Texas

Articles

518 articles

TX Commish Urges Charter Promo

4/6

Dec 5, 6:35 AM:

New state leader urges advocates to become "evangelists" and spread message about good work charters do. Describes other call for high performers to mentor lagging schools. Looks ahead to next legislative session where public ed >

Super On Chopping Block

2/6

Dec 4, 12:51 PM:

Canutillo (TX) board considering district leader's future. Describes internal audit report on transfer credit process. Recaps Super's alleged role in El Paso cheating scandal. Doesn't make clear whether connected here. >

Putting Breaks On Charter Expansion

3/6

Dec 4, 6:36 AM:

Austin (TX) board considering changing contract with IDEA to stop growth into HS. Describes request to Super for review of provisions and reaction of charter operator. Notes Dec. 31st deadline for modifying partnership.

Funding For NOLA Charter Expansion

4/6

Nov 29, 6:36 AM:

TX-based foundation donates millions to help high-performing schools expands and to create new ones in LA district. Notes is 2nd investment in city. Attention on group's background and how/who will manage initiative.

Duncan Visits Turnaround Project

4/6

Nov 28, 8:03 AM:

Dallas (TX) officials show Fed Ed Chief one of its worst performers and showcase reform plans for both it and district. Describes efforts to win RttT funding, having been named finalist.

Prosperity Problem

5/6

Nov 21, 5:58 AM:

In some TX locations, poor districts that, due to an economic oil boom, see property values skyrocketing move from "property poor" to "property wealthy," although they are still needy. In-depth coverage of glitch in funding >

Target Achievement Gap

4/6

Nov 20, 12:51 PM:

New TX ed head says closing achievement gap top priority. Appointed in August, he wants school ratings to include multiple factors: the gap, test scores, student growth, post-HS preparedness.

 

 

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TX Critics Of AYP

4/6

Nov 19, 1:21 PM:

13 "Big Country" districts file complaint seeking to toss all ratings since 2003. Describes Supers' contention that schools doing well on statewide tests but poorly by fed standards creates too much confusion.

Underfunded ELL

5/6

Nov 16, 11:46 AM:

Skyrocketing numbers of ELL students in TX and programs for them are severely underfunded, says bilingual ed expert at school finance trial. Very short article includes data on numbers and also achievement levels.

TX On Track For New Rating

5/6

Nov 16, 7:17 AM:

Ed head says lowering achievement gap will be top consideration as state reworks its school rating system. Other measures are test scores, student growth and post-HS readiness. Approach so far has child advocate's approval. >

TX District Training Funding

3/6

Nov 14, 12:37 PM:

Wichita Falls to use dollars from general and food service funds to pay for stipends to teachers attending sessions on system's strategic plan. Looks at numbers involved but doesn't provide much info on what they'll be learning. >

Vouchers On Agenda

4/6

Nov 14, 7:09 AM:

New chair of TX Senate Ed Committee favors vouchers, but another district's rep does not. Vouchers will be hot issue this session. Covers some of the already-underway political posturing on topic.

Prison Time For False Reports

4/6

Nov 13, 4:58 PM:

TX lawmaker sponsors bill that tacks on prison time for reporting false ed data to state. Bill is fallout from one district's testing scandal. Companion bill gives TEA authority to issue subpoenas for records.

Lawsuit Turns To Class Size

3/6

Nov 9, 12:00 PM:

Expert tells TX court hearing school finance case students in smaller classes perform better on exams and in life. Describes testimony about studies. Recaps claims funding structure unconstitutional.

Finance Trial’s Tough Questions

5/6

Nov 9, 6:41 AM:

2/3 of districts in TX went to court to secure more funds for their schools. Tough cross exam by state, with penetrating questions: Where is evidence that connects $$ with achievement? Can learning occur without iPads?

Choice Boosts Equity

5/6

Nov 2, 8:26 AM:

Closing the funding gap heart of lawsuit underway in TX, which involves over half of state's districts.  Nitty gritty of housing differentials and what that means for kids. Another voice in suit suggests vouchers/charters as >

Austin Board Race

5/6

Nov 1, 5:53 AM:

Super's support for charters at stake in Board race because Board race could "shift balance of power" for Board. Profile of each candidate that takes the plunge on their ed views.

Racing By Teachers

4/6

Oct 31, 6:32 AM:

Unions in several TX districts charge district bypassed them when it came to input for Race to the Top apps. Because it is a non-collective bargaining state, apps must receive 70% of teacher vote. Lots of detail, but no hint if >

TX District Campaign Themes

3/6

Oct 30, 3:56 PM:

Overview of race for 4 board seats with most attention on which candidates running in which slates. Issues of low test scores and high dropout rate briefly noted with recap of tensions with Super over accountability.

School Funding Election Issue

4/6

Oct 29, 9:48 PM:

Challengers vying for seats on Clint (TX) board say they'll fight to resolve differences in per pupil spending in district. Ideas/plans for doing so profiled. Numbers included to show disparity.