Higher education

TribBlog: System of a Downturn

by Evan Smith

Mark Yudof vs. the crappy California economy. Full Story 

The Public Payroll

by Ross Ramsey

Our searchable database of public employees' pay — now featuring data from universities and eight of the state's largest cities. Full Story 

Texas Reading Exams Fail the National Test

by Abby Rapoport

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. Full Story 

The Tipping Point: Texas Textbook Politics Meets the Digital Revolution

by Brian Thevenot

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. Full Story 

TribBlog: Tarrant County College sued for banning empty holster protest

by Brian Thevenot

“It’s both an ideological concern and a safety concern,” one of the student plaintiffs said. “Obviously college campuses aren’t some magical zone where no violence occurs, and so I feel particularly strongly that every student that feels the need to carry handgun anywhere in their lives should also be able to do so on a college campus.” Full Story 

Audio: Neglected issues: Higher Education

by Ben Philpott, KUT News

Although Texas has more massive universities and small colleges than just about any other state, higher education doesn't rank high among issues in play during the governor's race. Reporting on the 2010 election for Tribune partner KUT-FM, Nathan Bernier explains why some people think it deserves greater attention. Full Story