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Catch up on the latest Texas education news and analysis from ATPE.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Nov. 22, 2024
Date Posted: 11/22/2024
Bluebonnet Learning Materials receive final SBOE approval, plus Trump names his pick for education secretary.
SBOE members question Morath on Bluebonnet materials, STAAR, and more
Date Posted: 11/21/2024
Commissioner’s regular update turns into defense of controversial instructional materials given preliminary board approval earlier this week.
SBOE approves controversial instructional materials
Date Posted: 11/20/2024
More than 100 members of the public expressed concern about the content and age appropriateness of Bluebonnet Learning materials.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Nov. 15, 2024
Date Posted: 11/15/2024
Voucher supporters propose going for “the whole enchilada” on vouchers, ATPE talks with NBC and CBS, and Social Security legislation goes up for consideration before the U.S. Senate.
Republicans on video bragging about going for “the whole enchilada” on vouchers
Date Posted: 11/12/2024
As the rhetoric heats up and we inch closer to the start of the 89th legislative session, it is important to demand those asking for and supporting any voucher proposal to do so honestly and in good faith, providing transparency and agency to Texas taxpayers.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Nov. 8, 2024
Date Posted: 11/08/2024
The results are in from the Nov. 5 election, a bipartisan Social Security bill fell prey to election night shenanigans, and voters in three states reject vouchers.
Teach the Vote’s 2024 Election Wrap-Up
Date Posted: 11/07/2024
Who will take office in January? Check out ATPE’s convenient list of Texas legislative and State Board of Education winners.
Voters reject vouchers in Colorado, Kentucky, and Nebraska
Date Posted: 11/07/2024
In Kentucky, the margin by which voters supported Trump was almost identical to the margin by which they rejected vouchers.
Bipartisan Social Security bill H.R. 82 killed in election night shenanigans
Date Posted: 11/06/2024
U.S. House Freedom Caucus used a parliamentary maneuver to remove WEP/GPO reform bill from consideration without a direct vote.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Nov. 1, 2024
Date Posted: 11/01/2024
As early voting wraps up, we look ahead to Election Day, share some voting dos and don’ts, and break down the importance of down-ballot races in public education.
How to safely get out the vote among your colleagues
Date Posted: 10/31/2024
Just because you are an educator doesn’t negate your right to encourage your colleagues to vote pro-public education—you just have to be thoughtful about how you exercise that right.
Early voting with a first-time voter
Date Posted: 10/29/2024
ATPE Lobbyist Heather Sheffield shared voting in the 2024 election with her 18-year-old daughter.
Raise Your Hand Texas hosts HD 52 candidate forum
Date Posted: 10/28/2024
ATPE Lobbyist Heather Sheffield moderated an Oct. 24 candidate forum on public education issues.
Understanding down-ballot races and their impact on public education
Date Posted: 10/28/2024
When you’re at the polls, don’t stop at the top of the ballot—every vote down the ballot counts toward the future of public education and community growth.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Oct. 25, 2024
Date Posted: 10/25/2024
The presidential candidates visit Texas just in time for the only weekend of early voting. Plus, ATPE member Christine Mihealsick is named Texas Teacher of the Year.
Voting 101: Dos and Don'ts for Going to the Polls
Date Posted: 10/25/2024
Before you go vote pro-public education, know what to bring with you to vote and what to leave at home.
A guide to mail-in voting in Texas
Date Posted: 10/23/2024
The deadline for your county voting clerk to RECEIVE your application to vote by mail is Friday, Oct. 25, so if you need to vote absentee, take action today.
Early voting is under way in Texas. Here’s a guide to your rights at the polls.
Date Posted: 10/21/2024
In-person early voting in Texas runs from Oct. 21 to Nov. 1. Our guide outlines your voting rights, where to vote, and the necessary steps for early voting.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Oct. 18, 2024
Date Posted: 10/18/2024
Early voting starts Monday! We’ve got you covered with all the tools you need to make your plan to vote.
ATPE at CSOTTE 2024
Date Posted: 10/16/2024
ATPE’s advocacy for quality educator preparation extends to supporting stakeholder events within the #txed community.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Oct. 11, 2024
Date Posted: 10/11/2024
Early voting begins Monday, Oct. 21. Texas Parent PAC has released its list of endorsements ahead of the election, and ATPE discusses the importance of showing up to the polls in the latest podcast episode.
Texas Parent PAC releases list of endorsements
Date Posted: 10/11/2024
Texas Parent PAC released its list of endorsements for the 2024 general election today.
Senate Committee on Finance discusses enrollment trends
Date Posted: 10/11/2024
ATPE submitted written testimony examining the possible causes behind the shift in student enrollment, including the rise in homeschooling, micro-schools, and other parental choice options.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Oct. 4, 2024
Date Posted: 10/04/2024
Monday is the LAST day to register to vote in the 2024 general election. If you do one thing this weekend, confirm your voter registration.
Texas Tribune’s Inside the Interim gives hints at what to expect next session
Date Posted: 10/04/2024
Spirited discussion covers issues with Houston ISD takeover and the upcoming voucher fight.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Sept. 27, 2024
Date Posted: 9/27/2024
Get ready for the new ATPE Member Advocate Program, plus catch up on a busy week of state budget-related meetings.
TEA and PSF present appropriations requests for next biennium to the Legislative Budget Board
Date Posted: 9/27/2024
Morath recommends exceptional funding requests for special education and teacher preparation programs.
House Appropriations dives deep into imminent SHARS funding changes
Date Posted: 9/27/2024
Rule changes that go into effect Oct. 1 bring uncertainty and loss of up to $532 million loss in special education funding for school districts.
