Blog Archive

Lots of news to report this week, including Senate Education and House Pensions interim hearings, SBEC and TRS board meetings, and activity at the federal level on Social Security reform.

Speaking at a Dallas “state of public ed” event, Rep. Brad Buckley (R–Salado) promised to continue his push for the governor’s voucher proposals.

The 14th policy-fest didn’t disappoint in terms of big names and big conversations, including discussions of public education issues.

SBOE members quiz Morath on OER implementation and lesson planning; plus, Patrick releases second set of interim charges ahead of Senate Education Committee hearing next week.

The major-party candidates for president are polar opposites when it comes to the federal role in funding public education and what K-12 curriculum should look like.

Morath insists new instructional materials are not intended to remove teachers’ lesson planning ability. The commissioner also answered questions on school accountability and grievance processes.

Senate committees will examine K-12/college pathways and school enrollment trends, as well as implementation of new legislation.

Teachers cited funding, working conditions, and life outside the classroom as key problems facing Texas schools.

The Charles Butt Foundation releases its annual teacher survey, lawmakers hear testimony on property tax cuts, and The Texas Tribune examines the sharp increase in uncertified teachers. Plus, ATPE launches its brand-new website, atpenews.org.

“What if?” was the question asked during a hearing exploring a largely impractical idea.