Education
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Trump wants to dismantle the Education Department. That could hurt students with disabilities in Texas.
In a state with a checkered history with federal special education law, advocates say Texas students will see an erosion of their disability rights protections. As the Trump administration pushes to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, advocates for students with disabilities worry that, without federal oversight, Texas will fail to provide adequate special education…
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Second chance charter: This Texas educator is fighting for high school dropouts
Once a teenager drops out of high school, stigmas often follow. The world has become a more and more unforgiving place for young people, and on top of the unique challenges today’s teens face, financial crises at home and in the public school system leave struggling youth without much support. Fortunately, there’s a North Texas…
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Texas Senate approves ban on DEI, LGBTQ+ clubs in public schools
The Senate approved SB 12 in a 20-11 party-line vote on March 19. It’s now headed to the Texas House for consideration. The bill bans the teaching of gender identity and sexual orientation, creates an avenue for parents to file complaints about violations, and requires districts to create policies for disciplining employees who engage in…
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What Trump’s dismantling of the US Education Department means for Texas
The Trump administration’s plans to close the US Education Department — which provides $3.6 billion to Texas schools — has left public school advocates decrying it as “embarrassing, maddening, and saddening.”
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Texas A&M can’t ban “Draggieland” drag show, federal judge rules
A federal judge on Monday temporarily blocked Texas A&M University System from enforcing a ban on drag shows being held at its special event venues. Judge Lee H. Rosenthal said the student group that organizes Draggieland, the Queer Empowerment Council, was likely to succeed in showing the ban violates the First Amendment.
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These librarians won’t let America’s fever hit Fahrenheit 451
A new documentary shows us our local guardians of intellectual freedom in battle.
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Texas schools have leaned on uncertified teachers to fill vacancies. Lawmakers want to put a stop to it.
Underprepared teachers have been tied to student learning losses. But amid a teacher shortage crisis, school leaders fear the restrictions will lead to fewer instructors in their classrooms.
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Public school funding in Texas doesn’t match community support, advocate says
Amid declining enrollments and budget shortfalls, public school supporters are concerned that a $1 billion school voucher program will funnel more money away from neighborhood schools.
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Texas may change how schools select library books. Critics say it could lead to more bans.
Senate Bill 13 would create school library advisory councils largely made up of parents. It would give school boards, rather than librarians, the final say over new books.
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Texas Legislature proposes $400 million cut to higher ed as Dan Patrick threatens university budgets over DEI
At a public event last week, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said higher ed would get less funding if they don’t “kick DEI out of their schools,” a few weeks after lawmakers proposed a massive cut to public universities.
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Texas Senate passes $1B school vouchers bill to spend public funds on private schools
The Texas Senate easily passed a controversial school voucher bill that Democrats criticized for not prioritizing low-income students.
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Texas lawmakers may ban certain lessons at state colleges under expanded DEI crackdown
This year, the Republican-controlled Texas Legislature is expected to pick up where it left off two years ago to address a perceived liberal bias at the state’s public, four-year universities.
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$1 billion school voucher bill clears first hurdle in Texas Senate
A bill creating a $1 billion school voucher program for 100,000 Texas students is on a fast-track for approval in the state Senate.
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I’m helping my college-age kid fill out the 2025-2026 FAFSA. Here’s what to know.
If the financial aid fiasco last year had you, like me, coming up with creative alternatives for the FAFSA acronym, you can take a big, deep breath. This year, the process is so much easier. Or maybe you’re a FAFSA newbie, and you have no knowledge of 2023’s drama—you just want the quick ‘n’ easy…
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A North Texas lawmaker wants to make book banning easier in schools
Rep. Jared Patterson’s House Bill 183 would allow parents to request that the Texas State Board of Education review materials in public school libraries, challenging a book to be removed if they believe it to be inappropriate for the grade level or if it has “sexually explicit material.”
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Texas approves Bluebonnet, its new Bible-infused curriculum for schools
The Texas Board of Education narrowly approved controversial new learning materials for schools after Gov. Greg Abbott rigged the vote.
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Meet Bluebonnet Learning, Texas’ Bible-infused curriculum for schools
The Texas Board of Education is poised to approve Bluebonnet Learning, a Bible-infused curriculum for elementary schools despite criticism that it’s factually inaccurate.
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Trump nominates former WWE head, private school voucher advocate for Education secretary
McMahon is relatively unknown in education circles, although she has expressed support for charter schools and private school vouchers.
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How to stay politically engaged in between election cycles
From engaging with representatives to joining advocacy groups, there are numerous ways to continue participating in democracy and shaping policy after the polls close. Every election, voters cast their ballots to have a say in the governments that pass and implement the many policies that shape their lives. But democratic participation doesn’t have to end…
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Unlicensed teachers now dominate new teacher hires in rural Texas schools
Texas adopted a new state law that allows almost any school to hire unlicensed teachers.
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Of the 39 colleges in Dallas-Fort Worth, these are the best
Of the 39 colleges in Dallas-Fort Worth, five rise to the top of the list. Here’s why.
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10 of our favorite Dallas Public Library branches
Take a tour of some of the top branches in the Dallas Public Library system, from elaborate artwork to special interactive events.
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Biden cancels student loan debt for 25,800 more Texans
Friday’s announcement is just the latest round of student debt cancellation enacted by the Biden administration, which has approved relief for more than 4.3 million people so far, including 216,920 people in Texas.
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Texas Democrats call on colleges to set aside financial aid money for immigrant families affected by FAFSA glitch
TX Democrats are appealing to colleges to set aside financial aid funds for immigrant families unable to complete FAFSA. Here’s what you need to know.
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Biden unveils new plan for student debt relief
The president’s plan builds on existing debt cancellation efforts and would extend loan relief to more than 30 million borrowers.
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Opinion: Rethinking public high schools would help us fill important STEM jobs locally
We need a robust, highly skilled workforce in STEM to support the influx of major infrastructure projects cropping up across the country. The way to fix this is by starting at the high school level.
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Republicans endorsed by Abbott clinch House seats, fate of school vouchers remains uncertain
Abbott’s push for school vouchers was blocked by Democrats and rural Republicans during the 2023 legislative session, but Abbott exacted revenge last week by unseating several of the bill’s opponents.
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TX teachers say they are burned out, majority want to exit public education
TX teachers say they are burned out and want to leave public education. Here’s what you need to know about Texas teachers.
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Judge says Texas school district can punish Black student for his hairstyle
Judge says Texas school district can punish Black student for his hairstyle. Here’s what you need to know about TX’s ruling on Darryl George’s hair.
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Biden proposes new student debt relief plan for Texas borrowers facing ‘hardship’
The new proposal will focus on providing debt relief to those with older loans or loans with large sums of interest; those with high-cost, unavoidable child care or health care expenses; borrowers who are highly likely to default; and others who face “financial hardship.”
