Gov. Rick Perry signed House Bill 5 on Monday, ending weeks of speculation that he might veto the high-profile education legislation that adjusts high school graduation standards.
Dan Patrick
End of CSCOPE Presents Hurdles for Some Schools
The state’s decision to stop using CSCOPE is a victory for activists who say the lesson plans advanced an anti-American agenda. But small rural districts that relied on it say they’ll now have to spend scarce funds on new materials.
TribLive: How’d the Senate Do?
Here’s full video of my May 30 TribLive conversation debriefing the 83rd Legislature with state Sens. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, and Kirk Watson, D-Austin.
TribLive: Patrick and Watson on Public Education
At Thursday’s TribLive conversation, state Sens. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, and Kirk Watson, D-Austin, talked about the 83rd Legislature’s approach to public education reform.
TribLive: Patrick and Watson on the Budget
At Thursday’s TribLive conversation, state Sens. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, and Kirk Watson, D-Austin, explained their different votes on the state budget.
TribLive: Patrick on His Plans for 2014
At Thursday’s TribLive conversation, state Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, addressed the rumors that he’s considering a run for lieutenant governor in 2014.
This Session, Lawmakers Put Down Their Swords
If Texasโ less-than-theatrical 83rd legislative session is remembered at all, it will be known for accords, not discord. Here’s a look at top storylines from this session and what they could portend for the future.
A Possible Deal on Testing, Charter School Bills
After two days of deliberations that culminated Thursday evening with a closed-door meeting with Capitol lobbyists and staff from the governor’s office, it appears leaders in the House and Senate have reached a deal on two high-priority education bills.
Clock is Ticking as Lawmakers Work on Key Details of Education Bills
The next four days will probably be the most critical period in determining the fate of the session’s major education bills, which address standardized testing and curriculum requirements, as well as charter school expansion.
CSCOPE to No Longer Offer Lesson Plans to Texas Schools
Senate Education Chairman Dan Patrick announced on Monday that CSCOPE, the state’s curriculum delivery system, would no longer offer lesson plans to Texas school districts.


