LifeLock.com
  PUBLIC EDUCATION  2006 ARCHIVES
 

2006 Headlines archived in chronological order as originally posted

Feng shui consultant brings her expertise to Austin school - the Libs go nuts over Intelligent Design because it's "not scientific" but happily place a crystal in the school office to "deflect energy"!
Decatur school system’s obsession with secrecy is a disgrace
TEA takes school rating appeals seriously
What happens to Texas high school seniors who don't pass the TAKS?
Floydada ISD superintendent destroys 3 district cooperative over inability to agree with others
Schools say field tests are harmful
Using End-of-Course Exams to Measure Student Performance
Canyon needs new schools
Round Rock parents sue over student arrests during immigration march
2 men given 15-year terms for scamming North Forest ISD
UNT education experts comment on single-sex classrooms
Leaders in McKinney cheer dispute to leave
Plano Senior High athletes suspended
Jacksonville ISD aims to "teach with a purpose" - exactly how is this news and when did they stop teaching with the purpose of educating students?
List embarrasses Beaumont schools
Low Ratings Put More Schools on Transfer List
Indictment accuses ex-LBJ High teacher of having sex with student
Catholic schools to close for rally, Dallas Diocese giving students, teachers a day to lobby for vouchers
Editorial: San Antonio proves vouchers work
Hedley ISD computer probe wraps up, no evidence against superintendent
Using End-of-Course Exams to Measure Student Performance
Surprise, surprise: Brownsville ISD board decides not to investigate themselves for illegal meetings - why object? it's just LOCAL control....
What We Didn't Learn: Why doesn't TEA want answers on cheating?
PREP 2007 Curriculum is a Plus for High Achieving Math Students
North Forest ISD bookkeeper acquitted on theft charges
Amarillo ISD Caprock High School sex scandal
Waco school officials tackling ratings problems with urgency
When Liberals Love School Vouchers
Autism fuels call for school vouchers
Decade of change for charter schools
Roddy Stinson: Cheating investigations found no one willing to commit suicide
UPDATE: Garcia resigns post: Superintendent wants ‘the cleanest way out’; takes year pay, Garcia on way out in less than a year? Laredo ISD board vote would cost taxpayers more than half-million dollars
Voucher backer takes new tack at Capitol, Leininger hopes lobbying has better results than spending
Teacher's improper photography charge raises questions
Analysis clears all but 105 of the schools flagged in a private audit
Killeen ISD schools still under investigation for TAKS scores
19 Brownsville schools not making the grade, All are cited by federal No Child Left Behind Act
Federal Panel calls for letting students leave high school early
Clint teacher resigns after sex allegations
State: No evidence of TAKS cheating at 592 schools
River Road ISD land dispute likely headed to court
Pepper spray led to evacuation at Oak Cliff school
Temple elementary teacher on leave after taping student to desk
Killeen ISD increases security after fight at HS campus
TEA denies Coleman, San Jacinto AYP appeals
UPDATE: Details emerge about alleged school sex scandal, Ex-HISD teacher accused of molesting students
Resident files complaint against superintendent, school district in McAllen
School Reformers Seeking To Raise Academic Bar
UPDATE: Fort Worth: Closing lunch periods would be costly, Fort Worth district moves ahead on closed-campus plan
Schools are using Web to stifle rumors
For Some, Laptops Don't Compute
Ruling: Schools Must Archive eMail
Paralyzed cheerleader dies 2 years after accident
Hedley ISD extends computer inquiry, Lack of Information Frustrating Hedley Parents
Professionals help high schoolers build a rocket
TABC confirms principal's home site of underage party
New Caney teacher indicted in Internet sex sting
TASB survey shows superintendents' salaries up - again
Travis H.S. teacher charged with taking improper photos
Brazosport ISD special programs director jailed
La Joya ISD’s legal bills adding up
Galveston ISD teacher arrested on drug charges
Abilene fire "hero" to face trial for starting the fire
Brownsville ISD board officers treated by vendor rep seeking contracts
La Vega ISD 4 -year-old Accused of Improperly Touching Teacher
Schools cleared of suspected cheating
New Midland ISD superintendent speaks on vouchers, TAKS, new state rules
Man in ski mask attacks boy at Brownsville school
More to nude scene uproar than meets the eye - Little Cypress-Mauriceville ISD
Coach pleads guilty to molesting girls on bus trip
TAKS test overhaul a priority, Lt. Gov. Dewhurst floats idea of making SAT, ACT mandatory - on state's dime
Texas business leaders explain call for education reform during stop in Lubbock (Texas Institute for Education Freedom)
Parents sue Eanes ISD over sex assault among kindergartners
TAKS test could be nixed by Legislature
Keller hires districtwide drug czar
Houston charter school appeals closure
New DISD watchdog quits, he lost his CPA license
Math for teachers, educator training aims to address common deficiency
UPDATE: Cheerleading flap may cost McKinney principal her job, McKinney: Cheerleader scandal rocks Texas town
TEA official defends bilingual programs, says achievement gap narrowing; Latinos seek court action
Insurance company files suit against Port Arthur ISD
La Marque hires new superintendent
LULAC asks Navarro ISD to change elections
Shooter: Lubbock ISD should be held accountable for poor education
Bridgeport ISD investigated for alleged Title IX violations
Anti-Voucher letter shows Liberal elitism, the poor can't handle choice
Amarillo Globe-News editor thinks only Liberals want public ed improved
Leo: Connected Math an Example of Why SBOE Needs More Authority
Texans Needed to Review Textbooks for Public Schools
If TAKS ends, grad test would be required
Former student files suit against Longview district
Newton teacher quits after district investigates interaction with student
Report highlights Dallas ISD progress, problems
Pilot Point ISD faces financial peril
Caprock HS (Amarillo ISD) official indicted in sex case
Charter school a real money maker
Kids fail TAKS, still pass, districts vary widely on promoting 5th-graders who flunked test
State income tax eyed for education funds
School band director arrested in Malakoff ISD
Bar is low for bilingual teachers, Amid educator shortage, state doesn't assess literacy skills
Lawmakers to address possible end to TAKS and funding matters in new session - it never ends, no amount of $ is ever enough
Another district that cried poverty to the Legislature looking to use general fund to improve fancy sports stadium
Holes in DISD's screening process, serious offenses slip through
Parents balking at Keller school fees
Lack of low-wage industrial jobs helps Lubbock county schools avoid worst of language & immigration problems
Round Rock: Teacher's aide accused of improper relationship
Brenham ISD officials complain of changing Fed rules - life is change, get used to it and teach kids how to excel with change
Rural school district elections will move to November
Girl fights for right to play ball in Wichita Falls
Decatur school board member argues for less dependence on volatile gas & oil revenues
Single-sex classes set for a comeback
School turns lot into pay-or-stay proposition in Cleburne
Galveston native named Rhodes Scholar - home schooled too!
Parents say Preston Hollow school not segregated
Football only part of success stories at Carroll and Trinity
Lubbock's Bob Craig, SBOE member, says state must put more money into getting qualified teachers to match high academic standards
