Month: <span>January 2012</span>

Dallas school board picking on wrong people

It was inevitable that last week’s attacks on schools and teachers by the Dallas ISD school board would be followed by that alltoocommon political affliction – thin skin. It is a malady, sometimes bordering on paranoia, which strikes elected officials who take questionable actions that are overwhelmingly unpopular with their constituents. Such apparently is the […]

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Taxpayers stuck with campaign security bill

Gov. Rick Perry’s illadvised foray into presidential politics (or, his “oops” campaign, if you prefer) cost Texas taxpayers $2.6 million in security costs, according to The Texas Tribune. And, in case you were wondering, the governor has no intention of repaying taxpayers for the cost. He isn’t required to make a reimbursement because the governor […]

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An upsidedown “accountability” system

The Texas Legislature’s inadequate and upsidedown approach to school “accountability” was aired out again yesterday afternoon over at the scene of the crime, the state Capitol. During a House Public Education Committee hearing, parents, educators and wouldbe “experts” spent almost five hours reciting their concerns about the STAAR test, the state’s new “accountability” measurement for […]

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From Turkey to Texas, Perry wearing thin

It’s difficult to say which governor – Rick Perry of Texas or Scott Walker of Wisconsin – is having the worst week so far, not that anyone should be wasting a tear for either of them. Walker’s efforts to destroy America’s valued system of public service – and public schools – have justifiably earned him […]

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