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.

From The Texas Tribune: 17 statewide propositions will appear on the November ballot. Here’s what Texas voters need to know.
From The Texas Tribune: 17 statewide propositions will appear on the November ballot. Here’s what Texas voters need to know.

A majority of the proposed constitutional amendments address tax cuts for homeowners and businesses.

By María Méndez, The Texas Tribune | Posted on: 9/22/2025 12:00:00 AM

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SBEC discusses National Board Certification & TIA, as well as updates to Educator Code of Ethics and Discipline Procedures
SBEC discusses National Board Certification & TIA, as well as updates to Educator Code of Ethics and Discipline Procedures

The board agenda focused on work SBEC must accomplish to implement legislation passed by the 89th Legislature in its 2025 regular session.

By Tricia Cave | Posted on: 9/22/2025 12:00:00 AM

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Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Sept. 19, 2025
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Sept. 19, 2025

ATPE shares important information for Texas public educators to know about their First Amendment rights. Plus: Register to vote in the Nov. 4 election by Monday, Oct. 6.

By ATPE Staff | Posted on: 9/19/2025 12:00:00 AM

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SBOE continues work on social studies framework
SBOE continues work on social studies framework

The State Board of Education’s Sept. 8–12 meeting also included TEA Commissioner Mike Morath’s review of the 2025 A-F accountability ratings and a discussion of HB 8.

By Heather Sheffield | Posted on: 9/15/2025 12:00:00 AM

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Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Sept. 12, 2025
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Sept. 12, 2025

ATPE takes a deep dive into the biggest question about HB 8, the testing bill passed by the Texas Legislature during its second special session of 2025.

By ATPE Staff | Posted on: 9/12/2025 12:00:00 AM

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What’s really in HB 8, the testing bill passed by the Texas Legislature this summer?
What’s really in HB 8, the testing bill passed by the Texas Legislature this summer?

HB 8 has some positive, some potentially positive, and some negative aspects. We take a deeper look and answer the question: Does HB 8 increase the number of tests?

By ATPE Staff | Posted on: 9/11/2025 12:00:00 AM

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From the Texas Tribune: Texas educators praise new school cellphone ban
From the Texas Tribune: Texas educators praise new school cellphone ban

The new state ban took effect on Sept. 1, and Texas’ more than 1,200 public school districts have adopted policies ranging from secure phone pouches to increased monitoring.

By Nicholas Gutteridge, The Texas Tribune | Posted on: 9/10/2025 12:00:00 AM

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Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Sept. 5, 2025
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Sept. 5, 2025

A bill aimed at rebranding the STAAR test heads to Gov. Abbott’s desk after contentious debate on the House floor Wednesday night.

By ATPE Staff | Posted on: 9/5/2025 12:00:00 AM

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HB 8 heads to governor's desk as second special session comes to a close
HB 8 heads to governor's desk as second special session comes to a close

The second special session is over, and legislation that will alter Texas' testing and accountability system is headed to the governor's desk.

By ATPE Staff | Posted on: 9/4/2025 12:00:00 AM

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Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Aug. 29, 2025
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Aug. 29, 2025

The STAAR redesign bill awaits its fate, and ATPE shares guidance on SB 12, the Parental Bill of Rights.

By ATPE Staff | Posted on: 8/29/2025 12:00:00 AM

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