Last school year, the Texas Education Agency implemented a new “growth measure” purported to reward schools for improving student performance — even if they still fail state tests. The effect on state accountability ratings was immediate and dramatic: The number of campuses considered “exemplary” by the state doubled, to 2,158. But a new analysis shows the projections of future student success may be wrong as much as half the time.
July 2010
Posted in
Energy
How the Human-Powered Gym Works
At Texas State University, one 30-minute workout can generate enough electricity to power a laptop for three hours. Watch as the director of campus recreation explains how elliptical machines and treadmills are harnessed into alternative energy.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Keller for the Defense
Judge Sharon Keller has been pilloried as the villain of the Texas criminal justice system, but supporters credit the chief of the state’s highest criminal court with working to ensure fair trials for impoverished defendants.
Posted in
Economy
TribBlog: Another Roll of the Dice
It was more like a bidding auction today than a meeting of the Texas House Committee on Licensing and Regulation. Gambling advocates packed into three Capitol hearing rooms, and threw out number after number as they asked legislators — yet again — to consider the benefits of more gaming in Texas.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
TribBlog: Getting Drunks Off the Road
The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice met today to talk about ways to stop Texans from getting behind the wheel after imbibing. Judges, police and even a third-time DWI offender told lawmakers some Texas drunken driving laws could use some stiffening, while other measures take punishment too far.
Posted inState Government
Perry on Mending Ties with the Farm Bureau
After Gov. Rick Perry and Democrat Bill White each addressed a Texas Farm Bureau conference in San Marcos, Perry spoke with reporters about his relationship with the group, which Farm Bureau spokesman Gene Hall has described as “strained” after Perry vetoed an eminent domain bill in 2007. The group endorsed Perry’s rival, U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, in the Republican primary this spring, but its general election endorsement is still up for grabs.
Posted inState Government
TribBlog: Weed Control
State Sen. Florence Shapiro, R-Plano, took her fight against synthetic marijuana to FOX News this morning.
Posted inState Government
The Brief: July 8, 2010
Tensions cooled a bit Wednesday in the summer’s juiciest on-again off-again political fling.
Posted in
State Government
Ante Up
The starting gun for the debate over gambling fires this morning: Gaming interests inside and outside Texas are asking lawmakers to expand legal wagering to include either resort casinos, slot machines at race tracks, or some combination.