Advocacy Blog

Follow the Teach the Vote advocacy blog for the latest Texas public education news and in-depth analysis from the ATPE Governmental Relations team.

Visit the Blog Archive to read posts published from 2019 through 2024.

TEA updates Industry-Based Certification List
TEA updates Industry-Based Certification List

Educators should expect changes as districts ensure their CTE and CCMR systems align with the new list, which will affect accountability ratings beginning with ratings released in August 2027.

By Heather Sheffield | Posted on: 11/11/2025

Read more
Abbott reelection speech focuses on eliminating property taxes, targets school funding
Abbott reelection speech focuses on eliminating property taxes, targets school funding

As other state leaders have recently mentioned, property tax relief is already the single biggest line item in the Texas budget at more than $50 billion.

By Tricia Cave | Posted on: 11/11/2025

Read more
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Nov. 7, 2025
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Nov. 7, 2025

Texas voters approve three education-related constitutional amendments, plus a look ahead to next week’s Texas Tribune Festival, where educators may earn CPE thanks to an ATPE partnership.

By ATPE Staff | Posted on: 11/7/2025

Read more
That’s a wrap: Election Day 2025 results
That’s a wrap: Election Day 2025 results

Two property tax amendments will lower tax bills for many homeowners but will likely increase pressure on the state’s ability to maintain current levels of school funding.

By Tricia Cave | Posted on: 11/5/2025

Read more
TEA releases updated guidance on AP and IB exam subsidies
TEA releases updated guidance on AP and IB exam subsidies

The cost of an AP exam for eligible Texas public school students can be as low as $26 if districts and campuses take advantage of all available assistance, expanding access to advanced academic opportunities.

By Heather Sheffield | Posted on: 11/5/2025

Read more
Hang out with ATPE at The Texas Tribune Festival!
Hang out with ATPE at The Texas Tribune Festival!

Educators will find plenty of exciting opportunities at the 15th annual Texas Tribune Festival this Nov. 13–15 in Austin.

By ATPE Staff | Posted on: 10/31/2025

Read more
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Oct. 31, 2025
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Oct. 31, 2025

The school lunch program remains funded (for now). Plus: Election Day is Nov. 4, and ATPE and The Texas Tribune partner for TribFest Nov. 13–15 in Austin.

By ATPE Staff | Posted on: 10/31/2025

Read more
School lunch program remains funded during the federal shutdown—for now
School lunch program remains funded during the federal shutdown—for now

Some social media posts are mistakenly linking SNAP and school lunch and breakfast programs, but they are separate and have different funding mechanisms and oversight.

By Heather Sheffield | Posted on: 10/30/2025

Read more
Why educators should pay attention to Sen. Paul Bettencourt’s conversation with The Texas Tribune
Why educators should pay attention to Sen. Paul Bettencourt’s conversation with The Texas Tribune

Analysis: The current legislative leadership’s agenda is not about defending local control; it’s about consolidating control and giving it to the Texas Legislature.

By Heather Sheffield | Posted on: 10/30/2025

Read more
What HB 8 means for Texas educators
What HB 8 means for Texas educators

Although this 2025 legislation introduces notable changes, much of the current testing and accountability infrastructure remains the same—just under new labels and timelines.

By Heather Sheffield | Posted on: 10/28/2025

Read more