Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and state Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, unveiled their school choice legislation, without many financial details and hardly a word about vouchers. And last week’s schoolhouse shootings in Connecticut prompted Texas legislators to propose changes in the state’s gun laws.
Public Education
Explore The Texas Tribune’s coverage of public education, from K-12 schools and funding to teachers, students, and policies shaping classrooms across Texas.
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Public Education
Dewhurst, Patrick Discuss Plans for “Sweeping” School Reform
Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Sen. Dan Patrick gave the first details of what they promised would be a wide-ranging set of proposals for public education policy during the upcoming legislative session.
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Public Education
Teacher Quality is Focus of Group’s Reform Effort
A report released Wednesday, the result of a year-long effort from a commission of top education thinkers, offers a sweeping set of recommendations aimed at improving the teaching profession in the state.
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Public Education
As Fallout From Scandal Continues, El Paso ISD Looks to Aid Dropouts
As the El Paso school district continues to reel from a testing scandal, one district program is focusing on the students who dropped out as a result of pressure from school officials.
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Public Education
Dewhurst, Patrick to Unveil School Reform Bill
Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, on Wednesday will unveil education reform legislation that some expect to reignite a fiery debate over the potential use of school vouchers in Texas.
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Public Education
Villalba Will File Bill to Allow Teachers to Carry Concealed Guns
In response to last week’s Connecticut school shooting, state Rep.-elect Jason Villalba, R-Dallas, says he will file legislation to allow public school teachers to carry concealed weapons while on campus.
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Public Education
Abbott: 78 Texas School Districts Not Meeting Safety Standards
Following the Connecticut school shooting, Attorney General Greg Abbott has warned 78 out-of-compliance Texas school districts that his office expects them to immediately update their safety plans in accordance with state law.
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Public Education
As State Eyes School Choice Reform, Some Districts Pursue It Locally
State leaders are preparing to push for legislation to expand the choices available for Texas’ nearly 5 million public school students. Meanwhile, some local districts are already pursuing similar reforms within their own systems.
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Public Education
Changing Tack, Business Leaders Now Favor Tweaks to Testing System
Business leaders said Wednesday that they would support modifications to the new student assessment system implemented this spring — and put forth a plan that provides multiple pathways to high school graduation.
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Public Education
Two Texas Charter Schools Win Race to the Top Grants
Two Texas charter schools are each eligible to receive just less than $30 million in federal Race to the Top money. Idea Public Schools and Harmony Science Academy were among 16 winners chosen from 61 finalists from across the nation.