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Texas
19th August 2026
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THE HOT STORY

New federal guidance targets racial considerations in student discipline

The U.S. Department of Education has instructed schools not to consider race when developing or enforcing student discipline policies, arguing that Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and the Constitution prohibit intentional discrimination, rather than policies that unintentionally produce racial disparities. The guidance, announced on Tuesday in a "Dear Colleague" letter, follows the department’s July decision to eliminate longstanding regulations recognizing “disparate impact” liability, and reverses approaches taken under the Obama and Biden administrations. The department argues that previous guidance pressured schools to adjust discipline practices based on racial outcomes, potentially undermining consistent enforcement. Supporters say the new approach will ensure students are disciplined according to individual behavior, while critics argue that it could make it harder to address disproportionate discipline rates among Black, Indigenous, and other minority students. The guidance does not carry the force of law, but sets out how the Trump administration intends to interpret and enforce federal civil rights protections. It states that schools can adopt race-neutral policies with mandatory punishments as long as they are applied consistently, regardless of race.

BLENDED LEARNING

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STATE NEWS

New initiative targets school abuse

North Texas law enforcement has launched "Project Safe Schools" to address child abuse in school districts. U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould emphasized the initiative's goal is to change the culture of noncompliance and concealment of abuse, stating: "The culture has to change." The project aims to prevent the practice of transferring teachers with misconduct histories to new schools. Raybould noted that many districts are under investigation, highlighting the widespread nature of educator misconduct. Recent cases include the firing of Jennifer King, a principal accused of ignoring abuse allegations against a teacher, and a civil lawsuit settlement involving Forney ISD. The Texas Education Agency has opened over 9,720 investigations into educator misconduct in the past two years, with 480 educators placed on a do-not-hire registry. School districts are urged to report abuse promptly to avoid stricter penalties.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Texas schools shine in A-F ratings

Alvin, Friendswood, and Pearland ISDs either improved or maintained their scores in the Texas Education Agency (TEA) annual A-F accountability ratings for the 2025-26 school year. Alvin ISD scored an 86, up from 84, with improvements in student achievement and school progress. Friendswood ISD held steady at 92, with all six schools earning an A. Pearland ISD scored 91, also maintaining its rating, while improving in two categories. “We are incredibly proud of our students, teachers, staff and community for earning an ‘A' rating for the second consecutive year,” said Pearland ISD Superintendent Larry Berger. TEA's ratings are based on student achievement, school progress, and closing the gaps, with annual scores released by August 15 each year.

North Texas schools show steady progress

The latest accountability ratings from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) reveal that North Texas schools are making significant progress, with an increase in A- and B-rated campuses. This improvement is attributed to effective policies, including high-quality instructional materials and the Teacher Incentive Allotment program, which rewards top teachers. Dallas ISD scored 85, while Garland ISD scored 86. Notably, Lorenzo De Zavala Middle School in Irving ISD earned an A rating, showcasing remarkable improvement. Despite the progress, socioeconomic gaps persist, with only 57% of economically disadvantaged students attending A or B campuses compared to 77% of their higher-income peers. TEA scores provide parents with essential insights into school performance, enabling them to ask informed questions about their children's education.

Everman ISD turns F school around

After receiving a fourth consecutive F grade in the Texas Education Agency's A-F Accountability ratings, Everman ISD is converting Charles Baxter Junior High into a public charter school operated by Third Future Schools. This partnership aims to improve the school's performance and avoid a potential state takeover. "What I think some school districts are thinking through is, are there partners that might have specialized or a higher degree of expertise," said TEA Commissioner Mike Morath. The transition allows the school to maintain its staff while implementing a curriculum focused on critical thinking and problem-solving. If Charles Baxter receives a fifth F rating next year, it will not trigger a takeover due to a 2017 Texas law incentivizing partnerships with outside organizations. This move also opens the door for potential increases in state funding for the school.

Mixed results for Harrison County schools

Harrison County school districts have reported mixed results in the latest Texas Education Agency (TEA) ratings. Marshall ISD dropped from a C (73) to a D (69), with David Crockett Elementary receiving an F (57). In contrast, Elysian Fields ISD improved from a C (76) to a B (80). The district stated: "MISD makes a commitment to our community to provide our students a well-rounded education." Hallsville ISD also saw a decline, dropping from a B (81) to a C (78). Overall, the ratings reflect varying levels of academic performance and highlight the need for continued improvement across the districts.

Liberty Hill ISD scores big again

Liberty Hill ISD achieved an 85 on the Texas Education Agency (TEA)'s 2025-26 accountability ratings, maintaining its score for the second consecutive year. Despite facing $8m in budget cuts, all campuses received an “acceptable” score of 70 or above, although Liberty Hill Elementary School dropped to a “C” rating with a score of 74. The district plans to implement new strategies for improvement, including reinstating teaching support staff and expanding language support. Assistant Superintendent Heather Stoner emphasized the goal of ensuring that “each student makes at least a year's worth of growth.”

Longview schools shine with As and Bs

The City of Longview school districts received commendable ratings in the Texas Education Agency's 2026 school accountability ratings, with Spring Hill ISD achieving an overall A rating and Longview and Pine Tree ISDs earning Bs. Longview ISD scored 88, which district leaders described as a “strong B.” Pine Tree ISD also showed progress, with an overall B rating of 87.

DISTRICTS

Dallas school ranks eighth nationally

The School for the Talented and Gifted at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center has achieved eighth place in the latest U.S. News & World Report's Best High Schools rankings, making it the only Texas school in the top 10. In total, four Dallas ISD magnet schools were recognized among the top 100, with the School of Science and Engineering at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center ranked No. 36, and Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women's Leadership School at No. 45. Texas ranked sixteenth overall for its high schools, with nearly 450 schools recognized in the top 25% nationally.

