Researchers believe they have uncovered a glitch in the DNA of the state’s standardized exams that suggests, because of the statistical method used to assemble them, they are virtually useless at measuring the effects of instruction in the classroom.
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
Land Board Vote Cuts $300 Million Out of Texas Public Schools Budget
A little-watched board that operates out of the General Land Office cast a vote last week leaving public schools $300 million short — and the lawmakers who put that money into the 2012-13 budget scratching their heads.
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Public Education
Texas High Schools Graduating More of Their Students, but Why?
As the latest round of school finance litigation goes to trial this fall, it appears there is reason for optimism about the number of Texas students leaving high school with a diploma. But it’s hard to know what’s responsible for the success.
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Public Education
Weekend Insider: Cruz and the Supreme Court; Schools Explorer
Ted Cruz has argued more cases before the U.S. Supreme Court than any practicing lawyer in Texas, reporter Aman Batheja explains. And reporter Morgan Smith discusses how to track Texas schools with the Tribune’s Public Schools Explorer.
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Higher Education
Texas Weighs State-Based Alternative to GED Exam
Because of concerns over a partnership between the national organization that develops the GED and Pearson, a for-profit, London-based testing company, Texas may create its own high school equivalency exam.
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Data App: The Texas Public Schools Explorer
The Schools Explorer is your go-to source for academic, enrollment and financial data on Texas’ 1,300 districts and 8,500 public schools. Track graduation rates, test scores and more. Sort campuses by accountability rating and demographics. Take a bird’s-eye view of statewide stats.
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Public Education
Public Schools Explorer: Behind the Scenes
The Schools Explorer, the Tribune’s most comprehensive education tool to date, debuts today. Nathan Bernier of KUT News talks with the Tribune’s Morgan Smith about what’s in the app and how to use it.
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Public Education
Texas Won’t Adopt Common Science Standards Soon
In Texas, where the curriculum-setting State Board of Education has engaged in high-profile skirmishes over science education, there will be no rush to implement new nationally developed common standards.
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Higher Education
Why STEM Matters: A Virtual Roundtable with Educators, Experts
“STEM,” an acronym for “Science, Technology, Engineering and Math,” is a term that is becoming increasingly common across education circles. But why is it so important? We put the question to several key Texans in the field.
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The School Finance Lawsuit Cheat Sheet
Texas’ latest round of school finance litigation adds some new players to the courtroom, with interests that are more varied than ever before. We’ve created a cheat sheet to help you keep all six lawsuits — and the plaintiffs’ basic arguments — straight.