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Texas
21st October 2026
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THE HOT STORY

State takeovers: a double-edged sword

State takeovers of school districts in Texas have raised concerns about their effectiveness. Since 1989, over 100 districts across 22 states have experienced such interventions, with Texas leading the way. "These people that don't know our communities, don't know our students, what kind of representation will they bring?" said Marissa Sanchez, a Fort Worth mother. Despite claims from Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath that takeovers yield positive results, national studies indicate they often disrupt student achievement. In districts like Marlin and Shepherd, teacher turnover remains high, and student performance shows little improvement. The analysis suggests that the costs associated with declining enrollment and staff turnover may outweigh any potential benefits of state takeovers.

BLENDED LEARNING

An Administrator's Guide to Blended Learning

Online learning doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Explore blended learning with this comprehensive guide from FlexPoint®, which includes:
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Download the FlexPoint guide to find the right mix of face-to-face and online instruction for your school or district.

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NATIONAL NEWS

Only 10% of U.S. students have recovered from pandemic learning losses

Just 10% of U.S. students attend school districts where reading and math achievement has returned to pre-pandemic levels, according to the Center on Reinventing Public Education's 2026 State of the American Student report. The study highlights persistent learning gaps, chronic absenteeism, and inconsistent state education policies, with Louisiana the only state where both reading and math scores have surpassed 2019 levels. Just 13 states have established clear, accessible student learning goals, while no state has restored attendance to pre-pandemic levels. Although 43 states have enacted science of reading laws and 18 have introduced math instruction legislation, implementation and accountability remain uneven. The report also identifies shortcomings in career preparation and artificial intelligence policies, with only Maryland requiring artificial intelligence tools to be evaluated for academic outcomes. Researchers warn that widening achievement disparities and politically divided approaches could deepen educational inequality, urging states to prioritize evidence-based instruction, stronger accountability, and coordinated academic recovery strategies.

DISTRICTS

Houston schools shine in rankings

Two Houston campuses have been recognized among the top elementary schools in Texas, according to the 2027 U.S. News & World Report rankings. Spring Branch Academic Institute secured the No. 1 spot, while T.H. Rogers School ranked No. 4. Spring Branch Academic Institute, which serves gifted students from grades one through 12, also ranked first among public middle schools. Its curriculum emphasizes academic challenge and creativity, allowing students to progress at their own pace. T.H. Rogers School, which operates a Vanguard Magnet Program for gifted students, rose nine positions from the previous ranking, finishing fifth among Texas middle schools. The rankings evaluate over 46,000 public elementary schools nationwide, focusing on mathematics and reading performance. "Rankings can offer families a snapshot of academic performance," the report noted, highlighting the importance of considering various factors when choosing schools.

Dallas ISD faces book review crisis

In response to Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's call for the removal of "objectionable" titles, Dallas ISD is reviewing hundreds of library books. The review follows Senate Bill 13, which restricts school libraries from holding profane material and shifts authority from librarians to school boards. Patrick has threatened to penalize districts that do not comply, warning of potential funding cuts. Critics, including state representative Vikki Goodwin, argue this creates a "chilling effect" on access to literature, particularly works addressing racial justice and LGBTQ themes. The situation reflects a broader trend in Texas, where districts lead the nation in book bans, with over 8,193 instances reported in the 2025-26 school year.

Richardson ISD accelerates magnet program timeline

Richardson ISD (RISD) is adjusting its enrollment timeline for magnet programs to enhance competitiveness against private and charter schools. Applications for the 2027-28 school year will now be accepted from November 1 to December 18, with decisions announced in February. Executive director of enrollment Cecilia Galvan emphasized the importance of this change, stating: “It's just critically important that we move up our timeline to make faster decisions and to protect our district's enrollment.” Previously, applications were staggered across different schedules, which led to families receiving decisions from other schools first. The new streamlined approach aims to ensure families know their RISD magnet placement before making commitments elsewhere.

Webb Middle School parents fight back against school closure

The Webb Middle School PTA has lodged a formal complaint with the Texas Education Agency regarding a petition that seeks to close the school. This petition, signed by a majority of families at Webb and Burnet middle schools, aims to prevent a state takeover due to repeated failing grades. PTA president Vanessa Gámez said: “We believe there are serious irregularities, possible deception, and actions by outside individuals that may have compromised the legitimacy of this petition.” Austin ISD is currently verifying the signatures, which must meet state requirements by December 1. Superintendent Matias Segura emphasized the district's commitment to transparency and integrity in the process, stating: “We want you to know that we are listening.” The PTA's complaint highlights concerns about the petition's authenticity and the pressure felt by parents to sign it.

Connectivity chaos disrupts PSAT testing

Alvin ISD is addressing connectivity issues that disrupted PSAT testing for students at Alvin High School and Caffey Jr. High. The district informed parents via email that testing schedules would be postponed until the problems are resolved. While the emails did not specify the cause of the connectivity issues, the district assured parents that they would be kept updated. 

CURRICULUM

Houston ISD expands free curriculum access

Houston ISD has expanded the reach of Superintendent Mike Miles' New Education System (NES) by providing its internally developed curriculum free of charge to school districts and charter networks across Texas and Colorado. HISD has spent between $10m and $19m annually on curriculum development since June 2023, employing at least 100 staff members to produce instructional materials. Adopters include Beaumont, Garland, and Tyler ISDs, International Leadership of Texas, and Colorado's Montezuma-Cortez School District, with implementation ranging from selective use of teaching resources to broader adoption of the NES model. HISD has reported a reduction in D- and F-rated schools from 120 to 13 since the state takeover began in 2023, although concerns remain over curriculum errors, alignment with state standards, and limited teacher preparation time.

