The top local stories this morning from KERA News:
The Texas Senate early this morning passed its version of a bill to tweak the state’s A-F school accountability grading system.
Among the changes: including teacher quality and how well schools close achievement gaps as part of a school’s rating. However, this version of HB 22 removes provisions limiting standardized testing to 50 percent of a school’s grade – and delaying the start of the rating system to 2019.
Many educators want the A-F system to be thrown out completely. They say it relies too much on standardized testing instead of other measures, such as rigor and diversity of courses.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick originally said he would compromise on HB 22 if the House passed a provision on school vouchers. But since the House rejected school vouchers, the Senate removed a provision delaying the A-F system, and killed another bill – school finance reform.
Other stories this morning:
- The 15th Van Cliburn International Piano competition begins today in Fort Worth.
- A new documentary about John Coltrane looks at his short, but inspired life. “Chasing Trane” opens tomorrow at the Texas Theatre.
You can listen to North Texas stories weekdays at 8:22 a.m. and 6:20 p.m. on KERA 90.1 FM.
