2021
2021
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Date Posted: 12/24/2021
ATPE Governmental Relations sends you holiday greetings and our best wishes for a happy 2022!
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Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Dec. 17, 2021
Date Posted: 12/17/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
“May you live in interesting times”
Date Posted: 12/15/2021
As we approach the end of 2021, ATPE’s federal lobbyist David Pore shares his take on recent activity in Washington, D.C.
SBEC adopts ATPE-backed changes to contract abandonment rules at December 2021 meeting
Date Posted: 12/13/2021
The State Board for Educator Certification heard testimony from ATPE and took several significant actions during its lengthy Dec. 10 meeting.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Dec. 10, 2021
Date Posted: 12/10/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
TRS pension fund tops $200 billion
Date Posted: 12/09/2021
After a year of record-breaking gains, now is the time to translate the TRS fund’s success into benefits for Texas educators through creative solutions for a comprehensive system of COLAs.
From The Texas Tribune: San Antonio-area school district reviews 400 books flagged by a Texas lawmaker’s inquiry
Date Posted: 12/06/2021
North East ISD, one of the largest districts in the state, appears to be the first one to respond to state Rep. Matt Krause’s investigation into the kinds of books held in school libraries.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Dec. 3, 2021
Date Posted: 12/03/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
From The Texas Tribune: Texas trying to reverse learning loss caused by the pandemic
Date Posted: 12/02/2021
The pandemic has undone years of educational gains in Texas schools. Here’s what the road to recovery looks like.
Happy Thanksgiving 2021
Date Posted: 11/25/2021
ATPE Governmental Relations wishes you a safe and peaceful Thanksgiving holiday.
ATPE weighs in on SBEC proposal that improves contract rules
Date Posted: 11/22/2021
ATPE submits public comments on proposed SBEC rules that would improve flexibility around educator contracts.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Nov. 19, 2021
Date Posted: 11/19/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
At SBOE meeting, commissioner says no guidance yet on new civics curriculum law compliance
Date Posted: 11/17/2021
Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath said his agency has yet to offer educators any guidance for complying with Senate Bill 3, which takes effect in a few weeks.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Nov. 12, 2021
Date Posted: 11/12/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
Federal judge sides with disability rights group on local control of school mask mandates
Date Posted: 11/11/2021
The court ruled Nov. 10 that Gov. Abbott cannot prohibit Texas public schools from imposing mask requirements.
ATPE responds to governor's call for TEA "criminal" investigation of school libraries
Date Posted: 11/10/2021
ATPE believes Abbott's allegations that educators are providing "pornography" to students are harmful, baseless distractions from the real challenges facing schools.
From The Texas Tribune: Gov. Greg Abbott calls for criminal investigation into availability of "pornographic books" in public schools
Date Posted: 11/10/2021
It’s unclear why the governor tasked the state's education agency, which does not employ law enforcement officers, to perform the investigation.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Nov. 5, 2021
Date Posted: 11/05/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
ATPE submits input to TEA on proposed rules for special education grant
Date Posted: 11/05/2021
ATPE submitted comments on new commissioner’s rules to implement the Supplemental Special Education Services grant program authorized by the Texas Legislature this year.
Texas Congressman re-introduces legislation to eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision
Date Posted: 11/04/2021
On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX) refiled his bill to address the "WEP" offset that reduces many educators' Social Security benefits.
Voucher supporters flip House seat, Texans approve constitutional amendments
Date Posted: 11/03/2021
A Republican backed by Betsy DeVos’s pro-voucher PAC won Tuesday’s special election in House District 118, the same night voters approved eight changes to the Texas Constitution.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Oct. 29, 2021
Date Posted: 10/29/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
ATPE responds to Texas lawmaker’s demand that school districts review hundreds of books and materials for content regarding race or sex
Date Posted: 10/26/2021
ATPE Executive Director Shannon Holmes called the politically motivated book inquiry by Rep. Matt Krause “a Frankenstein monster.”
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Oct. 22, 2021
Date Posted: 10/22/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
ATPE urges Congress to support school workers and facilities improvements under infrastructure plan
Date Posted: 10/22/2021
In a letter to the Texas delegation, ATPE urges Congress to keep school funding elements in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Plan being negotiated in Washington, D.C.
Why the special election runoff for Texas House District 118 is extra special
Date Posted: 10/21/2021
Whether San Antonio educators go to the polls (in specific locations) is likely to be the deciding factor in a close race for the vacant House seat that will be decided Nov. 2, 2021.
White House unveils COVID-19 vaccination plan for children aged 5-11
Date Posted: 10/20/2021
The Biden administration announced how it will make the vaccines, once approved by the FDA and CDC, accessible to families with younger children.
87th Texas Legislature adjourns third (and final?) special session
Date Posted: 10/19/2021
Lawmakers wrapped up the third special session of 2021 after passing several controversial bills, including redistricting legislation that will determine partisan control of Texas for the next 10 years.
