A flurry of bills filed in the Texas House on Thursday tackle public school funding, STAAR tests, teacher quality and a voucher-style program to funnel public money toward private school tuition. The slate of bills came amid a tense legislative session in which education is a central theme.

Education is a major focus of the Texas Legislature this year, from teacher pay and training to tuition support for private education and homeschooling. Why it matters: Republican lawmakers' approach to education could harm public schools even as the legislators look to direct more money toward classrooms.