Federal officials say Texas’ testing standards in reading are below the “basic” proficiency standards — and that low bar means those passing the TAKS may not be as proficient as advertised.
State Board of Education
Posted in
Public Education
TribBlog: A Conversation With the State Schools Chief
Rather than deliver curriculum by book or even CD — one product per student — “We’re going to buy content and get a statewide license and deliver it to anyone who wants it” over the web, says Robert Scott. Much of that content will come from “smaller content providers who have been shut out of the market.”
Posted in
Higher Education
The Tipping Point: Texas Textbook Politics Meets the Digital Revolution
Under new legislation, school districts for the first time can spend a portion of state “book” money on computer hardware and digital content. Some fear the explosion of choice will produce an erosion of quality content.
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Public Education
The World According To Don
So what if he’s no longer the chair of the State Board of Education? Self-described “religious fanatic” Don McLeroy has big plans for Texas education — and science is just the beginning.
Posted in
Politics
Trouble in the big tent
Those watching the Perry-Hutchison brawl for hints of the GOP’s future may be looking in the wrong place. A small race for the State Board of Education gives a glimpse into the party’s inner-turmoil.
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Public Education
TribBlog: Permanent School Fund Rebounds. But Will Schools Benefit?
The state’s permanent school fund, which spins off money for textbooks and the like each year, has recaptured billions of dollars after a frightening downward spiral this spring. Trouble is, the increase in the fund may produce no increase at all in education spending. The real beneficiaries of the fund often are the state legislature and its priorities outside education.
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Public Education
Education Commissioner Asks Feds to Reconsider Stripping Texas Teacher Credentials
“The real issue here is, you don’t do something like this after school starts,” Scott said in an interview this afternoon. “And you don’t just decide it in a letter or an email… They leave themselves open to criticism and litigation when they do something outside the rule-making process.”
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Public Education
Reluctantly out in front
Most elected officials greet a chairmanship with some excitement. Gail Lowe, the Lampasas Republican who recently became the chair of the State Board of Education, is approaching her new title with some apprehension.
Posted in
Public Education
The revolution will not be televised
It may not be Mad Men, but the State Board on Education will begin broadcasting its meetings online on Wednesday.
