The latest public education news from The Texas Tribune.
The audit says the Texas Education Agency consistently bypassed required steps and failed to consider other options before awarding a special education contract. Full Story
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A letter from the Texas Education Agency about funding for schooling in migrant shelters highlights the ongoing push and pull between federal and state agencies. Full Story
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Justin Porter, previously the education agency's executive director of special populations, will oversee how Texas school districts are serving kids with special needs. Full Story
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In a lawsuit filed Wednesday, two teacher groups argue Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath exceeded his authority and weakened protections for public school employees. Full Story
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As school communities and state officials discuss their school districts' official state ratings, many disagree on what the results actually mean. Full Story
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A Trump administration official told Education Week that Texas first raised the possibility of using federal grants for that purpose. Full Story
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Patrick said funding for health care benefits under TRS-Care should be the responsibility of the Legislature and "not fall on the shoulders of our retired teachers." Full Story
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For the first time Wednesday, Texas school districts received official ratings that show their performance on a scale from A through F, perpetuating a debate on whether the new system is more accessible for parents. Full Story
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When the state hands out report cards on school districts, don't forget the elected officials who write the policies those districts follow. Voters will grade their papers later this year — in the general election. Full Story
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The school marshal program allows certain school staffers to carry a firearm and neutralize active shooters on campus. Here's how participants train. Full Story
Nearly a year after Hurricane Harvey submerged Port Arthur, students are still fighting its effects as they return to school. Full Story
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The party claims that former U.S. Rep. Pete Gallego doesn't live in Senate District 19, which includes parts of San Antonio and West Texas. Full Story
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The state is about to hand out report cards on Texas schools and school districts, raising anxiety levels among educators and — once the grades are out — with parents, businesses, politicians and taxpayers. Full Story
With a week to go before the state releases the first official grades for school districts, school superintendents have already begun their campaign against the system. Full Story
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A federal judge has ordered immigration officials to reunite all migrant children 5 and older with their parents by Thursday — but officials' own data shows that will be near impossible. Full Story
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Nearly 90 percent of Texas schools are enrolled in TRS-ActiveCare. Some say the program saves teachers money, though complaints are growing about the state's stagnant per-month contribution. Full Story
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Students have been referred to law enforcement in dramatically higher numbers after the school shootings in Parkland and Santa Fe. A study suggests the arrests show a return to zero-tolerance policies that can harm students. Full Story
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While critics question whether a city-funded pre-K initiative is helping boost long-term educational outcomes, administrators and parents say there's no doubt about the quality of the education children receive at the program's four centers. Full Story
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Former University of Texas System Chancellor Bill McRaven was the third highest paid. Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp ranked fifth. Full Story
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The Texas Education Agency is now soliciting applications for more than $20 million in grants to help school districts overhaul special education after a federal investigation found it had effectively denied students with disabilities needed services. Full Story