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Texas
5th February 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Texas launches groundbreaking school choice program

Texas has launched its first school choice program, the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA), with over 20,000 applications submitted by noon on the opening day. Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced that nearly 8,000 applications were filed within the first hour. “Today marks an exciting new chapter for Texas families,” Hancock said, emphasizing the program's goal to provide parents with more educational flexibility. The TEFA program, effective in the 2026–27 school year, will offer taxpayer-funded ESA grants of $10,000 to around 100,000 students. Gov. Greg Abbott praised the initiative, stating: "With Texas Education Freedom Accounts, more parents can choose the learning environment that's best for their child." The application process prioritizes economically disadvantaged students, with a lottery system in place if demand exceeds funding.

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Level Up Your Students’ Future-Ready Skills

As the workforce and student needs evolve, how can schools ensure students are future-ready? Career and Technical Education (CTE) offers a strategic solution. Our comprehensive free guide empowers school leaders with practical tools—from student interest surveys to employment landscape checklists—to strengthen CTE offerings and equip students with the skills, knowledge, and mindsets needed for future success.

In the guide, you’ll have access to:
  • An overview of nationally recognized Career Clusters and Programs of Study
  • Tips for selecting the best career pathways that evolve with the employment landscape
  • Sample survey questions to gauge students’ interests in future career opportunities
  • And more!
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NATIONAL NEWS

Enrollment in private school choice skyrockets

Enrollment in private school choice programs has significantly increased in recent years, with Republican-led states investing billions in subsidies for families. These programs include vouchers for private school tuition, education savings accounts (ESAs), and tax-credit scholarships. Chris Lubienski, a professor of education policy at Indiana University Bloomington, said: "There's a lot of questions here that really could have pretty profound impacts that aren't necessarily evident yet." As of now, twenty-eight states are set to participate in a new federal tax credit program, further complicating the landscape of private school choice. While some states see soaring demand, others struggle with capacity and funding issues. The push for expanded access continues, with advocacy groups like EdChoice aiming for universal eligibility in private school choice programs. However, accountability and transparency concerns are rising, prompting scrutiny of how funds are utilized.

STATE NEWS

Students walk out against ICE crackdown

In response to federal immigration policies, students across Texas are staging walkouts, with demonstrations occurring in Fort Worth, Birdville, and Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISDs. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has warned districts that facilitating walkouts could lead to investigations and sanctions, including loss of funding. Gov. Greg Abbott has called for an investigation into a recent walkout in Austin ISD, where thousands protested ICE activities. Abbott criticized the use of taxpayer dollars for political protests, asserting that schools should focus on education, not political indoctrination. Despite the peaceful nature of the protests, some incidents of violence have occurred, leading to arrests.

LEGAL

TSD's controversial student removal sparks outrage

Two families are devastated after the Texas School for the Deaf (TSD) deemed their children unfit to attend, claiming the school is attempting to exclude deaf students with additional disabilities. Heather Skeen's son, who is profoundly deaf and cannot use amplification devices, thrived in TSD's ASL-rich environment. However, after an evaluation, he was deemed unfit for the school. Nolan and Jennifer Astrein faced a similar situation with their son, who was also removed due to alleged cognitive deficits. Both families are now fighting for their children's rights, with Skeen filing a lawsuit against TSD.

FINANCE

Temple ISD shines in purchasing

Temple ISD's purchasing department has been recognized with the 2026 Award of Merit for Purchasing Operations by the Texas Association of School Business Officials for the second consecutive year. This honor is awarded to only 84 districts, highlighting their commitment to professional purchasing standards.

DISTRICTS

Teague ISD board celebrated for dedication

The Teague ISD School Board has been recognized for itsr commitment to the district as part of School Board Appreciation Month. Members present included President Jeff Gonzales, Vice President Debra Lawrence, Secretary Lovie Whyte, and trustees Brian Bowers, Jason Hullum, Vicki Dimiceli, and Justin Lee. Superintendent Chris Skinner acknowledged Michelle Blankenship as Employee of the Month and Leslie Croft as Teacher of the Month for January.

