EDUCATION | The Texas Tribune

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Tribune"></a></h1> <time datetime="2015-02-26T12:01:55.500198">Thursday, February 26, 2015</time> </div> </header> </div> <div class="wrapper content-wrapper"> <div id="site_content" class="content index"> <header class="alt_header"><h1><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/education/">EDUCATION</a><a class="subsection_toggle"><i class="icon-caret-down"></i></a></h1><ul class="subsection_menu"><li><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/education/public-education/">Public Education</a></li><li><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/education/higher-education/">Higher Education </a></li></ul><script> $(window).load(function () { $('.subsection_toggle').click(function(e){ e.preventDefault(); $('.subsection_menu').slideToggle('fast', function() {}); }); }); </script></header> <section class="topstory grid"> <article class=""> <div class="media large"> <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/26/brief/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/06/10/lonestar-track_jpg_474x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/06/10/lonestar-track_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>credit: Robert Hensley</cite> </div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/26/brief/">The Brief: Feb. 26, 2015</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/reynolds-john/">John Reynolds</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 26 Feb 2015 05:59:00 -0600" title="2015-02-26 05:59"> Feb. 26, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/26/brief/comments/"><span class="value">1</span><span class="label">Comment</span></a></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Senate budget writers directed their displeasure at the Texas Racing Commission during a contentious hearing on Wednesday in which the head of the finance committee declared herself "livid."</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/26/brief/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </div> </article> </section> <div class="grid"> <div class="cell w-8 main_column"> <div class="hide-for-medium-down"> <article class=" item_1"> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/25/ut-regent-appointments-head-nominations-hearing/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/HicksCMS_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt="University of Texas System Regent Steven Hicks listens to a speech at the meeting on May 12, 2011."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/HicksCMS_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="University of Texas System Regent Steven Hicks listens to a speech at the meeting on May 12, 2011." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">University of Texas System Regent Steven Hicks listens to a speech at the meeting on May 12, 2011.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/25/ut-regent-appointments-head-nominations-hearing/">Regent Appointments Head to Nominations Hearing</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/bobby-blanchard/">Bobby Blanchard</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 25 Feb 2015 16:10:36 -0600" title="2015-02-25 16:10"> Feb. 25, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/25/ut-regent-appointments-head-nominations-hearing/comments/"><span class="value">4</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p>Gov. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/greg-abbott/">Greg Abbott</a>'s first three nominations for UT regents will seek the blessings of the Senate nominations committee at a Thursday hearing. The far right is grumbling about two of them.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/25/ut-regent-appointments-head-nominations-hearing/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> <article class=" item_2"> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/25/otto-promises-fund-health-care-retired-teachers/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/12/7C2A1121_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Rep. John Otto R-Dayton, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, during Tribune Conversation event on February 12th, 2015"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/12/7C2A1121_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Rep. John Otto R-Dayton, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, during Tribune Conversation event on February 12th, 2015" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Rep. John Otto R-Dayton, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, during Tribune Conversation event on February 12th, 2015</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/25/otto-promises-fund-health-care-retired-teachers/">Otto Promises to Fund Health Care for Retired Teachers</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 25 Feb 2015 11:37:14 -0600" title="2015-02-25 11:37"> Feb. 25, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/25/otto-promises-fund-health-care-retired-teachers/comments/"><span class="value">2</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p>State Rep. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/john-otto/">John Otto</a>, the head of the House budget-writing committee, pledged Wednesday to work to fully fund a nearly broke health care program for retired Texas teachers. </p> <p> </p> <p><span style="line-height: 1.35;"> </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/25/otto-promises-fund-health-care-retired-teachers/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> <article class=" item_3"> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/25/brief/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/NoNewTaxes_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/NoNewTaxes_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>graphic by: Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/25/brief/">The Brief: Feb. 25, 2015</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/reynolds-john/">John Reynolds</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 25 Feb 2015 05:59:00 -0600" title="2015-02-25 05:59"> Feb. 25, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/25/brief/comments/"><span class="value">9</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p><span>Texans in this month's University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll made clear that the property tax is their least favorite. The only other tax to be disliked by voters more than it is liked is the business margins tax.