The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps the past week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments. ATPE members: Share your thoughts and ask our lobby team questions in The Rotunda on the ATPE Online Community.  

• From The Texas Tribune: “Texas’ school A-F grades relatively flat as Austin ISD inches closer to takeover” 
• On the Campaign Trail: Aug. 14, 2026 
• Now available on the ATPE Professional Learning Portal: Legislative Update from the 2026 ATPE Summit  
• Use your teacher voice with ATPE’s advocacy tools 

A-F RATINGS: Texas’ latest school accountability ratings show little overall change, while Austin ISD moves closer to a potential state takeover after two middle schools received their fifth consecutive failing grade. Waco ISD is also at risk of a takeover but is currently in a turnaround partnership with Third Future Schools, a charter network founded by current Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles.  

Of more than 9,000 campuses rated for 2025-26, 24% earned an A, 34% a B, 23% a C, 10% a D and 4% an F. About a quarter of campuses improved their ratings, while 22% declined. 

Read more in this article republished from The Texas Tribune. 

GOVERNOR’S RACE: As the general election season shifts into high gear, ATPE is starting a periodic Teach the Vote series: On the Campaign Trail. These  blog posts will keep you up to date on how the candidates for Texas governor are discussing the issues surrounding Texas public education as they traverse the state. Learn more in this blog post. 

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: If you missed the ATPE Legislative Update at this summer's 2026 ATPE Summit, you can now watch it in its entirety in the ATPE Professional Learning Portal. Hear from ATPE's professional lobby team as they detail ATPE's efforts to fight on behalf of educators at both the state and federal levels. Learn what you can do to amplify your voice on the issues that matter to your profession. With another crucial election approaching in just a few short weeks, you won't want to miss this session. Log in to the ATPE Professional Learning Portal and search under the "Featured Learning" section today!  

MEMBER ADVOCACY: Even when the Legislature’s not in session, we urge you to stay informed and engaged. Here are a few advocacy resources to check out:  

• ATPE Mobile App: Check out the new ATPE Mobile App to conveniently access member benefits and advocacy tools.   

• Advocacy Central: Get in touch with your elected officials about the legislation impacting your profession.   

• Judy: Chat with ATPE’s AI assistant for Texas educators, ready to help you with all things ATPE and all things #txed.    

• ATPE Member Advocate Program (ATPE-MAP): Enroll in ATPE-MAP to earn state-level and local-level advocacy microcredentials, as well as earn continuing professional education (CPE) credit. ATPE-MAP is included in your member benefits, so be sure to check it out today.     

• The Rotunda: Don’t forget, members, that you can interact with your ATPE lobby team throughout the week when you log in to the ATPE Online Community.