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The recent analysis of the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) exam results highlights significant disparities in student performance based on household income. Wealthier districts generally reported higher passing rates, with a $20,000 increase in median household income correlating to nearly a 4% rise in passing rates for elementary and middle school exams. "Income accounted for about one-quarter of the differences in elementary and middle school STAAR passing rates," the analysis noted. However, some low-income districts, like Roma ISD, exceeded expectations with an 80% passing rate, attributed to strategic resource use and frequent testing. In contrast, Edgewood ISD fell significantly below expectations, with a passing rate 13 percentage points lower than anticipated. The findings underscore the complex relationship between socioeconomic factors and academic success, as experts emphasize that income alone does not fully explain performance variations.

 

Star-Telegram

A new analysis from the American Federation of Children has found that nearly 92% of U.S. K-12 students could qualify for scholarships under the Trump administration's new federal school choice tax credit program, although the number of students who ultimately receive awards will depend on state participation, taxpayer contributions, scholarship availability, and forthcoming federal regulations. The program, created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, allows taxpayers to claim federal tax credits of up to $1,700 for donations to scholarship-granting organizations that can fund private school tuition, certain homeschooling expenses, and approved educational services for public and charter school students. The analysis highlights that 31 states have already opted in or indicated they will participate, while 19 states have yet to decide. Additional uncertainties include how many taxpayers claim the credit, how scholarship organizations distribute funds, and whether homeschooled students qualify in states that do not legally define homeschooling as a form of private or religious schooling. Congressional projections estimate the program will generate $500m in tax credits during its first year, rising to $4.4bn by 2034.

 

Education Week News

The Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) has approved the inclusion of Bible passages in the state's required reading list, igniting a heated debate. Critics argue that this move promotes Christianity in public schools, while supporters claim it is essential for understanding literature and U.S. history. "When we teach classical literature and social studies with biblical foundations, we are not simply preserving great books," said a Lubbock resident. However, Andrew Tobolowsky, an associate professor of religious studies, cautioned that the initiative is intertwined with a political agenda, stating: "The potential for abuse is extreme." David Brockman, a nonresident scholar at Rice University's Baker Institute, echoed these concerns, noting that the curriculum may lead students to believe that the Bible is the only significant religious text. He emphasized the need for a more diverse reading list to avoid privileging one religion over others. Overall, the decision raises questions about the separation of church and state in education.

 

Beaumont Enterprise

Chron.com

Three Houston mothers are suing to remove the Ten Commandments from Texas public school classrooms, claiming it violates the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act and the Parental Rights Amendment. Emily Roth, one of the plaintiffs, said: "It teaches students, and their teachers, that exclusion is acceptable, maybe even preferred." The lawsuit, filed in Harris County, seeks to have the displays taken down before the school year begins in mid-August. The mothers argue that the posters ignore religious diversity and pressure students to conform to specific religious values. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has defended the law, stating that the displays are part of the nation's heritage. The case follows previous legal challenges to Senate Bill 10, which mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms.

 

The Texas Tribune

The Austin ISD has decided to close Paredes Middle School due to ongoing academic challenges and staffing shortages, passing the decision with a 7-2 vote. The closure, which affects 848 students, comes as the school faces a fourth consecutive failing rating, potentially leading to a state takeover. The district plans to reassign students to Bailey and Mendez Middle Schools, but concerns remain about course availability and transportation for families.

 

Austin American-Statesman

James Ortiz, a retired educator, is running for the Copperas Cove ISD board of trustees, emphasizing the need for a shift from administrative management to genuine leadership. He expressed concerns about teacher morale and budget transparency, stating: “Some of the leadership in education nowadays seems like they're more managers than they are leaders.” Ortiz criticized the district's handling of its budget deficit, particularly the cuts to special education, which he believes could lead to legal issues. He also highlighted public frustration over administrative spending, including a recent $34,000 raise for the superintendent while teacher salaries remain stagnant. Ortiz advocates for prioritizing essential needs, such as facility repairs and smaller class sizes, and believes that no one in leadership should receive raises until support is extended to all staff.

 

Killeen Daily Herald

Temple Daily Telegram

Ingram ISD faced significant flooding in July 2026, impacting twelve buildings, including the agricultural science building and athletics fieldhouse at Tom Moore High School. Superintendent Justin Turner reported that the damage stemmed from an overflowing retention pond rather than the Guadalupe River, stating: "It's not from the Guadalupe River that got us; it was water from the top." The estimated repair costs are around $2m, with some expenses not covered by insurance. Community support has been evident, with the Cailloux Foundation donating $180,000 for repairs.

 

Star-Telegram

Kendall McLeod, a social studies teacher at Temple High School, is dedicated to helping students navigate the complex landscape of information online. He aims to implement unbiased political content in his classroom, fostering informed discussions among seniors preparing to vote. Recently, McLeod attended the C-SPAN Summer Educators' Conference, where he learned to integrate C-SPAN Classroom resources into his lessons. “With C-SPAN,” he said, “they don't seem like they're trying to get this person to give a particular answer.” By utilizing C-SPAN's less biased content, McLeod hopes to provide students with a comprehensive view of issues, allowing them to form their own opinions. He emphasizes the importance of understanding multiple perspectives, stating: “In this case, you can clearly see there is no truly right answer.”

 

Temple Daily Telegram

Japan is expanding Japanese-language education for students with foreign backgrounds, but nearly 9,700 public-school students who required language instruction in 2025 received no specialized support, highlighting persistent educational gaps. Experts say that schools should adopt a plurilingual approach that strengthens both academic Japanese and students’ family languages, warning that preserving heritage languages is essential for educational achievement, family relationships, emotional well-being, and Japan’s long-term success as a more diverse society.

 

The Japan Times