TRS board discusses budget requests and operational initiatives
Date Posted: 9/26/2024
In response to public comment, TRS released stats on 2023 COLA and supplemental payments.
Active school administrator nominations open for TRS-Care Retirees Advisory Committee
Date Posted: 9/26/2024
The deadline is Nov. 4 to apply for potential service on this seven-member committee that reviews retiree group coverage.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Sept. 20, 2024
Date Posted: 9/20/2024
Lots of news to report this week, including Senate Education and House Pensions interim hearings, SBEC and TRS board meetings, and activity at the federal level on Social Security reform.
Senate Education Committee holds interim meeting
Date Posted: 9/20/2024
TEA Commissioner Morath calls for cellphone bans and STAAR test changes; ATPE submits testimony on accountability system, school safety funding, and historic increase in uncertified teachers.
SBEC holds two-day meeting to tackle teacher pedagogy standards, special education certification
Date Posted: 9/20/2024
ATPE testifies on proposed disciplinary changes related to solicitation and grooming, as well as the use of OER and HQIM over other materials.
A busy week for pensions and retiree policy
Date Posted: 9/20/2024
TRS delivered its appropriations request to the Legislative Budget Board; the House pensions committee met; and there was federal activity on Social Security reform.
A peek at the current House Public Education chairman’s mindset
Date Posted: 9/18/2024
Speaking at a Dallas “state of public ed” event, Rep. Brad Buckley (R–Salado) promised to continue his push for the governor’s voucher proposals.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Sept. 13, 2024
Date Posted: 9/13/2024
SBOE members quiz Morath on OER implementation and lesson planning; plus, Patrick releases second set of interim charges ahead of Senate Education Committee hearing next week.
Recapping The Texas Tribune Festival
Date Posted: 9/13/2024
The 14th policy-fest didn’t disappoint in terms of big names and big conversations, including discussions of public education issues.
Commissioner responds to questions about HB 1605 implementation
Date Posted: 9/11/2024
Morath insists new instructional materials are not intended to remove teachers’ lesson planning ability. The commissioner also answered questions on school accountability and grievance processes.
How do Harris and Trump view education issues?
Date Posted: 9/11/2024
The major-party candidates for president are polar opposites when it comes to the federal role in funding public education and what K-12 curriculum should look like.
Texas Senate releases second set of interim charges
Date Posted: 9/10/2024
Senate committees will examine K-12/college pathways and school enrollment trends, as well as implementation of new legislation.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Sept. 6, 2024
Date Posted: 9/06/2024
The Charles Butt Foundation releases its annual teacher survey, lawmakers hear testimony on property tax cuts, and The Texas Tribune examines the sharp increase in uncertified teachers. Plus, ATPE launches its brand-new website, atpenews.org.
Charles Butt Foundation Poll finds record-high number of educators seriously considering leaving the profession
Date Posted: 9/06/2024
Teachers cited funding, working conditions, and life outside the classroom as key problems facing Texas schools.
Senate Finance Committee Examines Interim Charges Regarding Property Taxes
Date Posted: 9/05/2024
“What if?” was the question asked during a hearing exploring a largely impractical idea.
From The Texas Tribune: Texas schools are hiring more teachers without traditional training. They hope the state will pay to prepare them.
Date Posted: 9/04/2024
Schools are hiring instructors with different types of backgrounds to deal with critical staff shortages.
Happy Labor Day from ATPE’s Teach the Vote!
Date Posted: 8/30/2024
We wish you a safe and relaxing three-day weekend filled with Friday night lights, time with family and friends, and good sleep.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Aug. 23, 2024
Date Posted: 8/23/2024
A recent op-ed presents a case study of the budget deficits facing Texas ISDs; plus, ATPE partners with TribFest to offer CPE credit.
The Starvation of Schools
Date Posted: 8/23/2024
ATPE looks at the Alpine ISD superintendent’s op-ed/case study of the budget deficits playing out across Texas.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Aug. 16, 2024
Date Posted: 8/16/2024
House Public Education Committee hears testimony from ATPE on HB 1605, vouchers, and impact of the increased number of uncertified teachers.
House Public Ed examines increase in number of uncertified teachers
Date Posted: 8/14/2024
The second day of interim hearings also included a look at improving early literacy and numeracy in prekindergarten through grade 3.
House Public Education holds first interim charge hearing
Date Posted: 8/13/2024
ATPE testified on the impact of HB 1605 in rulemaking and the detrimental effect a voucher program would have.
Judge Stops Release of A-F Ratings (Again)
Date Posted: 8/13/2024
The temporary restraining order comes as districts file a second lawsuit against the state to challenge changes in the metrics by which they are evaluated.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Aug. 9, 2024
Date Posted: 8/09/2024
We invite educators to submit comments to the House Public Education Committee ahead of next week's hearings; plus, Texas' sales tax holiday runs through midnight Sunday, Aug. 11.
Kinder Institute study shows 73% of Texas schools are underfunded
Date Posted: 8/09/2024
Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research released its report on funding and performance Aug. 5, 2024.
Previewing next week’s Texas House Public Education Committee hearings
Date Posted: 8/09/2024
The committee will meet Aug. 12- 13, 2024, to discuss interim charges.
From The Texas Tribune: Texas schools got billions in federal pandemic relief. It is coming to an end as the school year starts.
Date Posted: 8/07/2024
Educators say they’ll struggle to keep the programs they created with those funds, highlighting their precarious situation without more state help.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Aug. 2, 2024
Date Posted: 8/02/2024
House Democrats hold unofficial hearing on Houston ISD takeover; plus, new study finds Texas teachers use more personal funds on school supplies than average nationwide.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: July 26, 2024
Date Posted: 7/26/2024
TEA launches centralized school safety dashboard, plus educators can share feedback on OER, vouchers, and more with House Public Ed Committee.
