Texas: board approves new language-arts standards

[Francis Hult]

Star Telegram

 

After two years of fits and starts, board approves new language-arts standards

 

After more than two years of behind-the-scenes cajoling, public bickering, charges and countercharges, the bitterly divided State Board of Education settled Friday on new English and reading curriculum standards for the state's 4.6 million schoolchildren.

The result is a patchwork document, with pieces pulled from a plan adopted by the board Thursday, plus segments submitted by teacher work groups.

 

Many board members complained that even after the drawn-out process, the latest document was sprung on them Friday with almost no notice.

 

The final vote was 9-6, with Democrats and some moderate Republicans joining in opposition.

 

Social conservatives backed the plan, along with Democrat Rick Agosto of San Antonio and swing-vote Republican Geraldine Miller of Dallas.

 

"I'm very disappointed. What it boils down to is the teachers were not respected enough to have their opinions count," said board member Pat Hardy, a Republican from Weatherford who voted against the new standards.

 

Full story:

http://www.star-telegram.com/state_news/story/661689.html

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