Another Brazosport ISD employee on leave in finance investigation
Lucky kids: USDA having trouble coming up with turkeys for school meals on Thanksgiving - that would be enough for me to be thankful!
UPDATE: Reader reaction, For poor San Benito, building a $4.5 million stadium was worth it - more misguided use of public money for "civic pride"
Hill Country's unbridled growth is $queezing its school districts
Conroe ISD settles molestation case for $350,000 taxpayer dollars
Parents file larceny charges against principal & superintendent at Lone Grove High School
Brownsville teacher sentenced to five years for student relationship
UPDATE: Teachers' fund eyes tech firms, Pension plan: Don't let Perry raid Teacher Retirement System, Perry asking teacher's pension fund to invest in Emerging Tech Fund
Ed board backs stricter science, math standards
Bill calls for seat belts on school buses - the public is for it but then they'll call it an unfunded mandate
Edinburg Superintendent Resigned
Ector County wins lawsuit appeal, Court agrees that Sheriff’s Posse had no legal standing
Judge Junell: Court can’t force ECISD to change school’s status
Garner principal settles with school board, district
"And the Bully goes down..." a story of parental bullying by Northwest ISD
Austin-area ISD sues to keep records secret
Ward: Don't limit math, science options
Academics vs. Sports: What Should Determine Class Rank?
Tyler: 3rd grade teacher investigate for inappropriate touching
Interest in charter school education growing in Lubbock
School promotes high-tech tip line, turning snitching into being cool?
Same-sex classrooms: Why segregate boys and girls?
Sex offenders sliding under school radars
Parents turn to home schooling after Alvin schools refuse Confederate States of America symbols
Judge rules Plano ISD must provide equal treatment to religious student groups
Ex-Robstown teacher arrested on sex charge
Frisco: Teacher's aide accused of sex with 14-year-old
4 Abilene Cooper students charged with arson
Bryan ISD elementary teacher accused of indecency with child
Steps taken to oust Salinas by school board in Edinburg
Socorro ISD PE coach arrested, sexual misconduct alleged
Houston ISD caught trying to avoid city health inspections of schools
Publishers Urge State Lawmakers to Honor Guarantee for Free Textbooks for All Texas K-12 Students
Two Temple middle school coaches being investigated after being accused of hitting a student
Alvin: Confederate flag fight set to enter 3rd round
Security guard at Fabens school charged in boy's rape
Schools face sanctions for AYP failures
Dallas teacher in Murphy sex sting
Round Rock students accused of plotting school attack
Schools admit it! Having elections with others endangers their spending machine
Vouchers Will Save Education, Not Destroy it
Give School Choice and Texas Kids a Fair Chance
Author of No Child Left Behind defends its effect
Midland teacher charged with sexual assault
Superintendents forget they are public servants, inject themselves into District 85 political race with lies regarding education funding
Dallas ISD says old student files inadvertently left in cabinets up for auction
This secrecy logic contradicts itself (in superintendent searches)
Schools deserve full record of students
Jim Ned, Trent, Merkel schools to share resource officer
UPDATE: Teacher loses racial discrimination lawsuit against Beaumont school district, Teacher sues Beaumont ISD, claims racial discrimination
Zapata H.S. students walk out over changes
State, federal school ratings often conflict and confuse
UPDATE: District's lawsuit over excess record requests rejected, Owner-Citizens & Parents Be Damned: Lake Travis school district sues to stop deluge of open records requests, AP version
Janitor, convicted murderer arrested at area school, officials knew of criminal record
Accounting questioned in school theft in Fort Stockton
School funds worry Bryan-College Station leaders - there is never enough!
Midland Academy Charter teacher likely to appeal termination
Burleson ISD backs down on student attack response training
5 take plea deal Kickapoo Tribe money laundering scandal in Waco court
Voicemails shed light on lawsuit threats in New Braunfels ISD
Parent dragged by bus driver in Tyler ISD
Dublin ISD doesn't want Charter School expansion - if DISD is doing a good job they have nothing to fear, on the other hand...
Monahans H.S: Explosion puzzles officials, chemistry lesson injured two
Taped Longview HS fight posted on Internet blog YouTube
Burleson school district clarifies its defense policy
Houston ISD not alone with computer headaches
Frisco art teacher reaches settlement with district
Five plead not guilty to flag-raising disruption
Texas schools seeing drop in Katrina evacuee students
An Interview with SBOE Member Barbara Cargill: About Education in Texas
Can Field Trips Raise TAKS Scores?
Rusk ISD using inmates for clean-up work
FBI talks to Ysleta ISD trustees about health plan choice
FBI & Texas Rangers to join investigation into bomb threats at Gatesville HS
Midway ISD principal & board president resign after extra-marital kissing
UPDATE: Group says CISD response "weak", Quannell X to lead protest in Conroe over alleged death threat
Educators promoting the "dumb but happy" nonsense to our children bad for society
Texas schools consider heart ultrasounds for athletes
Houston ISD's software system gets an 'F' for frustration
Recent School Violence Incidents Rekindle Concerns for Children’s Safety by State Senator Jeff Wentworth
Former Happy ISD superintendent pleads guilty to assault
Azle ISD: Bus rollover causes minor injuries to 12 kids
Freeport elementary school has students Pledge Allegiance to Mexico's flag
video of the incident 1, video #2
Dewhurst: Mandatory drug tests needed for High School athletes
Schools Sound off on Internet Policies Following Detroit Case
Frisco ISD, art teacher may reach settlement
Senate Committee Hears Schools Can Be Built More Efficiently
El Paso ISD wants fewer students per school
El Paso: Explosive device found at elementary school
Alvin ISD stands by its ban on Rebel flag
Katy school steps up security after shooting
Choose Words with Care: DISD bilingual policy has merit, if adjusted
UPDATE: Principal in cheer case denies fault, McKinney ISD: Lawyer to look at cheerleading program, will focus on discipline in wake of coach's resignation
Settlement ends lawsuit saying Port Arthur discriminated, Port Arthurans owed answers by state agency
Mildred, Fairfield to share funding — again
Simms ISD 13 year old claims superintendent assaulted her
Amarillo: Students promoted despite failing TAKS
Fort Worth, Arlington among nation's 100 largest districts
Truth about Texas Education spending during Gov. Perry's service
UIL: Member high schools must have defibrillators
Texans, we can't slow down now on education reform
Washington County's Tom Green School Land profits to be distributed to local districts
School ratings force action in Panhandle -  yet some want to end measurements that work
Rich schools reject junk food rules
Killeen ISD officials contest inflated stats on dropouts
Dallas ISD board may revise Spanish requirement
Killeen ISD board trustees reject financial plan
TEA grants Texas City’s school rating appeal
Connally ISD superintendent resigns
Bryan gets grant for charter school
Balmorhea schools recognized as academic ‘outperformer’
Students taught how to fight back if school shooter attacks
Parents Concerned After Man Sneaks Into Locker Room in Mercedes
Defibrillator nearby when Katy student died, unit was locked up
Former Austin High bookkeeper pleads guilty to stealing $130,000
Sen. Seliger says Eliminating TAKS Gaining Steam
