EdTrust in Texas
Who We Are
EdTrust in Texas advocates for an equitable education for Black and Latino students and students from low-income backgrounds across the state. We believe in centering the voices of Texas students and families as we work alongside them for the better future they deserve.
What We Do
WE BRIDGE POLICY AND COMMUNITY: Our goal is to drive an inclusive conversation about how every Texan can benefit from an education system that better serves students of color and students from low-income backgrounds, pre-k through college and career.
We work with key education stakeholders, including policymakers, thought leaders, practitioners, community groups, civic organizations, parents, and students to:
- Draw attention to inequities in Texas by identifying and analyzing data that disproportionately affect underserved students across the state
- Equip partners with actionable and accessible tools to advance better educational outcomes and opportunities for underserved students, pre-K through college
- Advocate for policies and practices that improve opportunities and outcomes for students of color, English learners, students from low-income backgrounds, and students with disabilities
Press Releases
Introducing the 2024 Texas Community College Student Advisory Council
The Council’s student members are a diverse group, including first-generation college students, student-parents, student government leaders, and individuals from various races, ethnicities, ages, and backgrounds.
State Board of Education Approves New Teacher Preparation Standards
The Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) approved a number of new standards adopted by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) to better prepare aspiring Texas teachers regardless of their pathway into the profession
Blog
Underperforming Schools in Texas and the Lack of A-F School Ratings
Texas now faces the possibility of a fifth consecutive year without issuing consequential school ratings.
Toward Comprehensive Higher Education in Texas Prisons
EdTrust-Texas policy analyst Alexa Garza explores access to higher education within Texas prisons.
Transfer Students Are Key to Building a More Diverse, Better Prepared Teacher Workforce
Expanding preparation pathways for transfer candidates and supporting their success are vital steps toward increasing representation of Black and Latino educators in Texas.
Resources
Higher Education in Texas Prisons
This brief looks at Higher Education in Prison (HEP) in Texas as it relates to programs provided inside the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ).
Higher Education Emergency Aid in Texas
An EdTrust in Texas deep dive into the pandemic funding awarded to postsecondary students and recommendations moving forward.
Straight From the Source: Texas Students & Practitioners Share Their Experiences With Higher Ed Emergency Relief Funds
This report spotlights challenges that various Texas institutions faced and the creative ways in which these institutions confronted them and offers recommendations organized around key findings.
Staff
Jonathan Feinstein
State Director for Texas
Jonathan serves as the State Director of Texas, where he works with and supports partners statewide to advance educational equity for students of color and from low-income backgrounds.
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Judith Cruz
Texas Assistant Director, Houston Region
Judith manages and executes policy goals and advocacy activities within the Houston region in collaboration with the Texas State Director.
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Alexa Garza
Higher Education Justice Initiatives Analyst/Texas Policy Analyst
Alexa Garza assists with day-to-day tasks for the implementation of the Justice Fellows Policy Program. Additionally, she assists in advancing the agenda in Texas to improve access and workforce opportunities for the current and formerly incarcerated.
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Andrea Thurston
Senior Higher Education Policy Analyst for Texas
Andrea manages and evaluates research projects to identify structures and policies that support Texas students’ postsecondary persistence and completion and develop policy agendas that advance educational equity.
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