“I represent a district that has 80 percent renters, 70 percent of people speaking a first language other than English, where there’s a high school with 42 languages and 40 percent turnover of the student body every year — now tell me how you plan to calculate the dropout rate,” Rep. Scott Hochberg said. “I will stipulate that it’s too big — let’s just start there. I wish we fought over solutions as much as we fight over the number.”
Abby Rapoport
Abby Rapoport was a reporter at the Tribune in 2009-10. She served as a writing fellow at the Economic Policy Institute, in Washington, D.C. before coming to Austin. She covered the 2009 legislative session for Texas Monthly under the tutelage of Paul Burka, the magazine’s senior executive. Previously, she blogged for Glamour Magazine and interned at Lapham’s Quarterly. A native of Williamsburg, Virginia, she has a degree in history from Grinnell College.
Posted in
Public Education
Faulty figures: The great dropout debate
Despite years of research, the true picture of dropout and graduation rates remains elusive, even the subject of cross words between researchers. The consensus: Far too many Texas public school students, particularly those from poor and minority families, don’t cross the high-school finish line.
Posted in
Politics
Trouble in the big tent
Those watching the Perry-Hutchison brawl for hints of the GOP’s future may be looking in the wrong place. A small race for the State Board of Education gives a glimpse into the party’s inner-turmoil.
Posted in
Public Education
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.
Posted in
Public Education
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.
Posted in
Public Education
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.