Advocacy Blog

Follow the Teach the Vote advocacy blog for the latest Texas public education news and in-depth analysis from the ATPE Governmental Relations team.

Visit the Blog Archive to read posts published from 2019 through 2024.

House Public Education hears 12 bills the day before voucher showdown on the House floor
House Public Education hears 12 bills the day before voucher showdown on the House floor

Tension was high in the Capitol as lawmakers prepare for what will likely be their most consequential vote this session.

By Tricia Cave | Posted on: 4/16/2025

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April 2025 State Board of Education meeting recap
April 2025 State Board of Education meeting recap

SBOE members tackled a wide range of topics, from CTE standards to HB 1605 and middle school advanced mathematics.

By Heather Sheffield | Posted on: 4/15/2025

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Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: April 11, 2025
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: April 11, 2025

Join ATPE for a free legislative town hall Wednesday, April 16. Plus, the House passes its budget bill, and legislative committees hear bills on educator misconduct, parents’ rights, and student health and safety.

By ATPE Staff | Posted on: 4/11/2025

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Senate Education K-16 Committee hears 12 bills
Senate Education K-16 Committee hears 12 bills

ATPE submitted testimony or registered a position on six of the 12 bills heard, including bills on educator misconduct.

By Heather Sheffield | Posted on: 4/11/2025

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TEA Commissioner Mike Morath’s comments to the SBOE at the April meeting
TEA Commissioner Mike Morath’s comments to the SBOE at the April meeting

The commissioner focused on educator misconduct and related laws.

By Heather Sheffield | Posted on: 4/10/2025

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ATPE Governmental Relations Director Monty Exter testifies before judiciary and civil jurisprudence committee
ATPE Governmental Relations Director Monty Exter testifies before judiciary and civil jurisprudence committee

Exter testified on potential unintended consequences of bill meant to hold public schools and staff liable for sexual misconduct.

By Tricia Cave | Posted on: 4/10/2025

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Getting ready for Budget Night 2025 in the Texas House
Getting ready for Budget Night 2025 in the Texas House

Your guide to the greatest show on Earth—or at least the Texas Legislature.

By Jennifer Mitchell | Posted on: 4/9/2025

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House Public Education Committee picks up pace
House Public Education Committee picks up pace

Committee members face a looming May 12 deadline to report House bills to the full House.

By Tricia Cave | Posted on: 4/9/2025

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From Houston Landing: Mike Miles: HISD to launch ‘largest pay-for-performance plan in the nation’ in fall 2026
From Houston Landing: Mike Miles: HISD to launch ‘largest pay-for-performance plan in the nation’ in fall 2026

HISD teacher salaries could soon range from $64,000 to $101,000 per year, depending largely on test scores and administrator evaluations.

By Asher Lehrer-Small, Houston Landing | Posted on: 4/8/2025

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House Public Education Committee advances voucher bill, school finance
House Public Education Committee advances voucher bill, school finance

Although the delayed hearing took place in a room with audiovisual capabilities, it was not broadcast by the House—a decision Democratic committee members questioned.

By Tricia Cave | Posted on: 4/4/2025

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