The Texas House Public Education Committee is holding critical hearings on Monday, August 12 and Tuesday, August 13 on issues that are having or will have a profound impact on the future of public education in Texas. Perhaps most critically, the committee will consider the implementation of taxpayer-funded private school vouchers and the effect that the increasing quantity of uncertified educators has on student outcomes. These hearings present a unique opportunity for you to influence upcoming legislation and ensure that the perspectives of those on the front lines of education are heard.
Understanding Interim Committee Hearings and Charges
What Are Interim Committee Hearings?
Interim committee hearings are an essential part of the Texas legislative process that occurs between regular legislative sessions. These hearings serve several important purposes:
- In-Depth Study: They allow legislators to dive deep into specific issues affecting their constituents and the state as a whole.
- Expert Testimony: Committees invite subject matter experts, stakeholders, and members of the public to provide testimony on key topics.
- Policy Development: The information gathered during these hearings helps shape policy recommendations for the next legislative session.
- Oversight: Committees monitor the implementation of recently passed legislation and the performance of state agencies.
What Are Interim Charges?
Interim charges are specific topics or questions that the Lieutenant Governor (for the Senate) or the Speaker of the House (for the House of Representatives) assigns to committees to study during the interim period. These charges:
- Focus on what the Speaker and Lt. Gov. perceive to be pressing issues or areas of concern
- Guide the committee’s work and set the agenda for interim hearings
- Form the basis for committee reports to be released later this year, which often lead to filed legislation in the next legislative session
The Importance of Public Input
Your participation in these hearings is vital because:
- It provides real-world context to policy discussions.
- It helps legislators understand the practical implications of potential laws from the perspective of educators and school employees.
- It grants an opportunity to help ensure that diverse perspectives are considered in the policymaking process.
Hearing Details
Date/Time:
Location: Room E2.010 of the Texas State Capitol Extension
Topics (Charges) to be Considered by the House Public Education Committee
Monday, August 12 Hearing
“Increasing Educational Opportunities” (Vouchers)
According to the text of the interim charge, the committee is tasked to “consider issues and matters to increase educational opportunities in Texas, ensuring students and families have increased options to attend high-quality schools, regardless of circumstance.”
This euphemistic language is designed to obfuscate the real agenda: vouchers. If the focus was really on increasing educational opportunities in Texas, there would also be a discussion about fully funding public education, expanding innovative programs in public schools, improving access to existing opportunities for “school choice” within our public schools, and more.
Key points to be considered:
- Evaluation of education savings accounts (voucher) programs in other states
- Recommendations for a potential Texas voucher program, including eligibility criteria and prioritization of applicants
Implementation of Recent Legislation
In the hearing on Monday, August 12, the committee will be monitoring the implementation of several important bills passed in the 88th Legislature:
HB 1605
This bill — commonly known as the “Amplify bill” — relates to the state’s preferred scripted instructional materials and education technology, as well as the adoption of essential knowledge and skills for certain public school foundation curriculum subjects. HB 1605 created a $60 per-student incentive, widely considered to be a bribe, for districts to adopt these scripted instructional materials as they face growing budget deficits resulting in layoffs and school closures due to chronic underfunding.
The State Board of Education is currently reviewing reading and mathematics materials, including controversial TEA-developed open education resources, under the provisions of HB 1605. The SBOE is expected to adopt these new “high quality instructional materials” in November. School districts are expected to decide on whether to implement these materials and accept the accompanying additional state aid for the 2025-2026 school year.
Key points to be considered:
- Changes in the process of adopting curriculum materials
- Impact on school district budgets and resource allocation
- Effects on classroom instruction and technology integration
HB 2209
This legislation establishes the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) program and creates an allotment and outcomes bonus under the Foundation School Program to support the program.