Early voting for the Nov. 2 election starts today, Oct. 18
Date Posted: 10/18/2021
Early voting runs through Oct. 29, 2021, for the Nov. 2 election on eight constitutional amendments and local races or ballot measures.
From The Texas Tribune: Texas' "critical race theory" law confuses educators
Date Posted: 10/16/2021
Lawmakers say schools are misinterpreting a new measure designed to keep critical race theory out of public schools.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Oct. 15, 2021
Date Posted: 10/15/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
Early voting on 2021 constitutional amendments begins Oct. 18
Date Posted: 10/13/2021
Early voting for the Nov. 2 election runs Oct. 18-29 on eight amendments to the Texas Constitution, plus local elections and a special runoff for a seat in the Texas Legislature.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Oct. 8, 2021
Date Posted: 10/08/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
Feds’ changes to Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program may provide quicker debt cancellation for school employees
Date Posted: 10/06/2021
The U.S. Department of Education announced relaxation of the program criteria to help educators and other public servants access loan forgiveness more readily.
ATPE Statement on Shooting at Mansfield ISD’s Timberview High School
Date Posted: 10/06/2021
State’s largest educator association stands by to support the local school community, including our many members in Mansfield ISD.
Texas legislative budget committees consider bills to spend federal COVID-19 relief funds on TRS healthcare
Date Posted: 10/06/2021
A pair of bills, SB 8 and HB 145, seek to appropriate $286 million in federal relief funds to cover COVID-related health care expenses for TRS insurance plans.
Highlights of the October 2021 SBEC meeting
Date Posted: 10/04/2021
The State Board for Educator Certification met Oct. 1, hearing testimony from ATPE on rule changes and implementation of recent legislation.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Oct. 1, 2021
Date Posted: 10/01/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
House races in Ellis and Bexar Counties decided by low turnout
Date Posted: 9/29/2021
A pair of low-turnout races result in the election of a pro-voucher candidate to represent Ellis County and a runoff in Bexar County.
Are you registered to vote? Double- and triple-check!
Date Posted: 9/28/2021
Tuesday is National Voter Registration Day. ATPE urges all those eligible to vote to get registered!
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Sept. 24, 2021
Date Posted: 9/24/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
SBOE opens applications for social studies TEKS review panels in the wake of new civics laws
Date Posted: 9/23/2021
The state board will appoint educators to recommend changes to the curriculum standards, including those required by recent high-profile legislation.
From The Texas Tribune: Texas' ban on school mask mandates draws federal investigation for possibly violating the rights of students with disabilities
Date Posted: 9/22/2021
The U.S. Department of Education announced the inquiry days after the Texas Education Agency quietly updated its guidance to say school districts can’t require masks.
Texas Legislature convenes for third special session
Date Posted: 9/20/2021
Redistricting, vaccine mandates, and transgender student athletes are on the agenda for the special session beginning Sept. 20, 2021.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Sept. 17, 2021
Date Posted: 9/17/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
TRS board authorizes 13th check for retirees
Date Posted: 9/17/2021
The board met Sept. 16-17, 2021, acting on the 13th check, plans to purchase a new facility, and hiring a permanent ombuds.
Private school vouchers take center stage in HD 10 runoff
Date Posted: 9/15/2021
The just-announced September 28 runoff election in Texas House District 10 is shaping up to be a showdown over vouchers.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Sept. 10, 2021
Date Posted: 9/10/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Sept. 3, 2021
Date Posted: 9/03/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
A surprise sine die for the Texas Legislature’s second special session of 2021
Date Posted: 9/03/2021
In a rapid and unexpected turn of events, the Texas House and Senate called final adjournment of the session after passing a few education bills Thursday night, Sept. 2, 2021.
Texas education laws taking effect September 1, 2021
Date Posted: 9/01/2021
Nearly 50 new state laws affecting public education go into effect September 1, 2021.
Commissioner tells SBOE to expect no changes to STAAR testing this year
Date Posted: 9/01/2021
Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath answered questions from the State Board of Education Wednesday, September 1, 2021, touching on topics from STAAR to virtual education.
House Public Education Committee votes to advance civics curriculum bill, defers action on other controversial bills
Date Posted: 8/31/2021
The committee convened late Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 31, 2021, to vote on pending legislation. A civics bill advanced, but members could not agree on other controversial proposals.
Texas House Public Education Committee advances accelerated learning bill, debates masks
Date Posted: 8/31/2021
The committee met Monday, August 30, 2021, to debate mask mandates and changes to accelerated instruction laws. Another meeting is set for Tuesday.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Aug. 27, 2021
Date Posted: 8/27/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
Texas Governor expands prohibition on vaccine mandates, urges similar legislative action in new executive order
Date Posted: 8/25/2021
Gov. Greg Abbott released the new order Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021, reiterating that local governmental entities cannot mandate COVID-19 vaccinations, even if they are fully FDA-approved.
