Public Schools partnered with A+ to build capacity
Educators have strengthened skills & knowledge through A+ programs
Students served by stronger teachers & school leaders
Helping Texas teachers and leaders grow so that every child can succeed.
At Texas A+ Challenge, a division of Children at Risk, we help districts and schools turn vision into impact. Our team blends powerful research, legislative expertise, and hands-on support to strengthen leadership, elevate instruction, and drive lasting student success. From leadership development and instructional coaching to customized professional learning, we design solutions that meet your context and deliver measurable results.
Also, as a TEA approved vendor, we offer tailored services and support through initiatives like LASO and LIFT, ensuring your district can leverage state priorities to achieve local goals.
Upcoming Texas A+ Challenge Workshops
Oct 22 - Dec 11
Texas A+ Challenge: From Teacher to Leader
For new leaders needing practical tools to lead, coach, and support your colleagues effectively. Join us in person for hands-on learning designed just for beginners in instructional leadership.
October 23 Virtual October 30 In-Person
Nov 13 Virtual
December 9th in-person
Our Data
Across Texas, schools working with Texas A+ Challenge are seeing steady gains in student achievement. Below are a few examples of how campuses have improved the percentage of students meeting grade-level expectations on STAAR.
OUR TESTIMONIALS
“My A+ coaches are my trusted source for highly-knowledgeable and relevant PD and coaching that I would not be able to provide otherwise and the sole instructional leader on my campus. They understand my vision, and they work well with my teachers, some of whom they have been supporting for multiple years.“
– Samyra Rogers, Principal
“You’ve NEVER experienced effective coaching from a third party until you’ve worked with A+ Challenge. Everyone grows with the coaching and is empowered to succeed after the coaching concludes. The A+ relationship endures – not because the growth is only possible when the coaching is happening, but because teachers have grown to a new place and seek out answers/collaborations to advocate for themselves in the areas they are now able to identify for their students with the content/curriculum.”
-Erin Chavez, Principal
“This coaching experience has made me feel cared for and supported to be able to access and implement new knowledge, participate in deep reflection and learning, and to be comfortable taking risks as a new instructional coach.”
-Raymond Mason, Instructional Specialist
Our Latest Pk-12 EDUCATION Research & Resources
Education, Legislation, and Workforce Alignment in Texas
Changes to school funding, teacher certification requirements, and public education policy poised to reshape academic recovery and career preparation for Texas students.
Charting Success Evaluating the Classroom Experiences of Children of Immigrants in Texas
Charting Success explores how Texas schools can better support students from immigrant families, spotlighting data, challenges, and promising practices.
Changes at U.S. Department of Education Impact Support for Emergent Bilingual Students
Massive layoffs at the U.S. Department of Education are predicted to impact 1.27 million Texas children
2025 State of Black Children in Texas Summit
On February 13, 2025, CHILDREN AT RISK presented the virtual learning summit The State of Black Children in Texas. Read about the highlights and watch the recording here.