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Texas is currently revising its social studies curriculum, a process that has ignited significant debate among lawmakers, teachers, and history enthusiasts. The 15-member State Board of Education, which includes 10 Republicans and 5 Democrats, is primarily responsible for this rewrite, with input from educators and the public. The new standards, known as Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, will influence lesson plans and future textbooks. The board's recent framework introduces a chronological approach to history, emphasizing Texas history while reducing standalone world cultures courses. Critics, including board member Staci Childs, D-Houston, expressed concerns about representation, stating: “When do people that look like me, get to learn about themselves before the fifth grade?” The revised curriculum is set to be implemented in classrooms by fall 2030, with certain provisions on communism taking effect in the 2026-2027 school year.

 

Austin American-Statesman

In September, Texas lawmakers voted to replace the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) with a new through-year testing model, aiming to reduce student testing time. However, education researchers caution that similar policies in other states have often led to increased testing durations. Morgan Polikoff, a professor at the University of Southern California's Rossier School of Education, said: “On its own, it's just not a great solution.” The new model will introduce three shorter assessments throughout the school year, but researchers warn that without reducing other district assessments, students may end up spending more time testing. Critics argue that the current testing landscape disrupts instructional time and fails to provide meaningful data for teachers. Nancy Stickstel, Fort Worth ISD's associate superintendent, defended testing as essential for instructional adjustments, stating: “It's not lost instructional time when you're using that data for kids.”

 

Star-Telegram

Writing in the Austin American-Statesman, David DeMatthews, professor of education in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy at the University of Texas, claims that Texas faces a critical situation regarding the well-being of its children. Despite a $24bn surplus, the state has failed to address significant issues such as mental health crises, foster care failures, and underfunded schools, he notes. Texas children experience alarming rates of uninsured status (11.8%), poverty (18%), and food insecurity, affecting 1.7m kids. According to DeMatthews, the foster care system remains dysfunctional, with Judge Janis Jack previously labeling it "broken". Public schools have become the primary support system for children's health, yet chronic funding shortages hinder their ability to provide adequate care. DeMatthews emphasizes the need for lawmakers to prioritize effective solutions, concluding: "We must finally put children first and demand leaders who deliver results."

 

Austin American-Statesman

New research warns that even infrequent cannabis use can negatively impact teenagers' academic performance and emotional well-being. The study, published in the journal Pediatric, found that using cannabis just once or twice a month is linked to poorer school performance and increased emotional distress. Dr. Ryan Sultán, the study leader and Assistant Professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University, said: "A few ‘harmless' joints can snowball into real academic consequences." The findings highlight that today's cannabis products are more potent, containing two to three times more THC than in the past, which raises concerns about their effects on developing brains. The study analyzed data from over 160,000 American students, revealing that adolescents who used cannabis reported higher rates of depression-like symptoms and poor academic engagement.

 

Bradenton.com

Keys News

Austin ISD (AISD) is set to close 10 campuses next school year as part of a strategic plan to address low academic performance and a $63m budget shortfall. Superintendent Matias Segura has appointed new principals for 17 campuses, including Pecan Springs Sánchez and Wooldridge elementaries, which will be restarted after receiving three consecutive F ratings. "Every student will be guaranteed a seat at the campus they are zoned to," said Victoria O'Neal, executive director of family experience and enrollment. The district will implement the Accelerating Campus Excellence (ACE) model to improve struggling schools, which includes recruiting high-qualified teachers and lowering student-teacher ratios. Families will have the opportunity to rank their preferred schools through a survey, with notifications about school assignments expected by mid-February.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

San Angelo ISD is set to close two elementary campuses due to declining enrollment, as announced by Dr. Christopher Moran, the superintendent. The closures will take effect on July 1, 2027, reducing the number of elementary schools from 14 to 12. The committee aims to recommend new attendance zones by Summer 2026. The specific schools to be closed have not yet been announced.

 

San Angelo Standard Times

Lockhart ISD is addressing the challenge of teacher retention by partnering with Red Oak Development Group to launch the TEACH program, which assists educators in becoming homeowners. The initiative allows Red Oak to set aside specific home sites and provide 100% of its profits from land sales as credits for teachers during the home closing process.

 

Lockhart Post-Register

Steve Clugston, the Pine Tree ISD Superintendent, announced his candidacy as a conservative independent for the East Texas state Senate seat on New Year’s Day. Clugston, who has led the district for eight years, will compete against incumbent State Sen. Bryan Hughes and Democratic candidate Laticia Ambroz in the November 2026 election.

 

Longview News-Journal

Allen ISD has celebrated three exceptional educators for their innovative teaching and personalized support. Courtney Dumois and Ereen Fahmi from Marion Elementary, along with Dallena Nash from Vaughan Elementary, were recognized through the Employee Recognition Program. This initiative highlights staff members who exemplify the district's goals of fostering a Culture of Excellence, Future Ready Skills, and Empowered Learning.

 

Allen American

Guillermo Pro, interim superintendent of the Laredo ISD, has been named the sole finalist for the permanent superintendent position. With over 32 years in public education, Pro has a history of improving student outcomes and optimizing resources.

 

Star-Telegram

Dr. Sylvia G. Rios, a transformative figure in education, has been named Laredoan of the Year by the Laredo Morning Times. Rios, who served as principal and later superintendent of Laredo ISD, dedicated 48 years to improving education and fostering community engagement.

 

Star-Telegram

The Bethlehem Central School District is asking voters for permission to spend $60m on a comprehensive renovation plan, with voting scheduled for February 3 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Bethlehem Central High School. The proposal includes $16.6m from a previously approved capital reserve, with the remainder funded by the state. Key improvements involve upgrading 45 classrooms, adding air conditioning to hot spots, and enhancing infrastructure, including new roofs and alarm systems. The project aims to modernize facilities that have not been renovated since the 1950s and 1970s, ensuring a conducive learning environment for students.

 

Star-Telegram

Clear Creek ISD is inviting elementary and intermediate students to apply for its Science Magnet and Dual Language programs. The Science Magnet Program, which focuses on a three-year science curriculum, is open to all CCISD intermediate students and includes hands-on STEM electives and partnerships with organizations like the Johnson Space Center.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Recent reports from Corpus Christi ISD indicate that technology, particularly social media and text messaging, is involved in about half of the bullying incidents. The Caller-Times obtained around 70 redacted bullying reports from the district, revealing that many incidents stem from interpersonal conflicts, with cyberbullying becoming increasingly prevalent. The district has implemented a ban on cell phones during school hours to foster a healthier environment, but technology continues to play a significant role in bullying cases.

 

Caller-Times

As the industry celebrates its 70th anniversary, School Bus Fleet (SBF) reflects on its journey through significant milestones and innovations in pupil transportation. The evolution of the yellow bus has been marked by safety advancements, engineering improvements, and cultural shifts. Key developments include the establishment of national standards in 1939, the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards in 1977, and the transition to alternative fuels and electrification. Industry veterans shared insights on how dedicated professionals, including directors, drivers, and engineers, have shaped the safest vehicle on the road.

 

School Bus Fleet