The idea of tying a portion of funding to test scores appeals to some who want to improve student performance, but it enrages educators who say it will encourage teaching to the test.
Texas Legislature 2019
The 86th Legislature runs from Jan. 8 to May 27. From the state budget to health care to education policy — and the politics behind it all — we focus on what Texans need to know about the biennial legislative session.
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Texas Legislature 2019
How will the Texas Legislature address school shootings? Likely not with gun control.
State leaders have promised to tackle school safety this session, and lawmakers are expected to push bills that would beef up mental health screening programs and make it easier to arm teachers.
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Texas Legislature 2019
As presumptive House speaker, Dennis Bonnen raised $4 million in a month
In July, Bonnen was a House member with $707,000 in his war chest. After he announced for House Speaker and became the favorite to succeed Joe Straus, he was getting more than $150,000 in donations per day.
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Texas Legislature 2019
TribCast: Texas inaugurations and big ideas for education
On this week’s TribCast, Ross talks to Alex, Aliyya and Patrick about the inaugurations of Greg Abbott and Dan Patrick, proposed state budgets with big money for schools and the first Texan to enter the 2020 presidential race.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Analysis: At the top of Texas government, three-part harmony
The state’s top leaders have been saying for weeks that they are in sync, and here’s the surprise: Their initial proposals look like they are actually in sync.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Texas House and Senate about $3 billion apart on public education spending
Two rival budget proposals offer a starting point for debate between the two chambers on public school funding and property tax relief.
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Texas Legislature 2019
At inauguration, Gov. Greg Abbott promises “we are going to get this done” on school finance and property taxes
The two top statewide elected officials were sworn in Tuesday to second terms at the helm of Texas government.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Texas Senate proposes $3.7 billion for mandated teacher raises
Senate leaders say they will require districts to use the money to give $5,000 raises to each teacher.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Why do the Texas House and Senate adjourn so early in the day at the beginning of the legislative session?
For the few months of each new 140-day legislative session, the respective chambers typically adjourn after meeting for less than an hour. There are several reasons lawmakers can’t get off to a faster start.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Watch Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick take the oath of office
After winning re-election in November, both Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick are embarking on their second, four-year term. Watch their swearings-in and inaugural speeches here.