gives us an idea of who is showing up to the polls in these first few days.
Another poll shows strong support for public education
Date Posted: 2/20/2020
The Raise Your Hand Texas Foundation has released a new statewide poll about Texans' attitudes toward public education.
The Voting Scoop: What you need to know
Date Posted: 2/19/2020
With early voting underway now across Texas, it's a good time to review what you need to know about the voting process itself before heading out to the polls.
From The Texas Tribune: Most Texans want lower property taxes and more school spending, UT/TT Poll finds
Date Posted: 2/18/2020
Texas voters still think that property taxes are too high and that the state spends too little on public education, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll.
Primary Colors: Why March 3 Matters (Part II)
Date Posted: 2/17/2020
In 2020, being a primary election voter is critical. ATPE explains why in Part II of our "Primary Colors" blog feature.
Primary Colors: Why March 3 Matters (Part I)
Date Posted: 2/16/2020
In Texas, primary election results – not the November general election – often determine who will represent you in Austin.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Feb. 14, 2020
Date Posted: 2/14/2020
Here's this week's Texas education news.
Texas election roundup: Pro-public education endorsements
Date Posted: 2/13/2020
Early voting in the 2020 Texas primary elections begins next Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, which is also Educator Voting Day.
Election tips for educators: Know your rights and the rules
Date Posted: 2/12/2020
With the 2020 Texas primary election nearing, ATPE has been urging educators to be active and involved voters.
President releases education budget proposal for 2021
Date Posted: 2/12/2020
On February 10, 2020, President Donald Trump released his budget proposal, which is a statement of his administration's spending priorities across all sectors of government.
Texas election roundup: Time to start researching
Date Posted: 2/07/2020
Early voting in the Texas primary elections begins in less than two weeks.
Beyond candidates: 2020 Texas primary ballot propositions
Date Posted: 2/07/2020
Candidates aren't the only thing Texas voters will find on their ballots on February 18 when early voting starts for the 2020 Texas Republican and Democratic primary elections.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Feb. 7, 2020
Date Posted: 2/07/2020
Check out what happened this week in education news from Texas and the nation's capital, courtesy of the ATPE Governmental Relations team.
Pres. Trump to pitch vouchers in SOTU speech
Date Posted: 2/04/2020
President Donald Trump is expected to voice his support for a federal voucher bill filed by U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) in tonight's State of the Union (SOTU) address.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Jan. 31, 2020
Date Posted: 1/31/2020
Here's this week's education news from ATPE Governmental Relations.
Texas election roundup: Next stop primaries!
Date Posted: 1/30/2020
The big election news this week involved three special runoff elections, most notably the race for House District (HD) 28 in Fort Bend County.
Educator resources for Holocaust Remembrance Week and related legislation
Date Posted: 1/30/2020
This week in Washington, DC, the U.S. House passed H.R. 943, referred to as the "Never Again Education Act" to provide grants and resources for Holocaust education programs.
SBOE committee discusses charter applications
Date Posted: 1/30/2020
The SBOE Committee on School Initiatives met Thursday morning in Austin, where their agenda included a look at applications by charter schools to open new schools or expand to new campuses.
Commissioner presents SBOE with annual report
Date Posted: 1/28/2020
Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath addressed the State Board of Education (SBOE) Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2019, as part of the board's week-long January meeting.
Special Texas House runoff election results for Jan. 28, 2020
Date Posted: 1/28/2020
Voters in three Texas House districts hit the polls on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020, to elect their new state representatives.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Jan. 24, 2020
Date Posted: 1/24/2020
Check out this week's education news from the ATPE Governmental Relations team.
Texas election roundup: Early voting in special runoffs
Date Posted: 1/23/2020
Early voting is underway this week in the special runoff elections in Dallas, Houston, and Fort Bend County.
Compensation, testing, and TRS top issues in ATPE's "Your Voice" survey
Date Posted: 1/22/2020
From November 2019 through early January 2020, ATPE members had the opportunity to take a short, three-question survey through Advocacy Central.
Learn about Texas House candidates in this month's special election runoffs
Date Posted: 1/20/2020
On Jan. 28, 2020, voters in three Texas House districts have an opportunity to elect a new state representative.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Jan. 17, 2020
Date Posted: 1/17/2020
Take a look at this week's education news from the ATPE Governmental Relations team.
Breaking news: Capriglione appointed chairman of House Appropriations
Date Posted: 1/17/2020
Today, state Rep. Giovanni Capriglione (R-Southlake) was appointed chairman of the House Appropriations Committee by Speaker Dennis Bonnen.
Texas election roundup: Finance reports coming in
Date Posted: 1/16/2020
ATPE's Governmental Relations team has been busy researching and meeting with candidates and updating our candidate profiles here on Teach the Vote.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Jan. 10, 2020
Date Posted: 1/10/2020
Enjoy this week's education update from the ATPE Governmental Relations team.
Texas election roundup: New year edition
Date Posted: 1/09/2020
The Super Tuesday primaries -- including the Texas primary -- are less than two months away. That means election season is in full swing.