San Antonio ISD superintendent teaches textbook company how to reach Hispanic students - isn't this somewhat racist?
Parents feel the pressure of fundraisers
Hidalgo schools Superintendent Daniel P. King named Superintendent of the Year
'07 better time for vouchers, governor says
The 65 percent standard, by George Will
High-tech school security is on the rise
Survey: Education among key factors in Texas' future
Huntsville Ag team to nationals
TEA upgrades Kerrville school rating
Student gets to tell her side: Child accused of viewing porn is granted due process at Detriot ISD in East Texas
Lampasas County residents split on $43.4 million bond issue for new high school
UIL considers making defibrillators mandatory for athletics
TASB refuses to disclose how much money is made from state convention - but you have to dig to the bottom of the story to find this tidbit
State conference focuses on dropout problem
'Gun-free school zones' killing kids
Experts claim Texas graduation rates inflated, officials say
research is based on old data
Proposal To Allow Teachers to Carry Guns
TAKS probe to allow anonymous tips
Victoria charter school facing eviction over rent dispute
Rumors of Shots Fired at Plainview High Found False
Teacher says TEA's red tape is keeping qualified people from classroom
Cheated by Inaction: State's failure to sanction teachers inexcusable
Schools look at security procedures
Angleton: Schools try to do right by homeless students
10 school districts in Big Country rated tops, Standard and Poor's cites area schools with 'outperforming' distinction
Azle High on alert after bomb threat
UT student-writer bemoans conservative makeup of SBOE
Perry stands by TAKS; foes would play it down
UPDATE: Free lunch raises ethics questions, HISD board welcomes the public to steak night, Trustees to meet at restaurant, but mostly in a private dining room
Rural schools re-examine security after violence shatters rustic illusion
Former Brownsville teacher convicted for inappropriate relationship with studetn
UPDATE: TASB skirting truth again on disclosure, Hale was told job could be illegal, Texas Assoc. of School Boards (TASB) under attack from Galveston ISD
Clear Creek ISD is state record-holder for performance
Gulf Shores charter school gets reprieve until court hearing
Letter: Texas education commissioner on school security
Longview: School intruder prompts new safety measures
Some schools pass up bonuses
Alvin junior high becomes Confederate flag battleground
Teacher says child porn was for job
Substitute pulled from class, allegedly made students simulate sexual positions, Ysleta ISD, El Paso
Bond funds, growth focus of Canutillo schools race
UPDATE: Voters in NISD give thumbs up to rollback, Navarro ISD hopes voters OK rollback - note fact in story only 13 districts in the state have fund deficit and yet they all cry poverty
State rep candidates (dist 59) clash on education issues
Colleges Covet Home-Schooled Students
Statewide Media Mafia Lies to 22 Million Texans on SBOE - AJ ruling, former State Representative Ken Mercer
Dallas ISD to hire 40 teachers from Mexico
FINALLY: Port Arthur ISD is freed from state oversight
Waco: Challenge Academy to be audited after report found problems with student attendance
Few at HISD's failing schools utilize free tutors, transfers
Editorial: Control over textbooks must be held in check
Court of Appeals says discrimination evidence lacking against Beaumont ISD
Gulf Shores charter told to shut down, state punishes school system plagued by academic woes, violations of rules
Athens: Former band director agrees to 2 years for improper relationship
Former teacher for Liberty-Eylau ISD under investigation for alleged misconduct with a student
SAPD officer accused of pushing middle school student
George West ISD superintendent uses police to remove citizens who ask more than one question at public hearing
A.G. drops open records suit against Azle ISD
Skidmore-Tynan school trustees hire attorney to handle AG inquiry on Open Meetings violation
Principal defends dog spending
Overturning Textbook Rules Win for Texas
Sanchez: Who should decide what a student reads? Answer to Book Ban Week radicals
Another DISD Disgrace: Grant misuse hurts kids with greatest needs
San Marcos schools' chief gets Midland ISD top post
Longview ISD chief resigns, It was time for change, Longview trustees say
Parents Know the Right Equation for Teaching Math
Experts: Education plan from Federal advisory group likely won't fly
School Districts Opt for Extra Tax
Sen. Kel Seliger: Worthy education goals ahead for 80th Legislature
Zero tolerance goes too far
Dallas ISD misused federal grants - why do you assume your district is any better?
Jury declines to indict former Hebron teacher in sex charges
Radio Show Helps Fuel Flag Controversy over Freeport Mexican Independence Day 'celebration'
Police added at two Haltom schools after rumors of attack
La Salle County Sheriff retires amid evidence investigation
Principal Sues Students Over MySpace Pictures
Mansfield ISD's new stadium $2.2 million over budget - poor public schools, they are so short of money but they can build stadia
Editorial: Teach Bible courses legally, objectively
California school tagged students like cattle for safety and security
Conservators say Port Arthur ISD is making 'some improvement'
DMN Editorial: The Candidates on TAKS: Schools need exam - & help from Austin
Board loses bid for more power over textbooks, another view: Board Gains Ground Via AG Opinion
Texas Attorney General rules on SBOE textbook review
Garner ISD principal on leave, not sure why
Waco ISD teachers in spotlight as accountability increases - good
DMN Editorial: Hey, We All Hate Taxes: But it's wrong to weaken school finance reform
Educators struggle with protecting students' religious rights while enforcing policies designed to ease safety concerns
Seniors can keep skipping math, board says
Perry Delivers Bonuses to Veribest Educators
Districts on teacher dress: Have some class
Montgomery ISD election debate on joining North Harris Montgomery Community College District heated
Ector County (Odess) ISD drops 7th, 8th grade sex ed
Iraan looks for new schools, $29.55 million bond issue goes to voters
Texarkana church and school district announce charter school
Study indicates Texas public school classes on Bible are faulted
Connally superintendent placed on leave
El Paso to offer tax break for outlet mall development
UTEP enrollment nears 20,000
El Paso principal reassigned after not distributing textbooks due to lack of a "book clerk" on campus! - and people think government can run schools best!
What's happening with the SBOE by member Barbara Cargill
Perry touts new merit-based pay program
Texas schools begin receiving bonus pay grants
Proposal would require fourth year of math, science for many high schoolers
El Paso: Ex-coach accused of sex charges will stand trial
ECISD, county to alter truancy court, Legal glitch temporarily suspends school attendance cases
Mansfield school lockdown triggered by art project
Houston ISD Career and technology program is scrutinized
Secretary arrested for misuse of Dallas ISD credit card - more to come
Odessa Hispanics outscore state on SAT reading tests - without 'extra' funding
Abilene High student arrested alleged assault of associate principal
Bryan Eagle Editorial: Cutting local school taxes is good start
New Braunfels ISD lowers tax rate the FULL 17 cents, has extra money
Edinburg: Coach Accused of Drinking and Driving Reassigned, was drivers ed. teacher!
Laredo: 10 year old assaults elementary school principal causing injury
