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Texas acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock is attempting to block certain schools from participating in the state's new private school voucher program, citing alleged connections to the Chinese government and the Council of American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), which has been labeled a terrorist organization by Governor Greg Abbott. In a letter to Attorney General Ken Paxton, Hancock expressed concerns about schools that have hosted events organized by CAIR and those potentially linked to foreign entities. The $1bn voucher program, known as "Texas Education Freedom Accounts," is set to begin processing applications in February, with funds available for the 2026-2027 school year.

 

Austin American-Statesman

As national education spending per pupil increases, student enrollment is declining, raising concerns about the effectiveness of taxpayer dollars in public schools. Since 2002, K-12 spending has surged by over 35%, yet enrollment has dropped by 2.1%, equating to over a million students lost in five years. Test scores are also falling, with only one-third of students achieving proficiency in reading, according to the National Assessment Governing Board. Despite record spending, including New York's $32,284 per pupil in 2024, educational outcomes remain stagnant. The report by Reason Foundation highlights that public school spending is nearing $1trn annually, yet the achievement gap continues to widen.

 

Killeen Daily Herald

The Congressional–Executive Commission on China (CECC) recommends major expansion of U.S. Mandarin immersion programs, using the U.S.–Taiwan Education Initiative as a model to avoid Chinese government influence. Its 2025 report calls for more language education in Tibetan and Uyghur as well, citing national security and human rights concerns. The CECC supports legislation restricting K–12 schools from partnering with Chinese-linked entities and urges federal funding transparency. “Linguistic and cultural experts” are essential, it argues, to counter covert Chinese influence and strengthen U.S. institutions.

 

Language Magazine

In 2024, 35% of Texas high school seniors graduated with an industry certification, while 3.1% earned their associate degree and 21% received Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate credit. This initiative is part of the “Building a Talent Strong Texas” goal, aiming for 60% of Texans aged 25 to 64 to hold a certificate or degree by 2030. Students can choose from various courses, including statistics and chemistry, to earn college credit while still in high school. Dual enrollment has seen significant growth, with participation rising from 152,500 students in 2016 to over 218,800 in 2023. However, access to these courses is not evenly distributed, with disparities noted among different racial groups.

 

Austin American-Statesman

U.S. high schools are increasingly deploying AI surveillance tools - cameras, sensors and predictive algorithms - to enhance safety amid concerns about school shootings and student behavior. A Futurism report highlights Beverly Hills High’s full-scale monitoring, including restroom audio sensors and facial recognition. Critics warn of privacy violations, psychological harm, and minimal safety gains, with mishaps like a Vancouver data breach illustrating risks. Legal scholars raise Fourth Amendment concerns, and students, parents, and educators are pushing back. Despite federal warnings and new privacy laws, widespread adoption continues, prompting urgent calls for ethical oversight and data safeguards.

 

Web Pro News

For the fifth consecutive year, American teenagers' use of drugs and alcohol remains at a historic low, according to the National Institute of Health-funded Monitoring the Future survey. This survey, which has tracked student behaviors for over 50 years, indicates that the decline in substance use that began during the COVID-19 pandemic has become a lasting trend. Richard Miech, a research professor and lead investigator, said: "Many expected teen drug use levels to return to pre-pandemic levels once the social distancing policies were lifted, but this has not happened." The survey revealed that 91% of eighth-graders, 82% of 10th-graders, and 66% of 12th-graders reported not using marijuana, alcohol, or nicotine in the month prior to the survey. Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, called the results encouraging, noting that "so many teens choose not to use drugs at all." However, she emphasized the need for continued monitoring of these trends.

 

Star-Telegram

Judson ISD has approved Corgan Associates Inc. as the architect for its Long-Range Facility Plan and Education Specification project, with an estimated cost approved. Corgan Associates will set school facility standards for construction and ensure that capital improvement projects align with the Texas Administrative Code. The project, funded by the district's 2016 bond, will assess existing instructional programs, building conditions, and safety standards. Board President Monica Ryan inquired about the selection process, while Assistant Superintendent of Operations Daniel Brooks noted that the pricing was “not cheap.” The Long-Range Facility Plan must be updated every five years before new capital projects commence.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Clear Creek ISD has received a B rating for the 2024-25 school year from the Texas Education Agency, scoring 88 out of 100 points. This marks an improvement of two points from preliminary reports released earlier. The updated score reflects successful appeals regarding initial results affected by data submission errors related to college and career readiness. “We appreciate TEA's thorough review and recognition of the corrected data, which more accurately represents the achievements of our students and staff,” said Superintendent Karen Engle. The district's score is its highest since the state accountability ratings began in the 2018-19 school year. Of the 46 schools in the district, 44 received individual scores, with 12 campuses earning a C, while 17 received an A and 15 a B. Overall, CCISD exceeds state averages in student achievement categories.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Humble ISD officials are inviting community members to review and provide feedback on instructional materials for the 2026-27 school year. The public showcase will take place at the district's Instructional Support Center from January 5 to February 27, with materials available for secondary mathematics and elementary English and Spanish language arts.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Prairie Trail Elementary School in Flower Mound has emerged as the top contributor in the Lewisville ISD's annual Stuff the Pantry Food Drive. The school’s efforts contributed to over 40,000 pounds of food collected district-wide, enough to feed approximately 900 families weekly.

 

The Cross Timbers Gazette

Since its inception in 2019, Magnolia School has become a beacon for families seeking a no-tech educational environment for their daughters. Founded by Annamarie Omanga, the K-8 private girls' school emphasizes human connection and personal growth. The school has tripled its enrollment and now has a waitlist, reflecting its appeal.

 

The Leader News

The Comal ISD is enhancing its safety protocols by providing staff and substitutes with badges equipped with security alert capabilities. The 2023 bond allocates funds for active threat system improvements across all campuses. Chief Information Officer Scott Monroe mentioned that the initial design includes lockdown buttons in hallways and a mobile app for campus-wide lockdowns. However, challenges remain, such as reliance on cell service, the absence of outdoor buttons, and substitutes lacking access to the Raptor app. "Some staff frequently move between campuses," Monroe said, highlighting the need for a comprehensive solution.

 

Herald Zeitung

A five-year-old's homework has gone viral, igniting discussions about the pressures teachers face. A TikTok video shared by a U.K. parent showcased a worksheet with a grammatical error in the instructions: "Its is their challenge for the weekend!" While some criticized the mistake, many defended the teacher, emphasizing the overwhelming workload educators endure. One early years teacher said: "I can guarantee that this teacher goes above and beyond every day for your child." A 2024 Pew Research Center analysis revealed that about 80% of U.S. teachers feel overworked, often taking their responsibilities home. The viral post has sparked a broader conversation about the human side of teaching and the challenges educators face daily.

 

Star-Telegram