Education Slice
Become more informed in minutes....
Education Slice Logo
Texas
26th February 2026
Together with


THE HOT STORY

When grades look good, parents overlook falling test scores, study finds

A new study of more than 2,000 parents suggests that families are far more likely to respond to slipping grades than declining standardized test scores, a pattern researchers say could lead to underinvestment in children’s learning. In an online experiment, researchers from Oregon State University and the University of Chicago presented parents with hypothetical student profiles showing different combinations of grades and percentile-ranked test scores. Parents were asked how they would spend an imaginary $100 per week to support the child, choosing options like tutoring, after-school programs, or saving the money. They could also invest their own time helping with homework. Parents were most likely to increase support when both grades and test scores were low. However, when grades were high but test scores were weak, parents were much less likely to step in. More than 70% of parents said they trusted grades more than standardized tests, while fewer than 9% trusted test scores more.

STRENGTHEN STAAR READINESS

STAAR Simulation + Targeted Intervention → Measurable Growth

Many students underperform on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR), not due to a lack of knowledge, but unfamiliarity with digital testing tools. This friction leads to avoidable mistakes, lower confidence, and testing fatigue.

Lumos Learning bridges this gap with authentic STAAR test simulations and 100% TEKS-aligned content. We help students build the familiarity and stamina they need to succeed before the assessment window opens.

Click Here to  See the STAAR Prep Kit & Success Stories

 

NATIONAL NEWS

Educators seek clear national framework as AI use in schools surges

Education experts and ed-tech leaders have called on Congress to establish clear federal “guidance and guardrails” for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in K-12 schools, warning that teachers are currently navigating a patchwork of advice from states, tech companies, and social media. Speaking on Tuesday before the U.S. House subcommittee on early, elementary, and secondary education, witnesses stressed the need for consistent direction as AI use in classrooms rapidly expands. More than 60% of K-12 teachers reported using AI tools in 2025, nearly double the share from two years earlier, though training remains uneven in quality and scope. Lawmakers are still defining the federal role in AI integration following a 2025 executive order to expand AI use in schools. States such as West Virginia have already issued and updated AI guidance, while major tech companies including Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic are investing heavily in teacher AI training initiatives. However, some lawmakers and experts expressed concern that reliance on private-sector training could overburden teachers and risk prioritizing speed over student well-being.

STATE NEWS

Texas schools under investigation for protests

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is investigating Brownsville ISD over allegations of facilitating student walkouts protesting immigration enforcement by the Trump administration. In a statement, Brownsville ISD said, “We remain committed to maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.” The protests, which occurred during lunch hours, were described as non-disruptive, with most students returning to class promptly. TEA is also examining other districts, including Northside ISD and Austin ISD, for similar issues. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has demanded records related to policies on student absences and walkouts. The investigation aims to determine if any laws were violated during these demonstrations.

TEACHING

Driving futures: new CDL program launched

United ISD, in collaboration with Laredo College, has introduced a new Commercial Driver's License (CDL) program at the Laredo College South Campus. The initiative aims to provide high-quality career and technical education to meet industry demands. "Through a powerful partnership with Laredo College, we are providing our students with professional, industry-standard training," the district said. The first cohort consists of eleven high school students, with plans for future expansions. Michelle Molina, UISD board member, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing the importance of creating educational pathways. Dr. Gerardo Cruz, UISD superintendent, congratulated the students and highlighted the program's potential to shape their futures.

TECHNOLOGY

Six million educators to receive free AI training under Google-ISTE partnership

Google has partnered with ISTE+ASCD to deliver free Gemini artificial intelligence (AI) training to all 6m K-12 teachers and higher education faculty across the United States, marking what it calls the largest AI literacy initiative of its kind. The program will provide educators with access to Google’s AI tools, including Gemini and NotebookLM, along with structured, classroom-focused training modules. Training modules are designed to be concise and practical, addressing concerns that existing AI programs are too time-consuming or disconnected from daily classroom realities. Use cases include personalizing lesson plans using assessment data, adapting materials for diverse learners, supporting large lecture halls with AI study tools, and helping students create customized study resources. The content aligns with ISTE+ASCD’s AI-ready graduate framework and educator standards. Participants who complete the modules will receive micro-credentials demonstrating AI literacy in Google tools.

DISTRICTS

HISD trustees to finalize school closures

Houston ISD trustees are poised to finalize the closure of 12 schools in the district, with the decision expected today. Superintendent Mike Miles stated that the closures are based on factors such as facility conditions and enrollment. Despite multiple elected officials urging the district to delay the decision, 76 individuals have signed up to speak at the HISD board meeting. Parents and teachers have expressed concerns that the two-week notice period is insufficient for meaningful participation. The list of schools slated for closure includes NQ Henderson Elementary and Gulfton Middle College.