Education the elephant in the room, Senator Duncan complains about citizen 'anti-tax' groups, thinks ed needs more money & we're too dumb to get it
Accountability Matters: Don't abandon TAKS cheating analysis
Dallas school district is making smart changes
Districts drop property tax rates, Schools meet state requirement, then tack on 4 cents
Dallas School official launches sagging pants crusade
TEA may ax test analyzer, Agency doubts level of TAKS cheating; evaluator defends data - case of killing the messenger?
LISD's success in reading spells funding trouble - always needing $
Austin teacher charged with 1996 sexual assault of student
Tri-Ethnic panel asks Ector County ISD tough questions
Teacher guilty of boozing with boys basketball team
LISD earns high marks on SAT test - good, now fix East Lubbock schools
Big Country schools rewarded for higher test scores
Odessan threatens Bible class suit
High school football in Texas is big. It's also big business
DISD creates watchdog post
Ex-Donna ISD chief suing school district
Young: It's time to take the terror out of TAKS tests (editorial for Chris Bell)
Keller ISD site hacked
Political Correctness strikes again: Everman principal to step down over remarks
When it comes to schools, Texas parents know best
Katy trustees vote to put school bond on the ballot, again
Texas students struggle on writing portion of SAT test
College Station school trustees lower property tax rate, foregoes the 4 cents
UPDATE: Bells residents voice concerns over tax rates,Bells ISD claims unique motivation to raise tax rate 4 cents
Clifton ISD superintendent uses Hillary Clinton slogan for budget
Tom Bean ISD principal terminated
Texas teacher salaries have risen 36.8% in 10 years, coaches making more
E-textbooks could reduce costs to college students
Official: Pension funding should be retired teacher priority
Big Country: Local districts given superior state finance ratings, some small school systems need to improve
Wichita Falls ISD gets creative in funding special projects
Round Rock: Fight at Stony Point High School, Police use pepper spray to stop melee, investigate whether fight was gang-related
It Can't Be Serious: State won't track down TAKS cheats this way - Dallas Morning News editorial
$12 million, please: Laredo School district must borrow money to meet payroll, financial obligations
Laredo ISD: Too much overtime; Internal audit reveals school police department’s lack of accountability - has 85 security guards and 26 police officers!
Midland ISD trustees approve raises, lower tax rate WITHOUT the 4 cents!
Waco ISD trustees could cut taxes, cut eaten up by increased appraisals
State’s plan on teacher quality rejected
State Rep. Richard Raymond, D-Laredo, drafts bill to end TAKS testing
EPISD increases tax bill 10% to get more money from state
Everman ISD board president resigns, Political Correctness strikes
Schools face sanctions, El Paso ISD may replace teachers
School finance reform appears beneficial so far, Beaumont Editorial
Teacher turnover studied in Tarrant County, it's bureaucracy more than $
School funding overhaul hits close to home for many of the state's legislators
Teacher salaries increasing more than usual
School uniforms recommended for safety, savings: Brownsville ISD suggests but can’t ‘enforce’ code
LISD and testing, too much?
Giving power to the paddle, corporal punishment in Texas schools
Technology investments in low performing schools not paying off
Beaumont ISD trustees slash tax rate, chooses not to take the 4 cent increase others say they cannot do without
Laredo ISD teachers upset district refused additional $2000 raise on top of state $2000 raise - poor teachers
Tax hike could be needed to pay $143 million repair bill at Waco ISD
UPDATE: Austin Art teacher resigns to end fight over topless photos online
UPDATE: Superintendent, former student say group wasn't sex ring, Ozen coach/teacher's aide and former student indicted, Investigators Looking Into Secret Sex Club at Ozen High School in Beaumont
UPDATE: Principal no stranger to police, Brownsville educator accused of intoxicated assault, evading arrest
Five El Paso schools could be reorganized
Feds Turn Up Heat on School Tech Buyers, Vendors
19 percent of Texas schools fail to meet federal standards, 7 Montgomery County campuses fail preliminary fed evaluations
Forget the fluff and fix the schools, Galveston ISD (editorial)
'Concerned Citizens' present petition to Clarendon ISD
Texas Education Agency team says Port Arthur district still 'critical'
Home-schooling a hit, Education option growing in popularity in Texas
Bad marks haunt Bryan ISD
State education boss stops by to talk shop in Munday
Abilene ISD things shrinking enrollment may have turned around
Odessa schools set rate at $1.36 per $100 valuation
UPDATE: Lawsuit on-hold for now, City Councilwoman, parents threaten New Braunfels ISD with million dollar lawsuit over bullying at schools
Changing school culture key to Big Spring school's top rating
Early school start dates likely to disappear
Abilene ISD average home owner to save only $4 on taxes
Wylie ISD average home owner to save only $9 on taxes
Del Rio average home owner to save only $12 on taxes
Districts added to list of test irregularities
Three Valley schools on list of most dangerous
Government Study Distorts 'Successes' of Public Schools
Traditional Textbooks’ Future is Debated Locally, Statewide
States, Feds Partner on English Testing
Comal ISD leaders say 65% rule impossible - ignoring fact that many districts are already at the 65% for instruction level
Some districts claim 65 percent rule starts putting bite on budgets - remember this means that a focus on the core mission of schools is a problem for these districts
Abilene Reporter-News reviews credit cards spending for Wylie & Abilene ISD's, nothing illegal but administrators live well on the road
Denison ISD tax "cut" results in a 7 cent savings for district's average home owner due to equally high raise in property values!
Texas to offer TAKS to students online
Education establishment pushes racist agenda - see 3rd paragraph, 1st sentence
India Opts Out of Laptop Project, Children's laptop 'pedagogically suspect', says education minister - this is right-on, too bad it took India to say it!
U.S. Issues New Rules on Schools & Disability
College Station trustees urged to waive optional 4-cent tax, say they don't need it with appraisal increases!
Waco ISD predicament largely foiled federal choice efforts
Poorest students get weakest teachers, national study finds
Shape up or shut down, Houton ISD leaders tell 3 schools
Moses: Continue to strive for improvement in education
Hamilin Pied Piper athletic director quits after second DWI arrest in 5 months
Stasny: Texas' school ranking system is misleading - more excuses for failure
Austin district, employees agree to more raises, benefits - more, more, more
Standardized state tests must enhance learning
Edinburg superintendent suspended
Former Canyon Teacher Convicted on Indecency with Child
More hysteria over TAKS testing and accountability - this is all a move toward returning to social promotion
Mike Moses fears Texas citizens & voters, afraid they'll vote against tax increases for government education industry
Parent to address Midland ISD about Confederate symbols
Former State Rep. Ken Mercer to Educators: “Please reconsider paying your annual dues to the NEA”
Teacher quits after probe of punishment for students who skipped for demonstratons
Lubbock ISD administrative employment increased by 64% from 2001 to 2004 but teaching positions DECREASED by 2%
Teachers union (TFT) slams testing as overkill, urges better system
Growth outpaces funding at Texas colleges