GOVERNANCE

Trustee takes classes during timeout

Homer Flores, a South San Antonio ISD trustee, is taking online evening classes at Palo Alto College while the board is under state oversight. He is pursuing an associate degree in logistics and supply chain management, aiming to graduate in spring 2025. Flores remarked: "I've discovered some exciting ways of learning, and I feel this helps me fulfill my role as a board member." The district has been under the control of the Texas Education Agency since February 2025 due to ongoing issues, including board infighting and mismanagement. Board of Managers President Ray Tijerina emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive culture for sustainable change, stating: "If we ensure that when we leave, that it stays the same... that's how we make sure that this district is in a really good position for the next 30, 40 or 50 years going forward." The transition back to local control remains uncertain.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Disability discipline disparities raise concerns

The U.S. Department of Education has reported that 19% of nearly 50m public school students received disability-related services during the 2023–2024 academic year, up from 17% two years earlier. According to its latest civil rights data collection, 15% of students were served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), while 4% received support through Section 504. Despite representing just 15% of enrollment, students with individualized education programs (IEPs) accounted for 68% of seclusion incidents involving students and 73% of students physically restrained, as well as approximately one-quarter of suspensions. The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates has raised concerns about these disparities, calling for evidence-based alternatives to exclusionary discipline, restraint, and seclusion.

Austin takes a stand on tobacco

Austin Public Health staff are advocating for a new zoning ordinance that would prohibit the establishment of tobacco retailers within 1,000 feet of schools and child care centers. This proposal expands upon the City Council's earlier directive from May 2025, which focused solely on e-cigarettes and synthetic nicotine products. 

STUDENTS

Pandemic's impact on older students

A recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine revealed that older children are experiencing significant academic challenges following the COVID-19 pandemic. Rahisha Clay, a teacher at Ace Academy, noted that many students are facing speech and vocabulary delays. The study analyzed over 50,000 questionnaires and found only slight delays in communication and social development for children born in 2020. However, Dr. Sarah Johnson, who led the study, said: “There are still kids who are going to struggle,” highlighting the need for educators to address both communication and academic gaps.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Internships pave the way for students

At CAST Lead High School in San Antonio, students are gaining valuable experience through internships in the hospitality sector. Annika Valdez, a senior, is among eight students interning at the Marriott, where they will learn about various departments before shadowing employees. East Central ISD's CAST Lead focuses on preparing students for careers in hospitality and other fields. Superintendent Roland Toscano emphasized the importance of leadership skills, stating, "If you can lead here, you can lead anywhere." The program aims to provide students with real-world experiences, with many securing full-time jobs post-internship.  

PERFORMING ARTS

Music program strikes a chord

At Stafford Visual and Performing Arts Elementary, Marian Castro Anton, principal double bass player with Orchestra San Antonio, leads a transformative music program called Ascend. This initiative aims to make music accessible to children in the Edgewood and San Antonio ISDs through free after-school classes. "We want every kid in San Antonio to feel like a winner," Anton said, emphasizing the program's goal of fostering teamwork and respect among students. With support from donors like the Malú and Carlos Alvarez Family and the Najim Foundation, Ascend has expanded to mentor over 100 students since its inception in 2024.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Old school gets historic report card

Texas Tech University's Administration Building, a symbol of the institution since its opening in 1925, has been designated as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. This recognition was unveiled on October 16 during homecoming weekend, with Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec stating: "For more than a century, generations of Red Raiders have passed through these doors." The building, known for its Spanish Renaissance architecture and iconic bell towers, has witnessed significant events and traditions at the university. Sean Cunningham, a Texas Tech history professor, emphasized its importance, saying: "For more than a century, the Administration Building has been a physical witness to the development of Texas Tech." This designation ensures protections under state law, requiring the university to notify the Texas Historical Commission before making any exterior changes.

INTERNATIONAL

Japan's Education Ministry limits digital-only textbooks amid health and learning concerns

Japan's Ministry of Education has drafted guidelines establishing a hybrid model of paper and digital textbooks as the standard from the 2030 academic year, with digital content serving a supplementary role amid concerns about student health and learning outcomes. Fully digital textbooks would be prohibited for students in fourth grade and below, while older students could use digital-only materials in selected subjects, including English, music, and art. Artificial intelligence features would initially be excluded. The proposed framework would begin in elementary schools in 2030, expand to junior high schools in 2031, and reach high schools from 2032. A ministry survey found support for hybrid textbooks among 88.3% of elementary school decision-makers, 86.3% at junior high level, and 78.4% at high school level.

AND FINALLY...

Family of five-year-old Oregon school shooting victim calls for worldwide tribute through art

The family of Rhoam Summer, a five-year-old killed in a mass shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, has called on people worldwide to honor his memory through drawings and artwork. Rhoam is believed to be the youngest victim of a deliberate mass shooting at a U.S. school, according to researchers tracking school gun violence. The October 15 attack, carried out by a 16-year-old former student, killed three children and teacher Megan Lambert, while injuring two others. Rhoam's parents described their son as kind, generous, and passionate about drawing and storytelling. The tragedy, the 36th shooting on U.S. K-12 school grounds this year, has renewed concerns about school safety and gun violence, although researchers note that school shootings have declined from their 2023 peak.

 
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