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/25/brief/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="show-for-medium-down"> <article class=" responsive-secondary"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/25/ut-regent-appointments-head-nominations-hearing/">Regent Appointments Head to Nominations Hearing</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/bobby-blanchard/">Bobby Blanchard</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 25 Feb 2015 16:10:36 -0600" title="2015-02-25 16:10"> Feb. 25, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/25/ut-regent-appointments-head-nominations-hearing/comments/"><span class="value">4</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/25/ut-regent-appointments-head-nominations-hearing/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/HicksCMS_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="University of Texas System Regent Steven Hicks listens to a speech at the meeting on May 12, 2011."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/HicksCMS_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="University of Texas System Regent Steven Hicks listens to a speech at the meeting on May 12, 2011." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">University of Texas System Regent Steven Hicks listens to a speech at the meeting on May 12, 2011.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Gov. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/greg-abbott/">Greg Abbott</a>'s first three nominations for UT regents will seek the blessings of the Senate nominations committee at a Thursday hearing. The far right is grumbling about two of them.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/25/ut-regent-appointments-head-nominations-hearing/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" responsive-secondary"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/25/otto-promises-fund-health-care-retired-teachers/">Otto Promises to Fund Health Care for Retired Teachers</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 25 Feb 2015 11:37:14 -0600" title="2015-02-25 11:37"> Feb. 25, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/25/otto-promises-fund-health-care-retired-teachers/comments/"><span class="value">2</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/25/otto-promises-fund-health-care-retired-teachers/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/12/7C2A1121_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Rep. John Otto R-Dayton, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, during Tribune Conversation event on February 12th, 2015"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/12/7C2A1121_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Rep. John Otto R-Dayton, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, during Tribune Conversation event on February 12th, 2015" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Rep. John Otto R-Dayton, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, during Tribune Conversation event on February 12th, 2015</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>State Rep. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/john-otto/">John Otto</a>, the head of the House budget-writing committee, pledged Wednesday to work to fully fund a nearly broke health care program for retired Texas teachers. </p> <p> </p> <p><span style="line-height: 1.35;"> </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/25/otto-promises-fund-health-care-retired-teachers/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" responsive-secondary"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/25/brief/">The Brief: Feb. 25, 2015</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/reynolds-john/">John Reynolds</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 25 Feb 2015 05:59:00 -0600" title="2015-02-25 05:59"> Feb. 25, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/25/brief/comments/"><span class="value">9</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/25/brief/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/NoNewTaxes_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/NoNewTaxes_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>graphic by: Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Texans in this month's University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll made clear that the property tax is their least favorite. The only other tax to be disliked by voters more than it is liked is the business margins tax.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/25/brief/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-6 gap hide-for-medium-down left_rail"> <section class="folder"> <div class="tab data"> <hgroup> <h1>Featured Data</h1> <h2> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/public-ed/explore/">Texas Tribune Public Schools Explorer</a> </h2> <ul class="meta separator short"><li class="byline"> by Noah Seger </li><li><time datetime="Tue, 17 Jul 2012 06:00:00 -0500" title="2012-07-17 06:00"> July 17, 2012 </time></li></ul> </hgroup> <div class="content"> <div class="media sidebar" <a href="http://www.texastribune.org/public-ed/explore/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/EduApp2_jpg_300x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/EduApp2_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <ul class="actions simple"> <li> <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/library/data/"><span>+</span> More