With dozens of bills filed to enhance criminal penalties, lawmakers should consider many key factors involving justice, deterrence, and prioritization of resources that are outlined in this checklist before deciding to increase criminal penalties.
K-12 Education
Bring Home the Mississippi Miracle: A Texas Triumph in Early Literacy
Texas lacks a coherent third-grade literacy standard and statewide implementation system. Restoring a mastery-based promotion gate and aligning coaching, screening, and funding can reverse stagnating reading outcomes. Key points: Texas removed its third-grade promotion requirement, weakening the connection between reading mastery and grade advancement. Mississippi’s gains resulted from aligning statutory standards with statewide coaching, screening,...
June 9, 2026