Bill Zeeble

The State Board of Education on Friday approved a new reading list that includes numerous Bible passages. They're also considering a social studies curriculum that emphasizes U.S. and Texas history over world cultures. Approved changes take effect in 2030.

The Republican-majority State Board of Education is scheduled to vote this week on adopting curriculum changes statewide. Critics say the new social studies lessons and reading lists over-emphasize Christianity.

The new Texas Senate Bill 546 requires three-point seat belts on school buses by September 2029. But in less than two months, every Texas school board must report - to the Texas Education Agency - costs needed to comply with the law. For some districts, it could be in the millions.

The University of Texas System Board of Regents this week will consider how controversial topics are taught. It's a move driven by conservative new laws that critics say target LGBTQ+ students and DEI programs.

The Texas Education Agency has named former Assistant Attorney General Levi Fuller as the state's first Inspector General of Educator Misconduct – this as Texas toughens education policies.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board office of the Ombudsman has opened a new website where people can report alleged violations of state law in colleges and universities.

A Waco judge this week made permanent a block on a state law that required book vendors to rate materials based on their sexual content and references.

More than half of new Texas classroom teachers who joined the profession last year lacked certification. Education leaders say that's hurting students and district budgets.

Texas' new public education law, Senate Bill 12, requires parental permission before any physical or mental health care can be rendered to a student. As a result, parents now worry about their children, and nurses are worried about breaking the law.

Officials said the twin-engine plane crashed in an industrial area shortly after 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, igniting several parked semi-trucks. The victims identities have not yet been released.