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Texas
24th July 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

Education Department changes discrimination rules

The U.S. Department of Education has announced a significant change in its approach to discrimination, stating it will no longer consider policies that disproportionately affect certain student groups as discriminatory unless intentional. This decision rescinds longstanding provisions under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race or national origin. Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey said: “With these changes, schools will be empowered to address classroom issues without fearing the federal government will weaponize antidiscrimination laws.” However, civil rights advocates, including Michael Pillera from the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, argue that this move undermines protections for students of color, warning it may lead to continued discriminatory practices. Hamida Labi from the NAACP Legal Defense Fund emphasized that discrimination remains prevalent, stating, “The schoolhouse doors in 2026 don't have signs on it that say, ‘whites only,’ but discrimination is still very prevalent.”

STATE NEWS

Texas voucher program sparks school chaos

Tens of thousands of children are set to transition to private schools under Texas' $1bn voucher program, creating challenges for public schools. Many districts are uncertain about how many students will leave, as the state comptroller's office withholds data for districts with fewer than 30 voucher recipients to protect privacy. This lack of information affects planning for staffing and resources, particularly in smaller districts. Brandon Enos, superintendent of Gunter ISD, said: “We are asking for the information we need to responsibly operate our schools.” The program's impact on rural areas remains unclear, as many families may opt for homeschooling. Public school administrators are implementing strategies to manage enrollment uncertainties as they await the school year.

Texas schools shake up history lessons

The Texas State Board of Education is implementing a new chronological approach to teaching history, starting in the 2030-31 school year. This change aims to enhance students' understanding of historical events by presenting them in a sequential manner, moving from ancient history in third grade to the 20th century by seventh grade. The board's decision comes amid declining history scores, with the National Assessment of Educational Progress reporting a nationwide drop since 2018. "There is no silver bullet in education. But Texas needs to try something new in its approach to teaching history," the board stated. However, concerns have been raised about potential ideological biases, particularly regarding the inclusion of biblical texts in the curriculum. Critics argue that the new standards may omit significant historical contexts, while supporters believe this revamp is essential for improving educational outcomes in Texas.

NATIONAL NEWS

Growing movement pushes for longer daily recess

Parents across the U.S. are campaigning to expand school recess, arguing that reduced playtime is contributing to student burnout and limiting children's social, emotional, and physical development. The movement has gained momentum in several states, with Tennessee and Oklahoma passing laws requiring at least 40 minutes of daily recess in elementary schools, while parents in states including Michigan, New Hampshire, and New York continue to push for additional reforms. Supporters cite growing medical and educational evidence that regular, unstructured play improves learning, mental health, and social skills. Advocacy groups are calling for up to 60 minutes of daily, screen-free recess, while researchers argue that broader access to play can boost academic performance without significantly reducing classroom learning time. 

Gun carriage in schools declines

According to a new study published in JAMA Network Open, the percentage of U.S. high school seniors reporting firearm carriage has significantly declined over the past three decades. The research analyzed data from nearly 65,000 12th-grade students from the Monitoring the Future survey between 1994 and 2023. While the average rate of seniors carrying a gun to school dropped to 2.2%, the study found no significant decline among non-Hispanic Black students. The authors said: "Broader violence prevention efforts are needed alongside school-based policies." The findings highlight that carrying firearms to school increases the risk of firearm-related injuries, especially in crowded environments. The researchers suggest that pediatric primary care and emergency departments could help identify at-risk youth by discussing firearm access and exposure to violence. However, limitations in the survey may lead to an undercount of firearm carriage among students who are absent or have dropped out.

TECHNOLOGY

School districts expand data privacy policies

K–12 school districts are increasingly adopting formal data governance programs to strengthen student data privacy, improve cybersecurity, support compliance with regulations such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), and prepare for the growing use of artificial intelligence in education. District leaders are documenting policies, enforcing least-privilege access, reviewing software vendor agreements, and using tools such as multifactor authentication, single sign-on, identity management, and data loss prevention to better safeguard sensitive information. School technology leaders say effective data governance requires districtwide collaboration rather than being treated solely as an IT responsibility. Massachusetts districts including Wayland Public Schools, Littleton Public Schools, and Norton Public Schools have implemented role-based access controls, strengthened oversight of third-party software providers, automated user account management, and established ongoing reviews of data access, emphasizing that governance policies must evolve continuously as technology and educational needs change.

New AI tools aim to detect student engagement in real time

Ambient artificial intelligence could help teachers personalize instruction by analyzing classroom interactions, participation patterns, and environmental factors in real time, potentially identifying student disengagement, adjusting lesson pacing, and reducing administrative workloads without requiring direct user prompts. While early applications are emerging in K-12 classrooms, experts say widespread adoption remains years away due to significant concerns over data privacy, surveillance, accuracy, bias, and the collection and use of sensitive student information. 

POLICY

Katy ISD bans generative AI use

Katy ISD has implemented new rules prohibiting generative AI for students in sixth grade and younger, with a phased approach allowing limited use in higher grades starting in the 2026-27 school year. Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Sanée Bell emphasized, "AI can support the learning process, but it cannot replace the thinking, the struggle or the growth that learning requires." Parents are advocating for stricter regulations, arguing that students should not use AI until its safety and effectiveness are established. The district will treat unauthorized AI use as a violation of the student code of conduct. Concerns about excessive screen time and its impact on learning were also raised during discussions, with Trustee James Cross noting the negative effects of technology on children. Katy ISD plans to launch an AI literacy course for teachers and expand its AI advisory committee to include parents and community members.

