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Texas
16th January 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Brenham ISD unveils new literacy framework

Brenham ISD has developed a comprehensive Literacy Instructional Framework after a year of collaboration among teachers and instructional leaders. The initiative began in spring 2025 with the Early Literacy Coalition, which analyzed early literacy data and classroom practices. Supported by the Texas Education Agency's Strong Foundations Planning Grant, the project expanded to include all grade levels. The framework sets clear expectations for literacy instruction, emphasizing foundational reading skills and student engagement. Chief academic officer Sara Borchgardt stated, "The framework reflects a shared district vision for literacy instruction." Recently rated exemplary by the Texas Education Agency, the framework aims to guide professional development and instructional support across campuses, with ongoing involvement from classroom teachers in its implementation.

SAVVAS - STRENGTHEN MATHEMATICS FLUENCY

More Than Speed: Why Math Fluency Matters  

Strengthening and building on fluency skills across K-12 is vital because it allows students to solve problems accurately and efficiently. When students are fluent with basic facts and procedures, they free up their cognitive resources to focus on higher-level thinking and complex problem-solving. Without fluency, students may struggle with multi-digit problems, fractions, and decimals, as their difficulties can compound over the years.

An effective approach to building fluency involves more than just rote memorization. It requires helping students understand number relationships, develop flexibility, and choose an efficient strategy. This foundation helps students develop a strong number sense and prepares them for future academic success. By cultivating fluency, educators help students build confidence and reduce the math anxiety that can hinder their learning journey.

Download free fluency resources to try now!

 

NATIONAL NEWS

Bipartisan bill seeks to curb screen time and algorithmic feeds for children

A Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation hearing on Thursday saw lawmakers and experts raise concerns about the harmful effects of excessive screen time and social media use among children, who now average 7.5 hours of screen exposure daily. A proposed bill from Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) would set a minimum age of 13 for social media access and ban algorithm-driven content for users under 17. The legislation also requires federally funded schools to block social media on school devices and networks. Experts urged parents to delay children's social media use, linking excessive screen time to mental health challenges and a growing "loneliness epidemic."

Project AWARE grant turmoil exposes fragility of school mental health funding

The recent turmoil surrounding the Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education) mental health grants highlights the instability in funding for school mental health programs. After the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration abruptly canceled up to $2bn in grants on January 13, advocacy from educators and bipartisan congressional members led to a swift reversal on January 15. Chris Bucher, a spokesperson for the Wisconsin Department of Education, commented: "The conflicting information creates real stress for the schools, families, and communities who depend on these services." Despite the reinstatement, many states and school districts reported uncertainty regarding their funding status. The grants, which aim to enhance mental health awareness and access to services, received $140m in the 2025 fiscal year. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges in securing consistent mental health support for students.

LEADERSHIP

Carthage ISD's Tim Rocka moves on to new position at Granbury

Dr. Tim Rocka, deputy superintendent of Carthage ISD, has accepted a new position as executive director of human resources at Granbury ISD. Granbury ISD announced his appointment earlier this month. Rocka has been with Carthage ISD since 2023 and has over two decades of experience in public education. Carthage ISD expressed gratitude for his leadership, stating, "He will be missed," and congratulated Granbury ISD on the hire. Rocka is set to begin his new role later this winter, while Carthage ISD has yet to announce plans for his replacement.

DISTRICTS

HISD proposes major program changes

Houston ISD (HISD) is proposing significant changes to magnet and career programs at 10 high schools to better equip students with job-ready skills. The school board is set to vote on these changes, which have sparked concerns among parents about their input being overlooked. HISD aims to expand the Barbara Jordan Career Center while discontinuing certain programs, including graphic design, at schools like Waltrip and Heights. Gillian Quinn, HISD's executive director of career and technical education, stated: "What we found is that there are graphic design studies that really aren't leading to very many living wage jobs in Houston." Despite the changes, current students can remain in their programs, but no new admissions will be allowed. The proposal raises broader questions about the purpose of high school education and its alignment with job opportunities. "Every school district," Quinn said, "should be saying, 'Are we offering the right courses, do they align with jobs?'"

Keller ISD tackles campus consolidation

On January 14, Keller ISD's Long Range Planning and Citizens Bond Advisory committees convened to discuss a campus consolidation plan. Over the course of 10 meetings, members will analyze demographic data, school finances, and maintenance priorities, ultimately crafting a bond package for the November 2026 election. Superintendent Cory Wilson emphasized the need for data-driven decisions, stating, "We cannot afford to operate 40 different campuses with declining enrollment." The district has experienced a 12.5% decrease in enrollment from 2021-25, prompting the need for consolidation. The next meeting is scheduled for February 5 at the Keller ISD Education Center, where public attendance is welcome, though only committee members can engage in discussions.

