Texas’ student reading and math results are lackluster and declining. According to the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR), 55% of Texas third-graders are reading below grade level and 52% are doing math below grade-level. Similarly, according to the April 2018 Nation’s Report Card (NAEP), Texas reading scores are some of the lowest in the nation and declining: Texas ranks 46th in fourth-grade reading (down from 40th in 2015). In addition, the achievement gaps between white and minority children are persistent and the state’s economically disadvantaged population is increasing.
K-12 Education
Fending Off Foreign Funding
On Tuesday, the Texas Public Policy Foundation had the honor of hosting Governor Greg Abbott for a press event on the future of Texas education. The Governor announced new plans to thwart the creeping influence of hostile foreign actors and radical ideological networks in Texas’ K-12 public schools. His proposals included prohibiting foreign entities from using gifts,...
August 20, 2026