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Morgan Smith was a reporter at the Tribune from 2009 to 2018, covering politics, public education and inequality. In 2013, she received a National Education Writers Association award for “Death of a District,” a series on school closures. After earning a bachelor’s degree in English from Wellesley College, she moved to Austin in 2008 to enter law school at the University of Texas. A San Antonio native, her work has also appeared in Slate, where she spent a year as an editorial intern in Washington D.C.
The return of six books temporarily suspended by Highland Park officials to classrooms has not ended an intense debate over who should determine what is read in public classrooms. Full Story
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The State Board of Education voted to adopt a new list of social studies textbooks Friday morning, following a week of intense debate and hundreds of pages of updates and corrections. Full Story
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A major publisher has decided to withdraw a social studies textbook under consideration for approval in Texas amid ongoing controversy over last-minute content changes. Full Story
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Lt. Gov.-elect Dan Patrick adds two Capitol veterans well versed in state finances and legislative procedure to his staff for the upcoming legislative session. Full Story
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After wrangling over the proper definition of jihad and the influence of Moses on the Founding Fathers, the State Board of Education’s initial vote on new social studies textbooks was ultimately derailed by Common Core. Full Story
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As new social studies textbooks near approval, a conservative grassroots group formed by a San Antonio man with ties to a national anti-Muslim organization is jumping in with its objections. Full Story
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In June, the state ordered Honors Academy Charter District to close its campuses due to poor academic performance. But Honors' campuses remain open — and the district publicizes itself as accredited. Full Story
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In two legislative contests in Tarrant County — House District 94 and Senate District 10 — Democrats are pinning their hopes on Republican voters soured by the most conservative elements of their party. Full Story
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Buoyed by recent polling numbers in the Texas governor's race, Republican nominee Greg Abbott touted his support among female voters during a Wednesday campaign stop, less than a week before the Nov. 4 election. Full Story
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In a month, the State Board of Education will take a final vote on the social studies textbooks that will be used in the state's public schools for the next eight years. Full Story