FINANCE

Alvin ISD boosts budget for schools

Alvin ISD has approved an amendment to its 2025-26 budget, allocating over $5.8m to address "high-priority needs" across the district. The funding will enhance various areas, including campus libraries, safety, athletics, and technology services. Specific allocations include $320,000 for updated library materials, $2.95m for HVAC projects at Alvin High School, and $186,650 for police equipment under the Uvalde Strong Act. Additionally, $800,000 is designated for turf replacement at Shadow Creek High School, while $329,621 will go towards new band uniforms. The district aims to support instructional programs and facility needs, having deferred some projects to maintain a balanced budget at the start of the school year.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Waymo's robotaxis face new citations

Austin ISD (AISD) has issued four new citations against Waymo's driverless robotaxis for passing stopped school buses, despite the company's voluntary software recall aimed at resolving the issue. AISD officials stated, "Austin ISD again asks that Waymo cease operations in the mornings and afternoons during school days when our students are using our school buses." The district operates over 600 bus routes daily and has reported multiple violations, including incidents captured on camera. Under Texas law, vehicles must stop for school buses with extended stop-arms. Waymo has acknowledged the fines totaling about $7,200 and claims to have made improvements in safety since the software update. The company plans to expand its services further into Texas next year.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Community leaders inspire students on MLK day

On January 15, 2026, community leaders participated in a reading event for students in Midland, Texas, to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This initiative, organized by Senior Life Midland's Foster Grandparents Program in collaboration with the Midland ISD, aimed to educate students about Dr. King's legacy. "Foster Grandparent is a vital program and is a real asset to Midland teachers and students," said Kathleen Kirwan-Haynie, Executive Director of Senior Life Midland. Schools involved included Pease Magnet Elementary, South Elementary, and Young Women's Leadership Academy, among others. The event emphasized the importance of service and community engagement, aligning with the national observance of MLK Day as a day of service. Since 2001, the Foster Grandparents Program has connected senior volunteers with at-risk children, fostering mentorship and support in local classrooms.

Free meals for Austin ISD families

Austin ISD families can now access free meals through new food pantries at six elementary schools, celebrated on January 13 by officials from the Central Texas Food Bank, AISD, and Austin Voices. “Learning cannot happen on empty bellies,” said Anurita Mittra, vice president of network programs and services for Central Texas Food Bank. The Feeding Futures School Pantry program allows families to receive up to 10 days' worth of food weekly, promoting dignity and choice in food selection. The pantries target communities with high rates of food insecurity, with AISD Superintendent Matias Segura emphasizing the importance of schools as community resources. The Pérez Elementary pantry alone served over 300 people in its first two weeks, highlighting the significant need for such resources. The district plans to expand the program to more campuses, addressing food deserts strategically.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

New gymnasium breaks ground at New Diana ISD

New Diana ISD officials and construction teams held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new gymnasium on January 12, 2026. The project is part of a $28m bond proposal approved by voters in 2024, which will also fund a new band hall, lobby, and various safety improvements across the district. Superintendent Carl Key expressed gratitude for the bond's approval, stating, "We’re just so excited... it passed, and we’re just trying to do our due diligence." School board President T.J. Shafer added, "I can’t thank the voters enough for believing in this district." The gym is expected to be completed by December 2026 or early 2027.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Chinese universities climb global research rankings as U.S. institutions lose ground

Chinese universities are rapidly rising in global rankings that measure research output, overtaking many leading U.S. institutions and pushing Harvard down to third place in the latest Leiden Rankings. The shift reflects China’s sharp increase in both the volume and influence of academic publications, with Zhejiang University now ranked first and seven other Chinese universities in the global top 10 on that research-focused list. While Harvard and other major U.S. universities are still producing more research than they did two decades ago, China’s output has grown much faster, narrowing — and in some cases surpassing — the traditional dominance of American academia. Experts say this trend signals an emerging rebalancing of global research leadership, driven by heavy Chinese investment in higher education and growing emphasis on publishing in widely cited English-language journals. Although U.S. institutions continue to perform strongly in broader rankings that include reputation and teaching quality, the research-output gap is widening as China expands its academic capacity and global ambitions.

INTERNATIONAL

Mentoring programs bridge education gap for disadvantaged children in Germany

A new study by the Universities of Bonn and Cologne has found that mentoring programs significantly improve educational outcomes for children from low socio-economic backgrounds in Germany. Despite equal academic performance, these children are 22 percentage points less likely to enter the high academic track in secondary school. However, participation in a year-long mentoring initiative increased their chances by 11 percentage points, a benefit that persisted for at least five years. In this program, university student volunteers were paired with disadvantaged children in second or third grade, meeting weekly for a year to support their personal development through activities and guidance. The study also found that mentoring helped parents consider more ambitious educational paths for their children, demonstrating that role models and external encouragement can influence critical schooling decisions.
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