Texas House Public Education Committee holds lengthy meeting on virtual schools, civics, and other education bills
Date Posted: 8/25/2021
The committee met Tuesday, August 24, 2021, for the first time since the regular legislative session ended and heard hours of testimony.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: August 20, 2021
Date Posted: 8/20/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: August 13, 2021
Date Posted: 8/13/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
Texas Senate passes controversial social studies, virtual school bills
Date Posted: 8/12/2021
Before an all-night debate on voter laws, senators passed a pair of ATPE-opposed bills Wednesday relating to social studies curriculum and the expansion of virtual schools.
Senate committees advance troubling virtual school and social studies curriculum bills
Date Posted: 8/10/2021
In the first week of a second special session, the Texas Senate advanced two education-related bills in separate committee hearings Tuesday, August 10, 2021.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: August 6, 2021
Date Posted: 8/06/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
Abbott calls second special session with broader education agenda
Date Posted: 8/05/2021
Gov. Greg Abbott released an expanded agenda for a second special session to begin Saturday, August 7, 2021.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: July 30, 2021
Date Posted: 7/30/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
New Abbott executive order bans local mask, vaccine requirements
Date Posted: 7/29/2021
In the order issued July 29, Gov. Greg Abbott prohibits local cities, counties, and school districts from requiring masks or COVID-19 immunizations.
New CDC guidance recommends universal mask-wearing in schools
Date Posted: 7/27/2021
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control announced the new recommendations during a press conference held July 27, 2021.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: July 23, 2021
Date Posted: 7/23/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
Highlights of the July 2021 SBEC meeting
Date Posted: 7/23/2021
The State Board for Educator Certification heard a presentation by ATPE's Paul Tapp and discussed contract issues at its July 2021 meeting and a work session.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: July 16, 2021
Date Posted: 7/16/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news and updates from the Texas Legislature, plus highlights of the ATPE Virtual Summit.
ATPE Awards Highest Honor to Texas Public School Employees
Date Posted: 7/15/2021
Texas public school employees have gone above and beyond the call of duty over this past year and deserve any and all recognition,” says ATPE State President.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: July 9, 2021
Date Posted: 7/09/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news and updates from the Texas Legislature.
Two TRS bills heard on day two of special session
Date Posted: 7/09/2021
On the second day of the special session, Texas House and Senate committees both heard bills to give retired educators a 13th check.
Abbott places social studies curriculum, TRS funding on special session call
Date Posted: 7/07/2021
Gov. Greg Abbott announced Wednesday that the special session scheduled to begin Thursday will include controversial legislation on social studies curriculum, as well as TRS funding.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: July 2, 2021
Date Posted: 7/02/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
Texas election roundup: 50 years since lowering the voting age to 18
Date Posted: 7/01/2021
This week marks 50 years since the ratification of the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which lowered the voting age to 18.
From The Texas Tribune: Texas STAAR test results dipped dramatically during coronavirus pandemic, especially in math
Date Posted: 6/30/2021
The drop was more significant in districts that had most of their instruction online, compared to districts with more in-person classes.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: June 25, 2021
Date Posted: 6/25/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news, legislative updates, and regulatory developments.
SBOE vetoes record four of seven new charter chains
Date Posted: 6/25/2021
The State Board of Education voted Friday to veto four new charter school chains proposed by Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath.
Commissioner updates SBOE on legislation, charter applicants
Date Posted: 6/23/2021
Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath spoke to the State Board of Education (SBOE) Wednesday at the board’s June meeting.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: June 18, 2021
Date Posted: 6/18/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s state and federal education news and legislative updates.
Congressional hearing on retirement equity showcases bipartisan agreement on WEP reform
Date Posted: 6/18/2021
The U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittee on Social Security met June 15 to discuss Social Security reform and hear from retirees.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: June 11, 2021
Date Posted: 6/11/2021
There will be no Week in Review published today, but tune in next week for more advocacy content from ATPE.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: June 4, 2021
Date Posted: 6/04/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s state and federal education news and legislative updates.
TRS holds special post-session meeting
Date Posted: 6/04/2021
With the clarity of finally passed legislation, the TRS board called an impromptu meeting to set TRS-ActiveCare rates and appoint an interim ombuds.
Highlights and lowlights of the 2021 legislative session
Date Posted: 6/02/2021
The Texas Legislature adjourned sine die Monday, May 31. ATPE highlights a few of the major education bills passed.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: May 28, 2021
Date Posted: 5/28/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s state and federal education news and legislative updates.
House drops the hammer on curriculum bill, sends UIL bill to governor
Date Posted: 5/28/2021
After a divisive social studies curriculum bill failed on procedural grounds in the Texas House Friday, May 28, Senators brought it up for another vote.
