House Bill 5, which reduced standardized testing in public high schools, also included a provision aimed at easing the pressure of high-stakes exams for students in lower grades. But it may not be having the intended effect.
83rd Legislative Session
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Special Prosecutor: Perry’s Veto of Integrity Unit Funds “Concerning”
A special prosecutor, who is investigating whether Gov. Rick Perry abused his authority when he eliminated state funding of the Texas public integrity unit, told the Austin American-Statesman and KVUE that what he’s found so far is “concerning.”
Posted in
Economy
Craft Brewers Seek Further Reforms From Lawmakers
The 2013 legislative session was viewed by many observers as a watershed moment for craft brewers in Texas. But at a Thursday hearing, the House Economic Development Committee was encouraged to do more for the industry.
Posted in
Public Education
Conflict in Laws Could Mean “Double-Testing” for Some Eighth-Graders
Federal and state officials are in talks to work out a conflict in testing requirements under the state’s new high school graduation standards and federal education law that could mean “double-testing” eighth-graders.
Posted in
Public Education
Charter School Serving Dropouts Fights Closure
As six charter schools face automatic closure under a new Texas law, the state is facing questions over the guidelines used to decide which schools to close.
Posted in
The Politics of Prevention
Senate Panel’s Hearing to Examine Progress on Women’s Health Services
State senators will hold a hearing Thursday to assess Texas’ efforts to expand access to women’s health services across the state. Abortion rights advocates say an essential issue has been left off the agenda.
Posted in
Health care
Without Medicaid Expansion, Hospitals Seek Long-Term Solution
To address shortfalls in Medicaid financing and billions in annual uncompensated care costs, Ted Shaw, president and chief executive of the Texas Hospital Association, issued a call to action to hospitals on Friday.
Posted in
Economy
Craft Brewers Celebrate New Beer Laws
When Texas legalized brewpubs in 1993, the owners could only sell their product on-site. That changed in June with the implementation of the largest overhaul of the craft beer industry in two decades.
Posted in
Public Education
SBOE Votes to Repeal Algebra II as Graduation Requirement
The State Board of Education voted Friday to drop an existing requirement that all students at Texas public schools take algebra II to graduate. It also approved two high-level math courses that students can take as an alternative.
Posted in
Politics
Women Underrepresented in Texas Legislature
Texas ranks 33rd for its percentage of female legislators. The number of women in the upper chamber is unlikely to increase, even as two of the seven in the Senate — Wendy Davis and Leticia Van de Putte — pursue statewide office.