HOUSTON, TX (June 6, 2025) – With fewer than half of Texas 9th graders meeting grade-level expectations in Algebra I and more than 42,000 uncertified teachers now in classrooms, the state faces a mounting crisis in both student achievement and educator preparedness. As the 89th Texas Legislature concludes, lawmakers have taken decisive action to confront these challenges through a sweeping set of education reforms.

As a lead-in to its 2025 Education Summit on Friday, June 6, CHILDREN AT RISK is  hosting a virtual press conference at 9 AM CT to examine how newly enacted education policies are likely to impact academic outcomes and long-term readiness for college and careers. This conversation will spotlight the growing disparity between reading and math scores on the STAAR exam and explore how shifts in school funding, teacher certification requirements, and legislative priorities are reshaping academic recovery and career preparation for Texas students.

Among the most notable measures passed:

• House Bill 2 (HB 2): An $8.5 billion school funding bill that allocates $135 million toward teacher preparation and certification programs, including new financial incentives.
• Senate Bill 2 (SB 2): Establishes Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), while also mandating that all K–5 reading and math teachers be certified by Fall 2026, and all core subject teachers by Fall 2027.
• House Bill 1178 (HB 1178): Creates a temporary certificate for educators already certified in other states to bolster Texas’ teaching workforce.

“It’s encouraging to see lawmakers finally invest in public education and support the teacher workforce,” said Diana Del Pilar, Chief of Academic Performance at CHILDREN AT RISK. “Texas took a step in the right direction however; we are still short on meeting the needs of ALL students to ensure they are college and career ready.”

According to the Texas Education Agency (TEA), just 45% of students met the “Meets Grade Level” standard on the 2024 Algebra I End-of-Course (EOC) exam. The disparities are even more alarming among low-income students, only 35% of whom met grade-level standards, compared to 61% of their more affluent peers.

At the same time, the proportion of uncertified teachers in Texas has more than tripled since the 2019–2020 school year, from 3.8% to 12%, now totaling over 42,000 educators. Most of these teachers have never held a certification. This trend threatens to worsen educational inequities as the state prepares to implement a school voucher program this fall.

Following the press conference, members of the media are invited to stay for the 2025 Education Summit: The Chutes and Ladders of Learning, beginning at 10:00 AM CT. This virtual event will bring together educators, leaders, and advocates to explore the evolving landscape of Texas education, including expert-led panels on literacy, mathematics, and the critical connection between classroom quality and workforce readiness.

FEATURING

Diana Del Pilar, Chief of School Performance, CHILDREN AT RISK

Jason Sabo, Founder, Frontera Strategy

Judith Cruz, Assistant Director for Texas, Houston Region, EdTrust Texas

Amanda Clair, Director, TNTP

Veronica Garcia, Chief Policy Officer, Good Reason Houston

Dr. Adrian Bustillos, Chief Transformation Officer, Aldine ISD

Karol Ann Moore, Vice President of Research and Policy, Neuhaus Education Center