TASB, CACTX Launch No-Cost Preventing Abuse and Reporting Misconduct Training for Texas School Districts

The Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), in partnership with Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas (CACTX), will offer Texas school districts new online student safety training at no cost for the 2026-27 school year.

The Preventing Abuse and Reporting Misconduct training includes targeted courses for superintendents, administrators and HR professionals, trustees, new hires, and a refresher suitable for district staff. The training will help districts align with recent updates to state law and strengthen systems that support student well-being.

The training initiative follows recent changes to Texas law that strengthened misconduct reporting requirements, shortened deadlines for reporting child abuse and neglect, and expanded reporting expectations for certain school district service providers. The updates to the Texas Education Code also broaden what must be reported, including evidence of inappropriate communications or boundary violations involving a student or minor.

“Nothing is more important than student safety, and districts need practical tools that support both prevention and compliance,” said Joy Baskin, associate executive director of Legal Services at TASB. “These courses are designed to give school leaders and staff clear guidance they can use to help create safer school environments.”

Developed through a collaboration that draws on the expertise of both TASB and CACTX, the Preventing Abuse and Reporting Misconduct training combines legal, policy, HR, and child advocacy perspectives to help districts navigate complex responsibilities with greater confidence.

“Protecting children requires strong partnerships and a shared commitment to prevention,” said CACTX Chief Prevention Officer Ellen Morrissey.  “When educators and school staff have the right training, they are better prepared to recognize concerns, respond appropriately, and support safer outcomes for students.”

The training can be accessed through a district’s local learning management system using course files provided by TASB or through TASB’s Online Learning Center. Learn more about how to access the Preventing Abuse and Reporting Misconduct training.

The new courses underscore TASB’s ongoing focus on student safety and member support as districts prepare for the coming school year.

About Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas

Since 1995, Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas (CACTX) has transformed the state’s response to crimes against children. Through a statewide network of children’s advocacy centers (CACs), CACTX has helped more than one million children and families impacted by crime access safety, justice, and healing. The organization leads systems-level efforts to advance justice and healing for child victims of crime while working to prevent child sexual abuse and strengthen outcomes for children across Texas.