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Kate McGee covers higher education for The Texas Tribune. She joined the Tribune in October 2020 after nearly a decade as a reporter at public radio stations across the country, including in Chicago, Washington D.C., Austin, Reno, Nev. and New York. Kate was born in New York City and primarily raised in New Jersey. She earned her bachelor's degree from Fordham University. Her work has appeared on NPR’s Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Here and Now, and The Takeaway. She is based in Austin.
Earlier this year, Texas legislators passed a law reducing standardized testing and changing graduation requirements. The changes don’t go fully into effect until next year, but a 90 percent attendance requirement was immediately implemented. Full Story
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As more charter schools in Texas and across the country establish partnerships with universities, some education experts worry that traditional public schools — which are already grappling with new high school diploma rules — are being left behind. Full Story
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School districts in Texas are required to provide accommodations and services to students diagnosed with dyslexia. But getting districts to recognize a student's learning disability can sometimes prove challenging. Full Story
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Under a law passed this year, Texas school districts can choose to allow trained employees to carry concealed handguns on campus. But some districts that already employ their own peace officers have no plans to implement the program. Full Story
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Texas' child welfare agency has launched a new program aimed at improving foster care in the state. Now in effect in 60 counties, the program attempts to keep children close to their communities and reduce the number of times they move between homes. Full Story
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While protests and hearings on abortion restrictions continue at the state Capitol, Democratic lawmakers have filed legislation that would change public school health curriculum to help prevent unwanted pregnancies through comprehensive sex education. Full Story
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Though the U.S. Supreme Court's major gay rights opinions will not change marriage law in Texas, the rulings have raised questions over how the federal government will treat couples who are legally married but move to states that don't recognize their marriage, like Texas. Full Story
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State Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, has refiled a bill for the special session that would authorize billions of dollars in bonds for construction projects on college campuses across Texas. Full Story
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The state Senate last week voted overwhelmingly in favor of legislation that would expand the number of charter school licenses in Texas, but the bill faces challenges in the House — and strong opposition from some teachers' groups. Full Story
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Texas' health department has embarked on a $10 million project aimed at preventing people with mental health or substance abuse issues from developing chronic diseases. Full Story
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