Texas plans to join the more than 30 states that have already asked for a waiver from the federal No Child Left Behind Act’s requirements, according to a letter new state Education Commissioner Michael Williams sent school districts Thursday.
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
Video: An “Appsplainer” for the Public Schools Explorer
Our Public Schools Explorer is a comprehensive database with statistics for the state’s 1,300-plus school districts and 8,500 schools. This “Appsplainer” — yes, we’re making that a word — helps you navigate all that information.
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Inside Intelligence
Inside Intelligence: From the Presidency to Vouchers…
For this week’s nonscientific survey of government and political insiders, we asked about the presidential race, how it plays in the next race for governor, the lieutenant governor’s electoral status, and whether odds for school vouchers have improved.
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Public Education
At Some Schools, Future is Now, Demographically
By 2050, nearly two-thirds of Texas public school children will be Hispanic. The demographic shift is already under way in classrooms statewide, where schools work to improve the academic success of the students of the new majority.
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Public Education
Weekend Insider: RNC Convention, Texas School Demographics
In this edition of the Weekend Insider: We check in with Jay Root on the road at the Republican National Convention, and Morgan Smith looks at the changing demographics in Texas public schools.
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Public Education
Dewhurst Declares Support for School Choice Legislation
Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, throwing some red meat to conservatives after his bruising defeat at the hands of Tea Party darling Ted Cruz, has put private school vouchers and expanded “parental choice” back on the legislative agenda.
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Public Education
Curtis Culwell: The TT Interview
The outgoing superintendent of Garland ISD on how to prepare students for college and the workplace, the weighty decisions coming up for state leaders, and standardized tests’ potential for “cognitive bludgeoning.”
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Public Education
Michael Williams to Head Texas Education Agency
Gov. Rick Perry is slated to name Michael Williams the new commissioner of the Texas Education Agency, a source close to the governor said Monday.
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Updated: Back to School Explorer Data App
To mark the beginning of a new school year at many campuses across the state, we’ve added some new features to our comprehensive public education database, including maps of districts and campuses statewide and four-year graduation rates.
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Public Education
Senate Hearing Tackles Vouchers, School Choice
In a preview of a likely battle in the upcoming legislative session, state lawmakers on Friday heard testimony on school choice programs, including vouchers that would allow students to use public money to attend private schools.