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.

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 12:00:00 AM

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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 12:00:00 AM

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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 12:00:00 AM

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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 12:00:00 AM

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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 12:00:00 AM

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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 12:00:00 AM

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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 12:00:00 AM

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Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Oct. 24, 2025
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Oct. 24, 2025

ATPE weighs in as TEA takes over Fort Worth ISD. Plus: Early voting continues through Friday, Oct. 31.

By ATPE Staff | Posted on: 10/24/2025 12:00:00 AM

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From The Texas Tribune: Texas Education Agency takes over Fort Worth ISD, replacing its elected school board
From The Texas Tribune: Texas Education Agency takes over Fort Worth ISD, replacing its elected school board

The North Texas district is the 11th since 2000 to be taken over by the state and the second largest after Houston ISD.

By Jaden Edison, Ayden Runnels and Colleen DeGuzman, The Texas Tribune | Posted on: 10/23/2025 12:00:00 AM

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Federal judge permanently blocks HB 900, the READER Act
Federal judge permanently blocks HB 900, the READER Act

The Western District Court of Texas sided with booksellers and publishers arguing that requiring them to rate books for sexual content violated the U.S. Constitution.

By Tricia Cave | Posted on: 10/22/2025 12:00:00 AM

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