Data</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <aside class="ad_container sidebar_block"> <div class="sponsor_image_holder"> <div class="ad adunit tablet standard" data-dimensions="300x250" data-adunit="TexasTribune_Content_Home_BTF_LeftRail1_TTRectangle_300x250"> </div> </div> </aside> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/24/aycock-takes-stand-defend-texas-education/">Education Chairman Defends High School Graduation Rates</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/eva-hershaw/">Eva Hershaw</a> and <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/morgan-smith/">Morgan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 24 Feb 2015 17:06:51 -0600" title="2015-02-24 17:06"> Feb. 24, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/24/aycock-takes-stand-defend-texas-education/comments/"><span class="value">8</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/24/aycock-takes-stand-defend-texas-education/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/22/UP9A9262_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock R-Killeen at January 22nd Conversation at the Austin Club"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/22/UP9A9262_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock R-Killeen at January 22nd Conversation at the Austin Club" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock R-Killeen at January 22nd Conversation at the Austin Club</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Committee Chairman Rep. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/jimmie-don-aycock/">Jimmie Don Aycock</a>,</span><span> R-Killeen,</span><span> took to his soapbox at the beginning of Tuesday's public education hearing to defend the high standards of Texas education. </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/24/aycock-takes-stand-defend-texas-education/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/24/corps-cadets-selects-first-woman-commander/">First Woman Assuming Command of A&M Corps</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/bobby-blanchard/">Bobby Blanchard</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 24 Feb 2015 06:00:00 -0600" title="2015-02-24 06:00"> Feb. 24, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/24/corps-cadets-selects-first-woman-commander/comments/"><span class="value">12</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/24/corps-cadets-selects-first-woman-commander/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/23/Cadet_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="The first woman, Alyssa Marie Michalke , has been appointed to lead Texas A&M鈥檚 legendary Corps of Cadets."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/23/Cadet_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="The first woman, Alyssa Marie Michalke , has been appointed to lead Texas A&M鈥檚 legendary Corps of Cadets." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Texas A&M; University</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">The first woman, Alyssa Marie Michalke , has been appointed to lead Texas A&M鈥檚 legendary Corps of Cadets.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Alyssa Marie Michalke arrived at Texas A&M as a shy and quiet high school standout from Schulenburg, she says. Now a junior, she's about to take charge of the famous and storied Corps of Cadets.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/24/corps-cadets-selects-first-woman-commander/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/23/brief/">The Brief: Feb. 23, 2015</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/reynolds-john/">John Reynolds</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 23 Feb 2015 05:59:00 -0600" title="2015-02-23 05:59"> Feb. 23, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/23/brief/comments/"><span class="value">40</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/23/brief/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/02/Scott__Walker_Iowa_Freedom_edit_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker speaks at the Iowa Freedom Summit at the Hoyt Sherman Place theater in Des Moines, Iowa on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/02/Scott__Walker_Iowa_Freedom_edit_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker speaks at the Iowa Freedom Summit at the Hoyt Sherman Place theater in Des Moines, Iowa on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Rebecca F. Miller</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker speaks at the Iowa Freedom Summit at the Hoyt Sherman Place theater in Des Moines, Iowa on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>U.S. Sen. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/ted-cruz/">Ted Cruz</a> and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker are the co-favorites among Texas Republicans to take their party's nomination for president, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/23/brief/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/22/judge-dietz-lege-get-busy-take-responsibility-educ/">Judge Urges Lawmakers to Fix School Finance</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/eva-hershaw/">Eva Hershaw</a></li><li><time datetime="Sun, 22 Feb 2015 19:20:37 -0600" title="2015-02-22 19:20"> Feb. 22, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/22/judge-dietz-lege-get-busy-take-responsibility-educ/comments/"><span class="value">16</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/22/judge-dietz-lege-get-busy-take-responsibility-educ/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/02/04/_01F0657_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="District Court Judge John Dietz of Austin is shown in his courtroom on Feb. 4, 2013, before he ruled that the state's school finance system was unconstitutional."