Past Contributions

• Nicole Hurd: The TT Interview

  By Morgan Smith Aug. 9, 2011

  The founder of the National College Advising Corps on why she believes her program will increase the number of high school graduates going to college — and ease the state's gaping school counselor shortage. Full Story 

• 31 Days, 31 Ways: Students Switch from TAKS to STAAR

  By Morgan Smith and Thanh Tan Aug. 8, 2011

  DAY 8 of our month-long series on the effects of new state laws and budget cuts: Armed with fewer resources, educators prepare students for rigorous new STAAR test. Full Story 

• First Lady Who Avoids Spotlight Faces a Bigger One

  By Morgan Smith Aug. 5, 2011

  Anita Perry first entered the national consciousness as the spur to her husband’s possible presidential run. But a different theme emerges when friends and associates talk about the wife of Texas’ 47th governor: She is not the type to draw attention to herself. Full Story 

• School Ratings "Far More Accurate" — and Lower

  By Morgan Smith Aug. 4, 2011

  The vise squeezing Texas schools since the Legislature voted to remove $4 billion in state funding is getting a little tighter. Full Story 

• With Change in Formula, School Ratings Drop Precipitously

  By Morgan Smith July 29, 2011

  The new accountability ratings released Friday for public school campuses in the state's 1,228 districts and charter schools are markedly lower from the ratings given last year. Full Story 

• Fees for Students Redefine "Free" Public School

  By Morgan Smith July 29, 2011

  As cash-strapped public schools attempt to squeeze every possible dollar out of their budgets, an unpleasant reality awaits parents: They will most likely have to pay for programs and services that schools once provided for free. Full Story 

• Change in Ratings Protocol Worries Some Schools

  By Morgan Smith July 25, 2011

  This will be the first year school accountability ratings will not contain a mechanism that, for some schools, had boosted their scores and led to higher ratings. Now they'll have to explain to parents what the change means for their kids. Full Story 

• Updated: SBOE Gives OK to Science Supplements

  By Morgan Smith July 22, 2011

  After battle appeared to be brewing between the state education board's left and right factions on contested language on evolution in one publisher's biology lessons, members found a compromise: Let the education commissioner decide. Full Story 

• Cargill: Peacemaker or Culture Warrior?

  By Morgan Smith July 20, 2011

  Supporters say the new chairwoman of the State Board of Education is a mild-tempered, fair leader who is well suited to oversee the fractious board. Her critics say she is a culture warrior who injects her religious and political agenda into classrooms. Full Story 

• Report Questions How Texas Schools Mete Out Discipline

  By Morgan Smith and Ari Auber July 19, 2011

  Almost 55 percent of recent Texas public school students were suspended at least once between their seventh and 12th grade years, according to a statewide report released today. Full Story