Texas lawmakers pass more education bills amid rising tension between House and Senate in the session’s final days
Date Posted: 5/26/2021
Bills on school accountability sanctions and special education survived House deadlines. The Senate voted on the final budget Wednesday and loaded up a school finance bill with amendments.
Texas House debates variety of issues as midnight deadline looms
Date Posted: 5/25/2021
Several school-related bills face an uncertain fate while sitting on the calendar for Tuesday, May 25.
Senate Education Committee holds final meeting of session
Date Posted: 5/25/2021
The committee held its final meeting of the 87th legislative session on Monday, May 24, advancing a few more House bills to the Senate floor.
Senate Education Committee approves virtual school expansion and numerous other bills during Saturday night meeting
Date Posted: 5/23/2021
During a late-night May 22 meeting, the committee approved legislation to expand virtual education in Texas and took votes on many other pending bills.
Senate passes controversial curriculum and UIL bills
Date Posted: 5/22/2021
The Texas Senate spent the weekend passing bills that will micromanage the teaching of social studies and open the University Interscholastic League (UIL) to homeschool students.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: May 21, 2021
Date Posted: 5/21/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s state and federal education news and legislative updates.
Texas House Public Education Committee approves (likely) last batch of Senate bills
Date Posted: 5/20/2021
The committee met Thursday, May 20, on the House floor to vote on what is likely their last batch of Senate bills before a Saturday deadline.
Texas House Public Education Committee approves more Senate bills
Date Posted: 5/19/2021
The committee met Wednesday, May 19, to approve more Senate bills ahead of a May 22 deadline.
Senate committee advances UIL homeschool bill
Date Posted: 5/18/2021
The Senate Education Committee quickly voted Tuesday, May 18, to advance a bill that would allow homeschooled students to participate in UIL activities.
Texas House Public Education Committee hears testimony and votes on controversial special education bill
Date Posted: 5/18/2021
The committee met Tuesday, May 18, to hear testimony on Senate Bill 1716 and consider changes to the bill before recommending it to the full House.
House Public Education Committee advances Senate bills and schedules a voucher hearing, and Senate State Affairs Committee approves contentious curriculum bill
Date Posted: 5/17/2021
The House committee voted on several Senate bills Monday but delayed consideration of a controversial voucher bill to Tuesday. The Senate committee voted to advance House Bill 3979.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: May 14, 2021
Date Posted: 5/14/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s state and federal education news and legislative updates.
House passes UIL homeschool bill, others on deadline night
Date Posted: 5/14/2021
The Texas House of Representatives worked until midnight, passing several bills affecting public education Thursday night.
Texas Senate committee approves bills on digital citizenship, educator preparation
Date Posted: 5/13/2021
The Senate Education Committee met Thursday, May 13, and voted on several bills, including legislation dealing with digital citizenship and educator preparation.
Today is a key deadline for bills in the Texas House. Read more about bills being considered.
Date Posted: 5/13/2021
With few exceptions, House bills must survive a House floor vote today, May 13, to remain viable this session.
Texas Senate committee approves HB 3 cleanup bill with controversial new language
Date Posted: 5/11/2021
The Senate Education Committee voted Tuesday, May 11, to advance a controversial “cleanup” bill for the House Bill 3 (2019) school finance legislation.
Texas House Public Education Committee sides with ATPE on charter school bill
Date Posted: 5/11/2021
The committee met Tuesday, May 11, to vote on several Senate bills, including some on which the committee has never accepted testimony.
As session deadlines near, Texas House holds late-night debate on contentious education bills
Date Posted: 5/11/2021
The House gave preliminary approval to a controversial curriculum bill long after midnight and hours of heated debate.
Texas Senate committee advances another private school voucher bill
Date Posted: 5/10/2021
A divided Senate Education Committee voted to advance the ATPE-opposed voucher bill Monday evening, May 10.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: May 7, 2021
Date Posted: 5/07/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s state and federal education news and legislative updates.
Texas Senate Education Committee hears classic voucher bill
Date Posted: 5/06/2021
The committee took testimony on the ATPE-opposed Senate Bill 1968 at its May 6 hearing.
Texas Senate Education Committee continues debate over local oversight of charter schools
Date Posted: 5/04/2021
The committee heard testimony Tuesday, May 4, on reducing local communities’ authority over charter schools that locate within their jurisdiction.
Texas House Public Education Committee hears testimony and votes on more Senate bills
Date Posted: 5/04/2021
The committee met Tuesday, May 4, to hear more bills and take votes on three Senate bills.
Texas Senate approves special education voucher bill
Date Posted: 5/04/2021
The full Senate passed a special education voucher bill Monday despite opposition from ATPE and others in the public education community.
Texas House Public Education Committee approves first Senate bills at May 3 meeting
Date Posted: 5/04/2021
The committee met Monday, May 3, to vote on several pending bills, including some supported and one opposed by ATPE.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: April 30, 2021
Date Posted: 4/30/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s state and federal education news and legislative updates.