Key points to be considered:
- Opportunities and challenges in implementing R-PEP in rural districts
- Impact on student career readiness and local workforce development
- Funding mechanisms and their adequacy
SB 2124
This bill relates to an advanced mathematics program for public school students in middle school. The bill requires that a certain percentage of students scoring well on the standardized state test be automatically enrolled in a pathway that ensures completion of Algebra I in grade 8.
Key points to be considered:
- Curriculum development and implementation strategies
- Teacher preparation and professional development needs
- Impact on student achievement and high school readiness
Tuesday, August 13 Hearing
Impact of Uncertified Teachers
The committee will “examine the causes and impact on student outcomes of the increasing number of newly hired Texas teachers who are not certified by the State Board for Educator Certification.”
For context, the rate of uncertified teachers among new hires surpassed all other educator preparation routes for the first time in the 2023-2024 school year: 31% in public school districts and a whopping 59% in charter schools. Commissioner Mike Morath and others have pointed to growth in the number of uncertified educators as a primary driver of students’ poor performance on the state’s standardized math tests. We expect much attention to be paid to this issue in the upcoming legislative session.
Key points to be considered:
- Reasons for the increase in uncertified teachers
- Effects on student achievement and classroom quality
- Recommendations to enhance certification opportunities for uncertified teachers
- Strengthening parental rights and notifications regarding teacher certification status
Early Literacy and Numeracy Outcomes
The committee will “evaluate opportunities to improve students’ foundational early literacy and numeracy outcomes in Pre-Kindergarten through the third grade.” This continues the work of several bills that failed to pass in the last legislative session. There is concern that these attempts to help students reach grade-level proficiency in reading and math will simply result in unnecessary testing and mandatory tutoring for our youngest students.
Key points to be considered:
- Best practices for identifying students requiring reading and math intervention
- Evidence-based intervention strategies
- Recommendations for changes and investments to increase reading and math proficiency by the end of third grade
How You Can Participate
Testify in Person:
- Visit the Capitol to testify in person and register at the kiosks provided – more information can be found at: https://mytxlegis.capitol.texas.gov/HWRSPublic/About.aspx
- Prepare a concise, impactful testimony focusing on your direct experiences and observations
- Public testimony will likely be capped at 2 minutes. Practice your testimony to ensure you can deliver it within the allotted time.
Submit Electronic Comments:
- Visit the following link to submit written comments electronically if you are unable to attend the hearing: https://comments.house.texas.gov/home?c=c400
- You can comment until the hearing adjourns
- Be specific and provide concrete examples to support your points
Watch Live:
- A live stream of the committee hearings will be available at: https://house.texas.gov/video-audio/
- Stay informed even if you cannot attend in person – follow the conversation on social media and stay tuned for an analysis of the committee hearings in the Hotline on Friday, August 16
Spread the Word:
- Share this information with colleagues and encourage them to participate
- Organize watch parties for the live stream to discuss the issues as a group
Engage with Your Union:
- Work with Texas AFT to coordinate testimony and written comments
- Participate in Texas AFT’s training via Mobilize on Monday, August 12 at 6 PM on how to make your voice heard by preparing effective testimony and written comments: https://www.mobilize.us/texasaft/event/654722/
Follow the Texas Legislature:
- Use Texas AFT’s guide to using Texas Legislature Online (TLO), a XXXX, to learn about the issues that will be discussed and sign up for email alerts when upcoming committee hearings are scheduled
Your expertise is invaluable in shaping the future of Texas education. By participating in these hearings, you are not just sharing your perspective – you are actively contributing to the policymaking process that will affect our profession and classrooms across the state.
Remember, your voice matters. Whether you are a veteran educator or new to the profession, your insights can help legislators make informed decisions about the future of education in Texas. Let’s ensure that educators’ voices are heard loud and clear as Texas shapes its education policies for the years to come!
For any questions or assistance in preparing for the hearings, please contact Alejandro Peña — our primary legislative liaison to the Texas House of Representatives — at apena@texasaft.org.