U.S. Education Department orders tests for some first-year Texas teachers AUSTIN – Several thousand first-year elementary school teachers will have to take competency exams as early as this spring, the U.S. Department of Education has ordered after rejecting Texas' appeal to waive the requirement.

SBOE gives final approval to graduation plan changes delays first reading on social studies standards

State’s curriculum standards earn ‘A’ in national report A national report released today confirms that Texas does a superior job in crafting its own curriculum standards, which were created with input from thousands of Texans.

NMSA Seeks Executive Director National Middle School Association (NMSA) is seeking an individual with vision, energy, and skills to lead and sustain our dynamic educational non-profit organization.

TMSA Executive Director appointed to NMSA Affiliate Task Force The Task Force consists of four NMSA Trustees (one from each US region) and five affiliate representatives (one from each US region and Canada) for a total of nine members plus two co-facilitators and a staff liaison from NMSA.

STAAR to replace TAKS Commissioner of Education Robert Scott announced today that the next generation of student tests will be called the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness or STAAR.

Texas recognized for strong performance on AP exams Texas was recognized today by the College Board as one of 20 states with the greatest percentage of students earning scores of three or higher on Advanced Placement (AP) exams.

Associate commissioner to focus on rule review, school improvement, and federal programs Ann Smisko, a recognized education leader, will return to the Texas Education Agency Feb. 16 as the associate commissioner for school support and improvement.