Education

When students return to their classrooms each year, the yellow lights begin blinking on top of school zone signs to alert drivers that they need to slow down when the kids are coming and going. But not every driver gets right back into the habit of slowing down and being extra careful around schools.

An early education expert says looser federal ratios, smaller overhead budgets and English-only rules could undercut a program serving thousands of low-income kids.

The state has released its first in-depth look at who is signing up for the state's new billion-dollar initiative.

Lubbock ISD and Texas Tech K-12 have launched a new virtual education program, intended to reach more families and provide resources for student success. Applications are open through August 10.

A state ban on most forms of THC went into effect on Friday and Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider reports it's already becoming an issue in Texas' U.S. Senate race. Yesterday, Lubbock ISD announced a partnership with Texas Tech K-12 to create a new online program called Lubbock ISD Virtual Education, or LIVE. Applications are open now and will close on Aug. 10. You can find more information and apply at LubbockISD.org/LIVE.

Midland school trustees argue they have minimal control over local taxes and can’t properly serve students as a recapture system redistributes millions of the district’s revenue.

More than 1 in 5 Texans with student loans are in default, meaning they have not made a payment in at least 270 days. KERA’s Bill Zeeble reports that’s at least 10 percent more than a year ago. Lubbock Independent School District is hosting a town hall meeting to discuss potential names for the three new elementary schools being built, tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. at the Byron Martin Advanced Technology Center. Our Charley Maranville reports the district is taking recommendations until August 1.

A judge says Texas has to speed up putting jail inmates who are incompetent to stand trial in mental health facilities. KERA's Toluwani Osibamowo reports the order is part of a ten-year-long lawsuit against the state. Last week, Governor Greg Abbott launched a new teacher-led state commission to shape public education. The Texas Classroom Commission is tasked with developing recommendations ahead of the next legislative session on how to support teachers and improve educational outcomes.

Lubbock ISD’s school library advisory council first met in November to review books flagged as potentially inappropriate to be on the shelves, in compliance with state law. Lubbock-area state senator Charles Perry helped author the bill which established these councils, but at a recent board of trustees meeting, he joined a group of community members saying the district's process is flawed.

Abbott on Tuesday announced the launch of the Texas Classroom Commission, made up of current and former teachers, to identify innovative solutions for student success and provide recommendations ahead of the next legislative session.