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/02/04/_01F0657_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="District Court Judge John Dietz of Austin is shown in his courtroom on Feb. 4, 2013, before he ruled that the state's school finance system was unconstitutional." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">District Court Judge John Dietz of Austin is shown in his courtroom on Feb. 4, 2013, before he ruled that the state's school finance system was unconstitutional.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Retired state District Judge John Dietz, who found the Texas school finance system unconstitutional last year, told teachers Sunday that Texas is "dooming a generation" of children. The Legislature, not the courts, should fix the problems, he said. </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/22/judge-dietz-lege-get-busy-take-responsibility-educ/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-6 hide-for-medium-down mid_rail"> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/17/abbott-lists-5-emergency-items-session/">In State of the State Address, Abbott Proposes Sweeping Agenda</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jay-root/">Jay Root</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 17 Feb 2015 12:17:40 -0600" title="2015-02-17 12:17"> Feb. 17, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/17/abbott-lists-5-emergency-items-session/comments/"><span class="value">25</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/17/abbott-lists-5-emergency-items-session/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/17/BDS_4260CMS_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Gov. Greg Abbott announces five emergency items for Texas legislators to consider during his State of the State speech on Feb. 17, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/17/BDS_4260CMS_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Gov. Greg Abbott announces five emergency items for Texas legislators to consider during his State of the State speech on Feb. 17, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Gov. Greg Abbott announces five emergency items for Texas legislators to consider during his State of the State speech on Feb. 17, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><strong>UPDATED: </strong>Gov. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/greg-abbott/">Greg Abbott</a>, delivering his first major policy address to the Texas Legislature, laid out an ambitious agenda, including an expansion of pre-kindergarten, massive tax cuts and roads as far as the traffic-glazed eye can see.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/17/abbott-lists-5-emergency-items-session/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/17/private-dallas-college-plans-get-work/">Private Dallas College Will Put Students to Work</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/bobby-blanchard/">Bobby Blanchard</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 17 Feb 2015 06:00:00 -0600" title="2015-02-17 06:00"> Feb. 17, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/17/private-dallas-college-plans-get-work/comments/"><span class="value">8</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/17/private-dallas-college-plans-get-work/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/IMG_0407_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Paul Quinn College President Michael Sorrell addresses students in the school's library."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/IMG_0407_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Paul Quinn College President Michael Sorrell addresses students in the school's library." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>credit: Reeve Hamilton</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Paul Quinn College President Michael Sorrell addresses students in the school's library.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Starting next fall, all students at Paul Quinn College will have jobs, either on campus or with local businesses, during their entire enrollment. In exchange, they'll get much cheaper tuition, making the school more affordable.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/17/private-dallas-college-plans-get-work/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/17/brief/">The Brief: Feb. 17, 2015</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/reynolds-john/">John Reynolds</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 17 Feb 2015 05:59:00 -0600" title="2015-02-17 05:59"> Feb. 17, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/17/brief/comments/"><span class="value">32</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/17/brief/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/11/24/AbbottAG866_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Attorney General Greg Abbott indicates his willingness to sue President Obama on immigration during a press conference Nov. 24, 2014."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/11/24/AbbottAG866_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Attorney General Greg Abbott indicates his willingness to sue President Obama on immigration during a press conference Nov. 24, 2014." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Attorney General Greg Abbott indicates his willingness to sue President Obama on immigration during a press conference Nov. 24, 2014.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>A Brownsville federal judge dropped a late-night legal bombshell Monday night, halting President Obama's executive action on immigration.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/17/brief/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/16/brief/">The Brief: Feb. 16, 2015</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/reynolds-john/">John Reynolds</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 16 Feb 2015 05:59:00 -0600" title="2015-02-16 05:59"> Feb. 16, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/16/brief/comments/"><span class="value">3</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/16/brief/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/11/20/Menendez_TMF_copy_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Reps. Jos茅 Men茅ndez (left) and Trey Martinez Fischer, both Democrats from San Antonio, are seeking the Texas Senate seat vacated by Leticia Van de Putte, who is running for mayor of San Antonio."