Northwest ISD opens doors to outsiders

Northwest ISD officials have announced that the district will implement a limited open enrollment program for the 2026-27 school year, allowing students from outside the district to apply. The program is contingent on available space and requires students to meet academic, attendance, and behavioral standards.

Plano ISD gears up for calendar

Plano ISD is set to adopt its 2027-28 academic calendar next month. Chief communications officer Lesley Range-Stanton presented three draft calendars to the board of trustees on February 3.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

McKinney schools set for upgrades

Changes are underway at three McKinney ISD schools as renovation projects commence this summer. The McKinney ISD Board of Trustees approved nearly $6.86m for upgrades at Bennett Elementary, McKinney Boyd High School, and Evans Middle School.

Roof repairs approved for Plainview schools

Plainview ISD trustees have approved a three-year, $1.4m plan to address urgent roof repairs at Ash High School and Plainview High School. The Plainview High School auditorium roof and Ash High School gym roof are prioritized, with a combined cost of $495,500.

Coupland's new school set to open

Coupland ISD is making significant progress on its new junior-senior high school, set to open in August. Superintendent Earl Parcell reported that construction is on track, with visible brickwork and windows already in place. 

NUTRITION

Navigating new school meal guidelines

The recent unveiling of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) introduces significant changes to school meal standards. Lori Nelson of the Chef Ann Foundation stated: "It is a puzzle essentially," highlighting the complexities schools face in meeting new nutritional requirements. The guidelines emphasize protein intake and encourage the use of whole-fat dairy products, which may lead to increased costs for schools. Diane Pratt-Heavner, a spokesperson for the School Nutrition Association, noted that schools would "absolutely need more funding" to comply with potential new protein requirements. While the USDA sets regulations based on these guidelines, the implementation process is lengthy, requiring significant adjustments in infrastructure, staffing, and funding.

TEACHER SUPPORT

Teacher of the Year finalists address stress and burnout issues

In a recent discussion with Education Week, the finalists for the 2026 National Teacher of the Year award emphasized the importance of addressing teacher stress and burnout. One of the final five, Katie Collins, a 1st grade teacher at Bluff Park Elementary in Hoover, Alabama,said: "Teachers still feel alone. We are regulating very dysregulated children and we're dysregulated ourselves." The finalists highlighted the need for supportive environments that foster connections among teachers and students, and advocated for administrators to prioritize social and emotional support, particularly for young teachers of color. The educators shared strategies for maintaining joy in their work, such as finding purpose and building trust with administrators. Collins concluded: "When we can trust each other, y'all, the sky is the limit." The insights from these educators underscore the critical need for systemic changes to support teachers effectively.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Professor sues Texas A&M over firing

Melissa McCoul, a Texas A&M University professor, is suing the school, Board of Regents, and interim president after being fired for discussing gender identity in class. Her lawsuit claims that former university President Mark Welsh III was pressured by Gov. Greg Abbott's chief of staff to terminate her without a required hearing, violating her free speech and due process rights to “appease political critics.”

INTERNATIONAL

Australia brings early language learning to the classroom

Australia’s Early Learning Languages Australia (ELLA) program is being expanded into Foundation to Year 2 classrooms, giving primary schools free access to digital, play-based language learning tools. Already used by more than 1m children across 5,000 early learning services, the program now offers 11 immersive apps per language, professional development, and classroom resources aligned with the Australian Curriculum. The expansion aims to overcome common barriers to early language teaching, such as limited teacher confidence and resources, while promoting cultural understanding, inclusivity, and multilingualism from the earliest years of schooling.

AND FINALLY...

Rouble Nagi awarded $1m Global Teacher Prize

Rouble Nagi, an Indian teacher and activist, has been awarded the $1m Global Teacher Prize at the World Governments Summit in Dubai. Known for establishing over 800 learning centers and creating educational murals, Nagi aims to provide structured learning for children who have never attended school. Her Rouble Nagi Art Foundation focuses on teaching literacy, science, math, and history through art. Nagi plans to utilize the prize money to build an institute offering free vocational training. The Global Teacher Prize, awarded by the Varkey Foundation, recognizes exceptional educators worldwide; Nagi is the tenth recipient since its inception in 2015.
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