Texas Education Commissioner Promotes AI Learning Tool Despite Board's Concerns

Texas’ top education official, Mike Morath, has been actively promoting an artificial intelligence learning tool in public schools across the state, despite earlier concerns raised by the Texas State Board of Education. In September 2025, Morath responded to a query from Alpha School representatives about using their AI program in classrooms with enthusiasm, scheduling follow-up discussions.

Just months prior, the State Board of Education had voted against allowing Alpha Schools to open a charter school that would utilize similar technology due to concerns over screen time and the validity of student test score improvements. However, Morath and his team at the Texas Education Agency (TEA) did not require board approval to facilitate partnerships between private companies and public schools.

Over the past year, TEA officials have exchanged numerous emails with Alpha School affiliates and other companies connected to them, discussing potential collaborations and site visits. Emails reveal that Morath personally offered to introduce an Alpha leader to the superintendent he appointed for Houston Independent School District (HISD), the largest district in Texas. This level of engagement has led to at least three school districts—Houston, Fort Davis, and Aldine—implementing pilot programs using the AI tool.

The extent of TEA’s involvement remains unclear, as the agency has been unresponsive to inquiries regarding its efforts to promote the AI program. The TEA issued a statement claiming there is no formal partnership between the agency and Alpha Schools but emphasized their interest in innovative methods that could enhance student performance. They also confirmed connecting district leaders with those interested in the Alpha program while leaving final decisions up to local authorities.

Critics argue that Morath’s actions raise questions about transparency and regulatory oversight within Texas’ education system, particularly given the earlier concerns expressed by the State Board of Education regarding AI technology in schools. The controversy highlights ongoing debates over the integration of advanced technologies into educational settings and the potential conflicts between state-level initiatives and local governance.

As more districts consider adopting similar tools, stakeholders are calling for increased scrutiny to ensure that such innovations do not compromise student welfare or exacerbate existing inequalities within public education systems. Advocates stress the importance of thorough evaluations before implementing new technologies on a large scale, emphasizing the need for comprehensive data on their impact on learning outcomes and overall student well-being.

The situation underscores broader tensions between state agencies and local school boards in managing educational reforms and technological advancements, prompting calls for clearer guidelines and regulations to address these emerging issues.