Politics & Policy
February 14, 2023
How a Brazen School-Voucher Scheme in Texas Got Derailed
Internal documents offer new insights into an unprecedented ploy in Wimberley to divert public-education dollars to private schools.
Public Education
News & Politics
June 22, 2021
Inside the New Luxury Campus for Texas Education Leaders
Charles Butt’s Holdsworth Center offers leadership training—and much-needed respect—for superintendents, principals, and teachers at Texas public schools.
Politics & Policy
November 5, 2019
Proposition 7 Could Increase Education Funding, But That’s Part of the Problem
One constitutional amendment on the ballot poses a question that often vexes lawmakers—short-term need, or long-term benefit?
Politics & Policy
April 25, 2019
Dressing Down Parents at Houston’s Madison High School
No shower caps, bonnets, Do-rags, or saggy pants? The principal’s dress code for parents is about more than just school-appropriate attire.
Politics & Policy
November 6, 2014
Seclusion Rooms in North Texas Schools Spark Controversy
A troubling new report by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth found dozens of schools have been relying on small “recovery rooms” in order to deescalate students with disabilities or behavioral issues.
Politics & Policy
October 21, 2014
SBOE, Publishers Talk Textbook Controversy
The years-long textbook saga of Texas continues.
Politics & Policy
August 26, 2014
The Rise of Armed Teachers
They’ve already existed in some districts for years, but now some school employees are getting intensive, police-style training in how to respond to a shooting.
Politics & Policy
May 6, 2013
Remember the School Finance Case?
In February, Judge John Dietz ruled that the state's current school finance system was unconstitutional. However, the legislature's restoration of some of last session's deep cuts to schools during the 83rd legislative session could be a game changer for the lawsuit.
Politics & Policy
April 10, 2013
Being Tested on Testing
UPDATE: This post has been corrected to accurately reflect the graduation requirements under HB 5.Yesterday I wrote about the Washington Post’s editorial on the changing graduation requirements that are working their way through the Legislature. I received a call yesterday from Tom Luce, who had read my post
Politics & Policy
April 9, 2013
The Washington Post Weighs in on Testing
It isn't often that a major national newspaper shines a light on a state's educational system, but this is what the Washington Post's editorial board did on April 7.
Burka Blog
March 28, 2013
The House That Straus Built
AP Photo | Eric GayJoe Straus said at the beginning of the session that he was going to put the House to work on the state’s biggest problems, and he is making good on his vow. On Tuesday the House passed HB 5, a major public education bill that
Politics & Policy
March 26, 2013
The Future of Public Ed (Begins in About Five Minutes)
The House will take up HB 5 on the floor today and will debate whether the measure is sufficiently rigorous to achieve college readiness.
Politics & Policy
March 7, 2013
TSTA Poll Shows Support for Using the Rainy Day Fund to Restore Education Cuts
The poll of likely voters was conducted jointly by Democratic pollster Keith Frederick and Republican pollster Jan van Lohuizen. A release about the results says, “A strong majority of Texas voters support using some of the $12 billion in the state’s Rainy Day Fund to restore the $5.4
Politics & Policy
February 28, 2013
No More Namby-Pamby Business
After the 2011 budget cuts, the Lege has some room for reform on public education.
Behind the Lines
December 1, 1995
What Does “Jolt” Mean?
Why are so many students in Texas unable to read? The answer is obvious: because the school system has failed them.
News & Politics
August 31, 1977
I Was a Spy in the Second Grade
I escaped once, but they sent me back.