Improved Teacher Quality Urged for Poor Classrooms
The U.S. Department of Education recently released a directive urging chief state school officials to address the lack of outstanding teachers in high-poverty schools. Full Story
John Reynolds was the newsletters editor for the Tribune from 2013 to 2017. Prior to that, he was a reporter for Quorum Report, a non-partisan online political newsletter focusing on the ins and outs under the Dome, for more than seven years – covering the waterfront from health and human services and redistricting to pensions and elections. A native of Atlanta, Ga., he started his journalistic career one day after the attacks of Sept. 11 in Lubbock, Texas, where he rotated through a slew of beats at The Avalanche-Journal. He received his undergraduate degree from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and studied at the University of Georgia's graduate school in journalism. When not at work, he actively attempts to convince himself he is adept at tennis with varying levels of success. And he has adopted the Austin custom of appreciating smoked meats and listening to music in grassy/muddy fields.
The U.S. Department of Education recently released a directive urging chief state school officials to address the lack of outstanding teachers in high-poverty schools. Full Story
In this week's Bookshelf, our content partner Kirkus Reviews highlights How We Learn. Full Story
An increasing number of administrators and policymakers are calling for cutbacks on unnecessary testing and test preparation. Full Story
Parents who support a clearly defined homework routine have more success than those who focus on helping students with content, according to an op-ed by Erika Patall, assistant professor of educational psychology at UT-Austin. Full Story
Rapidly falling oil prices might have drivers grateful at the gas pump, but indicators continue to grow that this lower price per barrel will soon have a significant impact on oil production. Full Story
State Rep. Lois Kolkhorst on Tuesday scored the endorsement of Gov. Rick Perry in her bid to succeed Glenn Hegar in the Texas Senate. On Monday, the Brenham Republican earned the backing of Gov.-elect Greg Abbott. Full Story
Gov.-elect Greg Abbott indicated on Monday that Texas could soon file suit over the Obama administration's executive order intended to protect up to 5 million undocumented immigrants from the threat of immediate deportation. Full Story
Multiple political vacancies create opportunities, and risks, for several politicians in the run-up to the legislative session. Full Story
Newly elected Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is reaching out to a former House colleague to fill a key staff position in his new administration. Full Story
A border surge overhaul, a looming speaker's race and a high-profile departure: All that and more in the latest issue of our subscriber-only newsletter for political insiders ($). Full Story