Education Slice
Become more informed in minutes...
Education Slice Logo
Texas
26th October 2026
Together with

THE HOT STORY

Dual enrollment growth highlights equity gaps

Dual enrollment participation in the United States reached a record 3m students during the 2024–25 academic year, increasing 24% over two years, with community colleges serving approximately 70% of participants. Research suggests that students who earn college credits while in high school are more likely to pursue and complete higher education, potentially reducing tuition costs. However, participation remains uneven, particularly among Black and Hispanic students, boys, English learners, and students with disabilities. Education experts recommend stronger partnerships between high schools and colleges, improved academic advising, flexible eligibility requirements, and courses aligned with transferable college credits and career pathways. With high school students now accounting for nearly a quarter of community college enrollment nationwide, school leaders are encouraged to use their growing influence to secure better support and expand access to these opportunities.

DIGITAL CURRICULUM

Choose the Right Digital Curriculum

How do you determine which digital courses will meet your students’ and teachers’ needs best? Get expert answers to your digital curriculum questions in the free Digital Curriculum Buyer’s Guide from FlexPoint. While you learn how to identify quality digital courses, you’ll complete worksheets that will offer a clear path toward your goals. These insights, tips, and more are vital to making the right purchasing decisions for your school or district.

Download Free Guide

 

POLICY

Majority of students oppose all-day cellphone bans

A national survey by Hopelab and Data for Progress has found that 80% of students oppose all-day cellphone bans in schools, citing concerns about their ability to communicate during emergencies, including school shootings and lockdowns. The survey, which included nearly 1,500 young people ages 13 to 24, found that 64% supported restrictions on cellphone use during classes, highlighting a preference for targeted measures rather than blanket prohibitions. Among high school respondents, 80% attended schools with cellphone restrictions, while 42% reported full-day bans. Approximately 42 states and Washington, D.C., have introduced school cellphone restrictions, with some districts implementing bell-to-bell bans. Researchers have urged schools to establish clear emergency communication protocols and provide accommodations for students who rely on assistive technologies, including translation and reading tools, while balancing safety concerns with efforts to reduce classroom distractions.

DISTRICTS

Boosting student success in McKinney

McKinney ISD is focusing on enhancing student performance, attendance, and support for disadvantaged students in the 2026-27 school year. During the latest meeting, Jennifer Akins, McKinney ISD's chief school improvement and federal programs officer, presented the District and Campus Improvement Plan, which includes a needs assessment to identify strengths and weaknesses, gathering input from teachers, parents, and community members. Akins said: “In simple terms, these plan[s] explain what we intend to improve, what actions we'll take and how we'll know whether those actions are working.” Key goals include increasing the percentage of 3rd grade students meeting grade level on reading and math STAAR exams, achieving 90% college readiness for graduates, and improving attendance rates. The plan also emphasizes strengthening classroom instruction through teacher training and support. 

Kerrville ISD trustees discuss campus goals

During a recent meeting, Kerrville ISD trustees received updates on campus goals from secondary principals and discussed legislative priorities for the 2027 Texas Legislative session. Tivy High School Principal Rick Sralla reported that the school is close to achieving an "A" rating based on STAAR test results, stating: “We're right there. It's like going to the dollar store with 98 cents…will just take a little more to achieve that A rating on the STAAR test.” Hal Peterson Middle School Principal Rose Gonzales emphasized the importance of data analysis for instructional improvement, while Hill Country High School Principal Steve Schwarz noted the positive impact of relocating the school. Starkey Elementary has shown significant progress, with Principal Colleen Dale reporting a 19-point academic growth.  

College Station ISD's bold new plan

College Station ISD has approved its 2026-27 improvement plan, designed to address critical gaps despite ongoing district advancements. The plan follows a five-year strategy initiated after independent audits during the 2024-25 spring semester, which provided recommendations for enhancing curriculum management and assessment systems. The district, currently rated at 86% with eight “A” campuses and a 96.1% graduation rate, will focus on a multi-tiered support system for academics and behavior, middle school mathematics, and collaborative teacher teams.  