Denton ISD to repurpose failing school

Denton ISD leaders are set to repurpose Paloma Creek Elementary School after it failed to meet Texas Education Agency standards for three consecutive years. During a board meeting on February 24, Superintendent Susannah O'Bara emphasized the district's commitment to high-quality education, stating, “This is not an easy conversation or an easy recommendation, but we firmly believe we will better fulfill what we promised to our students and families this way.” Starting in the 2026-27 school year, current students will be reassigned to higher-performing schools within the Braswell High zone.

Judson school closures spark community outrage

Judson ISD trustees voted 5-2 to close Ed Franz and Park Village elementary schools, along with Rolling Meadows, amid community protests. Robert Garza, assistant principal at Rolling Meadows, urged the board for a year to develop a recruitment strategy, stating, "This campus and its leaders have inspired me." Despite passionate pleas from students and parents, the board prioritized addressing a $35m budget deficit exacerbated by declining enrollment and a failed tax increase. Interim Superintendent Robert Jaklich emphasized the need for difficult decisions based on data, including enrollment and operational costs. The closures aim to save an estimated $7m, with community meetings planned to discuss future use of the facilities.

CHARTERS

Waco ISD in bold charter move

Waco ISD is considering transferring South Waco and Dean Highland elementary schools to charter operations in an effort to prevent a potential state takeover. Superintendent Tiffany Spicer discussed the district's recent Texas Education Agency accountability ratings, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. "This partnership would forestall state intervention in Waco ISD," she said, highlighting the importance of the charter transition for the schools' future. The move aims to enhance educational outcomes and maintain local control over the schools.

LEADERSHIP

Bullard ISD names new superintendent

The Bullard ISD Board of Trustees has selected Dr. Micah Dyer as the lone finalist for superintendent, a decision made during a special meeting. "We are blessed and excited to have this opportunity to become part of the Bullard Panther family," Dyer said, expressing his enthusiasm for returning to East Texas. Previously, Dyer served as superintendent at Cuero ISD since 2017, where he earned the Education Service Center Region 3 Superintendent of the Year award and led the district to its first Texas Education Agency “A” rating.

Mansfield ISD welcomes new superintendent

Tiffanie Spencer has been appointed as the new superintendent of Mansfield ISD, following a unanimous vote by the board. Spencer, who previously served as an area superintendent in the district, succeeds Kimberley Cantu, who retired in August. With a background that includes roles as an academic associate principal and principal, Spencer has a strong connection to the district, having started her teaching career in Fort Worth ISD.

ENROLLMENT

Enrollment drop looms for Richardson ISD

Richardson ISD is projected to experience a significant decline in student enrollment over the next decade, according to Hudson Huff from Zonda Demographics. Currently, the district has 36,247 students, a decrease of 723 from the previous year, with the most substantial losses occurring in grades two through seven. Huff noted that the decline is primarily due to decreasing birth rates and the impact of school choice, predicting enrollment could drop below 34,000 by the 2031-32 school year.

INTERNATIONAL

Ontario school board takeovers criticized by Black trustees

Black trustees in Ontario are raising concerns that the provincial government’s takeover of seven school boards is undermining efforts to combat anti-Black racism in schools. In an open letter to Premier Doug Ford, the Black Trustees’ Caucus said the supervision measures are weakening governance and equity structures needed to address systemic discrimination. The Ford government has placed the boards under provincial supervision, citing financial mismanagement, and is considering broader governance reforms, including potentially eliminating elected trustees. However, Black trustees argue that supervisors in some boards have reduced equity and human rights staff and paused Black student achievement committees, steps they say limit the system’s ability to identify and correct race-based disparities. The caucus also noted that at least 10 Black trustees have been removed or sidelined in supervised boards, diminishing oversight on equity issues. They are calling on the government to protect equity offices during supervision, provide dedicated funding for anti-racism initiatives, ensure transparent reporting on race-based outcomes, and implement recommendations from a recent Ontario Human Rights Commission report on anti-Black racism in education.
Industry Slice Logo

Education Slice delivers the latest, most relevant and useful intelligence to key educators, administrators, decision makers and teaching influencers, each weekday morning..

Content is selected to an exacting brief from hundreds of influential media sources and summarised by experienced journalists into an easy-to-read digest email. Education Slice enhances the performance and decision-making capabilities of individuals and teams by delivering the relevant news, innovations and knowledge in a cost-effective way.

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities within Education Slice, please get in touch via email sales team

Follow us on FacebookFollow us on XFollow us on Linkedin

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe