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See the bills that have become law. <i class="session-arrow fa fa-angle-double-right"></i></p></a> </section> <main class="main-container"> <section class="body-main"> <section> <header class="page-header"> <h2> <img class="graphic header" src="/web/20150621233554im_/http://txlege.texastribune.org/static/images/icons/public-education.svg"> Public Education </h2> <p class="sub-text">Browse the issues we鈥檙e following that are related to public education. To see what we鈥檙e following in other categories, go <a href="/web/20150621233554/http://txlege.texastribune.org/">here</a>.</p> </header> <div class="share-page"> <ul> <a href="/web/20150621233554/http://txlege.texastribune.org/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#221d515740484741561f764a4707101276475a435107101276504b40574c470710155107101276475a43510710126e47454b514e43564b544707101265574b464707X3A%20Public%20Education&body=I%20read%20about%20a%20topic%20that%20you%20might%20be%20interested%20in%20at%20The%20Texas%20Tribune%3A%20Public%20Education%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org/topics/public-education/"> <li class="email"><i class="fa fa-envelope"></i></li> </a> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Check%20out%20%40TexasTribune%E2%80%99s%20list%20of%20the%20top%20public%20education%20issues%20for%20the%2084th%20%23txlege%20http%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org%2Ftopics%2Fpublic-education%2F" title="share on Twitter" class="social-share" target="_blank"> <li class="twitter"><i class="fa fa-twitter"></i></li> </a> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/https://www.facebook.com/dialog/share?app_id=154122474650943&display=popup&href=http%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org%2Ftopics%2Fpublic-education%2F&redirect_uri=http%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org%2Ftopics%2Fpublic-education%2F" title="share on Facebook" class="social-share" target="_blank"> <li class="facebook"><i class="fa fa-facebook"></i></li> </a> </ul> </div> </section> <div class="ad-container banner-ad top" id="div-gpt-ad-1406570316312-0"> <script> googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1406570316312-0'); }); </script> </div> <section> <article class="top-issues"> <header> <h2 class="sub-section-header">Top issues</h2> </header> <ul class="serif"> <li><a href="/web/20150621233554/http://txlege.texastribune.org/topics/public-education/#reforming-public-school-accountability">Reforming public school accountability</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150621233554/http://txlege.texastribune.org/topics/public-education/#reforming-pre-k">Reforming Pre-K</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150621233554/http://txlege.texastribune.org/topics/public-education/#school-choice-and-vouchers">School choice and vouchers</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150621233554/http://txlege.texastribune.org/topics/public-education/#improving-educator-quality">Improving educator quality</a></li> </ul> </article> <article class="curator-list"> <header> <h5 class="sub-section-header">Curated by</h5> </header> <div class="curated-by"> <img clas="headshot" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/profiles/Morgan_jpg_131x197_crop_q100.jpg"> <p class="emphasis">Morgan Smith</p> <p class="sub-text"></p> </div> </article> </section> <section class="issue-box"> <section class="issue-prose"> <header id="reforming-public-school-accountability"> <h3 class="issue-card-title"> <a href="/web/20150621233554/http://txlege.texastribune.org/topics/public-education/reforming-public-school-accountability/">Reforming public school accountability</a> </h3> </header> <p> </p><p>Near the top of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s education agenda for the 2015 legislative session was a plan to change how the state rates public schools, replacing the current system with an A-F grading method.</p><p>Supporters of the proposal say such an accountability system would make a school’s performance easier to understand, would help more parents become involved in their children's education and would allow the state to target failing schools effectively. </p><p>Critics of the plan, however, argued that giving a school a low grade would unfairly stigmatize the school and its students. They also letter grades wouldn’t take into account factors like funding problems.</p><p>House members folded in legislation enacting the A-F system into a broader education measure, which passed both chambers. </p><p>More changes came to the accountability system with House Bill 1842, which allows the state to impose sanctions and changes in schools that have been failing for at least two consecutive years. It also permits higher performing school districts to create “multiple-campus innovation zones” exempt from certain state and local requirements.</p><p> </p> <p class="update-time">Updated: June 2, 2015</p> <section class="related-legislation"> <header> <h5 class="sub-section-header">Relevant legislation</h5> </header> <ul class="sans"> <li><a href="/web/20150621233554/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/HB1842/">HB 1842</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150621233554/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/HB2804/">HB 2804</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150621233554/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/SB6/">SB 6</a></li> </ul> </section> </section> <section class="related-content"> <header> <h5 class="sub-section-header">Story timeline</h5> </header> <ul class="story-timeline"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/31/texas-lawmakers-approve-f-grades-public-schools/">Texas Lawmakers Approve A-F Grades for Public Schools</a> <p class="pub-date">May 31, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/15/texas-house-approves-f-school-ratings/">Texas House Approves A-F School Ratings</a> <p class="pub-date">May 15, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/28/house-panel-tackles-school-accountability-f-grades/">Reluctant House Panel Approves A-F Grades For Schools</a> <p class="pub-date">April 28, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/30/senate-debates-passes-f-grades-schools/">Senate Passes A-F Grading System for Schools</a> <p class="pub-date">March 30, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/12/plan-grade-schools-f-faces-fight-senate-hearing/">Senators Share Concerns About A-F Grades for Schools</a> <p class="pub-date">March 12, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/patrick-unveils-first-round-education-reform-bills/">Patrick Unveils First Round of Education Proposals</a> <p class="pub-date">March 3, 2015</p> </li> </ul> </section> </section> <section class="share-box"> <p class="sub-text">Share this issue: <a href="/web/20150621233554/http://txlege.texastribune.org/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#122d616770787771662f467a7737202246776a736137202246607b70677c773720227d7c372022667a773720222a26667a3720225e777577283720224077747d607fXing%20public%20school%20accountability&body=I%20read%20about%20an%20issue%20that%20you%20might%20be%20interested%20in%20at%20The%20Texas%20Tribune:%20Reforming%20public%20school%20accountability%20%0D%0Dhttp%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org/topics/public-education/reforming-public-school-accountability/"> <i class="fa fa-envelope"></i> </a> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Issues%20of%20the%2084th%20%23txlege%3A%20Reforming%20public%20school%20accountability%20http%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org/topics/public-education/reforming-public-school-accountability/&via=texastribune" title="share on Twitter" class="social-share" target="_blank"> <i class="fa fa-twitter"></i> </a> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/https://www.facebook.com/dialog/share?app_id=154122474650943&display=popup&href=http%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org/topics/public-education/reforming-public-school-accountability/&redirect_uri=http%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org" title="share on Facebook" class="social-share" target="_blank"> <i class="fa fa-facebook"></i> </a> </p> </section> <section class="issue-box"> <section class="issue-prose"> <header id="reforming-pre-k"> <h3 class="issue-card-title"> <a href="/web/20150621233554/http://txlege.texastribune.org/topics/public-education/reforming-pre-k/">Reforming Pre-K</a> </h3> </header> <p>There was widespread and bipartisan energy behind an effort to boost early education in the state. Gov. Greg Abbott used his first speech after his November win to say education — particularly improving students’ foundation in pre-kindergarten through third grade — would be a top priority of his administration. And during his State of the State address in February, Abbott identified early education as one of five emergency items, putting it on a legislative fast track.</p><p>The issue has also long attracted attention from key lawmakers in both parties. But a divide existed between those who wanted to expand half-day programs to a full day and make them better, and others who wanted to first get a better handle on how the existing programs are working. Count Abbott <a target="_blank" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/http://www.statesman.com/news/news/greg-abbott-promotes-improving-quality-of-prek-ove/nfPRY/">in the latter</a> group. </p><p>Lawmakers approved a version of the Abbott approach, and the governor signed it into law in May. The legislation was not perfect, according to both its supporters and critics. Early education advocates had hoped it would emerge stronger from the legislative meat-grinder, while conservatives — <a target="_blank" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/21/dan-patrick-advisors-blast-abbott-pre-k-plan/">including</a> those on a panel that advises Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick — saw it as an expansion of state-funded pre-K. </p><p>House Bill 4 sets aside $118 million over two years for school districts that agree to bolster their pre-K programs geared toward students from low-income, non-English-speaking, foster and military families. The districts would have to meet certain teacher quality and curriculum measures before they could receive the funding.</p> <p class="update-time">Updated: June 1, 2015</p> <section class="related-legislation"> <header> <h5 class="sub-section-header">Relevant legislation</h5> </header> <ul class="sans"> <li><a href="/web/20150621233554/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/HB4/">HB 4</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150621233554/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/HB1100/">HB 1100</a></li> </ul> </section> </section> <section class="related-content"> <header> <h5 class="sub-section-header">Story timeline</h5> </header> <ul class="story-timeline"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/28/abbott-signs-pre-k-bill-considered-top-priority/">Abbott Signs Pre-K Bill Considered Top Priority</a> <p class="pub-date">May 28, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/prek-bill-faces-last-hurdle-texas-senate-vote/">Pre-K Bill Faces Last Hurdle in Senate Vote</a> <p class="pub-date">May 7, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/abbotts-prek-bill-makes-it-out-texas-senate/">Abbott's Pre-K Bill Easily Passes Texas Senate</a> <p class="pub-date">May 7, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/30/abbotts-prek-bill-headed-full-senate/">Abbott's Pre-K Bill Headed to Full Senate</a> <p class="pub-date">April 30, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/21/dan-patrick-advisors-blast-abbott-pre-k-plan/">Patrick Advisors Blast Abbott's PreK Plan</a> <p class="pub-date">April 21, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/08/house-conservatives-mount-charge-against-prek-bill/">Spurning Tea Party Opposition, House Passes Pre-K Bill</a> <p class="pub-date">April 8, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/10/house-education-committee-consider-pre-k-bills/">Talk Turns to Standards as Lawmakers Weigh Pre-K Bills</a> <p class="pub-date">March 10, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/pre-k-top-agenda-reaction-mixed/">Early Education Push Earning Lukewarm Reviews</a> <p class="pub-date">March 4, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/26/huberty-prek/">House Takes the Lead on Abbott's Pre-K Charge</a> <p class="pub-date">Feb. 26, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/03/farney-johnson-pre-k/">Lawmakers Propose Pre-K Incentive Payment System</a> <p class="pub-date">Feb. 3, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/http://www.texastribune.org/2014/12/10/texas-loses-federal-pre-k-grant-competition/">Texas Loses Bid For Federal Pre-K Funding</a> <p class="pub-date">Dec. 10, 2014</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/http://www.texastribune.org/2014/09/16/texas-will-apply-obama-administration-pre-k-grant/">With Pre-K Grant, Texas Switches Gears on Federal Cash</a> <p class="pub-date">Sept. 16, 2014</p> </li> </ul> </section> </section> <section class="share-box"> <p class="sub-text">Share this issue: <a href="/web/20150621233554/http://txlege.texastribune.org/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ead5999f88808f899ed7be828fcfd8dabe8f928b99cfd8dabe9883889f848fcfd8da8584cfd8da9e828fcfd8dad2de9e82cfd8daa68f8d8fd0cfd8dab88f8c859887Xing%20Pre-K&body=I%20read%20about%20an%20issue%20that%20you%20might%20be%20interested%20in%20at%20The%20Texas%20Tribune:%20Reforming%20Pre-K%20%0D%0Dhttp%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org/topics/public-education/reforming-pre-k/"> <i class="fa fa-envelope"></i> </a> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Issues%20of%20the%2084th%20%23txlege%3A%20Reforming%20Pre-K%20http%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org/topics/public-education/reforming-pre-k/&via=texastribune" title="share on Twitter" class="social-share" target="_blank"> <i class="fa fa-twitter"></i> </a> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/https://www.facebook.com/dialog/share?app_id=154122474650943&display=popup&href=http%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org/topics/public-education/reforming-pre-k/&redirect_uri=http%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org" title="share on Facebook" class="social-share" target="_blank"> <i class="fa fa-facebook"></i> </a> </p> </section> <section class="issue-box"> <section class="issue-prose"> <header id="school-choice-and-vouchers"> <h3 class="issue-card-title"> <a href="/web/20150621233554/http://txlege.texastribune.org/topics/public-education/school-choice-and-vouchers/">School choice and vouchers</a> </h3> </header> <p>In the 2013 session, despite a loud drumbeat leading up to January from supporters including then-Sen. Dan Patrick and then-Lt. Gov. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/david-dewhurst/">David Dewhurst</a>, legislation that would allow students to receive public money to attend private schools <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/http://www.texastribune.org/2013/04/04/voucher-showdown-during-house-budget-debate/">died with barely a whimper</a>. Two years later, a skirmish over private school vouchers was brewing again, but 2015 did not see a different outcome.</p><p>As the session began, a team of powerful conservative senators filed several measures taking varying approaches to providing public support for parents to send their children to private schools. </p><p>But all of that legislation failed, including Senate Bill 4, a priority measure for Patrick that passed out of the Senate — as did efforts to loosen regulation of virtual education and a proposal known as an "achievement school district," which would have created a statewide entity to manage underperforming campuses.