EXPLAINED: 2 | Vintage Vibes

Fort Worth ISD takeover was largely based on STAAR test, despite plans to replace it

Both Republicans and Democrats have said STAAR sets students up for failure, raising questions about basing a state takeover on the test’s results.

The Texas Tribune · Oct 30, 2025

How a single Fort Worth ISD campus prompted a state takeover

The district has struggled to bring students’ grades up, especially at campuses in low-income neighborhoods with large Black and brown populations.

The Texas Tribune · Oct 29, 2025

Fort Worth ISD Parents Fear the Same Chaos that State Takeover Has Brought to Houston ISD

TEA intervention into locally controlled school districts has become increasingly common—despite mixed results.

Texas Observer · Oct 28, 2025

Five Texas school districts at risk of a state takeover after ratings’ release

The state can take control of a school district if at least one of its campuses receives a failing grade five years in a row.

The Texas Tribune · Aug 16, 2025

Texas students make gains in reading but struggle with math, STAAR scores show

The mixed-bag results showed early literacy improvements, a key indicator of future academic success, but underline the challenges of preparing children for STEM-related jobs.

The Texas Tribune · Jun 17, 2025

Texas Education Agency extends Houston school district takeover through 2027

Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath applauded the district for its improvements while citing the need for more time to “achieve lasting success for students.”

The Texas Tribune · Jun 2, 2025

1 in 5 Texas schools got a D or F rating under new performance standards

Failing grades for districts were made public for the first time since 2019. They showed schools with the poorest students were more likely to get a low score.

The Texas Tribune · Apr 24, 2025

School districts stay quiet as lawmakers push to limit when they can sue the state

School leaders have privately criticized a bill that would make it harder to contest their performance ratings in court. But they did not testify against it to avoid lawmakers’ ire.

The Texas Tribune · Apr 23, 2025

Texas education commissioner calls for student cellphone ban in schools

Mike Morath made the recommendation as concerns rise that phones are harmful to students’ mental health and distract them from learning.

The Texas Tribune · Sep 18, 2024

Dozens of Texas school districts press state to suspend new student data reporting system

The superintendents said they haven’t received enough support from the state or time to fix errors the system generated.

The Texas Tribune · Sep 17, 2024