Op-ed: The plan to defund and eliminate public schools has already begun
Date Posted: 7/26/2024
School closures are part of a long-standing effort to undermine public schools
TRS announces three important updates for TRS-Care at July meeting
Date Posted: 7/24/2024
Eligible retirees will enjoy reduced premiums, a special enrollment opportunity for TRS-Care Medicare Advantage, and new rates and benefits for dental and vision.
SBEC considers proposed change to educator discipline rules
Date Posted: 7/23/2024
ATPE testified against the proposed additions, expressing concern about vagueness of language and the potential to unfairly target educators.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: July 19, 2024
Date Posted: 7/19/2024
Get the latest from this week’s SBEC and TRS Board of Trustees meetings; plus, earn CPE by watching the ATPE Summit Advocacy Update on demand.
SBEC work session focuses on long-term goals and strategic planning
Date Posted: 7/19/2024
The board spent the first of its two-day meeting discussing educator standards and certification exam redesign, among other topics.
Budget plan cutting $4.7 billion from Title I moves forward
Date Posted: 7/17/2024
The plan in front of the House Appropriations Committee was approved in a 31-25 party line vote and cuts the U.S. Department of Education budget by 13% overall.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: July 12, 2024
Date Posted: 7/12/2024
Hurricane Beryl weighed heavily on the minds of ATPE Summit attendees as delegates elected 2024-25 state officers and adopted a new ATPE Legislative Program.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: July 5, 2024
Date Posted: 7/05/2024
We wish you a happy Fourth of July weekend, and safe travels to the ATPE Summit!
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: June 28, 2024
Date Posted: 6/28/2024
Read about this week’s SBOE meetings and don’t forget to register for the ATPE Summit before time runs out tonight!
SBOE committees discuss controversial instructional materials and edTPA
Date Posted: 6/27/2024
The State Board of Education’s committees met Thursday, June 27, 2024.
SBOE gives preliminary greenlight to three of five new charter applicants, vetoing two
Date Posted: 6/27/2024
Wednesday’s votes following public testimony are a precursor to the state board’s final decision this Friday, June 28, 2024.
Education commissioner suggests uncertified teachers dragging down Texas student test scores
Date Posted: 6/26/2024
Commissioner Mike Morath addressed the SBOE at its meeting June 26, 2024.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: June 21, 2024
Date Posted: 6/21/2024
STAAR scores continue to generate buzz. Plus, watch this video on upcoming House of Delegates consideration of the ATPE Legislative Program.
From the Texas Tribune: Democrats think they can flip Texas House seats by going after GOP’s education funding and school voucher policies
Date Posted: 6/20/2024
Much of the House battlefield is centered in districts with struggling schools, where Democrats hope public education will resonate at the ballot box.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: June 14, 2024
Date Posted: 6/14/2024
TEA again fails to acknowledge the full picture as it announces STAAR scores, and federal lawmakers hold hearings on Social Security insolvency.
TEA’s STAAR Press Release Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story
Date Posted: 6/12/2024
When all students who passed are considered, the data shows high school performance has generally continued to hold steady or increase since the pandemic.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: June 7, 2024
Date Posted: 6/07/2024
ATPE weighs in on OER materials on statewide political analysis program “State of Texas.” Plus, TEA releases STAAR EOC results.
Texas Education Agency releases first open education resource materials as part of HB 1605 implementation
Date Posted: 6/04/2024
ATPE has expressed concerns about the effect of OER curriculum on the freedom to teach since HB 1605 was introduced during the 88th Legislature.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: May 31, 2024
Date Posted: 5/31/2024
The 89th Legislature begins to take shape as primary elections conclude. Plus, public feedback begins on controversial OER materials.
From The Texas Tribune: Texas House runoffs bring wave of GOP incumbent defeats, give Abbott votes for school vouchers
Date Posted: 5/29/2024
Six of eight GOP incumbents lost their races. Gov. Greg Abbott declared he “now has enough votes to pass school choice.”
Primary runoff election results
Date Posted: 5/29/2024
It was a bad night for incumbents as three of four pro-public education incumbents were defeated by Abbott-backed, voucher-supporting challengers.
Teach the Vote Week in Review: May 24, 2024
Date Posted: 5/24/2024
In case you hadn’t heard, a Very Important Election is taking place Tuesday. Make a plan to vote.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: May 17, 2024
Date Posted: 5/17/2024
A big week of breaking public ed news and a storm that shut down Houston-area schools precede critical primary runoff elections.
From The Texas Tribune: A GOP Texas school board member campaigned against schools indoctrinating kids. Then she read the curriculum.
Date Posted: 5/16/2024
Courtney Gore, a Granbury ISD school board member, has disavowed the far-right platform she campaigned on. Her defiance has brought her backlash.
Who’s eligible to vote in the primary runoffs?
Date Posted: 5/16/2024
Primary runoff elections can be decided by a single vote. Make it yours!
Abbott denies responsibility for public school budget crisis
Date Posted: 5/15/2024
The governor appears to be doing some damage control this week amid growing calls for a special session to address school funding.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: May 10, 2024
Date Posted: 5/10/2024
Voters show their support for public schools while the Texas House is tasked with exploring avenues to pass a voucher.
House interim charges released
Date Posted: 5/09/2024
Speaker Dade Phelan (R–Beaumont) announced 68 interim charges for Texas House committees Wednesday, almost a month after Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) released charges for the Senate.
Survey on School Vouchers
Date Posted: 5/09/2024
ATPE Lobbyist Heather Sheffield discusses the Texas Hispanic Policy Foundation's recent poll results concerning vouchers.
