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Texas
30th January 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Texas board delays reading list plan

The Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) has decided to postpone a mandatory reading list for K-12 students after over four hours of public testimony on January 28. Board members expressed the need for more feedback from Texans before implementing the policy, which is required under House Bill 1605, a 2023 state law. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) proposed a list of nearly 300 literary works, including classical literature and some religious excerpts. Shannon Trejo, the TEA's deputy commissioner, emphasized the importance of balancing a foundational literary canon with local flexibility for students to choose their own books.

ACCELERATE MATH ACHIEVEMENT

Accelerate Math Proficiency for Texas Students

Math 180 Texas is a comprehensive, research-based math intervention program designed to accelerate math achievement for students in Grades 3–8 who are performing below grade level. Approved for adoption with the highest quality scores of any program in IMRA 2025’s supplemental math category, the program combines teacher-led instruction, adaptive technology, and independent practice to build conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and problem-solving skills.

Math 180 Texas targets key mathematical domains such as number sense, algebraic thinking, and data analysis, while also supporting academic confidence. It has a flexible structure that allows it to be implemented in various instructional settings and a Math 180 Flex Texas option that integrates seamlessly with any core math curriculum.

Learn more about Math 180 Texas

 

LEADERSHIP

Andrews named lone finalist for Mexia superintendent

Mexia ISD has unanimously voted to name Interim Superintendent Brad Andrews as the lone finalist for the superintendent position, which became vacant in late September. Andrews, who has been serving as interim since early October after four years as deputy superintendent, has been recognized for his leadership qualities. The district stated that he “has led the district with a focus on unity and a strong, supportive community, as well as student success and a clear vision for excellence.”

HISD leaders' pay examined

Houston ISD has come under scrutiny for the high salaries and substantial bonuses awarded to ts top leaders. According to contracts reviewed by the Houston Chronicle, 13 cabinet members earn over $200,000, with some receiving bonuses of $30,000. Duncan Klussman, a University of Houston Education professor, noted: "You typically see them at the Superintendent level, but it's not uncommon to have them also for senior team members." Meanwhile, Jackie Anderson, President of the Houston Federation of Teachers, emphasized the need for fair compensation for teachers, stating, "We have teachers still having to decide whether or not they are going to pay their rent or buy prescription medication."

Judson ISD trustees consider Superintendent's fate

Judson ISD trustees are set to discuss the potential termination of Superintendent Milton Fields at their special meeting on February 4. Fields was placed on administrative leave earlier this month amid an unspecified investigation. Board President Monica Ryan stated, "The Board remains committed to following all applicable laws, acting in the best interests of students and staff, and maintaining transparency."

DISTRICTS

Celebrating 135 years of Blackshear

Blackshear Elementary School, Austin ISD's first fine arts elementary school, will celebrate its 135th anniversary on February 13. Founded in 1891 as School No. 3, it has a rich history tied to the Gregorytown community, a freedom colony established by formerly enslaved individuals.

Closure of historic Corpus Christi schools

The Corpus Christi ISD Board of Trustees has decided to close several schools, including Kostoryz, Travis, Fannin, and Sanders elementary schools, as well as Martin, Browne, and Haas middle schools. CCISD spokesperson Alexandria Cantu mentioned that the naming of schools is governed by board policy and that future naming opportunities could honor the district’s history. The district plans to hold final walk-through events for the community at the end of the year.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Longview ISD breaks ground on new center

Longview ISD has commenced construction on its new Early Childhood Learning Center, a 79,000-square-foot facility with a budget of $61.8m. Designed for children aged six weeks to four years, the center aims to enhance early literacy, child development, and family engagement. “The center will provide a welcoming, modern environment focused on early literacy, child development, and family engagement,” the district said. The facility will feature over 30 classrooms, a library, kitchen, and gymnasium, addressing childcare demand and reducing waitlists for families. Superintendent Dr. Marla Sheppard emphasized the project's significance, stating, “When we invest in early learning, we invest in everything that comes after it.”

TECHNOLOGY

Most teens ignore school phone bans, using devices for 1.5 hours daily

A University of Southern California study has found that while 98% of teens attend schools with cellphone restrictions and most support the rules, students still use their phones for an average of 1.5 hours during the school day. Despite bans, two-thirds of students at schools with full restrictions still use phones in class, often with minimal consequences, and most report little impact on academic performance or social dynamics. Other typical consequences include confiscating the phone for the remainder of the class or the entire day, contacting parents, assigning detention, or requiring a parent to retrieve the device.

ENROLLMENT

Keller schools face tough choices

The Keller school district is facing significant challenges as it grapples with declining enrollment and funding. During a board meeting on January 22, Superintendent Cory Wilson presented a concerning report on the district's financial situation and enrollment drop. He mentioned that the Long-range Planning Committee will provide “tentative recommendations” in March regarding school closures. Wilson emphasized the need for transparency and data-driven decisions, stating, “We're going to have to close some campuses.” Currently, the district has around 30,000 students, down from a peak of 34,000, with facilities operating at 77% capacity.

STUDENTS

Empowering at-risk students: a community effort

Winett Vines, the Site Coordinator for Copperas Cove and Crossroads High School, recently addressed the Noon Exchange Club about initiatives to assist at-risk students and their families. Vines emphasized the importance of checking in on not just students but also their parents and siblings to provide necessary mental health and financial resources. “Working with kids is a beautiful thing,” Vines said, highlighting the impact of allowing students to express themselves. Copperas Cove High School Counselor BrendaLiz Gomez discussed the shift from a reward-based system to an open-door policy, fostering a supportive environment for students to share their feelings.

INTERNATIONAL

India enrols more children into school than ever, but learning gaps persist

India’s Economic Survey 2025–26 highlights that school enrolment at the elementary level is now near-universal, with dropout rates continuing to fall and gender gaps narrowing across most stages. However, the report warns that learning outcomes have not improved at the same pace, with significant disparities persisting across states, income groups and school types. The survey also noted that post-pandemic learning losses remain unevenly reversed, worsened by the digital divide during school closures, while teacher shortages, high pupil-teacher ratios and uneven deployment continue to limit classroom quality. The central challenge ahead is shifting focus from access to education toward measurable learning gains, particularly in foundational literacy and numeracy.
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