While many Texans were focused on top-of-the-ballot races ahead of Election Day, every voter in the state also had a say in who controls statewide education policy. The GOP made gains — with the help of record-shattering campaign contributions and by targeting so-called "critical race theory." All 15 positions were up for grabs this year on the State Board of Education, which approves textbooks, sets curriculum standards and has veto power over new charter schools. The GOP picked up one seat. Republican LJ Francis flipped District 2 — which stretches up from the Rio Grande Valley along the Gulf of Mexico in southeast Texas — giving the GOP a 10-5 majority on the board, up from 9-6.    (14) view article

San Antonio Independent School District officials are considering revoking six of their 39 in-district charters and outside management partnerships created in recent years to improve certain campuses. The annual performance review of campuses operating under these models, presented to the SAISD board of trustees last week, included recommendations to renew, place on probation or revoke the existing arrangements at 24 schools whose contracts are up for renewal. view article

This report provides the first comprehensive examination of charter failure rates over time—beginning in 1999 and ending in 2017. By following all charter schools, from the year they opened, we were able to determine how long they lasted before closing down. We also determined how many students have been displaced by failing charter schools and where those closures are most likely to occur.  This report provides the first comprehensive examination of charter failure rates over time—beginning in 1999 and ending in 2017. By following all charter schools, from the year they opened, we were able to determine how long they lasted before closing down. We also determined how many students have been displaced by failing charter schools and where those closures are most likely to occur.  view article

Ask Ibefel Franco where she wants her son to graduate from, it doesn’t take long for her to answer – IDEA Travis. Franco got her first taste of an IDEA graduation as officials show new parents a video that includes pictures of other IDEA students graduating – a hallmark of the school’s motto that “from pre-kinder to 12th grade, IDEA Public Schools is focused on sending 100% of our kids to college.” view article