May 4 Election Results
Date Posted: 5/07/2024
Voter turnout was low all over Texas, but the voters that did turn out supported our public schools.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: May 3, 2024
Date Posted: 5/03/2024
School board and bond elections are tomorrow, runoffs are just around the corner, and vouchers are (still) unpopular among the majority of Texas voters.
TRS Board discusses Medicare Advantage premiums, sets TRS-ActiveCare employer plan rates
Date Posted: 5/03/2024
A vote to lower TRS Medicare Advantage premiums is expected in July. Also, nominations are open for at-large and retired board positions.
May the Fourth Be with You at the Polling Place
Date Posted: 4/30/2024
We know you just voted in the primary, but it’s time to vote again—and maybe one more time after that, depending on where you live.
SBEC meets to debate the future of TX TPA, teacher pedagogy standards
Date Posted: 4/29/2024
Lengthy debate ensued on “lesson design” vs. “lesson internalization.”
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: April 26, 2024
Date Posted: 4/26/2024
Are you ready to vote in the May 4 local election and, if applicable, the May 28 primary runoff?
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: April 19, 2024
Date Posted: 4/19/2024
Listen to the latest episode of The ATPE Podcast learn why your vote in school board, appraisal, and bond elections is so critical.
5th Circuit Court denies rehearing in publishers’ Texas library book lawsuit
Date Posted: 4/18/2024
Author of HB 900 urges Paxton to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
TRS board to consider lowering TRS-Care Medicare Advantage premiums
Date Posted: 4/17/2024
Increased legislative funding, federal changes mean TRS is positioned to pass on savings to plan participants.
Texas Tribune hosts panel on the impact of new legislation on Texas public education
Date Posted: 4/16/2024
The hourlong conversation focused primarily on the need for and impact of three pieces of legislation passed in 2023.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: April 12, 2024
Date Posted: 4/12/2024
SBOE criticizes TEA staff handling of edTPA rulemaking; plus, don’t miss next week’s hearing on the GPO and WEP.
Taking a deeper look at the commissioner’s comments on teacher preparation
Date Posted: 4/12/2024
ATPE Lobbyist Tricia Cave examines statements made by TEA Commissioner Mike Morath this week about teacher preparation, employment, and hiring practices.
Texas Senate interim charges for 2024 released
Date Posted: 4/12/2024
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick released his list of topics for senators to explore and discuss ahead of the 2025 legislative session.
SBOE committee recommends operationalizing edTPA in Texas
Date Posted: 4/12/2024
ATPE opposes removing edTPA pilot status as it aligns to Common Core without a Texas-developed alternative.
SBOE chastises agency in approval of latest edTPA rule change
Date Posted: 4/12/2024
TEA staff received stinging criticism over their handling of edTPA rulemaking and a proposal for a Texas-based alternative.
More than one-third of new Texas teachers are uncertified
Date Posted: 4/10/2024
TEA Commissioner Mike Morath reported this troubling statistic and more during his presentation to the State Board of Education Wednesday.
From The Texas Tribune: Texas will use computers to grade written answers on this year’s STAAR tests
Date Posted: 4/09/2024
The state will save more than $15 million by using technology similar to ChatGPT to give initial scores, reducing the number of human graders needed. The decision caught some educators by surprise.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: April 5, 2024
Date Posted: 4/05/2024
A new SBEC member, a new SBOE website, and a once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse—don’t miss this week’s top txed news.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: March 29, 2024
Date Posted: 3/29/2024
Here are a few links to check out over what we hope is a restful weekend with your family and friends!
TEA proposes rule to implement advanced middle school math bill
Date Posted: 3/27/2024
SB 2124 requires certain students to be enrolled in such programs unless their parent opts out.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: March 22, 2024
Date Posted: 3/22/2024
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps the past week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments.
What’s the real goal here?
Date Posted: 3/22/2024
Analysis: A recent AG press release is yet another example of promoting misleading scenarios for political gain.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: March 15, 2024
Date Posted: 3/15/2024
The White House lays out its proposed budget, which includes an additional $8 billion for K-12 education, and Abbott celebrates election victories that increase his odds of passing voucher legislation in the next session.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: March 8, 2024
Date Posted: 3/08/2024
Tuesday’s primary resulted in a Legislature far less friendly to public education as voters sent six anti-voucher state reps home. Four more are headed to runoffs.
White House Unveils K-12 Policy Agenda Targeting Attendance, Tutoring, Afterschool Learning
Date Posted: 3/08/2024
The White House announced its K-12 policy agenda in January, aiming to get students back on track after the COVID-19 pandemic.
From The Texas Tribune: School voucher supporters bask in primary wins, say goals are within reach
Date Posted: 3/07/2024
Gov. Greg Abbott called the results “an unmistakable message.” His allies said the state is “closer than ever” to a voucher program.
Primary elections result in major Texas House turnover
Date Posted: 3/07/2024
Nine House Republicans lost their primary races, including six targeted by state leadership and out-of-state donors for being anti-voucher.
$600,000 fraud found in Arizona voucher program, raising questions about accountability and oversight
Date Posted: 3/04/2024
Five people, including three state employees, were indicted Feb. 29 for creating “ghost students” to siphon $600,000 from the state’s voucher program.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: March 1, 2024
Date Posted: 3/01/2024
Are you one of the 16.5 million registered Texas voters who haven’t voted? What are you waiting for?!
As election mail fills mailboxes, which sources can you trust?
Date Posted: 2/27/2024
What types of donors are behind the organizations funding multimillion dollar campaigns against pro-public education incumbents?
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Feb. 23, 2024
Date Posted: 2/23/2024
The public education community has the power to make this primary a referendum on public education—if we turn out to vote.