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/11/20/Menendez_TMF_copy_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Reps. Jos茅 Men茅ndez (left) and Trey Martinez Fischer, both Democrats from San Antonio, are seeking the Texas Senate seat vacated by Leticia Van de Putte, who is running for mayor of San Antonio." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich/Marjorie Kamys Cotera </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Reps. Jos茅 Men茅ndez (left) and Trey Martinez Fischer, both Democrats from San Antonio, are seeking the Texas Senate seat vacated by Leticia Van de Putte, who is running for mayor of San Antonio.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Bipartisan appears to be a dirty word in a couple of the special election contests set to be finally decided on Tuesday.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/16/brief/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/13/brief/">The Brief: Feb. 13, 2015</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/reynolds-john/">John Reynolds</a></li><li><time datetime="Fri, 13 Feb 2015 05:59:00 -0600" title="2015-02-13 05:59"> Feb. 13, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/13/brief/comments/"><span class="value">8</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/13/brief/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/05/19/UTBOR_Hall237_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Regent Wallace L. Hall, Jr. of the University of Texas System at the regular meeting of the Board on May 15, 2014"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/05/19/UTBOR_Hall237_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Regent Wallace L. Hall, Jr. of the University of Texas System at the regular meeting of the Board on May 15, 2014" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Regent Wallace L. Hall, Jr. of the University of Texas System at the regular meeting of the Board on May 15, 2014</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>The Kroll report, which looked into the admissions process at UT-Austin and whether some well-connected people had too much influence on that process, surfaced on Thursday.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/13/brief/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/12/analysis-shooting-messenger-ignoring-message/">Analysis: Shooting the Messenger While Stumbling on His Message</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ross-ramsey/">Ross Ramsey</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 12 Feb 2015 17:37:50 -0600" title="2015-02-12 17:37"> Feb. 12, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/12/analysis-shooting-messenger-ignoring-message/comments/"><span class="value">15</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/12/analysis-shooting-messenger-ignoring-message/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/05/14/BDB_8708_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="University of Texas Regent Wallace Hall talks with colleague Gene Powell during a break at a regents' meeting on May 14, 2014."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/05/14/BDB_8708_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="University of Texas Regent Wallace Hall talks with colleague Gene Powell during a break at a regents' meeting on May 14, 2014." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">University of Texas Regent Wallace Hall talks with colleague Gene Powell during a break at a regents' meeting on May 14, 2014.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Admissions at the University of Texas at Austin are doled out according to qualifications almost all of the time. But that "almost" hides a problem originally pointed out by a nettlesome regent: Sometimes, the bigwigs tilt the scales.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/12/analysis-shooting-messenger-ignoring-message/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-6 show-for-medium-down"> <ul class="mobile_headlines"> <li><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/24/aycock-takes-stand-defend-texas-education/">Education Chairman Defends High School Graduation Rates</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/24/corps-cadets-selects-first-woman-commander/">First Woman Assuming Command of A&M Corps</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/23/brief/">The Brief: Feb. 23, 2015</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/22/judge-dietz-lege-get-busy-take-responsibility-educ/">Judge Urges Lawmakers to Fix School Finance</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/20/texas-high-school-graduation-rate-behind-only-iowa/">Texas High School Graduation Rate Behind Only Iowa</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/20/brief/">The Brief: Feb. 20, 2015</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/19/state-exams-once-again-target-texas-lawmakers/">State Exams Once Again Target of Texas Lawmakers</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/19/graduation-committees/">High School Seniors Who Fail Exams Could Still Have Path to Graduation</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/https://www.texastribune.org/plus/edu/">New in Trib+Edu: Vaccine Exemptions Under Scrutiny</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/19/brief/">The Brief: Feb. 19, 2015</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/17/abbott-lists-5-emergency-items-session/">In State of the State Address, Abbott Proposes Sweeping Agenda</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/17/private-dallas-college-plans-get-work/">Private Dallas College Will Put Students to Work</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/17/brief/">The