Highlights of the April 30 SBEC meeting
Date Posted: 4/30/2021
The State Board for Educator Certification met April 30 to discuss rule revisions and share some changes to the board.
Texas Senate committee advances ATPE-backed sick leave legislation
Date Posted: 4/29/2021
A divided Senate Education Committee voted to advance a bill to give public school employees access to sick leave pools.
Recapping the Texas House Public Education Committee meetings for April 27-28, 2021
Date Posted: 4/29/2021
The House committee met Tuesday and Wednesday to hear its first Senate bills this session, including a controversial charter school bill that ATPE opposes.
Biden proposes education aid in "American Families Plan"
Date Posted: 4/28/2021
The President will discuss his latest federal funding request during an address to Congress Wednesday, April 28.
Texas officials announce release of federal COVID-19 relief funds to school districts
Date Posted: 4/28/2021
School districts can apply for part of the $11.2 billion in federal ESSER III funds starting April 29.
Senate committee considers ATPE-supported sick leave pool bill
Date Posted: 4/28/2021
ATPE testified before the Senate Education Committee Tuesday, April 27, in support of making sick leave pools available to school employees.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: April 23, 2021
Date Posted: 4/23/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s state and federal education news and legislative updates.
House Public Education Committee advances a laundry list of pending bills
Date Posted: 4/23/2021
The committee met Friday, April 23, to vote on pending House bills before it turns its attention to hearing Senate bills next week.
Texas House approves state budget bill after adding pro-public education amendments
Date Posted: 4/23/2021
The Texas House spent 12 hours Thursday debating amendments to SB 1, making several changes to the proposed state budget that demonstrate support for public education.
Texas Senate committee approves controversial special education voucher bill
Date Posted: 4/22/2021
The Senate Education Committee advanced a special education voucher bill at its meeting Thursday, April 22.
Texas House Public Education Committee recap from April 20, 2021
Date Posted: 4/21/2021
The committee met Tuesday, April 20, to hear 26 new bills covering such topics as bilingual education, accountability, reading academies, working conditions, and more.
Texas Senate Education Committee hears special education voucher bill
Date Posted: 4/20/2021
The committee heard testimony Tuesday, April 20, on an ATPE-opposed bill that would create a special education voucher program funded by taxpayers.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: April 16, 2021
Date Posted: 4/16/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s state and federal education news and legislative updates.
TRS and Texas Legislature address important policy issues for retired educators this week
Date Posted: 4/16/2021
The TRS board addressed an issue that could spike healthcare costs for active educators and passed a rule to help districts and retirees to work together to combat learning loss.
Texas House Public Education Committee approves mix of bills during April 15 meeting
Date Posted: 4/16/2021
The committee held a formal meeting on the evening of April 15 to vote on numerous bills, including some supported and some opposed by ATPE.
Texas Senate Education Committee hears virtual school voucher bill
Date Posted: 4/15/2021
At the April 15 meeting, the committee took testimony on an ATPE-opposed bill to expand virtual schools and fund virtual vouchers.
Texas Education Commissioner addresses STAAR failure at Wednesday’s SBOE meeting
Date Posted: 4/14/2021
Commissioner Mike Morath acknowledged last week’s tech-related failure to administer STAAR tests in a presentation to the State Board of Education Wednesday, April 14.
Texas House Public Education Committee recap from April 13, 2021
Date Posted: 4/14/2021
The House Public Education Committee met Tuesday to hear 30 bills related to special education, student testing, curriculum, and more.
Senate Education Committee hears bills on educator preparation, bilingual education, and more
Date Posted: 4/13/2021
The Texas Senate Education Committee met April 13, the first of two meetings this week, to hear new bills and vote on pending legislation previously heard.
An update on the 87th Texas Legislature’s budget proposals
Date Posted: 4/12/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team provides a status update on the plans for the next state budget and federal relief dollars for education.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: April 9, 2021
Date Posted: 4/09/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s state and federal education news and legislative developments.
Texas Senate Education Committee hears bills on educator training, curriculum, and more at April 8 meeting
Date Posted: 4/08/2021
The committee listened to testimony on roughly a dozen bills but did not take any votes at its meeting Thursday, April 8, 2021.
Recapping the House Pensions Committee’s April 7 meeting
Date Posted: 4/08/2021
The Texas House Pensions, Investments and Financial Services Committee heard several beneficial TRS-related bills during the April 7 meeting.
Texas House committee approves controversial bills on school takeovers, virtual learning, and more
Date Posted: 4/07/2021
The House Public Education Committee briefly met April 7, voting on several of its pending bills, including a few opposed by ATPE and other public education groups.
