The policy brief describes a study done by the Regional Educational Laboratory Southwest. Round Rock Independent School District (ISD) wanted to enhance its high school career and technical education (CTE) programming to prepare CTE graduates to either enter high-wage, in-demand careers in Central Texas or continue their education after high…

This study assesses the human capital development and wage performance of low-income students from geographically isolated and substandard housing settlements known as colonias. The research follows Texas high school students from the classroom to employment over a span of two decades and, specifically, tracks the three border regions where most…

In 2017, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) awarded SRI International and its subcontractor, Gibson Consulting Group, (the SRI/Gibson team) a contract to conduct a study to inform the state's efforts to improve career and technical education (CTE) programs. The SRI/Gibson team designed the study to help TEA learn more about the CTE programs offered…

The children of migrant workers are one of the most marginalized populations in the United States. Instability and poverty impact many aspects of most migrant students' lives, especially education. Migrant or seasonal workers travel between cities, states, and countries following employment in temporary and cyclical industries such as agriculture,…

Over the previous two decades, state lawmakers have made two fundamental changes to how they finance their public universities. They have shifted more of the costs of higher education to students and their families through higher tuition rates; and created new grant programs that are not solely based on financial need but require prior…

With the passage of HB 5 in 2013, the Foundation High School Program became the graduation program for all Texas public high school students beginning with the entering Grade 9 students in 2014-15. The new graduation requirements introduced greater flexibility for students in earning a high school diploma. Updates to curriculum and graduation…

The final report on the evaluation of House Bill (HB) 5 provides (1) an update on changes made to the current policy for graduation, including coursework, testing, and accountability during the 84th and 85th Texas Legislative Sessions; (2) an update on the implementation of HB 5 by school districts since 2014-15; and (3) a preliminary look at the…