Following backlash over the rocky institution of a new student assessment system last spring, Texas lawmakers are scrambling to scale back the requirements they passed four years ago. As the Legislature tackles such reform, attention is also focused on another area of education policy: high school graduation requirements.
Wrapped up in legislation that reduces the number of state-mandated standardized exams are several measures that redefine the curriculum prescribed for a high school diploma in favor of loosening the required courses for graduation.
The plans have received support from superintendents and public school educators, who say the new flexibility would give students the ability to focus on their interests and encourage them to continue their education. Industry and trade groups are also supportive, saying the changes would get people with the skills they need into the work force sooner.
But some state education officials and business leaders... <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/22/us/weighing-prospect-of-changes-in-texas-graduation-requirements.html?pagewanted=all&_r=1& target="_blank">Read More</a>