Texas House Public Education Committee recap from April 6, 2021
Date Posted: 4/07/2021
The committee held a lengthy meeting Tuesday to hear 38 bills covering topics such as teacher certification and training, virtual learning, charter schools, accountability, and curriculum.
From The Texas Tribune: First day of STAAR testing canceled for thousands of students experiencing technical issues across Texas
Date Posted: 4/06/2021
Texas officials mandated that students take STAAR tests in person this year at monitored test sites, although millions of students are still learning remotely because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: April 1, 2021
Date Posted: 4/01/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s state and federal education news, including the latest developments in the Texas legislative session.
Senate committee advances bill restricting voter oversight of charter schools
Date Posted: 3/31/2021
The Senate Education Committee voted March 31 to advance Senate Bill 28, which would significantly restrict voters’ oversight of applications for new charter school chains in Texas.
Texas House Public Education Committee hears virtual education bills, votes on school finance clean-up and more
Date Posted: 3/31/2021
The House Public Education Committee met March 30 for a lengthy hearing on several virtual bills, plus others relating to student testing, school ratings, and more.
What to Know about the May 1 Elections
Date Posted: 3/30/2021
The voter registration deadline for the May 1 uniform election is April 1. Here’s everything you need to know about this election that’s vital to local decisions for your community.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: March 26, 2021
Date Posted: 3/26/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s state and federal education news and legislative developments.
Senate committee debates voter oversight of charter applications
Date Posted: 3/26/2021
The Texas Senate Education Committee considered several bills Thursday, March 25, including legislation concerning voter oversight of charter school applications.
Texas House committee hears TRS sunset bill
Date Posted: 3/25/2021
The House Pensions, Investments and Financial Services Committee considered House Bill 1585 during its March 24 hearing.
U.S. Department of Education hosts national school reopening summit
Date Posted: 3/24/2021
The March 24 online event featured panels of educators and students from around the country discussing best practices for school safety and instruction amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Texas House Public Education Committee hears bills on school finance, educator contracts, mental health, and more
Date Posted: 3/23/2021
The House Public Education Committee met March 23 for its third substantive hearing on bills this legislative session.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: March 19, 2021
Date Posted: 3/19/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s state and federal education news.
Commissioner responds to bipartisan legislators’ letter requesting STAAR opt-out
Date Posted: 3/18/2021
Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath wrote back to a bipartisan group of Texas House members, denying their request for a STAAR test opt-out mechanism for students.
Senate Education Committee holds first meeting of 2021 legislative session
Date Posted: 3/18/2021
The Senate Education Committee held its first meeting of the session March 18, hearing six bills and an update from the commissioner of education.
Texas House Public Education committee votes on its first batch of bills
Date Posted: 3/16/2021
The House Public Education Committee met March 16 for its second hearing on bills this session, covering curriculum, school safety, accountability, and other topics.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: March 12, 2021
Date Posted: 3/12/2021
A look at this week's education news highlights from ATPE Governmental Relations.
State legislators avert voucher debate in March 11 hearing on pandemic-related bill
Date Posted: 3/11/2021
The House State Affairs Committee heard testimony on a substitute version of House Bill 3, relating to the state’s response to the pandemic. The original bill included a private school voucher.
Congress passes American Rescue Plan Act for COVID-19 relief
Date Posted: 3/11/2021
President Biden signed the $1.9 trillion pandemic relief package into law Thursday, March 11, ahead of a prime-time speech to address implementation plans.
House Public Education Committee hears first academics and school safety bills
Date Posted: 3/09/2021
On Tuesday, March 9, the Texas House Public Education Committee held its first hearing on bills this legislative session, including several related to student academics and school safety.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: March 5, 2021
Date Posted: 3/05/2021
The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps this week’s education news.
ATPE: "Extending the Hold Harmless Provision is Critical, Welcome Step to Providing Our Schools with the Aid They Need."
Date Posted: 3/04/2021
State’s largest educator association thanks state leadership for listening to education community and helping stave off damaging budget cuts due to low attendance numbers caused by COVID-19 pandemic.
Update on how the governor’s removal of the statewide mask mandate affects public schools
Date Posted: 3/03/2021
TEA has released new health and safety guidance reaffirming that masks must still be worn in schools but giving school boards the ability to opt out.
Teachers, school staff now eligible for vaccines
Date Posted: 3/03/2021
The Biden administration has directed all vaccine providers in the U.S. to begin providing vaccines to teachers, school staff, and child care workers.
ATPE responds to governor's removal of statewide mask mandate
Date Posted: 3/02/2021
Gov. Abbott announced he is lifting the statewide mask mandate and other COVID-19 restrictions, but he did not mention schools during today's press conference.
House Public Education Committee holds first hearing of 2021
Date Posted: 3/02/2021
The Texas House Public Education Committee held its first hearing this legislative session to hear invited testimony from Education Commissioner Mike Morath.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Feb. 26, 2021
Date Posted: 2/26/2021
Catch up on this week’s education news from the ATPE Governmental Relations team.
