It’s beginning to look a lot like primary season.
education
Is Texas in the Race?
The federal government is giving away $4.35 billion to state education systems through Race to the Top. But is Texas already out?
Robert’s Rules
State schools chief Robert Scott recently failed to get the Legislature to increase the cap on charter schools — then found a legal way to do it anyway, much to the dismay of state Democrats and teachers unions.
TribBlog: A Chip Off the Old Bloc
The SBOE’s Don McLeroy might miss Rick Agosto more than he thought.
Texas Reading Exams Fail the National Test
Federal officials say Texas’ testing standards in reading are below the “basic” proficiency standards — and that low bar means those passing the TAKS may not be as proficient as advertised.
TribBlog: A Conversation With the State Schools Chief
Rather than deliver curriculum by book or even CD — one product per student — “We’re going to buy content and get a statewide license and deliver it to anyone who wants it” over the web, says Robert Scott. Much of that content will come from “smaller content providers who have been shut out of the market.”
TribBlog: Education Department could make restraint reporting mandatory
The U.S. Education Department is considering making restraint reporting mandatory for school districts nationwide, starting this school year.
The Tipping Point: Texas Textbook Politics Meets the Digital Revolution
Under new legislation, school districts for the first time can spend a portion of state “book” money on computer hardware and digital content. Some fear the explosion of choice will produce an erosion of quality content.
The World According To Don
So what if he’s no longer the chair of the State Board of Education? Self-described “religious fanatic” Don McLeroy has big plans for Texas education — and science is just the beginning.

