The next four days will probably be the most critical period in determining the fate of the session’s major education bills, which address standardized testing and curriculum requirements, as well as charter school expansion.
Dan Patrick
Posted in
Public Education
CSCOPE to No Longer Offer Lesson Plans to Texas Schools
Senate Education Chairman Dan Patrick announced on Monday that CSCOPE, the state’s curriculum delivery system, would no longer offer lesson plans to Texas school districts.
Posted in
Public Education
Texas House Backs Bill Expanding Charter Schools
UPDATED: A measure targeting a Turkish charter school network was added to major legislation from Senate Education Chairman Dan Patrick that would increase the number of publicly funded, privately operated schools as it passed the Texas House on Thursday, 105-34.
Posted in
Public Education
In Education Reform Debate, One Group Standing Out This Session
Raise Your Hand Texas has been a key player this session, impacting bills like Sen. Dan Patrick’s charter school legislation. The advocacy organization’s influence in policy negotiations has won it both respect and exasperation in education circles.
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Public Education
Senate’s High School Graduation Measure Differs From House Plan
The Senate version of House Bill 5, which it approved Monday, still allows students to complete diplomas in specialized areas, or “endorsements.” But it changes the courses required to graduate under those endorsements.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
AG: Domestic Partner Benefits Violate Texas Constitution
The Texas Constitution prohibits government entities from recognizing domestic partnerships and offering those couples insurance benefits, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott wrote in an opinion on Monday.
Posted in
State Government
The Love-Hate Relationship With Transparency
One Texan’s transparency is another’s right to privacy, and people in politics generally find it easier to demand openness than to provide it.
Posted in
Public Education
Despite Concerns, TEA Moving Forward on A-F School Ratings Plan
Against the recommendation of school leaders and amid skepticism from some lawmakers, the Texas Education Agency will continue working toward a transition to a public school accountability ratings system with grades of A through F.
Posted in
Public Education
Seeking to Pare State Exams, Lawmakers Take Aim at Testing Firm
As the Texas Legislature looks to overhaul the state’s standardized testing program amid outcry from parents and school leaders, state lawmakers have focused their criticism on the company that develops the tests.
Posted in
Public Education
High School Curriculum Bill Headed to Senate Floor
At a hearing Tuesday, Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, slammed national media coverage of the Legislature’s effort to change high school diploma requirements and reduce high-stakes exams.
