State standardized testing gets underway across public schools in early April. Families can take a look at the sample questions that their children will see on the Texas Education Agency website. Christina Pina, a teacher at Southwest Independent School District, said she is focused on reviewing the core skills her students have been learning all year. “The kids have already learned all the strategies that they need to, so a lot of times when it comes to STAAR prep, it’s more of now just really having fun with all the content they’ve learned all year,” Pina said. view article

The Midland ISD board of trustees will consider turning over four more of its elementary schools to a charter school operator. view article

The Permian Basin Future Ready (PBFR) Coalition is urging Midland ISD to partner with Third Future Schools through an SB 1882 partnership to improve student outcomes at four of the district’s D- or F-rated schools. view article

Third Future Schools has officially announced to an end to their partnership with Beaumont ISD according to a news release posted on their website. "After a successful year-long partnership, the operation of Fehl Price Elementary, Jones Clark Elementary, and Smith Middle School will transition back to Beaumont Independent School District at the end of the 2024-2025 school year," read the news release. view article

Despite the escalating political rhetoric about taxpayer-funded private school vouchers, the truth remains: Texas public schools are the leaders in providing families with the most academic, athletic, career and technical, and extracurricular choices.  view article

The Gathering Place Charter School announced it will close at the end of the 2024-2025 school year after a decision by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to not renew its charter. view article

school vouchers, often referred to as “school choice” programs, use public funds to help families pay for their children’s private education. Supporters say families should receive state support to send their child to a different school if public schools aren't adequately serving them. Opponents worry a voucher program would strip vital funds away from already cash-strapped public schools.  Texas lawmakers and Gov. Greg Abbott failed to agree on the details of a voucher proposal during the 2023 legislative session, but passing such a bill will once again be a top priority for voucher supporters this year. Abbott, the state’s leading voucher advocate, successfully campaigned last year to replace many voucher critics in the Texas House with new members who have voiced support for them. view article

Both chambers set aside $1 billion for a voucher-like education savings account program — double what was on the table two years ago — in a sign that supporters are emboldened after recent electoral gains. view article