</p> <p class="update-time">Updated: June 1, 2015</p> <section class="related-legislation"> <header> <h5 class="sub-section-header">Relevant legislation</h5> </header> <ul class="sans"> <li><a href="/web/20150621233554/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/HB279/">HB 279</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150621233554/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/HB1043/">HB 1043</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150621233554/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/SB4/">SB 4</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150621233554/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/SB276/">SB 276</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150621233554/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/SB520/">SB 520</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150621233554/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/SB642/">SB 642</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150621233554/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/SB1178/">SB 1178</a></li> </ul> </section> </section> <section class="related-content"> <header> <h5 class="sub-section-header">Story timeline</h5> </header> <ul class="story-timeline"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/21/wrapup-education-legislation/">Crunch Time Near for Major Education Bills</a> <p class="pub-date">May 21, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/19/texas-considers-parent-trigger-law/">Texas Considers Parent Trigger Law</a> <p class="pub-date">April 16, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/15/parent-trigger-school-bill-clears-texas-senate/">"Parent Trigger" School Bill Clears Texas Senate</a> <p class="pub-date">April 15, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/30/texas-house-vouchers/">Texas House Set to Make Anti-Voucher Play</a> <p class="pub-date">March 30, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/26/senate-lawmakers-hear-private-school-voucher-bills/">Long Legislative Road For Voucher Bills Begins</a> <p class="pub-date">March 26, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/10/senate-plan-private-school-scholarships-takes-shap/">Senate Shapes Plan for Private School Scholarships</a> <p class="pub-date">March 20, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/patrick-unveils-first-round-education-reform-bills/">Patrick Unveils First Round Of Education Proposals</a> <p class="pub-date">March 3, 2015</p> </li> </ul> </section> </section> <section class="share-box"> <p class="sub-text">Share this issue: <a href="/web/20150621233554/http://txlege.texastribune.org/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d6e9a5a3b4bcb3b5a2eb82beb3f3e4e682b3aeb7a5f3e4e682a4bfb4a3b8b3f3e4e6b9b8f3e4e6a2beb3f3e4e6eee2a2bef3e4e69ab3b1b3ecf3e4e685b5beb9b9baX%20choice%20and%20vouchers&body=I%20read%20about%20an%20issue%20that%20you%20might%20be%20interested%20in%20at%20The%20Texas%20Tribune:%20School%20choice%20and%20vouchers%20%0D%0Dhttp%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org/topics/public-education/school-choice-and-vouchers/"> <i class="fa fa-envelope"></i> </a> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Issues%20of%20the%2084th%20%23txlege%3A%20School%20choice%20and%20vouchers%20http%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org/topics/public-education/school-choice-and-vouchers/&via=texastribune" title="share on Twitter" class="social-share" target="_blank"> <i class="fa fa-twitter"></i> </a> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/https://www.facebook.com/dialog/share?app_id=154122474650943&display=popup&href=http%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org/topics/public-education/school-choice-and-vouchers/&redirect_uri=http%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org" title="share on Facebook" class="social-share" target="_blank"> <i class="fa fa-facebook"></i> </a> </p> </section> <section class="issue-box"> <section class="issue-prose"> <header id="improving-educator-quality"> <h3 class="issue-card-title"> <a href="/web/20150621233554/http://txlege.texastribune.org/topics/public-education/improving-educator-quality/">Improving educator quality</a> </h3> </header> <p>At the federal government’s request, Texas is moving toward a teacher evaluation system based partly on student achievement on standardized tests. It’s a controversial policy that attracted attention at the Capitol, though there was also agreement in the education community that the state needed to update its almost 20-year-old approach to assessing teachers. Included in the conversation was the state’s shortage of certified teachers in areas like math, science, and bilingual education.</p><p>However, all the major efforts this session to overhaul teacher evaluation and compensation failed.</p><p>But the focus at the Capitol wasn't just on teachers. A week before the 2015 session, Speaker Joe Straus announced the House intended to strengthen reforms overhauling high school curriculum lawmakers passed last session by providing extra training for the guidance counselors who help students navigate the state’s new diploma requirements.