Brief: Feb. 17, 2015</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/16/brief/">The Brief: Feb. 16, 2015</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/13/brief/">The Brief: Feb. 13, 2015</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/12/analysis-shooting-messenger-ignoring-message/">Analysis: Shooting the Messenger While Stumbling on His Message</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class=" cell w-4 hide-for-medium-down"> <p class="section_disclosure"> The Houston Endowment Inc., the Lumina Foundation, and the Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/support-us/donors-and-members/">have supported</a> higher education coverage at The Texas Tribune. The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, Sid W. Richardson Foundation, RGK Foundation, Burdine Johnson Foundation, and Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/support-us/donors-and-members/">have supported</a> public education coverage at The Texas Tribune. </p> <aside id="" class="featurebox "> <header class="featurebox-header"> <h1><span>Trib</span>pedia</h1> </header> <div class="featurebox-content "> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/beyond-the-data/">Beyond the Data</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/beyond-the-data/">Beyond the Data</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/children-at-risk-school-rankings/">Children At Risk' School Rankings</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/state-contracts/">State Contracts</a></li> <li><a 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class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/rocha-alana/">Alana Rocha</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 12 Feb 2015 15:55:41 -0600" title="2015-02-12 15:55"> Feb. 12, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/12/powers-addresses-admissions-report-findings/comments/"><span class="value">6</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </hgroup> <div class="content"> <div class="media sidebar" <a href="/2015/02/12/powers-addresses-admissions-report-findings/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/Powers_vCauhxm_jpg_300x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/Powers_vCauhxm_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <ul class="actions simple"> <li> <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/multimedia/"><span>+</span> More Videos</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/20/texas-high-school-graduation-rate-behind-only-iowa/">Texas High School Graduation Rate Behind Only Iowa</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/morgan-smith/">Morgan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Fri, 20 Feb 2015 16:34:30 -0600" title="2015-02-20 16:34"> Feb. 20, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/20/texas-high-school-graduation-rate-behind-only-iowa/comments/"><span class="value">38</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/20/texas-high-school-graduation-rate-behind-only-iowa/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/TexasEducation_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/TexasEducation_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>graphic by: Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Texas continues to outpace the national average in high school graduation rates, according to annually released federal data, state education officials announced Friday. </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/20/texas-high-school-graduation-rate-behind-only-iowa/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/20/brief/">The Brief: Feb. 20, 2015</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/reynolds-john/">John Reynolds</a></li><li><time datetime="Fri, 20 Feb 2015 05:59:00 -0600" title="2015-02-20 05:59"> Feb. 20, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/20/brief/comments/"><span class="value">2</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/20/brief/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/19/marriage_png_150x1000_q100.png" alt="Sarah Goodfriend, second from left, and Suzanne Bryant, center, with their daughters (far left and far right) and Travis County Clerk Dana DeBeauvoir, second from right. DeBeauvoir issued Goodfriend and Bryant a marriage license on Feb. 19, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/19/marriage_png_800x1000_q100.png" title="Sarah Goodfriend, second from left, and Suzanne Bryant, center, with their daughters (far left and far right) and Travis County Clerk Dana DeBeauvoir, second from right. DeBeauvoir issued Goodfriend and Bryant a marriage license on Feb. 19, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Joe Deshotel</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Sarah Goodfriend, second from left, and Suzanne Bryant, center, with their daughters (far left and far right) and Travis County Clerk Dana DeBeauvoir, second from right. DeBeauvoir issued Goodfriend and Bryant a marriage license on Feb. 19, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>An Austin lesbian couple obtained a marriage license Thursday morning, but the status of what would be the state's first gay marriage was in flux by the afternoon after the Texas Supreme Court issued a stay</span><span>.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/20/brief/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/19/state-exams-once-again-target-texas-lawmakers/">State Exams Once Again Target of Texas Lawmakers</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/morgan-smith/">Morgan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 19 Feb 2015 14:40:00 -0600" title="2015-02-19 14:40"> Feb. 19, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/19/state-exams-once-again-target-texas-lawmakers/comments/"><span class="value">7</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/19/state-exams-once-again-target-texas-lawmakers/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/02/10/WT7-2_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Sen. Kel Seliger speaks about the 83rd legislative session with state Reps. John Smithee and Walter "Four" Price at West Texas A&M University in Canyon."