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SBEC Recap: Discipline and Educator Preparation
The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) met in Austin on Dec. 4 and 5 for a lengthy agenda. We provide a deep dive into their discussions regarding educator preparation programs and the impacts of House Bill 2 plus some educator discipline rules.
Read MoreStatement on the Revocation of In-State Tuition for Undocumented Students
"Every Texas student has the right to a high-quality, affordable education, regardless of their zip code, race, socioeconomic bracket, or immigration status – all factors outside of their control. "
Read More89th Legislature Closes with Final Attack on Texas Colleges, Universities, & Health Institutions
With the passage of Senate Bill 37, faculty warn of the impending “brain drain” of students, researchers, and faculty from Texas higher education institutions.
Read MoreMay 30, 2025: You Asked. We Answered.
Friday, May 30, 2025 You asked. We answered. As we careen toward the end of the 89th Legislature (June 2), you’d be forgiven for feeling a bit lost on where major education bills stand. A record 8,607 bills were filed by the filing deadline, hundreds ran the gauntlet of committee...
Read MoreThis Week in Higher Education: Where Major Bills Stand Ahead of Sine Die
With the end of the 89th legislative session in sight, we have a good understanding of which bills are expected to make it to law, and which are dead in the water.
Read MoreThis Week in the Legislature: The Final Stretch of the 89th Session
As we enter the final days of the 89th regular session of the Texas Legislature, the clock is ticking. Here's where the most critical education bills stand, what they do, and what needs to happen next.
Read MoreFederal Judge Blocks Trump Administration’s Attempt to Dismantle Department of Education
In a significant legal victory for educators and public education advocates, a federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction halting the Trump Administration's efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and reinstate over 1,300 employees who were laid off in March. The ruling, delivered by U.S. District Judge...
Read MoreAustin Community College Free Tuition Program Takes the National Stage
Photo Credit: Jay Janner/American-Statesman Austin Community College Chancellor Russell Lowery-Hart made history this week as the only Texas voice, and the only community college leader, to testify at a U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions hearing on the future of higher education. Invited by Sen. Bernie Sanders,...
Read MoreMay 23, 2025: Ask Us Anything
Friday, May 23, 2025 Texas AFT members gather near the South Steps of the Capitol for a rally on March 10. Ask Us Anything: Education in the 89th Legislature This legislative session has been a rocky ride for public schools, from pre-K-12 all the way through higher education. Texas AFT...
Read MoreThis Week in the Legislature: School Funding Advances at Last
This week, the Texas Senate advanced its version of House Bill 2, the marquee school finance proposal of the 89th Legislature. The original version of HB 2, passed by the Texas House earlier this month, included a $395 per-student increase to the basic allotment, along with new investments in bilingual...
Read MoreTexas AFT encourages House members to accept Senate compromise on HB 2, despite shortcomings
Educators welcome much needed pay raises but lament bottom line for schools
Read MoreThis Week in Higher Education: Higher Ed Bills in a Race to the Bottom
With only 10 days left in the legislative session, lawmakers are scrambling to get their bills across the finish line (for better or worse). Several bills are speeding their way to meet deadlines — in some cases even skipping traditional legislative processes to do so. On Monday, May 19,...
Read MoreTexas Families, Schools Face Dire Consequences Under Proposed Medicaid Cuts
If the federal budget currently moving through Congress passes, Texas families, hospitals, and public schools could be left holding the bag again. House Republicans’ budget plan, backed by President Donald Trump, proposes over $1.5 trillion in cuts to vital safety net programs like Medicaid to pay for massive tax cuts...
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