Teach the Vote Guide to Endorsements in the 2024 Texas Primaries
Date Posted: 2/22/2024
As you review campaign materials, it’s helpful to know which organizations are making endorsements and what they stand for.
About those Greg Abbott endorsements
Date Posted: 2/21/2024
The governor is taking the unusual step of campaigning against Republican incumbents in a hard and ugly way over the voucher issue.
2024 Republican Primary ballot propositions
Date Posted: 2/21/2024
Voting began Tuesday in the most consequential election for public education in recent memory, and vouchers are both literally and figuratively on the Republican ballot.
SBEC approves rule changes governing educator preparation, certification
Date Posted: 2/21/2024
SBEC also discussed the rubric used for special education teachers to prove they are “highly qualified.”
Teach the Vote Week in Review: Feb. 9, 2024
Date Posted: 2/09/2024
Need to get your colleagues, friends, and family fired up about the primary elections? We’ve got some good information for you.
What Makes a Candidate Pro-Public Education?
Date Posted: 2/09/2024
ATPE Governmental Relations Director Monty Exter explains what you can do to ensure the candidates you're voting for are truly pro-public education.
Fed Up? It's Time to Show Up
Date Posted: 2/09/2024
If you’re fed up, it’s time to show up. Learn how you can use your vote to fight back against lawmakers who put politics over public school students.
Why vouchers matter
Date Posted: 2/07/2024
Vouchers would defund and destroy our neighborhood public schools in order to create a taxpayer-funded entitlement for parents with students in private schools.
Teach the Vote Week in Review: Feb. 2, 2024
Date Posted: 2/02/2024
This week, 107 votes decided a special election runoff. Your vote matters—and Monday is the deadline to register to vote in the March primaries.
SBOE initially approves new instructional materials process under HB 1605
Date Posted: 1/31/2024
SBOE also received the TEA annual report and questioned Commissioner Mike Morath on Houston ISD, HB 900, teacher mental health, and more.
J. Dutton defeats Money in HD 2 special election runoff
Date Posted: 1/31/2024
Rep.-elect Jill Dutton (R–Van Zandt) pulled off a surprise win in the House District (HD) 2 race Tuesday, defeating an Abbott- and Paxton-endorsed candidate.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Jan. 26, 2024
Date Posted: 1/26/2024
In 2023, educators faced a slew of challenges. Take a look back at the data outlining how these issues affected educators across the country and listen to a message from the ATPE lobby on how engaging early in 2024 will help Texas educators moving forward.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Jan. 19, 2024
Date Posted: 1/19/2024
Leadership and training failures were catastrophic in Uvalde shooting response, per DOJ report released Thursday.
From The Texas Tribune: School voucher supporter gave Gov. Greg Abbott $6 million in December
Date Posted: 1/16/2024
The contribution is the largest single campaign donation in Texas history, according to Abbott’s campaign.
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Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Jan. 12, 2024
Date Posted: 1/12/2024
Learn why primary elections are the REAL March madness in our upcoming Gen ATPE webinar. Plus: vouchers and TIA in the news.
Houston Chronicle examines Abbott's targeting of pro-public ed House Republican incumbents
Date Posted: 1/12/2024
Abbott is following a model used by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds to target Republican incumbents in the way of a private school voucher push.
Rep. Glenn Rogers decries vouchers, says they are “not conservative” in local op-ed
Date Posted: 1/09/2024
House District (HD) 60 Rep. Dr. Glenn Rogers (R–Weatherford) published an op-ed in the Palo Pinto Press last week that aimed to debunk the arguments of the school voucher supporters targeting his seat.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Jan. 5, 2024
Date Posted: 1/05/2024
Social media mudslinging is in full swing one month out from the voter registration deadline for the 2024 primaries.
Abbott appoints new SBOE chair
Date Posted: 12/18/2023
Aaron Kinsey (R–Midland), first elected to the board in November 2022, replaces Texas Parent PAC-endorsed Dr. Keven Ellis (R–Lufkin).
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Dec. 15, 2023
Date Posted: 12/15/2023
As 2023 winds down and 2024 begins, the fight to support public schools and stave off private school vouchers continues. Plus, SBOE considers HB 1605 implementation and sexual content in library books.
2024 primaries take shape following Dec. 11 filing deadline
Date Posted: 12/13/2023
Many public education allies are retiring from the Legislature, and top state leaders are targeting pro-public ed representatives.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Dec. 8, 2023
Date Posted: 12/08/2023
Attention turns to the 2024 primaries as the Legislature finally goes home (at least for now).
SBEC adopts proposed changes to teacher residency programs, rules for Educator Preparation Programs
Date Posted: 12/08/2023
ATPE provided testimony as part of the Texas Council for Educator Preparation (TCEP).
Allison attempts to bring up teacher pay raises; Legislature adjourns sine die
Date Posted: 12/05/2023
Last-minute effort to bring up a voucher-less school funding bill was shut down by Speaker Dade Phelan.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Dec. 1, 2023
Date Posted: 12/01/2023
With just a few days left in the fourth special session, the House could still send a voucher-less educator pay raise to the governor.
U.S. House Committee Holds Hearing on Social Security’s Disservice to Public Servants
Date Posted: 11/21/2023
The U.S. House Ways and Means Committee met in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to discuss how WEP and GPO mistreat government workers.
Texas House rejects voucher bill, sending clear message to governor
Date Posted: 11/18/2023
Chairman Brad Buckley sent the voucher-less HB 1 back to committee to die, killing teacher pay and school funding portions of the bill.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Nov. 17, 2023
Date Posted: 11/17/2023
Texas House strips vouchers from House Bill 1 in effort led by Rep. John Raney (R–Bryan).