</p><p>Lawmakers approved House Bill 18, which creates counseling academies at the Center for Teaching and Learning at the University of Texas at Austin to help school advisors guide students on higher education and career opportunities, as well as the various pathways to a high school diploma. It also requires school districts to provide information to middle school students on graduation plans and requirements and potential career choices. </p><p><em>Disclosure: The University of Texas at Austin is a corporate sponsor of The Texas Tribune. <em>A complete list of Tribune donors and sponsors can be viewed <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/http://www.texastribune.org/support-us/donors-and-members/">here</a>.</em></em> </p> <p class="update-time">Updated: June 1, 2015</p> <section class="related-legislation"> <header> <h5 class="sub-section-header">Relevant legislation</h5> </header> <ul class="sans"> <li><a href="/web/20150621233554/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/HB18/">HB 18</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150621233554/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/HB313/">HB 313</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150621233554/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/SB164/">SB 164</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150621233554/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/SB165/">SB 165</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150621233554/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/SB167/">SB 167</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150621233554/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/SB892/">SB 892</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150621233554/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/SB893/">SB 893</a></li> </ul> </section> </section> <section class="related-content"> <header> <h5 class="sub-section-header">Story timeline</h5> </header> <ul class="story-timeline"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/21/wrapup-education-legislation/">Crunch Time Near for Major Education Bills</a> <p class="pub-date">May 21, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/28/patrick-and-straus-top-20-priority-bills/">A Look at the Priority Bills for Straus and Patrick</a> <p class="pub-date">April 28, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/patrick-unveils-first-round-education-reform-bills/">Patrick Unveils First Round of Education Proposals</a> <p class="pub-date">March 3, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/23/feds-tell-texas-try-again-teacher-evaluations/">Feds Tell Texas to Try Again on Teacher Evaluations</a> <p class="pub-date">Jan. 23, 2015</p> </li> </ul> </section> </section> <section class="share-box"> <p class="sub-text">Share this issue: <a href="/web/20150621233554/http://txlege.texastribune.org/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#be81cdcbdcd4dbddca83ead6db9b8c8eeadbc6dfcd9b8c8eeaccd7dccbd0db9b8c8ed1d09b8c8ecad6db9b8c8e868acad69b8c8ef2dbd9db849b8c8ef7d3ceccd1c8Xing%20educator%20quality&body=I%20read%20about%20an%20issue%20that%20you%20might%20be%20interested%20in%20at%20The%20Texas%20Tribune:%20Improving%20educator%20quality%20%0D%0Dhttp%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org/topics/public-education/improving-educator-quality/"> <i class="fa fa-envelope"></i> </a> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Issues%20of%20the%2084th%20%23txlege%3A%20Improving%20educator%20quality%20http%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org/topics/public-education/improving-educator-quality/&via=texastribune" title="share on Twitter" class="social-share" target="_blank"> <i class="fa fa-twitter"></i> </a> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/https://www.facebook.com/dialog/share?app_id=154122474650943&display=popup&href=http%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org/topics/public-education/improving-educator-quality/&redirect_uri=http%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org" title="share on Facebook" class="social-share" target="_blank"> <i class="fa fa-facebook"></i> </a> </p> </section> <section class="newsletter-signup"> <header> <h4 class="sub-section-header">Sign up for our weekly digest of education coverage.</h4> </header> <div id="mc_embed_signup"> <form action="//web.archive.org/web/20150621233554/http://texastribune.us3.list-manage2.com/subscribe/post?u=3d0ce87edeeb6df90043897db&id=b43d497c87" method="post" id="mc-embedded-subscribe-form" name="mc-embedded-subscribe-form" class="validate" target="_blank" novalidate> <div id="mc_embed_signup_scroll"> <div class="mc-field-group"> <label class="hidden" for="mce-EMAIL"></label> <input class="required input_neue" type="email" name="EMAIL" value="" placeholder="username@email.com"/> <input class="button" type="submit" name="subscribe" value="Subscribe"/> </div> <div id="mce-responses" class="clear"> <div class="response" id="mce-error-response" style="display:none"></div> <div class="response" id="mce-success-response" style="display:none"></div> </div> <div style="position: absolute; 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