TRS Trustees discuss pension fund and more this week
Date Posted: 2/26/2021
The TRS board met Friday, February 26, to discuss the condition of the state's educator retirement fund and other issues.
Public education committee chairman questions need for STAAR
Date Posted: 2/25/2021
During an ATPE-sponsored interview Thursday, the newly appointed chair of the House Public Education Committee said Texas needs to “back off” the STAAR test.
Feds share more detail on testing and accountability waivers
Date Posted: 2/23/2021
The U.S. Department of Education shared information with state officials on possible waivers related to administering tests during the pandemic. ATPE issued a press statement in response.
ATPE to Sponsor Texas Tribune Event with House Public Education Committee Chair
Date Posted: 2/23/2021
The live conversation with Rep. Harold Dutton Jr. will take place February 25 and will also be available to watch on demand afterward.
Texas legislative committees consider public education funding in multiple hearings this week
Date Posted: 2/23/2021
ATPE shared input with the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees ahead of their Feb. 22 meetings on state budget needs, including funding for TEA and TRS.
ATPE submits comments on proposed changes to Teacher Incentive Allotment rules
Date Posted: 2/22/2021
Last week, ATPE submitted comments to TEA on proposed changes to rules for school districts participating in the Teacher Incentive Allotment.
From The Texas Tribune: Texas students slammed again as storm scrambles already chaotic school year
Date Posted: 2/22/2021
The pandemic had already destabilized parents, teachers and students. Now the winter storm's damage is preventing schools from serving as lifelines for students needing shelter and food.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Feb. 19, 2021
Date Posted: 2/19/2021
ATPE Governmental Relations offers a look at the week's education headlines.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Feb. 12, 2021
Date Posted: 2/12/2021
Catch up on this week’s education news from the ATPE Governmental Relations team.
Highlights of the February 2021 SBEC meeting
Date Posted: 2/12/2021
The State Board for Educator Certification met February 12 for its first meeting of the year.
Morath reflects on online learning, defends STAAR during interview
Date Posted: 2/12/2021
Education Commissioner Mike Morath spoke to the Texas Tribune's Evan Smith about education issues facing Texas amid the pandemic.
ATPE shares federal priorities with the Texas congressional delegation
Date Posted: 2/10/2021
ATPE's Washington-based lobby team is sharing our federal legislative priorities with members of the 117th Congress.
Legislators ask TEA to allow students to opt out of STAAR
Date Posted: 2/09/2021
A bipartisan coalition of legislators wants the state to let students opt out of the 2020-21 STAAR test administration.
SBOE members seek immediate vaccine access for school employees
Date Posted: 2/09/2021
On Monday, members of the State Board of Education asked state officials to grant educators immediate access to COVID-19 vaccines.
Senate Finance Committee holds first public hearing on the state budget
Date Posted: 2/08/2021
The budget-writing committee held its first meeting of the 2021 legislative session Monday, February 8.
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Feb. 5, 2021
Date Posted: 2/05/2021
Catch up on this week’s education news from the ATPE Governmental Relations team.
Guest Post: Texas educators have earned the higher support of their fellow Texans during pandemic
Date Posted: 2/05/2021
Whether it’s support for additional funding, skepticism about high stakes tests and voucher schemes, majorities of Texans stand with our public schools.
BREAKING: Texas House committees announced for 87th Legislature
Date Posted: 2/04/2021
Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan announced the assignments, including a few surprises, Thursday, February 4.
Dr. Miguel Cardona brings his educator voice to Senate confirmation hearing
Date Posted: 2/04/2021
On Wednesday, Feb. 3, President Biden’s Education Secretary nominee sat before a Senate committee weighing his confirmation.
From The Texas Tribune: There aren't enough substitute teachers to step in when coronavirus keeps Texas teachers out of the classroom
Date Posted: 2/03/2021
Administrators, school staff and uncredentialed stand-ins are being sent into classrooms to cover for teachers who fall ill or have to isolate. But those improvisations aren't keeping classrooms staffed.
Black History Month 2021
Date Posted: 2/02/2021
Explore resources to engage students in the ever-relevant facet of American history that is the Black experience.
Abbott highlights teacher pay, broadband access in State of the State address
Date Posted: 2/01/2021
Gov. Greg Abbott delivered his State of the State address on Monday, Feb. 1, touching on a few education-related issues in the primetime speech.
Feds offer more time for states to request waivers of student testing requirements
Date Posted: 2/01/2021
Some states are already seeking waivers of federal testing requirements, and the Biden administration is now giving them more time to do so. Will Texas follow?
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Jan. 29, 2021
Date Posted: 1/29/2021
Catch up on this week's education news from Texas and Washington, DC.
SBOE honors outstanding teachers in final January meeting
Date Posted: 1/29/2021
The State Board of Education honored distinguished Texas math and science teachers today before concluding its first meeting of the year.