Ten Commandments posters donation

Texas Values, a conservative nonprofit organization, recently donated 640 Ten Commandments posters to Copperas Cove ISD to comply with Senate Bill 10. The initiative aims to ensure that these posters are displayed in school classrooms, promoting biblical teachings within the educational environment. "Texas Values recently donated 600 Ten Commandments posters to Copperas Cove ISD," stated Ashley Fordinal from Texas Values.

Muleshoe teachers welcomed with goody bags

The Muleshoe Classroom Teachers Association recently organized a warm welcome for 35 new teachers and educational assistants by filling goody bags with items from 44 local businesses. This tradition, which has been ongoing for over 35 years, included a breakfast where Superintendent Scott Bicknell and Director of Operations and Instruction Greg Hill greeted the newcomers. Val McCamish, the CTA president, emphasized the benefits of joining the Texas Classroom Teachers Association, stating: "Teaching is one of the most important and difficult jobs out there."

TEACHING

Teachers cling to outdated reading methods

According to the "From the Teacher's Desk: A Science of Reading Progress Report," nearly 30% of K-3 teachers are still using discredited reading methods, failing to fully embrace the science of reading. The report, based on a survey of over 1,200 educators, highlights that many teachers in high-poverty schools are less informed about phonics, a key component of effective reading instruction. David Griffith, a co-author of the report, emphasized the importance of phonics, stating: "If kids don't learn to do this, then they won't learn to read." Despite the implementation of laws in 42 states promoting the science of reading, concerns remain about the balance between phonics and comprehension instruction. The report calls for improved teacher training and curriculum alignment to enhance reading instruction across all schools.

TECHNOLOGY

ChatGPT introduces teen mode as scrutiny of AI safety grows

OpenAI has launched ChatGPT for Teens, a new mode for users ages 13 to 17 that includes stronger safeguards, parental controls, and educational features. The mode will activate when users identify themselves as minors or are estimated to be under 18, with ChatGPT defaulting to the safer experience when a user’s age is uncertain. The service will restrict conversations involving high-risk topics, including self-harm, violence, and eating disorders. Parents can set “Quiet Hours,” manage certain settings, and receive notifications when sensitive subjects arise, while educational features include guided study, quizzes, homework reminders, and visualizations designed to support learning rather than simply provide answers. The launch comes amid growing scrutiny of AI chatbots’ potential effects on young people, including concerns about mental health, emotional reliance, and academic learning. OpenAI said it will use self-reported ages, behavioral and account signals, and verification methods to determine when the additional protections should apply.

LEGAL

Meta faces landmark federal child safety trial

Meta is facing the first bellwether federal trial over allegations that Instagram and Facebook have harmed children through addictive product features, with California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey seeking nearly $200bn in damages for alleged violations of federal child privacy and state consumer protection laws. The states argue that Meta knew features such as infinite scroll, beauty filters, and engagement-driven algorithms could contribute to compulsive use, anxiety, and other harms among young users, while continuing to promote its platforms as safe. Meta denies the claims, says it has introduced safeguards for teenagers, and argues that the states’ allegations are unsubstantiated and their financial demands disproportionate. The six-to-eight-week Oakland trial represents a significant legal test for Meta after recent setbacks, including a $6m California verdict against Meta and YouTube and a New Mexico ruling ordering Meta to pay nearly $1bn.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Pentagon orders 30 U.S. universities to review foreign partnerships

The Department of Defense has ordered 30 U.S. universities to audit partnerships with foreign universities and military training institutions, most of them Chinese, as the Trump administration intensifies scrutiny of potential national security risks. The universities have two weeks to review their relationships and terminate arrangements deemed problematic or risk losing federal funding, with Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Johns Hopkins University reportedly among those affected. The Pentagon said the action is intended to prevent taxpayer-funded research from being stolen or exploited, following its publication of a list of 130 foreign institutions considered to pose an increased risk of research misappropriation. Most are Chinese, although Russian and Iranian institutions are also included. The American Council on Education criticized suggestions that U.S. universities have failed to address research security concerns, while China’s embassy accused Washington of politicizing academic exchanges. The move forms part of broader Trump administration efforts to scrutinize Chinese influence, investment, and activities in the United States and elsewhere.

Texas state defends H-1B visa use

Texas State University is defending its decision to renew an H-1B visa for a public affairs employee amid criticism from conservative lawmakers and activists. The university stated that the renewal complies with Governor Greg Abbott's order, which only applies to new H-1B visas. Abbott has expressed his belief that foreign workers should not be employed by taxpayer-funded institutions, stating, "We're tired of the federal government not putting limits on who can come in under H-1Bs." Critics, including Rep. Brian Harrison, have questioned the university's hiring process, demanding clarity on the lack of qualified American applicants for the position. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions surrounding H-1B visas in Texas, where over 3,300 visa holders work at public universities.

INTERNATIONAL

Principals seek independent council to end New Zealand’s cycle of education reform

The New Zealand’s Principals’ Federation is calling for cross-party support to establish a permanent, independent Curriculum and Assessment Council, arguing that repeated politically driven reforms have caused unnecessary disruption to schools. Federation president Jason Miles said the proposed body would operate across electoral cycles, draw on research and professional expertise, and work in partnership with iwi and Māori education groups to provide a more deliberate approach to curriculum and assessment changes, while education ministers would retain final decision-making authority. Labour education spokesperson Ginny Andersen backed the broader aim of reducing political influence on education but stopped short of endorsing the proposed council.

 
RNZ
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