Poll: What Texans are worried about
The economy clearly leads Texans' list of concerns about the country in the inaugural University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll. Full Story
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![How Texas voters view the direction of the state and the country.]()
Credit: Jacob Villanueva -
TribBlog: Mentally ill student who stabbed teacher will stand trial
The Tyler Morning Telegraph is reporting that the 16-year-old Tyler special education student who fatally stabbed his teacher in September (referenced in today's story on restraints) has been found competent to stand trial. Full Story
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Disabled students restrained, injured in public schools
Texas educators routinely pin down students with disabilities to control them, according to state data. Disability rights advocates say the restraints point to a crisis in special education, and that teachers are resorting to physical violence because they aren't properly trained. Full Story
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![Jennifer Howson was restrained dozens of times in her Kemp public school, often sustaining injuries like these.]()
Credit: Photo courtesy of the Howson family -
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. Full Story
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Texas educators vent at feds over teacher test mess
Annoyed at a recent federal ruling that could nullify the credentials of thousands of public school teachers, Texas education advocates want Washington to waive a technicality they say would cause teachers and districts needless headaches. Full Story
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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." Full Story
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![State Board of Education Logo]()
Credit: Jacob Villanueva -
Teacher Credentials May Be Nullified By Feds
Thousands of "highly qualified" Texas public school teachers don't actually meet the federal definition for that standard — which could jeopardize their jobs and will certainly cause bureaucratic headaches for them and their school systems. Full Story
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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. Full Story
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![Gail Lowe]()
Credit: Caleb Bryant Miller -
Present but not accounted for
The State Auditor says the Texas Education Agency’s process for monitoring average daily attendance in public schools needs a few adjustments. Full Story
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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. Full Story