Montgomery ISD's bilingual program thrives

At the Montgomery ISD board meeting on October 20, Chris Summers, the assistant superintendent of Academic Accountability, presented a report on the district's Emergent Bilingual program. The program, which includes one-way and two-way dual language immersion and English as a second language (ESL), has seen an increase in enrollment, with 400 students in 2025-26, up from 385 the previous year. Summers noted that while direct instruction is currently offered in English and Spanish, the district accommodates 17 other languages. The Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS) indicated that emergent bilingual students have made consistent progress, with 65.3% achieving above-grade-level distinction in reading. 

Midland ISD on the brink of change

Midland ISD is on the verge of needing to implement a Burmese bilingual program, as it is just one student short of the required 20 students sharing a primary language in the same grade. However, even if the threshold is met, the district plans to seek a state exception due to a lack of certified teachers and appropriate curriculum materials. In the 2025-26 school year, Midland ISD submitted 86 bilingual exceptions and 261 ESL waivers to the Texas Education Agency, all of which were accepted. The district anticipates submitting fewer exceptions and waivers for the upcoming school year.

ENROLLMENT

Alief ISD seeks community input

Alief ISD is seeking community involvement to address nine years of declining enrollment through its "School Optimization" initiative. Deputy Superintendent Charles Woods emphasized that "anything is on the table as a potential opportunity," which may include campus closures, consolidations, and program expansions. To gather input, Alief ISD is hosting six community meetings, with the next scheduled for October 29 at Killough Middle School. Woods described this effort as "a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," highlighting that 11 of the district's 24 elementary schools are currently operating below 50% capacity.

WORKFORCE

Central office staff could substitute teach

College Station ISD officials are considering a pilot program that would allow central office staff to serve as substitute teachers. This proposal was discussed during the board's October 20 meeting, following its initial introduction at the September 15 workshop. Superintendent Tim Harkrider mentioned that a framework for the plan could be ready by December. The initiative aims to save costs, similar to a program by El Paso ISD that could save $255,000 annually.  

GOVERNANCE

Leadership shakeup at Argyle ISD

Argyle ISD is undergoing significant leadership changes as Superintendent Courtney Carpenter prepares to depart after three years. This announcement follows a tumultuous board meeting where Board Secretary Matt Slaton resigned, citing concerns over leadership and personal agendas.  

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

New Caney ISD unveils Crossroads Elementary

New Caney ISD (NCISD) has announced that its 13th elementary school will be named Crossroads Elementary School, with construction set to commence in November. The $44m campus will span 110,000 square feet and is expected to be completed by late spring or summer 2028. Richard Ressler, NCISD Director of Facilities and Planning, stated that the school will be located on Ford Road, at the site of the former Porter Elementary campus, and is scheduled to open in fall 2028.  

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Katy ISD earns top CTE honor

Katy ISD has been recognized for the second consecutive year as the Career and Technical Education (CTE) District of Distinction by the Career and Technical Association of Texas (CTAT). This accolade, announced on October 16, underscores the district's commitment to innovative programming and workforce readiness. With over 32,000 students enrolled in CTE courses, nearly 45% of graduating seniors earn industry-based certifications before graduation. Nicholas Gonzales, Katy ISD Director of Career and Technical Education, said: “Earning this recognition for a second consecutive year reflects the dedication of our CTE educators and the strength of our industry partnerships.” The designation highlights Katy ISD's investment in career-connected learning and its focus on preparing students for high-demand careers.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Outdoor play boosts classroom success

Research from Deborah J. Rhea, a professor at Texas Christian University, reveals that elementary students who engage in an hour of outdoor play daily show improved academic performance. Rhea leads the LiiNK Project, which incorporates four 15-minute outdoor breaks into the school day, benefiting around 60,000 students across Texas, Oklahoma, and Michigan. Her findings indicate that test scores can rise by 10% by fourth grade, and classroom discipline issues nearly vanish. Despite these benefits, Tarrant County school districts face scheduling challenges that hinder the expansion of recess. Texas law mandates at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily, but schools like Fort Worth and Arlington cite logistical obstacles to implementing longer recess periods. Rhea's research could influence future discussions on school schedules.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Houston ISD faces backlash over ICE threat

Houston lawmakers and civil rights advocates are urging Houston ISD (HISD) to take action following an incident at a volleyball game where a parent allegedly threatened to report a student’s family to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). State Rep. Christina Morales said: "Grown adults threatened to report a child's parents to ICE," emphasizing the seriousness of the threat. Despite HISD's review of the incident, Morales and Rep. Jolanda Jones criticized the district for not adequately intervening during the event. Jones stated: "HISD has an obligation to protect kids," highlighting the need for stronger measures against such behavior. The incident has sparked calls for unity between Black and Hispanic communities, especially as ICE detention rates rise in Houston. 

