{
  "id": 11273949,
  "title": "Texas’ Education Board Raised Questions About an AI Learning Tool. The State Then Helped Pilot It in Public Schools.",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/texas-education-board-raised-questions-about-an-ai-learning-tool-the",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-10-01T20:10:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ProPublica",
    "slug": "propublica",
    "url": "https://www.propublica.org/article/alpha-school-ai-texas-public-schools-mike-morath"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In early 2025, Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath responded to an inquiry from Alpha School associates about using their AI program to educate children in Texas classrooms. While Morath had previously backed Alpha's plan to establish a charter school using the same technology, the Texas State Board of Education declined the proposal, citing concerns over AI's use in teaching and student screen time. Despite the board's rejection, Morath and his agency pursued partnerships with Alpha, exchanging numerous emails, visiting their campuses, and facilitating a program explainer for school districts. At least three districts—Houston, Fort Davis, and Aldine—initiated pilot programs using the AI tool. The extent of Morath's agency's involvement remains unknown, as the TEA has not provided details or responded to inquiries regarding the matter. The TEA maintains it has no formal partnership with Alpha, stating it remains open to improving student outcomes through innovative methods. Morath exchanged emails with Alpha co-founders MacKenzie and Andy Price, and Aldine and Fort Davis leaders expressed enthusiasm for the pilot program. However, some education experts and Board of Education members who previously opposed Alpha's charter school application raised concerns about the state's actions, given the company's lack of proven success in public or charter schools. In Austin, a charter school using Alpha's AI program reportedly saw only 21% of students pass state-mandated exams, leading to an F rating from the TEA. The platform's rollout in traditional public schools coincides with a growing skepticism towards AI use in education, with other cities like New York and Los Angeles also implementing restrictions on generative AI for younger students. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has proposed further regulations in this regard.",
  "summary": "The post Texas’ Education Board Raised Questions About an AI Learning Tool. The State Then Helped Pilot It in Public Schools. appeared first on ProPublica .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}