Leader of Katy schools blasts critics, tells his citizen employers they don't care about children!
Texas School District Bans Cleavage
Behind the TAKS Data: Middle schoolers need help getting on track
Struggling charter schools in jeopardy
Midland: Differences in structure help elementary schools top state ratings
Odessa: TEA gives average marks to area school districts - notice how the Odessa American does not try and spin the average into the better
Lubbock charter school earns Exemplary ranking from TEA
School leaders speak out against Kashmere closure - these people can't see the failure, they just want more money
State panel will probe test cheating allegations
Havens spins poor Lubbock ISD showing as improvement
Pratt on Texas Percentage Comparison to Area Cities - updated
NW Texas Regional City TAKS Score Compairson (pdf) See your school's TAKS rankings here
Kerrville hits low school ranking
Houston: 'Unacceptable' schools face closing
State rankings give 7 percent of public schools high marks
Rules Provide Greater Public Scrutiny of Education Spending
Returning San Angelo teachers will see an 8 to 11% pay raise
Willis ISD emailed photo controversy continues
Amarillo: Are Texas students stressed over tests?
Two El Paso area ISD's vote to raise starting teacher pay
NEA Teachers Union Adopts Positions on Wars in Iraq, Lebanon - and people pretend these groups are just about education
FBI subpoenas Dallas ISD credit card records
TEA will release schools' rankings
U.S. Senate drilling bill could benefit Texas
Texas fires scorch thousands of acres
El Paso County Commissioner seeks to deny sheriff right to enforce laws
Robin Hood plan not quite outlawed
2 Houston Teachers Gave TAKS Answers
Plainview ISD takes the 4 cent tax increase but claims a tax cut!
Teachers get economics lesson
Wylie teacher to become director of member services for the Association of Texas Professional Educators
Federal appeals court has ruled no evidence exists that Mumford ISD illegally segregates students, trial court overturned, Hearne ISD loses
Royse City superintendent fired
Connally school official indicted for improper sexual contact
Limited English students fare well in Texas tests
Denton teachers to get raises, School board agrees to 9 percent hike, officials defend decision to give raises
Revenue picture for DISD looks “very good” at this time - and believe me, they'll spend everything they get
Wichita Falls ISD goes on administrator pay raise spree
Despite raises, AISD, Wylie teachers trail in starting pay - districts use each other to push up teacher pay
Canyon ISD passes teacher salary, meal price increases - laudable comments from the superintendent, a refreshing change
Comal ISD gets in fued with locals over land deal
Fewer buses going the extra mile: Despite parents' complaints, more districts cutting back service area to save on costs
Teachers need more pay? First year salaries to be around $41,000 in several El Paso area districts - a lower cost of living city!
Groups sue, say state comes up short in bilingual education
Pay raises approved for East Central teachers, more than state portion
The border isn't school boundary
Port Arthur chamber urges more oversight for school district
Who's keeping score? Grading the TAKS essay
Nearly 6 percent of students in Texas repeat the first grade, raising costs and controversy - I told you so: revival of "social promotion"
More Texas schools suspected of TAKS cheating
Texas House Rep. Strama, a Democrat, meets w/ top GOP donor Leininger
A Lifeline for Students in Persistently Failing Public Schools, by Dan Lips
Taxpayer funded, universal Pre-K a bad idea for Texas, Jamie Story, Texas Public Policy Foundation
Galveston: Dozens protest teacher’s firing
UPDATE: The Oklahoman Editorial: Union spending plenty to fight law, Report: NEA Pays Opponents of No Child Left Behind Law
Moran trades homes for kids, School uses housing to lure residents in hopes of boosting student population
UPDATE: A.G. rules parents may view video of fight, Abilene's Wylie High School food fight turns into fairness fight
Test results increase slightly in Texas schools
Waco: G.L. Wiley principal steps down after failing certification exam
UPDATE: Dallas district hires investigators for credit card probe, DISD cancels credit card program DMN investigation finds thousands of suspect purchases on DISD credit cards
Teacher tapes his mouth in protest
River Road ISD expected to raise salaries
Lubbock ISD approves state mandated raise for teachers
Denison school board raises teacher pay, more than state mandate
Beaumont Enterprise: State must take over Port Arthur schools
College Station teachers to get state pay hike, other employees get 5% hike from other funds
DMN: This Only Cheats Schools: Top TEA officials must get with it or get out
Plainview: School trustees boost teacher, staff salaries $1000 more each than state provided pay raise
San Antonio ISD approves plan for teacher salaries, 2.1% OVER state provided pay raise
Amarillo ISD claims tax increase likely, before they've reviewed budget for possible cuts! AISD says 65% rule bad but they are at 63% already
Concerns over TAKS may lead to sanctions from Feds
Texas Association of School Personnel Administrators member says "more money needs to be put in education
Some S.A. teachers working around the clock for students - seems like a great example of why merit pay is a good idea "some" teachers!
Chávez reorganizes Round Rock school staff, seeks equality across district
Districts on TAKS cheat list in dark as to how cheat list formulated
SBOE's Authority Attacked Again, by Gail Lowe, SBOE, District 14
Superintendent arrested for indecent exposure in San Antonio
Port Arthur ISD: job eliminated, still on the payroll - don't worry, it's only the taxpayers' money
Pflugerville ISD board silent unanimous vote to accept Superintendent Patricia Pickles' resignation
Salary hike proposed for some in College Station ISD
State officials probe HISD benefits program
Schools await rules for spending high school allotment funds
Without raising taxes, EPISD OKs $3,600 teacher pay raise
UTEP, Texas Tech get millions for construction
School Choice Spreads with State Tax Credits
"Social Justice Summer School" at Lanier High School in Austin - learn more about what your schools are being used for here
Duncanville High teacher charged with assault & could be link to rapes
Arlington ISD bans mouth "grills," other items
Austin outshines averages in educating pupils with limited English skills
District officials attribute improved performance of such students on state achievement tests to intense programs, teacher recruitment
- notice that is is state testing which measures the improvement!
Concerns about curriculum aired, school folk cry foul at possible changes requiring more academic basics be taught - what business are then in? More complaining in story from the Houston Chronicle
La Joya ISD Superintendent suspended UPDATE: La Joya hires to investigate suspended superintendent
Rod Paige opines as to why the 65% rule is not good for schools
Galveston ISD to close police dept., contract with county sheriff
How English is taught in Texas likely to change
Teachers want increased funding for English as a Second Language
Hopefuls decry emphasis on TAKS, call for raises for Texas teachers
Classroom Teachers Assoc. give Governor Perry a tepid reception
Surprise: Educrat groups say Texas school funding not equitable
Denton ISD approves its largest budget ever - it never stops!
District to District competition could raise teacher pay - Why not it results in constant facilities construction - Pratt
Abilene viewers react to first local showing of The Education of Shelby Knox, Lubbock based film about sex-ed & homosexual rights
