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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 MoreFinal Rules for Texas Voucher Program Released
This past week, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Kelly Hancock announced the final rules for the $1 billion private school voucher scheme passed by the Texas Legislature.
Read MoreFederal Reshuffle of the U.S. Department of Education: What Happens When Core Functions Are Scattered
When the U.S. Department of Education (ED) quietly signed six interagency agreements on Nov 18, transferring major functions to agencies including the Department of Labor (DOL), the Department of the Interior (DOI), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Department of...
Read MoreNov. 21, 2025: What We’re Thankful For
Friday, November 21, 2025 The Strange Place We Find Ourselves There is perhaps nothing more emblematic of the hot-and-cold nature of the politics of Texas public education than this week’s contrasting updates on Senate Bill 10 (the Ten Commandments bill). On Tuesday, a federal judge ruled that SB 10...
Read MoreRecap: 2025 Texas Tribune Festival
For the past three years, Texas AFT has been a proud sponsor of the Texas Tribune Festival in Downtown Austin. We are grateful to participate in an event that educates and builds excitement around top issues in our state, drawing attendees from around the country to bring attention to priorities...
Read MoreIn Grief & Gratitude: What Texas AFT Is Thankful for This Year
Our work advocating for stronger Texas public schools, colleges, and universities is not easy, and it comes with a variety of setbacks and more than its fair share of mourning. But there is always progress — because there are always people fighting to make it happen. This year is no exception.
Read MoreSBOE Recap: Instructional Materials & Social Studies
The State Board of Education (SBOE) met in Austin on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 9 a.m. CT, and concluded Friday, Nov. 22. At this regular meeting, the board took up several items, most notably the adoption of instructional materials for reading and math and the consideration of topics for the...
Read MoreFriends of Texas Public Schools Summit: A Member’s-Eye View
Education Austin member and Austin ISD teacher Rachel Preston represented her union this year at the Friends of Texas Public Schools summit in Waco. Here, she shares her reflections on the experience. As educators, it’s important to remember that we are not alone. Across the state, groups in our communities want to support...
Read MoreTEA Launches New Hotline to Support Students Experiencing Homelessness
The Texas Education Agency has introduced a new statewide resource to support students and families facing housing instability. The Texas Education for Homeless Children and Youth (TEHCY) program features a toll-free hotline to provide real-time connection with experts and access to direct support resources. TEHCY Support Hotline Call: 1-855-85TEHCY (1-855-858-3429) Hours: Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. CT Additionally, through a new...
Read MoreCrackdowns in the Classroom: Texas Targets Curriculum and Campus Speech
It’s been a busy week for higher education with another onslaught of attacks, from the clamp-down on alleged “race and gender ideology” in the classroom by the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) Board of Regents, and the expansion of legislative oversight of campus speech for both faculty and students. For educators committed to the...
Read MoreSBOE Preview: TEKS Revisions in the Spotlight
The State Board of Education (SBOE) will convene in Austin on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 9 a.m. CT, and meet through Friday, Nov. 22. At this regular meeting, the board will take up several important items, most notably, a framework for the anticipated social studies content area revision. Tuesday Preview The SBOE will spend Tuesday primarily on discussion and action items related to...
Read MoreNov. 14, 2025: See you at TribFest
Friday, November 14, 2025 See you at TribFest For the third year, Texas AFT is a proud sponsor of The Texas Tribune Festival, the breakout ideas and politics event that has brought 300+ local, state, and national leaders and change-makers to downtown Austin this weekend. Among the 100+...
Read MoreTexas AAUP-AFT Calls on the Texas A&M University System Not to Muzzle Faculty, Students in the Classroom
This week, the Texas A&M System Board of Regents will vote on whether or not to add severe restrictions on academic freedom and freedom of expression that would codify institutional censorship of curriculum and classroom discussions.
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