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Texas
10th March 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Huge demand seen for Texas Education Freedom Accounts

The Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program received over 160,000 applications within its first month, according to Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock. "Demand is strong for the record-setting launch of school choice in Texas," Hancock said, urging families to apply before the March 17 deadline. The Comptroller's office is releasing preliminary data on applicants, which will evolve as more families apply. Funding will be allocated through a lottery system prioritizing students with disabilities and those from low- and middle-income families. Hancock expressed confidence in the program's success, stating: "We’re expecting to sell out in year one," and emphasized the importance of establishing a sustainable school choice framework in Texas. Over 2,200 schools are participating, with more expected to join.

SUPPORTING STUDENTS BEFORE THEY NEED IT

Why Great Teachers Don’t Guess When It Comes to Support

Ever feel like you’re part detective, part reading coach, and part superhero? You’re not alone. Teachers everywhere are asking, “Where exactly does this student need support?” and “How do I find it fast?” — because those answers unlock real progress.

Whether it’s helping a kindergartner decode their first sight words or guiding a 10th grader through complex text, pinpointing what a student really needs makes all the difference.  

Great instruction shouldn’t feel like a puzzle with missing pieces. High-quality instructional resources grounded in the Science of Reading make supporting students your superpower.   

Hear from Leading Experts on the Evidence-Based Practices That Support Your Instruction and Advance Student Achievement.

 

NATIONAL NEWS

Pandemic’s youngest learners still lag

New NWEA data shows first and second graders continue to score below pre-pandemic peers in math and reading, even though many were infants or not yet born when COVID-19 began. Math scores have improved gradually, but reading has remained flat, suggesting broader social and developmental factors beyond classroom disruption. Megan Kuhfeld, a researcher at NWEA, said, “there’s something kind of systemic here happening ... within schools and outside of schools.” Districts are responding with phonics instruction, literacy assessments, and early interventions, while some states are expanding pre-kindergarten access.

Court restores mental health grants

Most U.S. school mental health projects that had faced cancellation will continue receiving federal funding for at least three more months after a federal appeals court rejected the Trump administration’s request to keep the grants frozen. The U.S. Department of Education has notified 120 grant recipients that funding for programmes hiring and training school mental health professionals will continue until June 1, though the department said it is issuing the extension “under protest” while appealing a lower-court ruling that found the earlier cancellations unlawful. The grants were part of two programs created to expand school-based mental health services and were funded through $1bn approved by Congress in 2022 following the Uvalde, Texas school shooting.

WORKFORCE

Brownsville ISD celebrates record teacher designations

Brownsville ISD recently hosted representatives from the Texas Education Agency Teacher Incentive Allotment and Region One Education Service Center to discuss the district's progress in the TIA program. The Texas Education Agency has approved 943 new and higher teacher designations for the 2025-26 cycle, raising the total to 1,831 TIA-designated teachers. The district is projected to generate over $29m this school year through the TIA, contributing to an estimated total of $150m since joining the program in 2019. Recent legislative changes are expected to enhance the TIA framework, providing more opportunities for districts to support high-quality educators.

GOVERNANCE

Weatherford ISD names new superintendent

Weatherford ISD trustees have selected Sean Scott as the lone finalist for the position of superintendent, set to begin in June. Currently the Deputy Superintendent of Mansfield ISD, Scott holds a Ph.D. in education from TCU and has 26 years of experience in Texas public education.

New principal takes the helm

New Braunfels ISD has appointed Stephanie McClain as the new principal of Oak Run Middle School. Previously, McClain served as the associate principal at New Braunfels High School since 2022, where she significantly boosted college, career, and military readiness (CCMR) from 61% to 89% and improved the campus accountability rating from 78 to 89.