Red TAKS Flags are Waving: And it's up to local educators to investigate
List of TAKS red-flagged schools (pdf)
Former Bremond ISD superintendent faces plea bargain deadline in theft case
Big Country schools are feeling the pinch at the gas pump, too
TEA conservators are 'gravely concerned' about Port Arthur ISD board
Democrats for (school) choice -- 'Toe-Hold Strategies'
El Paso's Ysleta ISD $10 million short on next year's budget
Conroe ISD gay-student group to participate in Houston Gay Pride
“Help is on the Way” for Texas Curriculum Standards, Barbara Cargill, SBOE Dist. 8
Admin pay at Wichita Falls has no standards
Only 67% of eligible Texans graduated in '03, study says - Education Week report contradicts TEA's 83% claim
TEA plans deeper look into cheating
TEA finds problems with Valley schools' TAKS scores
San Antonio: Punished Principal Gets Payout
Some Del Rio schools show very low TAKS scores
Abilene ISD to raise teacher salaries 7% - funds from new edu. bill
Amarillo ISD to raise teacher salaries - funds from new edu. bill
Lubbock AJ suggests more credentialism good for public education
Plainview sees mixed TAKS results
Lubbock's Rise Academy charter school scores 100% in all TAKS - PK through 6th grade with 95% enrollment "eco. disadvantaged"
Houston ISD thumbs nose at taxpayers, says homeowners don't count
Midland ISD superintendent to retire
Abilene ISD budget wish list shows lack of focus on basic education by many school employees
Activists: Fort Bend ISD unfair to minorities
Woman can give out religious literature at school - Fort Worth
Austin High School Teacher, who posted nude portraits online, can appeal decision to begin termination proceedings Update
Georgetown schools get to keep $10 million under new plan
Many charter schools troubled in Texas - then shut 'em down, that was the idea
Teacher keeping watch on budget, Patrick thinks school district has surplus for more raises - Wichita Falls
TEA audits Porter High School programs in Brownsville
Beaumont ISD TAKS scores improve
Wichita Falls schools flagged in TAKS inquiry
Big Spring schools in TAKS inquiry
Houston area schools to be investigated in TAKS inquiry
Corpus Christi area schools in the TAKS inquiry
Amarillo area schools to be looked at in TAKS inquiry
Some Brownsville schools named in TAKS inquiry
Fort Worth area schools red flagged on TAKS
Beaumont area schools listed in TAKS review
609 schools eyed for possible TAKS cheating - those wonderful educators who work so hard for our children & deserve so much renumeration wouldn't do that, would they?
Texas Federation of Teachers is again attacking HB1
School tax elections criticized - editorial in San Antonio Express-News
Dallas ISD recruiting bilingual teachers from El Paso area schools
Summary of school finance plan as passed and signed into law
Testing special-education students presents a problem with federal and state ratings say some educators
Perry signs bill for tax cuts, teacher raises
WFISDTeachers' penny-pinching leads to big stash of cash
Blacks, Hispanics see school as rowdy place - yea, but when we try to enforce good behavior blacks often assert "cultural" differences as an excuse
Program offers Spanish-speaking students Mexican courses
Another student (6th grade) shows more knowledge of TAKS than many parents, teachers and politicos
Galveston ISD schools open on Memorial Day, reason is reasonless
Baylor steps up: reclassified as research university by Carnegie
AJ Editorial on teach pay makes interesting points
TEA takes steps to improve test security
Senator Robert Duncan editorial on success of Special Session
Midland High junior wins new car in perfect attendance drawing
Students have a responsibility to motivate themselves but more creative teaching is needed - column from San Antonio
5/25, 6:25PM Judge Dietz vacates injunction in school finance case
TEA can't ignore evidence of testing troubles
El Paso ISD hires official to fix underperforming schools
Critics say new rule requiring math, science burdens schools - if you don't immediately see what is wrong with this headline you must be an educrat
Analysis suggests some are cheating on TAKS
El Paso ISD to charge $125 per class for Summer School
Wichita Falls ISD to make $2 million in staff cuts
Midland Academy Charter touts TAKS scores, new programs
School districts nervous about fuel prices, want help from Austin - has it even occurred to them that "Austin" (read taxpayers) have less money to give them due to the same high fuel prices? I doubt it - Pratt
Keller ISD principal nixes "In God We Trust" from image of nickel on yearbook cover - political correctness run amok.
Bexar County School Boards Presidents' Coalition presents ideas on school finance needs - this must be a first but it is still short on specifics
UTEP to offer free tuition to some & tuition locks for 4 years
San Antonio Catholic schools see demographic shift
Galveston schools get richer & richer with fewer & fewer students
Tax bill includes surprise for teens - 4 years of math & science
Texas Federation of Teachers Action Alert full of ridiculous assertions and interpretations of recent school finance bills (pdf)
Denton TAKS scores near state averages
TAKS scores rise in Del Rio
Fort Worth school make TAKS gains but still behind state averages
TAKS news in Bexar Co. is good and bad, most districts improved
TAKS scores up for area - Corpus Christi
15% fail TAKS test in Dallas ISD, overall DISD improves on TAKS
Houston ISD show solid gains in TAKS
Beaumont schools see TAKS improvement & areas needing improvement
Midland schools exceed state TAKS results in some areas
Odessa schools post gains in TAKS scores, secondary scores not so good
El Paso schools continue to improve with TAKS as a motivator
Katy ISD big bond election rejected by voters, Fort Bend bond fails too
Cheri Isett criticizes obsession with standardized testing on House floor
Galveston City Council hammers on local school superintendent
Senate again tries to slap the SBOE, would delay math needed math texts
More school employees, fewer jobs for the taxpaying public in Corpus
More crying about TAKS, this time it's evil that test companies make $
Austin school district spending $60,000 on lockers they don't use
San Antonio area school seems to have recruited Mexican baseball players, angers local parents
State aid for school facilities construction is complicated - Abilene Reporter-News
Majority of transfer requests in one Texas ISD are due to ethnicity/race
Deciding who gets bonuses (merit pay) just too tough for some San Antonio area school districts - another example of how inept public schools are a management
Schools trade pricey travel for virtual trips, Matador featured in Corpus Christi Caller-Times story
HISD: teachers asked to submit ideas, best suggestions to improve student achievement will receive bonuses - good, administrators need to listen more
Editorial admits the true issue of public school finance reform: it's all about not letting the 'wealthy' have more for their kids than the 'poor'
Immigration check points in the Texas Valley stir panic
Tests help parents rate schools - another good reason for TAKS
Beaumont: TAKS scores bolster some districts' morale - I thought TAKS was the worst thing since Satan himself?
Some Southern Baptists lobbying for congregants to pull kids from public schools - again
Rep. Hilderbran responds to teachers' requests - points out the tax reform is the first priority of the Special Session & that other items cannot yet be heard
School district used "parental involvement conference" to lobby parents for bond issue passage - about as honest a move as the need for more money, supt. also comes very close to violating election law
