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SB 13: Deep Dive into New School Library Restrictions
During the 89th legislative session, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 13, which significantly changes how public school libraries across the state select, review, and manage books and instructional materials. The law, which took effect on Sept. 1, creates new barriers to access and hands greater decision-making power to school boards and external, ostensibly parent-dominated councils. Supporters argue that SB...
Read MoreJune 21, 2024: The Whole Truth
Friday, June 21, 2024 The Whole Truth “We have simply got to make people aware that none of us are free until we’re all free.” — Opal Lee, the “Grandmother of Juneteenth” On June 19, 1865, Union Army Gen. Gordon Granger proclaimed the end of slavery to individuals in Galveston,...
Read MoreSBOE Preview: New Charter Schools up for Consideration
The State Board of Education (SBOE) will begin its regular meeting in Austin on Tuesday, June 28. The packed agenda is dominated by an issue that Texas AFT monitors very closely: the review and approval of new charter school campuses. We want to preview this topic for you now, as...
Read More4 New Citizenship Clinic Pre-Screenings Added in Houston Area
Northeast Houston AFT hosted a pre-screening for permanent legal residents ahead of the July 21 citizenship clinic (center). Find information on the clinic, as well as the remaining pre-screening dates, in the linked English and Spanish fliers. The AFT national union, Texas AFT, and its local unions in Harris...
Read MoreJune 14, 2024: The Future of Our Schools
Monday, June 17, 2024 Last week's Hotline was delayed to today due to technical difficulties on Friday, June 14th. Texas Democrats Unite to Defend Public Education at 2024 State Convention This past weekend, Texas Democrats gathered in El Paso for their 2024 state convention, and the tone could not have...
Read MoreTexas Democrats Unite to Defend Public Education at 2024 State Convention
This past weekend, Texas Democrats gathered in El Paso for their 2024 state convention, and the tone could not have been more different from the Texas GOP Convention held in San Antonio in late May. As speaker after speaker took the stage, one issue resonated above all others: the urgent...
Read MoreWhat STAAR Scores Actually Measure: Beyond the Classroom
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) recently released data on high school STAAR test results, showing an improvement in students’ performance on English II but remaining largely stagnant from the prior year and still catching up to pre-COVID levels. The Austin American-Statesman reported that, “Students who met grade level for the English...
Read MoreAI Technology in Education: Share Your Thoughts & Win a Gift Card!
The headlines we've seen in recent months about artificial intelligence (AI) can be anxiety-inducing. Texas AFT members have reported concerns about students using tools like ChatGPT to skirt assignments, while the Texas Education Agency has begun using computers to grade students' written answers on this year's STAAR. However, this emerging...
Read MoreJune 7, 2024: Defending Public Education
Friday, June 7, 2024 Vouchers Drain Public School Funding This week, The Washington Post released a comprehensive report detailing the detrimental effects of vouchers on public schools. These vouchers, by channeling funds away from public schools and toward religious institutions, not only blur the line between church and state but...
Read MoreBuilding a Safer Future: Creating Schools and Communities Where All Students Can Thrive
Honoring Hadiya Pendleton: The Meaning Behind Wear Orange Weekend As we observe Wear Orange Weekend from June 7-9 and Gun Violence Awareness Month, it's crucial to recognize the essential role that educators play in creating safer schools and communities. On Jan. 21, 2013, Hadiya Pendleton marched in President Barack Obama's...
Read MoreTexas AFT Members Are Building a True Educator’s Bill of Rights
By now, you probably already know the story, but it doesn’t hurt to remind ourselves: Last year, the state of Texas had a $33 billion budget surplus – not a dime of that went to increasing public education funding. Over a 140-day regular session and four 30-day special sessions, the...
Read MoreSave the Date: Free Citizenship Clinic for Permanent Residents in Houston Area on July 21
Click to download English- and Spanish-language fliers for the upcoming Citizenship Clinic & Community Fair in Houston. The AFT national union, Texas AFT, and its local unions in Harris County are joining our extended labor family to offer a free citizenship clinic in Houston this summer to support lawful permanent...
Read MoreMay 31, 2024: Shaping Our Future
Friday, May 31, 2024 On Friday, May 24, the Houston Federation of Teachers worked with the Houston Food Bank (left) to distribute food and supplies to community members in need after the derecho. Houston Educational Support Personnel (right), meanwhile, delivered food, water, and disaster relief items to the Fifth Ward...
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