TEA Releases Model Standards for Parent Notice of Violent Activity

by Jennifer Childress | Sep 21, 2023 | Legal Developments

HB 3 amended the Texas Education Code by adding Section §37.1131 (effective September 1, 2023), which requires each school system to adopt a policy for providing notice regarding violent activity that has occurred or is being investigated at a campus, other school...

New Department of Education Guidance on Racial Inclusiveness

by Jennifer Childress | Sep 5, 2023 | Federal Guidance

In response to a recent increase of complaints, the Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released a Dear Colleague Letter clarifying the circumstances under which schools may — consistent with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and its...

Appeals Court Affirms Dismissal of Retaliation Lawsuit

by Jennifer Childress | Jul 3, 2023 | Legal Developments

Mary Norsworthy sued her employer Houston Independent School District (“HISD”) for retaliation and age discrimination. The district court dismissed Norsworthy’s complaint for failing to state a claim. On appeal, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the...

Disability Claims Were Allowed to Proceed Against the School District

by Jennifer Childress | Jun 29, 2023 | Legal Developments

Nidia Heston (“Heston”) sued the Austin Independent School District (“AISD”) on behalf of her minor son, A.H., alleging that AISD violated § 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“§ 504”), the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), and 42 U.S.C. § 1983 (“§ 1983”)...

TEA to Host Webinar on New HB 1416 Accelerated Learning Requirements

by Jennifer Childress | Jun 26, 2023 | Legal Developments

Texas law requires all students who do not achieve” approaches” or higher on STAAR grades 3 through 8 or End of Course (EOC) assessments be provided accelerated instruction. These requirements, modified by House Bill 4545 of the 87th Legislature, were...