At Fort Hood, Obama Eulogizes Shooting Victims
On Wednesday, for the second time in five years, President Obama visited Fort Hood to mourn alongside families of victims who were killed in a shooting on the military base. Full Story
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Kate McGee is an Austin-based enterprise and investigative reporter. She joined the Tribune in October 2020 as a higher education reporter. She was a three-time finalist for the Education Writers Association's Beat Reporter of the Year award, winning the title in 2024. She was also a Livingston Award finalist for her coverage of the University of Texas at Austin. Before the Tribune, she spent nearly a decade as a reporter at public radio stations nationwide, including in Chicago; Washington, D.C.; Austin; Reno, Nevada; 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.
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![President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama pay respects to soldiers killed during a Fort Hood ceremony on April 9, 2014.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
As Testing Begins, Push to Opt Out Draws Attention
A Waco family has made headlines for publicly telling their school district that they do not want their fourth-grader taking state standardized tests, which begin this week. Read the full story at KUT News. Full Story
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At South by Southwest, Cities Taking Cues From Perry
Gov. Rick Perry has ruffled feathers across the country by encouraging businesses in other states to relocate to Texas. Now, cities like Chicago and Washington, D.C., are doing the same thing at South by Southwest — right in Perry's backyard. Full Story
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New Security Measures Taking Root in Texas Schools
It has been one year since the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. Texas lawmakers and school districts are among those who have re-examined security protocols after the shootings. Here's a look at some changes. Full Story
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![Austin Police Officer Cory Ehrler monitors the entrance to Ridgetop Elementary School after classes start on the Monday following the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. As the 83rd legislative session approaches, Texas lawmakers are considering making firearms more available to teachers and other school personnel.]()
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In New Education Law, a Change in Attendance Requirements
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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Credit: Todd Wiseman -
As Charters Partner With Colleges, Some See Growing Divide
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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In Texas, a Struggle to Get Schools to Identify Dyslexia
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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Districts Weighing School Marshal Program
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
![Austin Police Officer Cory Ehrler monitors the entrance to Ridgetop Elementary School after classes start on the Monday following the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. As the 83rd legislative session approaches, Texas lawmakers are considering making firearms more available to teachers and other school personnel.]()
Credit: Tamir Kalifa -
Program Hopes to Raise Quality of Foster Care in Texas
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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As Abortion Fight Flares, Democrats File Sex Ed Bills
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
Credit: Bob Daemmrich
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