Senate Education Chair talks education and the 87th Texas Legislature
Date Posted: 1/28/2021
Senator Larry Taylor sat down with the Texas Tribune’s Evan Smith in an ATPE-sponsored podcast to talk about the outlook for education during the 2021 Texas legislative session.
ATPE past president reelected SBOE committee chair
Date Posted: 1/28/2021
The State Board of Education elected committee chairs Thursday, with one of ATPE’s own past presidents winning reelection to chair a key committee.
Morath tells SBOE he won’t cancel this spring's STAAR tests
Date Posted: 1/27/2021
Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath told the State Board of Education he will not cancel the spring STAAR, even if a federal waiver is offered.
New SBOE members sworn in, committees announced
Date Posted: 1/26/2021
In its first meeting of the year, the Texas State Board of Education swears in newly-elected members and reorganizes.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Jan. 22, 2021
Date Posted: 1/22/2021
Read this week's education news highlights from the ATPE Governmental Relations team.
Biden takes immediate action on education issues
Date Posted: 1/22/2021
Within his first few days in office, President Joe Biden took several executive actions related to education this week.
From The Texas Tribune: Texas House and Senate propose similar spending amounts in preliminary budgets
Date Posted: 1/22/2021
The proposals are about $7 billion over the amount Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said lawmakers have to spend during the 2021 legislative session.
From ATPE.org: Statewide Holocaust Remembrance Week Starts January 25
Date Posted: 1/21/2021
The week of January 25 is Holocaust Remembrance Week in Texas, per a bill passed by the 86th Legislature. Find resources you can use to observe this week with your students.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Jan. 15, 2021
Date Posted: 1/15/2021
Read this week's education news recap, including highlights of the first week of the 87th Legislative Session, from ATPE Governmental Relations.
BREAKING: Texas Senate committees announced for 87th Legislature
Date Posted: 1/15/2021
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick released his assignments for Senate committee chairs and members for the 2021 session.
From The Texas Tribune: Texas schools are wary of losing funding gains lawmakers provided in 2019
Date Posted: 1/15/2021
A school finance bill in 2019 boosted funding for districts, but the pandemic has since added layers of financial uncertainty.
Texas House and Senate adopt rules for the 87th Texas Legislature
Date Posted: 1/15/2021
The Texas House and Senate voted this week on rules and procedures outlining how each chamber will conduct its business this session.
Phelan elected Texas House Speaker on opening day of session
Date Posted: 1/12/2021
The Texas House and Senate gaveled in at noon today with abridged ceremonies amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
TEA enrollment data show youngest Texas students aren’t in school
Date Posted: 1/12/2021
ATPE summarizes a new report comparing public school enrollment changes from October 2019 to October 2020, showing a drop in the number of students attending school in person.
ATPE submits comments on proposed Blended Learning Grant rule
Date Posted: 1/11/2021
ATPE submitted formal input on a proposed commissioner’s rule to implement a new Blended Learning Grant Program.
Legislature will face tight budget, but not as bad as expected
Date Posted: 1/11/2021
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar shared his revenue estimate on the eve of the legislative session, letting lawmakers know how much money is available for spending this session.
Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Jan. 8, 2021
Date Posted: 1/08/2021
Read this week's education news highlights from the ATPE Governmental Relations team for Jan. 8, 2021.
Betsy DeVos tenure ends with abrupt resignation
Date Posted: 1/08/2021
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has resigned effective January 8, 2021. ATPE looks back at her controversial tenure.
Texas legislative session begins in one week
Date Posted: 1/05/2021
The 87th Texas Legislature will convene Tuesday, January 12. ATPE's lobby team looks at the plans for opening day.
From The Texas Tribune: Texas hires two companies to run STAAR, moving toward statewide online testing
Date Posted: 1/04/2021
Contracts totaling $388 million have been awarded to Cambium Assessment and Pearson, a longtime player in testing Texas public school students, to develop and administer STAAR for the next four years.
ATPE urges Congress to extend federal COVID-19-related paid leave benefits into 2021
Date Posted: 12/17/2020
The conditions that necessitated paid sick and family medical leave extensions as part of COVID-19 relief continue to exist, even with potential vaccine arrival.
ATPE's legislative priorities for 2021
Date Posted: 12/08/2020
ATPE, the state’s largest educator association, has released its advocacy priorities for the upcoming legislative session, which convenes Jan. 12, 2021.
State legislators preview budget, public education ahead of 2021 session
Date Posted: 9/17/2020
State legislators offered up a preview this week of what debates over public education policy and the budget could look like in the 87th Texas Legislature.
President releases education budget proposal for 2021
Date Posted: 2/12/2020
On February 10, 2020, President Donald Trump released his budget proposal, which is a statement of his administration's spending priorities across all sectors of government.