ATPE Statement on Passage of Raney Amendment to HB 1
Date Posted: 11/17/2023
Thank you to the House members who stood strong with their constituents and withstood political pressure to do what is right by Texas’ more than 5.4 million public school students.
SBOE grills TEA commissioner on special education, A-F ratings, and more
Date Posted: 11/17/2023
Commissioner Mike Morath left the meeting before dozens of Houston ISD educators spoke during public testimony about the state’s takeover of their district.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Nov. 10, 2023
Date Posted: 11/10/2023
The governor calls a fourth special session, Texas voters show strong support for retired educators, and the voucher bill advances.
Voucher bill voted out of committee, headed for floor showdown
Date Posted: 11/10/2023
House Bill (HB) 1 by Chairman Brad Buckley (R–Salado) was voted out of committee on Friday morning by a vote of 10-4.
House Select Committee holds all-day voucher hearing, leaves bill pending for now
Date Posted: 11/09/2023
The Select Committee on Educational Opportunity and Enrichment met Thursday to consider House Bill (HB) 1 by Chairman Brad Buckley (R–Salado), which includes a voucher in the form of an Education Savings Account (ESA).
Texas voters show strong support for educators in constitutional election
Date Posted: 11/08/2023
Texas voters presented an overwhelming show of support for retired teachers, passing a cost-of-living adjustment for retired educators by the widest margin of the election.
Call to Action: Submit public comments for the Select Committee on Educational Opportunity and Enrichment
Date Posted: 11/08/2023
The committee will meet Thursday and Friday, Nov. 9-10, 2023. We strongly encourage all educators and supporters of public education to submit a comment to the committee.
Third special session draws to a close with a fourth special session announced
Date Posted: 11/07/2023
The third special session has wrapped up without a deal on vouchers, one of Gov. Greg Abbott's (R) top priority bills.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Nov. 3, 2023
Date Posted: 11/03/2023
Despite the drama in Austin, opposition to private school vouchers remains strong in the Texas House.
Voucher bill likely dead as special session enters its final days
Date Posted: 11/02/2023
Less than a week remains in the special session, and the Texas House has not moved voucher legislation forward despite a strong push from Gov. Greg Abbott.
ATPE Statement on Expanded Special Session Call
Date Posted: 10/31/2023
Nothing has changed in the public education community’s opposition to vouchers.
Abbott expands special session call; House lacks quorum to do business
Date Posted: 10/31/2023
Special Session No. 3 roared back to life Tuesday as the House lacked a quorum to do business for a second day in a row, prompting a flurry of accusations from both parties about who was responsible for the halt in House business.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Oct. 27, 2023
Date Posted: 10/27/2023
The Texas House gets locked in limbo over vouchers, early voting continues through Nov. 3, and a Texas judge rules on TEA's A-F ratings.
Election Day is just around the corner. Here are the 14 propositions on this year's ballot.
Date Posted: 10/27/2023
Propositions are a chance for voters to weigh in on policy that affects all Texans, so it is critical to make a plan to vote.
Buckley voucher plan in limbo as stalemate continues between him and the governor
Date Posted: 10/25/2023
ATPE-opposed HB 1 is a private school voucher with many “sweeteners” meant to entire rural Republicans to support the bill.
From The Texas Tribune: House, Senate bills at odds over power to boost future funding for Texas school voucher program
Date Posted: 10/23/2023
The Senate’s Republican bill would let state leaders grow the program by taking money from other agencies without the Legislature’s approval. The House bill would bar the practice.
ATPE Statement on HB 1
Date Posted: 10/20/2023
No matter what sweeteners are added, ATPE opposes any bill that includes a voucher.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Oct. 20, 2023
Date Posted: 10/20/2023
Rep. Brad Buckley files 184-page voucher bill in the House, plus early voting begins Monday in constitutional amendment and HD 2 special elections.
ATPE Statement on HB 177, the Fully Fund Our Future Act
Date Posted: 10/19/2023
Proposal highlights all we could accomplish by bringing Texas public schools up to the national average in per-pupil funding instead of squandering resources on vouchers.
House Democrats file $40 billion education spending bill
Date Posted: 10/19/2023
HB 177 highlights what could be accomplished by bringing Texas public schools up to the national average in per-pupil funding instead of squandering resources on vouchers.
Republican SBOE member denounces private school vouchers
Date Posted: 10/18/2023
Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) member Evelyn Brooks (R–Frisco) posted a video this week outlining her concerns with SB 1.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Oct. 13, 2023
Date Posted: 10/13/2023
Senate sends virtually unlimited voucher program to the House, and Abbott openly announces he is using teacher pay as a carrot to pass vouchers.
From The Texas Tribune: Gov. Greg Abbott says he’ll add teacher pay to the special session — but only if lawmakers pass school voucher bill
Date Posted: 10/13/2023
Though lawmakers have drafted a bill to increase public school funding and issue teacher raises, they cannot pass during the special session unless Abbott adds them to his agenda. Teachers were the only state employees to not receive a raise in the regular session.
Texas Senate passes virtually unlimited voucher
Date Posted: 10/13/2023
The Senate passed SB 1, which would create a virtually unlimited voucher program diverting public funds to those already attending private schools.
Senate committee advances unlimited voucher bill
Date Posted: 10/11/2023
The committee voted on party lines Tuesday to advance a bill that would create a voucher program open to virtually all applicants.
From The Texas Tribune: Special session on school vouchers begins with Republicans in disarray
Date Posted: 10/10/2023
As the special session began Monday, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dade Phelan were at each other's throats.
From The Texas Tribune: Vouchers return this special session—and school funding might be left out
Date Posted: 10/09/2023
Lawmakers have returned to Austin for their second attempt this year to pass a statewide school voucher program, but whether they’ll seek to give schools additional funding is up in the air.
