We believe every child deserves high-quality education. We support leaders ensuring this right, especially for underserved students, to help them reach their full potential.
Welcome to edVantage TX newsletter by Democrats for Education Reform TX, highlighting the policies, people, and news shaping TX education.
The edVantage TX newsletter is a new regular communication by DFER TX that brings you the news and policy updates you need to help shape the education policy debate.
Contact the DFER TX team at info@dfertx.org to learn more and get in touch about how we can help your team approach crucial education policy debates next session.
🚨 Our 2025 Legislative Agenda is here! 🚨
For the 89th Legislative Session, DFER TX is charging legislators to focus on the following policy priorities:
- Strengthen the Teacher Workforce
- Invest in Early Education
- Increase School Funding
- Spur Meaningful Innovation
- Protect Assessment and Accountability
- Support Postsecondary Access and Completion
For more information on our legislative priorities, contact Tracy Johnson, Director of Policy and Advocacy, at tracy@dfer.org on how we will approach the upcoming session and which policies we’re tracking.
Today’s edVantage TX Newsletter brings you:
- DFER TX Spotlight: Bills DFER is Tracking
- Political Update
- Policy Updates
- What We Are Reading
- Key Dates to Remember
DFER TX SPOTLIGHT
Bills we are tracking.
As we advance toward the legislative session and move beyond the election cycle, Democratic lawmakers are already filing key legislation to improve public education, support teachers and ensure students have every opportunity to get ahead. Below are just a few strong bills DFER is tracking filed by Democratic champions:
- Rep. Josey Garcia – Filed HB 1334 to waive exam fees for those hoping to obtain a certificate to teach in special education or bilingual education.
- Rep. Salman Bhojani – Filed HB 1048 to expand access to high-quality, full-day pre-kindergarten programs throughout Texas, addressing equitable education concerns and ensuring consistency for early childhood education while minimizing financial barriers for families.
- Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins – Filed HB 591 to establish community-based learning centers that create a supportive environment for eligible public school students by addressing various academic, social, and emotional needs through nonprofit partnerships. The program prioritizes educational outcomes while leveraging funding from state, local, federal, and private resources.
Political Update
Celebrating Democratic resilience in the Texas Legislature
While we approach the session, DFER would also like to spotlight Democratic members of the Texas Legislature who were reelected to office in November. While it was a tough election night for Democrats in Texas and across the country, DFER, and our partners were proud to support nearly twenty Texas Democrats running for the Texas Legislature this year.
We especially want to congratulate State Rep. Eddie Morales, who withstood a red wave across South Texas and won his race despite Donald Trump winning his district by nearly 20 points. DFER partner organization, Legacy 44, was proud to support Rep. Morales’ campaign with digital campaign support, including a thirty-second ad.
Policy Updates
Key updates on higher ed & curriculum
This past November we saw engaging discussions on higher education, curriculum changes, and instructional materials, with key updates from the Senate Subcommittee on Higher Education and the State Board of Education (SBOE). The Senate Subcommittee on Higher Education tackled various critical issues in a lengthy hearing including the current state of Transfer Credit Processes between post-secondary education, community colleges, and highschool AP credits– in addition to Faculty Senates and DEI initiatives in the workplace.
The State Board of Education committee of the full board held a pivotal meeting in late November, tackling key issues in new curriculum review and approvals, High Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM), and the Instructional Materials Review and Approval (IMRA) process concluding for the 2024 cycle and beginning for the 2025 cycle.
The 2024 Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR) was released by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), offering data for students in Texas schools and districts regarding academic performance, attendance, teachers, demographics, and more! Some key highlights:
- 48% of 3rd graders are on or above grade level in Reading
- 42% of 3rd graders are on or above grade level in Math
- 76% of graduates met College, Career, or Military Readiness (CCMR) criteria
- 33% of graduates earned an Industry-Based Certification (IBC)
- 45% of 9-12th graders completed Advanced or Dual Credit Courses
What We Are Reading
What to know about Linda McMahon: Trump’s Pick for Secretary of Education
What efforts to abolish the Department of Education could actually mean for Financial Aid Policy
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board announces its new pick for Commissioner
Texas Education Officials approved an optional Bible-based curriculum in elementary schools
Key Dates to Remember
- Senate Education and House Public Education Committee Interim Reports (Expected Dec 2024)
- 2024 Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR) (Expected Dec 2024)
- 89th Legislative Session (Jan 14)
- SBOE Meeting (Jan 28-31)
- The Nation’s Report Card by NAEP (Expected Early 2025)