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/02/10/WT7-2_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Sen. Kel Seliger speaks about the 83rd legislative session with state Reps. John Smithee and Walter "Four" Price at West Texas A&M University in Canyon." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: David Bowser</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Sen. Kel Seliger speaks about the 83rd legislative session with state Reps. John Smithee and Walter "Four" Price at West Texas A&M University in Canyon.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Texas lawmakers took aim at the state’s standardized testing system Thursday as they <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/19/graduation-committees/">considered a proposal</a> to allow high school seniors to graduate even if they fail state exams.</p> <p><span style="line-height: 1.35;"> </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/19/state-exams-once-again-target-texas-lawmakers/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/19/graduation-committees/">High School Seniors Who Fail Exams Could Still Have Path to Graduation</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/morgan-smith/">Morgan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 19 Feb 2015 06:00:00 -0600" title="2015-02-19 06:00"> Feb. 19, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/19/graduation-committees/comments/"><span class="value">31</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/19/graduation-committees/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/21/Patrick_and_Seliger_CMS_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick meets privately with Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, on the dais during a break in Senate proceedings Jan. 21, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/21/Patrick_and_Seliger_CMS_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick meets privately with Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, on the dais during a break in Senate proceedings Jan. 21, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick meets privately with Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, on the dais during a break in Senate proceedings Jan. 21, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>The roughly 28,000 public high school seniors who still need to pass a state exam to get their diplomas this May could get a lifeline from Texas legislators.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/19/graduation-committees/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/https://www.texastribune.org/plus/edu/">New in Trib+Edu: Vaccine Exemptions Under Scrutiny</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/reynolds-john/">John Reynolds</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 19 Feb 2015 06:00:00 -0600" title="2015-02-19 06:00"> Feb. 19, 2015 </time></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/https://www.texastribune.org/plus/edu/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/04/17/TribPlus-EDU_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/04/17/TribPlus-EDU_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo illustration by: Jacob Villanueva</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>In this week's edition of the Trib+Edu newsletter: Vaccine exemptions in Texas come under scrutiny, applicants for Teach for America drop drastically </span><span>and an interview with <span>Jean Madsen and Mario Torres, professors of educational administration at </span><span>Texas A&M University</span><span>.</span></span></p> <a class="permalink" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/https://www.texastribune.org/plus/edu/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/19/brief/">The Brief: Feb. 19, 2015</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/reynolds-john/">John Reynolds</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 19 Feb 2015 05:59:00 -0600" title="2015-02-19 05:59"> Feb. 19, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/19/brief/comments/"><span class="value">7</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/19/brief/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/15/Janek_and_Whitmire_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Health and Human Services Commission head Kyle Janek (l.) and state Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, who called for his resignation on Jan. 15, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/15/Janek_and_Whitmire_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Health and Human Services Commission head Kyle Janek (l.) and state Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, who called for his resignation on Jan. 15, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Health and Human Services Commission head Kyle Janek (l.) and state Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, who called for his resignation on Jan. 15, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Senate budget writers <span>on Wednesday </span>lit into Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/kyle-janek/">Kyle Janek</a><span>, a former senator himself, in a hearing that concluded with another call for him to resign.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/19/brief/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <ul class="actions simple"> <li> <a href="/web/20150226180225/http://www.texastribune.org/education/all/" title=""><span>+</span> More News</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="wrapper-r"> <footer id="site_footer" class="wrapper-r"> <div class="hide-for-medium-down"> </div> <div id="footer" class="grid"> <dl id="staff_writers" class="cell w-3"> 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