This creates a challenging environment for some schools, which must implement changes and plan ahead, even as the rules and priorities continue to shift—and it can be just as confusing for families trying to understand the origins of these laws.
“As school starts this year, parents need to be aware of the legislative changes that could affect their children,” parent and education advocate Jenny Schweers said. “With so many bills, versions of bills, and changes during special sessions, it can feel overwhelming. It’s essential for parents to be aware of what’s being proposed and speak out if they disagree. And be patient with schools as they figure out how to navigate these changes for the benefit of all students.”
What happened during the first and second called special sessions?
Unlike the regular legislative session, which occurs every two years, a special session can be called by Gov. Greg Abbott at any time. It is unique because lawmakers are limited to the specific topics on the governor’s agenda.
The first special session included 18 agenda items, ranging from eliminating the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR, to addressing flood relief and redistricting. However, no action was taken after some House Democrats left the state to break quorum—the minimum number of legislators required to pass legislation.
Abbott immediately convened a second special session with the same 18 items on the agenda and an additional agenda to focus on camp safety. Five additional items were also added, bringing the total to 24. The session ended Sept. 3 with the adoption of a new assessment and accountability bill, HB 8.
Key education legislation
Assessment and accountability became one of the focal points of the special sessions, after House Bill 4 stalled in the Senate during the legislative session. HB 4 would have replaced STAAR with a series of yearly formative assessments, including a nationally normed test, and added new accountability measures, such as pre-K enrollment and extracurricular participation.
In the second called special session, lawmakers adopted HB 8, which will replace STAAR with a new statewide assessment system starting in the 2027-28 school year.
“Starting in 2027-28, students would take three assessments: a formative test at the beginning and middle of the year, and an end-of-year, Texas Education Agency-designed criterion-referenced exam, which would be very similar to STAAR,” said Bob Popinski, dean of policy for Raise Your Hand Texas. “That means, there will still just be a single test on one day that affects the A-F accountability system. The first two tests do not impact accountability ratings.”
Supporters feel the bills shorten test length and speed up result reporting, which they say makes assessments more useful and less stressful for students. Many also view phasing out STAAR by 2027-28 as a step toward a more supportive system that balances accountability with classroom learning.
Critics point out that the new law still relies on a state-designed, end-of-year test scored by the TEA, making it feel very similar to STAAR with only modest changes. Early drafts of HB 8 would have required Texas to use a student growth measure that tracks how much progress students make during the year as part of school ratings. In the final version, lawmakers chose instead to have the TEA study and report on growth by 2029, leaving it up to future legislatures to decide if it will count in the A through F accountability system. When the new Student Success Tool begins in 2027-28, testing for most students will look familiar, although the exams will be spread across the school year and may take slightly less time overall.
Implementing legislation from the legislative session
The 89th regular session introduced several changes to Texas public education. House Bill 2 is the centerpiece, providing $8.5 billion in additional funding over the next two years. The funding is designated for teacher and staff raises, early literacy programs, special education, and career and technical education initiatives.
Districts are now working to implement these resources, balancing the allocation across programs while addressing challenges such as rising operational costs and growing student needs that were not addressed.
“Increasing the basic allotment helps, but it’s very specific in how it can be used, and it doesn’t always keep up with inflation or cover all the requirements the state puts on schools,” Schweers said. “For example, money allotted to early education or special education often isn’t enough to meet the requirements, leaving a deficit. Schools want to be responsible with the funds they receive, but they’re still trying to meet the needs of their students and staff. So, raising the basic allotment can be helpful, but it can also ultimately be limiting at the same time.”
Alongside HB 2’s major funding changes, several other bills from the 89th regular session are now shaping classrooms across Texas:
- HB 1481: restricts the use of cellphones and smartwatches during school hours
- HB 6: broadens in-school suspension options and authorizes virtual Discipline Alternative Education Programs for students involved in vaping incidents
- SB 207: allows students to be excused for mental health appointments
- SB 1191: standardizes how high school GPAs are calculated and assigns additional weight for advanced courses
- SB 10: requires every public school classroom to display a framed copy of the Ten Commandments
- SB 13: gives school boards and parents final say on materials in some school libraries
“What we're seeing across the state is a misconception that these policies originated from the school districts and that every district is implementing them the same way,” Popinski said. “In reality, the Texas Education Agency sets the guidelines and accountability measures, and districts are responsible for implementing them within their local context.”
Why public education matters
New and ongoing education legislation affects more than just students and teachers.
Policies shaping curriculum, assessment and funding influence how prepared students are for college, careers and civic life—impacting the future workforce, local economies and community well-being. Decisions about accountability, testing and school funding also affect property values, local budgets and tax policies, meaning everyone has a stake in how schools operate.
Education policy also reflects broader societal priorities, from mental health support and student safety to technology use and equity in learning opportunities. Staying informed and engaged ensures residents can voice opinions, advocate for effective solutions, and hold lawmakers accountable for decisions that shape not just schools, but the community as a whole.
“Even if you’re not a parent, the choices being made in our schools affect the whole community,” Popinski said. “These policies set the stage for the next generation, and everyone has a role in shaping how that plays out.”
How to keep up with education policies
Staying informed and engaged ensures residents can understand how policies are implemented, advocate for effective solutions, and provide input when decisions affect schools and students.
Community members can stay involved by attending school board meetings, participating in public forums, joining parent-teacher associations and following local news on education issues.
To stay up to date on how education policy continues to unfold, sign up for Raise Your Hand Texas’ Across the Lawn newsletter or visit www.raiseyourhandtexas.org.
The above story was produced by Community Impact's Multi-Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel, with information solely provided by the local business as part of its "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