ATPE statement on Gov. Greg Abbott's special session call
Date Posted: 10/09/2023
The call for “education savings accounts for all Texas schoolchildren” would dramatically increase burden on taxpayers and ignores the real funding issues in Texas public schools.
Special session and election resources for educators and txed supporters
Date Posted: 10/07/2023
Get ready for the October 2023 special session and 2024 election season with these tips for public education advocates.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Oct. 6, 2023
Date Posted: 10/06/2023
Educators are gathering Saturday in Austin for the Boot Vouchers 2023 rally ahead of a special session on private school vouchers that begins Monday, Oct. 9.
Governor Abbott releases proclamation for third special session
Date Posted: 10/06/2023
Private school vouchers top the agenda for the session set to begin Monday, Oct. 9, 2023.
Baptist General Convention of Texas pushes back against Abbott and "School Choice Sunday"
Date Posted: 10/04/2023
The Baptist General Convention of Texas released a statement Tuesday from 21 of its current and past presidents and executive directors condemning Gov. Greg Abbott’s call for pastors to “go to the pulpit” on Sunday, Oct. 15, and push their congregations to support his voucher proposal.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Sept. 29, 2023
Date Posted: 9/29/2023
It’s time to prepare for the special session with ATPE’s resources to help educators fight against private school vouchers.
SBEC considers changes to rules governing Educator Preparation Programs
Date Posted: 9/29/2023
ATPE Lobbyist Tricia Cave recaps the State Board for Educator Certification's latest meeting.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Sept. 22, 2023
Date Posted: 9/22/2023
The Paxton acquittal and the governor’s remarks during a telephone town hall on private school vouchers heat up conflict at the Capitol.
Abbott encourages faith leaders to "go to the pulpit" on vouchers
Date Posted: 9/20/2023
Gov. Greg Abbott (R) took part in a telephone town hall Tuesday with faith leaders from across the state.
Texas Senate reaches verdict in Paxton impeachment trial
Date Posted: 9/16/2023
The Texas Senate has acquitted Attorney General Paxton on all articles of impeachment.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Sept. 15, 2023
Date Posted: 9/15/2023
TEA delays release of revamped A-F ratings to reconsider inclusion of 2021-22 data; TRS begins issuing one-time stipends to eligible retirees; and more.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Sept. 8, 2023
Date Posted: 9/08/2023
Attorney General Ken Paxton’s impeachment trial gets underway, the Texas School Coalition explains the problem with recapture, and Texans for Public Education plan an anti-voucher rally in Austin Oct. 7.
Paxton impeachment trial begins in the Senate
Date Posted: 9/06/2023
The impeachment trial of Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) began Tuesday in the Texas Senate, with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) presiding over votes on various motions submitted by the defense team in an effort to dismiss the case.
The problem with recapture
Date Posted: 9/06/2023
When it comes to the state’s school finance equalization method, setting the bar too low for everyone is not equitable.
ATPE Supports HR 5342: Equal Treatment of Public Servants Act of 2023
Date Posted: 9/06/2023
We urge the entire Texas delegation to sign on as co-sponsors to this bipartisan legislation that replaces the Windfall Elimination Provision in Social Security law.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Sept. 1, 2023
Date Posted: 9/01/2023
SBOE discusses implementation of new legislation as hundreds of new laws take effect.
SBOE committee offers preliminary feedback on library books
Date Posted: 8/31/2023
An SBOE committee offered preliminary feedback Thursday on standards for the development of school library collections required by House Bill (HB) 900.
Commissioner discusses latest STAAR scores and A-F with SBOE
Date Posted: 8/30/2023
TEA Commissioner Mike Morath also answered questions about Houston ISD libraries and the PragerU curriculum in his regular SBOE update.
SBOE discusses new instructional materials process
Date Posted: 8/30/2023
TEA Commissioner Mike Morath and staff walked SBOE members through changes required under House Bill (HB) 1605 as passed by the 88th Legislature.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Aug. 25, 2023
Date Posted: 8/25/2023
ATPE fights for educators in Washington, D.C., and school districts file suit against Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath over new A-F accountability standards.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Aug. 18, 2023
Date Posted: 8/18/2023
Select committee report rehashes failed legislation, and TRS prepares to send its largest one-time supplemental check thus far.
Important information about TRS one-time checks
Date Posted: 8/18/2023
With TRS just weeks away from sending one-time checks to thousands of retirees, ATPE shares a few important reminders.
Select Committee on Educational Opportunity and Enrichment releases long-awaited report
Date Posted: 8/14/2023
Committee recommendations set up likely special session battle over vouchers
ATPE Statement on House Select Committee on Educational Opportunity and Enrichment Report
Date Posted: 8/14/2023
Public educators believe a compromise on vouchers would compromise the future of Texas public schools.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Aug. 11, 2023
Date Posted: 8/11/2023
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps the past week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments.
House and Senate majorities offer very different visions for (de)funding public education
Date Posted: 8/11/2023
Republicans on education appropriations subcommittee propose an 80% cut to Title I funding.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Aug. 4, 2023
Date Posted: 8/04/2023
ATPE weighs in on current political climate for education in Houston Chronicle story—plus, a look at federal ed prep and special education developments.
Federal education, labor departments team up to expand teacher preparation programs, apprenticeships
Date Posted: 8/04/2023
The U.S. Departments of Education and Labor have teamed up to invest in two key educator pathways as part of their Raise the Bar: Lead the World initiative, which seeks to reduce educator shortages and improve classroom conditions for educators.
ATPE's Teach the Vote wishes you a great weekend
Date Posted: 7/28/2023
Stay cool, stay safe, and watch The Texas Tribune panel!
