State lawmakers push to replace TAKS with end of course tests
In Texas, lawmakers filed a plan to drop the exit level TAKS and require passing 12 end of course exams in core subjects before a diploma. Rep. Rob Eissler, leader of the House Public Education Committee, said the change would focus teaching on content rather than test prep. Supporters argue it would reduce wasted classroom time and emphasize learning, while critics warn high stakes pressure remains even with reforms. The plan would roll out over years starting with sixth graders, allowing retakes for unsatisfactory scores.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Austin
Texas
House
Rob Eissler
House Public Education Committee
Eissler
Kel Seliger
Amarillo
Cindy Chapman
White Face
Association of Texas Professional Educators
Florence Shapiro
Senate
Texas Youth Commission faces calls for overseer amid abuse reports
Alfaro defended his board role as legislators demand action after a Texas Rangers report detailing abuse by a West Texas facility's staff. The document names individuals involved, outlines alleged cover ups, and prompted calls for a third party probe and a conservator to run the agency.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Alfaro
Whitmire
Texas Rangers
Perry
George W. Bush
West Texas
Commission
Dallas Morning News
TYC
Austin
Finley recalls old phone system and hometown call
Retired Baytown Sun managing editor Jim Finley laments modern corporate phone trees with 1014 options. He recalls his teen number 2460 and invites a call if you’re near his old homeplace.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Jim Finley
The
Baytown Sun
Texas youth agency braces after abuse scandal and leadership shakeup
State leaders convene to chart the Texas Youth Commission’s future as the board appoints acting executive Ed Owens to root out cover‑up contributors. Lawmakers demand Perry fire the board and appoint a conservator amid a long‑running sexual abuse probe at West Texas institutions.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Texas Youth Commission
Dewhurst
TYC
Austin
Rick Perry
Ed Owens
Texas Department of Criminal Justice
Texas Rangers
West Texas State School
Pyote
Dwight Harris
Perry
Ted Royer
Owens
Royer
David Dewhurst
Tom Craddick
Craddick
Fresco seccos style painting grafts city easement debate
The Bay Area Heritage Society funds $4,200 of an $8,400 project to restore a 1937 Fresco secco mural by Barse Miller. Mayor DonCarlos notes a matching private grant with strict strings including perpetual city maintenance and state approval to sell the building. The City Council weighs legality as the Municipal Development District discusses a Metro Park and Ride linked to San Jacinto Mall.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Wanda Mitchell
Bay Area Heritage Society
Stephen DonCarlos
Jackson
Barse Miller
Works Progress Administration
Texas
Baytown
West Chambers County
Metro Park & Ride
San Jacinto Mall
EDF
Mike Shields
Houston
Cedar Crossing
Foundation
Park & Ride
Maxey Road
Metro
Regents weigh arts center seat plan and facilities
Regents debate the new arts center design focusing on instructional facilities over seating. The plan increases capacity to 695 seats and adds features like a black box, recording studio and orchestra pit while pursuing a fall 2008 completion and a McNair satellite campus with Harris County funding support.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Coffey
Ellis
Arts Center
Garrett
McNair
Interstate 10
Harris County
Lee College
Harlem
Harris County Precinct 2
Sylvia Garcia
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Eddytractorsales.co
Finley
President Bush
Beyonce
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IPL
W. Baker Road
Sterling H.S
Premiere Cinema
Frinar
Sun
Pcemovies.com
Frithurs
Vra
Saytown
Edu
Agiare Tahai
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