DISTRICTS

Killeen ISD partners with charter school

Killeen ISD is considering a three-year contract with Third Future Schools to manage Manor Middle School, pending board approval. This partnership aims to enhance the school's performance under the Senate Bill 1882 Partnership model, which encourages collaboration with charter schools. KISD administrator Terri Osborne said: “We are pursuing the 1882 benefits for two primary reasons,” highlighting the financial benefits and a potential two-year accountability pause to avoid state intervention due to poor performance. Texas Education Agency Deputy Commissioner of Education Steve Lecholop previously warned KISD about unacceptable ratings for Manor and other middle schools. KISD plans to submit its SB 1882 benefits application by March 31, 2026, with a board meeting scheduled for March 10 to finalize the contract.

Connally ISD to close elementary school

Connally ISD will close Connally Elementary School in the fall, consolidating all pre-K through fifth-grade students at Connally Primary School. During an informational session, Garrett Black from the Texas Education Agency addressed concerns from around 100 attendees, including parents, teachers, and former students. Many expressed their support for Superintendent Jill Bottelberghe and her initiatives. The closure comes as the state prepares to take over district management, following an unsuccessful bond proposal in 2022 that aimed to fund a new elementary school.

Fort Bend ISD to close schools

Fort Bend ISD has decided to close seven elementary schools before the 2026-27 school year, following a recommendation from the district's school boundary advisory committee. The closures, which were approved during a March 9 board meeting, affect schools with enrollments under 600 students, including Austin Parkway Elementary and Sugar Mill Elementary.

Artistic triumphs at Texas schools

Students from Western Hills Elementary School in Temple ISD were honored for their achievements in a Texas art competition. A total of 55 students participated, representing seven schools, and they received medals or ribbons based on their artwork ratings.

EXAMS

South Texas ISD schools shine in AP honors

The College Board has honored three high schools in South Texas ISD for their exceptional performance in Advanced Placement (AP) coursework, naming them to the 2025 AP School Honor Roll. The recognized schools include South Texas ISD Science Academy, South Texas ISD Health Professions, and South Texas ISD Medical Professions, all located in Mercedes and Olmito. These schools have demonstrated strong academic results while increasing access to challenging college-level courses. The AP School Honor Roll acknowledges schools that help students succeed academically, earn college credit, and prepare for college.

CLASSROOM

Teens glued to screens in class

According to a new study, teenagers spend nearly one-third of their school day on smartphones, primarily for social media and entertainment. Researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, led by Dr. Eva Telzer, found that frequent phone checking "undermines" the concentration necessary for academic success. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, tracked smartphone use every hour over two weeks, revealing that students checked their phones dozens of times. Dr. Kaitlyn Burnel noted, "Students were on their phones every hour during school," with over 70% of their time spent on social media and entertainment.

NUTRITION

General Mills completes removal of synthetic dyes from school meal portfolio

General Mills said all of its products sold to kindergarten through 12th grade school meal programs are now made without certified artificial colors, achieving the target ahead of its summer 2026 deadline. The milestone was reached after the company reformulated its Lucky Charms 25% less sugar cereal, raising the portfolio from 98% to 100% free of certified colors. The company said the move responds to demand from schools for cleaner ingredient lists and aligns with broader regulatory shifts, including the US Food and Drug Administration’s plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic food dyes announced in April 2025. General Mills also remains on track to remove certified colors from its entire U.S. cereal portfolio by summer 2026 and from its full U.S. retail portfolio by the end of 2027.

INTERNATIONAL

Australian teachers’ union calls for major investment as school infrastructure review begins

Australia’s first national inquiry into public school infrastructure has been launched by the Australian Education Union to assess the condition of schools and recommend long-term funding and policy reforms. The review, chaired by former ACTU president Sharan Burrow, will examine infrastructure needs amid rising enrollments, growing student support needs and funding gaps, with consultations planned across communities, educators and governments. The union argues that stronger, coordinated investment in facilities is essential to improve student safety, inclusion and learning outcomes for the more than 2.6m students in Australia’s public schools.
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