Democrats say GOP not allowing school debate - they ran the House & Senate for years and didn't debate the issue, why start now?
TSTA Pres. Donna New Haschke says pay raise less than $3,000 per year not be "respectable" - what's not "respectable" is teacher groups telling taxpayers how they must spend their money
Groups again push for September uniform school start date
Frisco: Mom's truancy fines could reach $9,500
Texas Rebellion: Boerne ISD withholds payment to state
Dallas school district sued for Segregation at Preston Hollow elementary
The RIGHT WAY to fund public school extracurricular facilities in Odessa
Lake Dallas OKs new dress code for school, almost a uniform
Texas not reporting scores by ethnicity on all Texas schools -
Waco: Pressure of TAKS standards successful in forcing changes
Harris County Dems like taxing business but oppose lowering property taxes to help schools
Funding plan would not affect some school taxes
DMN: Can Texas legislators learn from a recent history of failures to pass an overhaul of education funding?
Dedicating surplus to tax relief shields Texans from sting of government growth by Michael Quinn Sullivan
Dems Gear Up for School Finance Battle, Houston Chronicle
“A New Path for Public School Finance” by Reps. Bill Keffer, Linda Harper-Brown & Ken Paxton
Senator Shapiro argues for teacher performance pay
Northside ISD (San Antonio) High School throws out report cards, F's, and in-school suspension is now a "Choices Center" - it happens in Texas too, sad.
Pharr school district loses $50,000 in laptop computers, could have been gone since 2002! - with this type of accounting how can we trust their "need" for funds?
Megargel school face closure, tiny town must face reality of size - consolidation must be considered whether popular or not
Viable School Tax Reform by David Hartman
US Census study shows Texas ranked No. 38 in spending per student but also shows that per-student spending is not directly related to quality of education - lowest spender out scores top spender!
Texas Classroom Groups Call for New Mathematics Teaching Material - note no call for better teaching & who bought the books we are using anyway? I bet it was the educrats who are now complaining.
Senator Shapiro wants Performance-based pay for teachers & improvement in Colleges of Education to improve teacher training
Revised 65% Rule a Good Start
TTU Survey: 75.8% of Texans favor increase cigarette & liquor taxes to support education and health care - note they favor sin taxes only as most don't pay them
See more on the survey here.
“Over the past four decades, we have seen a 300 percent increase per student in spending after the inflation adjustment.” Rep. Grusendorf
Texas Public School Test Scores are Above National Average
Lobbyist says tax plan will make school districts the 'bad guys': Sen. Shapleigh (D-El Paso) says "more money for schools must come before tax cuts"
Sen. Hinojosa (D-McAllen) says: "Perry, Dewhurst & Craddick are committed to get it [school finance reform] done."
Strayhorn supports administrators over teachers: opposes rule to force 65% of funding going classrooms and teaching
Ector County opens a School Attendance Court, school district funds court with $300,000 of tax money - aren't JP courts already funded to do this?
Plano ISD denies Bible club equal rights with other non-curricular clubs - you can bet they would encourage a Muslim studies or understanding group - Pratt
Report: “Green” Taxes Smart Way to Fund Schools, Clear the Air - sounds good to realize that everything you do pollutes in someway to these people
Lynn Woolley: Texas public schools don't need more money to waste
Teacher, humanist challenges moment of silence in Texas schools
Speaker Craddick on School Reform Issues
Tx Public Schools cry poverty but have money for on-campus teacher "wellness rooms" rooms with treadmills, etc.
Education Lobby Joyous over defeat of Rep. Grusendorf
SURPRISE: Texas Assoc. of School Business Officials & other administrator types decry 65% rule on instructional spending! - they've all forgotten what public schools are for, exclusively.
Austin-based activist urges Supreme Court "taking the process [of drawing legislative districts] out of the hands of state legislatures" - the Constitution be damned by this Liberal
Growing districts rely on rookie teachers, yet have high scores
Wichita Falls educators to investigate why many graduates are not ready for college-level work, set to "dialogue" with high education providers
Grusendorf says he'll resign seat of school finance package doesn't pass
Midland ISD board pats itself on the back
Edcouch-Elsa ISD board president arrested on federal bribery charges
UT Professor challenges role of athletics, too much $, too little oversight
UT Students petition administration for lower penalties for Marijuana use!
Public school boards keep on violating open meetings laws
Fort Worth schools to consider Standardized Dress for students
Audit of Abilene ISD leads to recommendation of administrative staff cuts
Perry and Strayhorn both decry growth of educational bureaucracy
Students, teachers, the community benefit from good scores on the test
Haltom High School principal spends $10,768.02 in travel funds on trips - poor public schools,  if they didn't have the money it couldn't have been spent
Wichita Falls ISD superintendent Orr declines salary increase, again!
Home & Land Owners' Assoc. president says focus on tax relief in special session, handle school overhaul later
Port Arthur ISD put under management team for poor performance
Some teachers support performance pay
Some Charter Schools seek funding equity What happened to accomplishing more with less? - Pratt
Half of Texans support more tax dollars for schools
Frisco ISD opens on-site infant child care for employees
Some groan that Federal dollars for vocational education are on the chopping block - 1) since when did public schools become a Federal responsibility?  2) if vocational training is highly advantageous for business, why can't they kick-in to pay?
No Texas Teachers Left Behind group focuses on teacher needs - not students and parents / headline in the Austin paper was: "Teachers rally at Capitol for more money" - this is the problem with the edu bureaucracy, it's all about them - Pratt
821 Texas public school campuses rated Academically Unacceptable
Bankrupt Texas school district looking for "corporate sponsors"
Some states dodge parts of Federal No Child Left Behind Act Harvard study makes it seem a failure of Bush but I see it as proof that the gov. edu. bureaucracy will do anything to dodge accountability standards
Give Surplus Back to Taxpayers by Michael Sullivan courage anyone?
Senator Shapiro: "Seniority pay is no longer acceptable. Performance-based pay must be studied..." recommends district efficiencies
Consolidation is an issue that won't go away, Senator Jeff Wentworth
Are public school administrators competent to make business decisions?
Liberal Texas Teacher groups oppose incentive pay plan - want all teachers good and bad to get a raise
State Board of Education seeks to have say on text book content
"Panhandle Values" Carlisle doesn't know who the lobbyists are
Education lobby in most every state has run to the courts instead of accepting the rule of law through their legislatures
Penelope ISD superintendent claims Legistlature want schools to fail
School administration out of touch with taxpayers by Jones
Education lobbying in Texas totals $6.3 mil
Making Earning A Part Of Learning - Houston ISD
Pratt's summary review of the education funding failure in the 2005 legislature

