Senate Committee Considers Ways to Nurture Online Education
From full-time virtual schools to a la carte online courses, lawmakers trust in online education's potential, despite questions about performance and student turnover.
Patrick Michels
Patrick Michels, a former Observer staff writer, is a reporter at the Center for Investigative Reporting.
Articles by Patrick Michels
Diane Ravitch in Austin: Education is ‘Not Just About Intellect. It’s Also About Character.’
At two events Sunday, the education historian and activist said she hopes Texas leads the way in getting testing right.
Vouchers Return, Now With Even More Ideological Fury
Dan Patrick has made himself the flag-bearer for next session’s fight for school vouchers. The national momentum is on his side, but one thing hasn’t changed: it’s still a bad idea for Texas.
How Do We Fix Standardized Testing in Texas?
At UT last night, researchers, advocates and lawmakers shared some ideas.
In America’s Greatest Suburb, Cheers and Jeers for Allen ISD’s Building Projects
New residents love their $60 million stadium, but the school’s plans for a $40 million ‘bus barn’ are dulling this dream community’s luster.
Texas Wants Feds’ Hands Off Its School Accountability, Too
State's application for a No Child Left Behind waiver will include new school turnaround plans.
Teacher and Healthcare Groups Agree: Let’s Get Together and Raise a Little Revenue
Coalition gathers at the Capitol to rebut comptroller’s suggestion that Texas can either pay for school growth or Medicaid, but not both.
Texas Bets on Small Fixes to Reduce Violence in Youth Lockups
Texas’ juvenile justice system has a new name and a new structure, but some of the same old problems.