Guest Post: A classroom teacher, a superintendent, and a state senator talk about #txed
Date Posted: 7/28/2023
Region 20 ATPE Director Laura Herrera reflects on the July 25 Texas Tribune conversation “Where Do Public Schools Go from Here?”
Texas Tribune panel examines teacher pay, vouchers, and other top education issues from the 88th Legislature
Date Posted: 7/27/2023
ATPE member Laura Herrera provided the teacher perspective during the hourlong conversation, which is now available on demand.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: July 21, 2023
Date Posted: 7/21/2023
Register for Tuesday’s Texas Tribune conversation on public schools, plus SBEC news and ATPE’s federal advocacy on 529 plans.
SBEC discusses educator preparation pathways, performance assessments, and more at July 2023 meetings
Date Posted: 7/21/2023
The State Board for Educator Certification met July 20-21, 2023, to discuss development of a Texas-specific TPA and other ed prep issues.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: July 14, 2023
Date Posted: 7/14/2023
Second special session ends with tax relief but no education funding, and a House select committee meets in advance of another expected special session on vouchers.
House Select Committee holds two-day hearing on “educational opportunity and enrichment”
Date Posted: 7/13/2023
The committee met July 11-12, 2023, to hear invited testimony only on private school vouchers and a variety of public education issues.
Highlights of the ATPE lobbyists’ advocacy update during the ATPE Summit
Date Posted: 7/11/2023
Hundreds of ATPE members attended an early morning presentation by the lobby team on recent developments at the Texas State Capitol and in Washington, D.C.
Texas House and Senate reach a deal on property tax relief
Date Posted: 7/10/2023
Educators are snubbed once again as the deal announced July 10, 2023, excludes teacher pay increases previously touted by each chamber.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: July 7, 2023
Date Posted: 7/07/2023
Texas legislators continue to mull competing tax relief plans, and a new House committee meets next week to discuss private school vouchers and other education reforms.
Call to Action: Submit public comments for the Select Committee on Educational Opportunity and Enrichment
Date Posted: 7/07/2023
The committee will meet Tuesday and Wednesday, July 12-13, 2023. We encourage educators to submit written public comments, as the committee will hear from invited witnesses only during the live hearings.
Texas House Democrats announce tax relief proposal with increases for school funding and teacher pay
Date Posted: 7/06/2023
A group of Democratic state representatives shared a plan Thursday to reduce property taxes while increasing the Basic Allotment for public schools and teacher pay.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: June 30, 2023
Date Posted: 6/30/2023
A second special session is underway as Gov. Abbott pushes for property tax cuts and the Senate adds a teacher bonus to its bill.
ATPE’s 88th Regular Legislative Session Wrap-up
Date Posted: 6/29/2023
Read ATPE's summary of education bills considered during the 2023 regular session of the Texas Legislature.
First day of second special session brings surprise teacher compensation amendment
Date Posted: 6/29/2023
On Wednesday, the Texas Senate amended a property tax bill to offer teachers a one-time retention bonus. The measure has not been considered yet by the House.
Abbott calls second special session of Texas Legislature beginning June 27, 2023
Date Posted: 6/27/2023
Gov. Greg Abbott called lawmakers back to Austin for an immediate special session to cut school property taxes.
Texas Senate adjourns sine die as House Speaker calls representatives to Austin ahead of Second Called Session
Date Posted: 6/27/2023
Speaker Dade Phelan told House members to plan for another special session to begin Wednesday, June 28, 2023.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: June 23, 2023
Date Posted: 6/23/2023
Abbott targets House members for anti-voucher stances by vetoing unrelated bills as Morath previews expected drop in A-F ratings.
SBOE reverses two of three preliminary charter vetoes
Date Posted: 6/23/2023
The State Board of Education SBOE reversed course on two recommendations to veto charter chain applications up for final approval at the board’s meeting this week.
Commissioner: September A-F ratings will not be “apples to apples”
Date Posted: 6/22/2023
Commissioner Mike Morath spoke to the State Board of Education Wednesday about how school accountability ratings will differ from last year’s ratings.
Abbott wields veto power in attempt to sway pro-education legislators
Date Posted: 6/20/2023
Gov. Greg Abbott (R) viciously wielded his veto power for seemingly purely political purposes over the final weekend of the veto period, vetoing 45 bills.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: June 16, 2023
Date Posted: 6/16/2023
The voucher debate makes headlines as a House select committee is formed and Abbott promises legislation that looks like HB 100 as it left the Senate.
Abbott signs omnibus school safety bill that boosts funding for campus security
Date Posted: 6/15/2023
Gov. Greg Abbott (R) signed the 88th Legislature’s omnibus school safety bill June 14, 2023, providing needed funding for shoring up school safety in the wake of the Uvalde tragedy.
Abbott signs “Parental Empowerment” bills
Date Posted: 6/12/2023
Gov. Greg Abbott signed four bills June 12, 2023, on issues including curriculum and library book contents.
Texas House Speaker announces new committee as Gov. Abbott reiterates voucher threats
Date Posted: 6/12/2023
Speaker Dade Phelan announced a new Select Committee on Educational Opportunity and Enrichment as Gov. Greg Abbott reiterated his intent to call a special session on vouchers.
ATPE Statement on House Select Committee on Educational Opportunity and Enrichment
Date Posted: 6/12/2023
State’s largest educator association reminds House members that tying vouchers to either educator pay or the accountability system has proven to be a nonstarter with the public education community.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: June 9, 2023
Date Posted: 6/09/2023
The special session standoff continues. Plus, don’t miss the ATPE Summit legislative update or your opportunity to apply for ATPE state committee service.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.