Earlier today, the Texas Senate gave unanimous approval to SB 1031 by Sen. Florence Shapiro, which would replace the high-school TAKS test with a system of end-of-course exams. Brooke Terry provided testimony when the bill was before the Senate Education Committee. The Senate also unanimously approved SB 103 by Sen. Juan Hinojosa, the Texas Youth Commission overhaul bill. Marc Levin provided testimony and consulted with Sen. Hinojosa’s office on the legislation.Yesterday, the House Land & Resource Management Committee passed HB 2006 by Rep. Beverly Woolley (eminent domain), while the House Insurance Committee approved HB 1269 by Rep. Myra Crownover (HSA option for state employees). Bill Peacock provided testimony on HB 2006 and Mary Katherine Stout on HB 1269 during their original committee hearings.
Amarillo teachers make the most of high-quality instructional materials
At Eastridge Elementary School, Principal Genie Baca’s teachers have enough challenges. Their students are mostly refugees, recent immigrants from countries such as Somalia, Yemen, Vietnam and Burma, among many others. The parents are often shift workers at local meatpacking or poultry processing facilities, meaning that no one’s home to ensure the children are fed and...