WORKFORCE

Marshall ISD approves new teacher pay plan

Marshall ISD trustees have approved a 2026-27 teacher compensation plan with minimal changes from the previous year. The board welcomed new District 2 Trustee Matt Coleman, who fills the vacancy left by Rudy Medina's resignation. The compensation plan includes stipends of $10,000 for teachers with five or more years of experience, $5,000 for those with three to four years, and $1,000 for teachers with one to two years. Additionally, non-administration employees with a master's degree or Ph.D. will receive a $2,000 stipend. In compliance with state law, non-certified teachers cannot earn more than certified teachers, as noted by Andy Chilcoat, assistant superintendent for auxiliary services. The district also introduced new stipends for STEM educators at David Crockett Elementary School and increased the homebound hourly rate for teachers from $30 to $45. Coaches will now earn $40 per trip and a $500 stipend for holding a commercial driver's license.

Grants galore for Ector County teachers

The Education Foundation of Odessa has awarded 44 grants totaling $121,515.44 to Ector County ISD teachers for the 2026-2027 school year through its Grants for Inspiration & Innovation program. The funding includes 35 elementary classroom requests amounting to $87,819.12 and 9 secondary classroom requests totaling $33,696.32. 

KCHS principal earns top award

Daniel Hutchins, principal of Karnes City High School, has received the Outstanding Administrator Award from the Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas. This accolade recognizes his leadership and support for agricultural education and the school's FFA program.

DISTRICTS

Refugio ISD goes digital for eligibility

Refugio ISD will implement the Rank One online platform for student eligibility documentation starting in the 2026-27 school year. District officials said the transition aligns with the University Interscholastic League's adoption of Rank One for compliance across Texas. Parents and guardians must create a Rank One account and complete the UIL Previous Athletic Participation Form (PAPF) before their child's season begins to ensure eligibility.  

Homeschool students win big in Columbia

In a significant decision, Columbia-Brazoria ISD trustees voted 6-0 to allow homeschooled high school students within the district to participate in University Interscholastic League academic competitions and extracurricular activities. This change came after a petition garnered 135 signatures, but only six votes were needed to approve the plan. Parents and a homeschooled ninth-grader voiced their support during the meeting, leading to this inclusive move.

Seniors score free event access

Denton ISD has introduced its Gold Card Program, providing seniors aged 60 and older, who reside within district boundaries or have a family member enrolled, with free admission to district events. The program launches on Monday, August 3, coinciding with the start of UIL competition.

GOVERNANCE

New leadership for Tyler ISD

Tyler ISD has revealed several leadership appointments for the 2026-27 school year, emphasizing its commitment to nurturing internal talent while attracting experienced educators. Key appointments include Brady Beddingfield as Chief Operations Officer, Rachel Sherman as Chief Innovation Officer, and Jarrod Bitter as Executive Director of College and Career.

York takes the helm at New Braunfels ISD

Nancy York has been elected as the new president of the New Braunfels ISD following a special board meeting vote. Initially appointed during the June regular meeting, the vote had to be redone because she did not secure a majority of the votes.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Backpacks for bright futures event!

IDEA Public Schools in Midland is hosting a back-to-school backpack giveaway on Saturday, August 1, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the new IDEA Henry Academy and College Preparatory campus. This initiative, part of the Backpacks for Bright Futures program, aims to equip students with essential school supplies. The first 600 school-aged children will receive a backpack filled with items like rulers and pencils, provided they are accompanied by a guardian.

SPORTS

Empowering future leaders in sports

More than 300 student-athletes from Katy ISD participated in the 2026 Student Athlete Leadership Team (S.A.L.T.) Conference on July 15, focusing on developing essential leadership skills. Nominated by coaches for their leadership potential and character, these athletes engaged in interactive activities and discussions on character, accountability, and service. Stephen Mackey, founder and CEO of the 2Words Character Development Program, inspired attendees by emphasizing the importance of using athletic experiences to positively influence others. "The S.A.L.T. Conference is about preparing student-athletes to lead with integrity, serve others and make a lasting impact long after their competitions," said Lance Carter, Katy ISD Executive Director of Athletics. The conference is a key leadership development opportunity for the district, which sees around 15,000 students participating in athletics annually.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Texas universities may get funding boost

Texas is considering a new funding model for public universities that ties financial support to graduation and retention rates. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, led by Sarah Keyton, plans to propose this model to lawmakers in 2027. The initiative aims to replace the current institutional enhancement funding, which has been criticized as a “slush fund.” The new model would reward universities for each degree awarded and for students reaching key credit hour milestones, thereby promoting student success. Keyton emphasized: “This formula could really accelerate our progress towards the goals of the state education plan.” However, the committee cautioned against a sudden transition, suggesting a gradual phase-out of the old model to avoid financial strain on universities. The proposal is set to be submitted to lawmakers before August 1, ahead of the next legislative session in January.
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