One Texan’s transparency is another’s right to privacy, and people in politics generally find it easier to demand openness than to provide it.
Dan Patrick
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Public Education
Despite Concerns, TEA Moving Forward on A-F School Ratings Plan
Against the recommendation of school leaders and amid skepticism from some lawmakers, the Texas Education Agency will continue working toward a transition to a public school accountability ratings system with grades of A through F.
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Public Education
Seeking to Pare State Exams, Lawmakers Take Aim at Testing Firm
As the Texas Legislature looks to overhaul the state’s standardized testing program amid outcry from parents and school leaders, state lawmakers have focused their criticism on the company that develops the tests.
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Public Education
High School Curriculum Bill Headed to Senate Floor
At a hearing Tuesday, Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, slammed national media coverage of the Legislature’s effort to change high school diploma requirements and reduce high-stakes exams.
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Public Education
Education Chairman Urges Panel to Support “Noble Cause”
State Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, at a Tuesday hearing delivered an impassioned plea in support of the tax credit scholarship plan that is a critical part of the school choice reform package he has pushed this session.
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Public Education
An Anti-Voucher Message, but Implications Unclear
The political sentiment behind the House’s vote against private school vouchers last week is clear. But its particulars — including whether it would ban tax credit scholarships under consideration in the Senate — are less obvious.
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Public Education
A Voucher Showdown During Budget Debate
After a brief but heated debate, a measure from state Rep. Abel Herrero, D-Corpus Christi, that would ban the use of public dollars for private schools passed the House 103-43 with bipartisan support.
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Public Education
Charter School Expansion Effort Faces Big Hurdles
Sen. Dan Patrick’s Senate Bill 2 is the most ambitious attempt to expand the state’s charter school system since it was established in 1995. It will have to pass a Legislature that defeated more modest proposals two years ago.
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Public Education
Patrick Presents Details of Tax Credit Scholarship Plan
State Sen. Dan Patrick has filed legislation to create an Equal Opportunity Scholarship Program, which would allow economically disadvantaged and at-risk students who attend public schools to transfer to private schools.
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Public Education
TribLive: Aycock on School Choice
At Thursday’s TribLive conversation, state Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock, R-Killeen, the chairman of the House Public Education Committee, talked about the prospects for school choice legislation this session — and why a business tax credit might not pass muster.