Fort Worth invests in school safety

Fort Worth City Council has approved over $10m for school resource officers through an interlocal agreement with Keller and Northwest ISDs. Keller ISD will contribute $1.55m for 11 officers, while Northwest ISD will pay $1.21m for 10 officers, reflecting savings from previous years. The contract, effective from October 1 to September 30, 2027, aims to enhance safety in schools. Additionally, a $3.72m contract was awarded to Vision Builders for remodeling the Real Time Crime Center, which will support the Tactical Real-Time Intelligence Detection Enforcement of North Texas (TRIDENT) initiative. "The total amount for all the school districts, as part of a 50% split, is $10.09m," according to city documents.

NUTRITION

Delays in federal food standards raise concerns over children’s health and nutrition

More than 100 health, nutrition, and medical experts are urging the Trump administration to release a federal definition of ultraprocessed foods amid delays reportedly linked to food industry pressure. The initiative, a key part of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again agenda, aims to address growing concerns about obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases associated with ultraprocessed food consumption. Research indicates that these products account for more than 70% of the U.S. packaged food supply, while children and toddlers obtain approximately 47% to 59% of their calories from them. Experts argue that a standardized definition could support clearer food labeling, healthier school meals, and stronger nutrition policies while encouraging manufacturers to improve their products. Although federal agencies submitted a proposed definition for review in August, its release remains delayed, prompting calls for greater transparency and faster regulatory action.

 
PBS

HIGHER EDUCATION

Federal earnings test threatens college programs

Nearly 2,900 U.S. college programs could fail the Department of Education’s new earnings test, potentially jeopardizing their eligibility for federal student loans, according to an analysis by higher education marketing agency Validated Insights. The test assesses whether graduates earn more than high school graduates in the same state, with 2,880 programs currently falling below the threshold and another 1,995 passing by less than 10%. The failing programs enroll approximately 644,000 students, including more than 308,000 federal borrowers. Undergraduate certificate programs face the greatest risk, with 29% failing, particularly in health care, while associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs show considerably lower failure rates. The report recommends strategies such as integrating industry certifications, expanding paid work-based learning, and improving graduate placement in higher-paying jobs. Federal determinations are expected in early 2027, with programs potentially losing federal loan eligibility as early as the 2028–29 academic year if they fail twice within three years.

INTERNATIONAL

Alberta sets new school flag rules

Alberta will introduce new flag display regulations across all schools on January 4, 2027, requiring schools to fly Canadian and Alberta flags while prohibiting flags intended to promote social or political causes. The rules allow certain cultural, Indigenous, municipal, and international flags to be displayed on designated occasions, with schools able to request exemptions from the provincial government. Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides said the measures aim to keep classrooms politically neutral and focused on learning. However, education advocates, teachers' representatives, and opposition politicians have criticized the restrictions, raising concerns about LGBTQ+ inclusion, Indigenous representation, and additional administrative burdens. Supporters argue that the regulations will provide consistency while maintaining respectful learning environments. The rules will apply to physical and digital displays on school property, including websites and social media accounts, but will not restrict individuals or their personal belongings.
Industry Slice Logo

Education Slice delivers the latest, most relevant and useful intelligence to key educators, administrators, decision makers and teaching influencers, each weekday morning..

Content is selected to an exacting brief from hundreds of influential media sources and summarised by experienced journalists into an easy-to-read digest email. Education Slice enhances the performance and decision-making capabilities of individuals and teams by delivering the relevant news, innovations and knowledge in a cost-effective way.

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities within Education Slice, please get in touch via email sales team

Follow us on FacebookFollow us on XFollow us on Linkedin

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe