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Texas
10th July 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

Court rules on religious school funding

A federal appeals court has determined that private religious schools in Maine receiving public funds must adhere to state anti-discrimination laws. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit ruled that these schools cannot discriminate based on gender identity or sexual orientation. This decision followed challenges from Saint Dominic Academy and Bangor Christian Schools, which sought exemptions from the Maine Human Rights Act. The court upheld a lower court's ruling, stating: “Just as combatting religious discrimination qualifies as a legitimate governmental pursuit, so too combatting sexual-orientation and gender-identity discrimination rises to that level.” The ruling emphasizes that while religious schools can maintain their religious identity, they must not discriminate against students based on these criteria. The case may influence future rulings, as the U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear a related case this fall.

STATE NEWS

Texas accountability system falls short

Texas’ test-driven school accountability system has spent decades identifying underperformance without resolving its underlying causes, according to education professor David DeMatthews. Nearly half of students remain below grade-level expectations, while teacher shortages, special education failures and funding problems persist. Austin ISD illustrates these weaknesses through entrenched geographic disparities, delayed school closures and repeated compliance issues. DeMatthews argues that state leaders have become “far better at labeling failure than addressing its causes” and should use budget surpluses to strengthen staffing, finance and early intervention.

EXAMS

Houston schools soar in STAAR scores

Houston ISD schools have shown remarkable improvements in STAAR exam scores, with some subjects increasing by over 40 percentage points since the state takeover in 2023. The New Education System, introduced by Superintendent Mike Miles, has contributed to this growth, particularly in high school end-of-course exams, where the rate of students meeting grade level rose by 30 percentage points. However, researchers caution that these gains may not solely reflect improved student learning. While HISD attributes the success to increased funding and resources, the district acknowledges that future improvements may be more incremental as more students reach grade level.

DISTRICTS

Katy ISD redraws boundaries for growth

Rapid growth in north Katy is prompting Katy ISD to revise attendance boundaries, affecting hundreds of students. The proposed changes aim to balance enrollment across campuses starting in the 2027-28 school year. Families impacted by these changes will be notified this summer, with a final vote by trustees expected in October. The adjustments are largely driven by projected overcrowding at Youngblood Elementary, which is anticipated to reach 126% of its capacity by fall 2026.

School closures uproot Austin families

The recent closure of Becker Elementary and other schools in the Austin Independent School District has left families grappling with uncertainty and change. The district's leadership hopes to retain students, but concerns about future closures loom large. 

Dallas stars score big in plano

As the Dallas Stars prepare to relocate to Plano, the Plano ISD has approved its participation in a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) to help finance the new arena and entertainment district. On June 8, the Plano City Council unanimously voted to support over $700m in funding and a nonbinding letter of intent with the Dallas Stars' parent company for a $3bn development at The Shops at Willow Bend. 

ATTENDANCE

Attendance data reveals new strategies

School districts could identify students at risk of chronic absenteeism earlier by separating excused and unexcused absences rather than examining total missed days alone. An American Enterprise Institute analysis of Indiana attendance data from 2015-16 through 2023-24 found that each absence type revealed different patterns. Unexcused absences were more prevalent among historically disadvantaged students and accounted for most missed days among the 20% of students with the highest absence rates. The findings suggest unexcused absences disproportionately drive chronic absenteeism.

TECHNOLOGY

Revolutionizing education with VR

Melissa Morriss-Olson, CEO of the American University of Greece Global Campus, highlights an innovative EdTech initiative by Arizona State University (ASU) in collaboration with Dreamscape Immersive. This partnership has led to the development of avatar-based virtual reality experiences that immerse students in narrative-driven learning environments. The original concept, partly developed by Steven Spielberg, focuses on endangered animals and allows students to actively engage in problem-solving within a virtual world. Research from ASU indicates that students using Dreamscape Learn achieved higher grades and course completion rates compared to those in traditional classes. "Students become active participants in a virtual world where they investigate problems," said Morriss-Olson, emphasizing the transformative potential of this technology in education.

Kids outsmarting school tech systems

As schools increasingly rely on technology, many parents and educators are questioning its effectiveness in promoting learning. Jodi Carreon, who founded the advocacy group San Marcos Unified School District Parents for Intentional Tech, expressed concern over her son’s distractions, stating, "Adults have a hard time and struggle to pay attention on devices. It's unrealistic to expect a child to do so." Reports indicate that students are finding ways to bypass filters, leading to significant off-task behavior. A survey revealed that 56% of educators see off-task computer use as a major distraction. While some teachers acknowledge the benefits of technology, many argue that it complicates classroom management and diminishes students' attention spans. As districts like Los Angeles Unified move to reduce device use, the debate continues over how to balance technology's role in education.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Empowering kids through caregiving

Involving school-age children in caregiving can significantly benefit both the child and the elderly. Dr. Cynthia J. Hickman, CEO of Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate, emphasizes that "these small acts of kindness can brighten someone's day." Engaging children in simple activities, such as reading aloud to older family members, enhances their literacy and communication skills while fostering meaningful connections. This involvement not only helps children develop empathy and patience but also ensures that older adults remain connected to younger generations. Additionally, technology can bridge the gap, allowing children to introduce seniors to digital tools, creating mutual learning opportunities. By prioritizing caregiving, families can cultivate compassion and strengthen bonds across generations.

HIGHER EDUCATION

New loan limits threaten education leaders

A recent analysis reveals that new federal borrowing limits for graduate-level education degrees will significantly impact aspiring administrators, such as principals and superintendents. Lennon Audrain, an assistant professor at Arizona State University, stated, “This has sweeping workforce implications” in education. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act imposes lower borrowing caps, which are particularly constraining for those pursuing administrative roles that typically require advanced degrees. Audrain's research indicates that while undergraduate borrowing limits may not hinder entry into teaching, the $100,000 cap for graduate loans will restrict advancement into administration. He noted, “Will we have the assistant principals and principals and superintendents that we need, or will that pool end up shrinking as a result of this?” The findings raise concerns about the future pipeline of educational leaders.
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