# Texas Districts Pilot AI Learning Platform

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) supported Alpha-affiliated organizations’ outreach to school districts, site visits, and pilot planning for an AI learning platform, while stating that it has no formal agency partnership with the organizations. During the 2026 school year, Houston, Fort Davis, and Aldine districts are using or planning pilots for supplemental instruction; Houston ISD said it is not paying Alpha for its pilot. No contract values or formal award details were reported. For education technology contractors, the activity points to district-level opportunities, while underscoring the need to show student outcomes, involve teachers, address screen-time concerns, and maintain transparent procurement records.

- The reported pilots differ in scope: Houston ISD is evaluating the approach for academic growth, Fort Davis ISD is using the platform for supplemental K-8 reading and math support, and Aldine ISD plans to serve about 300 students across four middle-school campuses for math support.
- Because the reported activity is pilot planning or deployment rather than a documented formal award, companies should distinguish pilot arrangements from paid procurements and verify each district’s purchasing process and funding before forecasting revenue.
- Education technology providers pursuing similar district opportunities should be prepared to explain how their tools support teachers, limit unnecessary screen time, and demonstrate results for students.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Education, Information Technology
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence
**Published:** October 01, 2026

### Government Entities
- Texas Education Agency (TEA)
- Houston Independent School District (HISD)
- Fort Davis Independent School District
- Aldine Independent School District

### Vendors
- Alpha School ()
- Studient (now often called TimeBack) ()
- Trilogy ()

### Key Quotes
> Any tool a district deploys must keep teachers at the center of the classroom, limit unnecessary screen time, and prove results for students.
> — Andrew Mahaleris, press secretary to Texas Governor Greg Abbott

> That raises questions about whether TEA is serving its public interest and is being transparent and accountable to us.
> — David DeMatthews, education professor, The University of Texas at Austin

> We’re excited because we see it as an opportunity to provide an extra layer of intervention.
> — Michelle Hartmann, deputy superintendent, Fort Davis Independent School District

### Sources
- [How Morath’s agency linked Texas schools to Alpha’s AI tool - The Texas Tribune](https://www.texastribune.org/2026/10/01/alpha-school-ai-texas-public-schools-mike-morath) - The Texas Tribune