Texas higher education faces a crisis in standards. Students receive higher grades now than ever before, even though studies show that too many students (36%) learn little during their four years invested in college. Yet, in spite of inflated grades and a diluted, intellectually aimless curriculum, nearly 40% of students at Texas’ public four-year colleges fail to graduate within six years of enrollment. The fact that the higher education establishment now focuses on six-year rather than four-year graduation rates is another troubling sign.
A Triumph for Civic Renewal at America’s 250th
A Texas program aims to improve civic literacy in underserved communities. At a time when we Americans routinely worry about the health of our civic culture, the U.S. Department of Education has made a notable investment. Earlier this month, the department approved a $1.9-million grant for The American Civic Tradition at 250, a joint initiative of Texas...