Past Contributions

• Senators Grill TEA Chief on Testing, School Funding

  By Morgan Smith Jan. 23, 2013

  In a hearing on Wednesday, senators probed Michael Williams, the new head of the Texas Education Agency, on student assessments and funding for remedial tutoring. Full Story 

• Texas Schools Look for Guidance on Gun Policies

  By Morgan Smith Jan. 23, 2013

  Amid concerns over the safety of Texas' public schools in the wake of the Connecticut school shooting, at least a dozen of the state's districts are considering policies that would permit employees to carry concealed handguns. Full Story 

• Senate Education Leader Files Testing Overhaul Bill

  By Morgan Smith Jan. 22, 2013

  State Sen. Kel Seliger, the Amarillo Republican who leads the Senate's Higher Education Committee, filed a bill Tuesday offering broad changes to student assessment and high school graduation requirements in the state. Full Story 

• Texas' Rank in Graduation Rate Study Presents a Contrast

  By Morgan Smith Jan. 22, 2013

  A new national report puts Texas high school graduation rates at slightly above average, contrasting with a federal study released late last year that ranked the state among the best at graduating students within four years. Full Story 

• Bill Seeks Study on Effects of Cutting Federal Funds to State

  By Morgan Smith Jan. 22, 2013

  State Rep. James White, R-Hillister, has filed legislation that would require the state to study the effects of cutting financial ties with the federal government. The bill is not intended as a call for secession, White said. Full Story 

• For Ethics Commission, Big Hurdles to Reform

  By Morgan Smith Jan. 17, 2013

  The Texas Ethics Commission stands poised for change during the 83rd legislative session. But any efforts to reform it will face a challenge, because the lawmakers the commission was set up to regulate are the ones setting the rules. Full Story 

• Dewhurst: Texas Should Fund Teacher Firearms Training

  By Morgan Smith Jan. 11, 2013

  In the wake of the Connecticut school shooting, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst called Friday for the state to consider funding specialized firearms training for school employees. Full Story 

• His Job Safe, Straus Now Faces Session's Hurdles

  By Morgan Smith Jan. 11, 2013

  After successfully fending off another challenge to his speakership, Joe Straus faces a tough task in the session. He will have to tackle issues that have been thorny for Republicans in the past, without further alienating the far right. Full Story 

• Land Board Votes to Transfer $300 Million to School Fund

  By Morgan Smith Jan. 8, 2013

  The School Land Board voted Tuesday to release $300 million into the Available School Fund for public schools. The funds had been caught in a standoff between the Legislature and the board, whose members include Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson. Full Story 

• School Finance Trial Will Influence Session, With or Without a Final Decision

  By Morgan Smith Jan. 1, 2013

  A final decision in the school finance trial against the state involving more than two-thirds of its districts and charter schools likely won’t happen until after the lights go out in the 83rd Legislature. But that doesn’t mean what’s happening inside of the courtroom now won’t have an impact on policy under the pink dome. Full Story