 

 
OUR SPONSORS
 
Official Sponsors:

AM-790 KFYO:
Adams Roof Tech
Commercial State Bank
Eddins Furniture

Gafford Pest Control
National Travel & Sidecar
 Theatre Co.
Thacker Jewelry
West Texas Guar
Western Implement-Kubota


Pratt's Morning update:
Commercial State Bank

Join my successful sponsors, click here
 

Pratt on Texas CHL & Pistol Training

Word of the Day & other special sponsors

Network-wide:
Eddins Furniture
Safari Club Intl.-Lubbock
West Texas Guar
Empower Texans / Texans for Physical
 Responsibility
Glasheen, Valles &
 Inderman law firm

AM790 KFYO: 
Gus's Lube Service
Mathnasium of Lubbock

Powerhouse Restoration
 Services

LSG Tactical Arms

CHL & Pistol Training

AM1470 KYYW: 
Belle's Chicken Dinner
 House
The Leaf Cigar & Coffee

 

Tree Loving Care's FREE newsletter

Pratt's Smoke of the Week

U.S. Constitution Coach Kit

 advertise your local firm here
TigerDirect

Leader Luncheon information


 

 

 

 

Free wallpapers

 


© 2006

     Join our Listener Club here.

Pratt's Facebook, MySpace or Twitter

CalendarLubbock.com Lubbock's oldest on-line event calendar Paul Fredrick MenStyle