Texas Lieutenant Gov. Dan Patrick has released 57 "interim charges," the topics he wants Senate committees to study in preparation for the 89th legislative session next year.

Four charges are for the committee overseeing public education. They include improving reading and math readiness in grade school, and redesigning the state's standardized tests.

Eli Melandrez, government relations associate for the American Federation of Teachers-Texas, said educators are surprised the list does not include pay increases for teachers or controversial school vouchers, which use public money to pay for private schooling.

"It's interesting to see both of those key issues absent from the interim charges," Melandrez observed. "Across the state we've seen school closures; we've seen teachers being let go. We've seen a greater percentage of our teacher workforce as uncertified educators."

Two unsuccessful special sessions were held in the past few months, in an attempt to pass a school voucher proposal. Other charges for public schools include examining how school districts used COVID-19 funding, and monitoring the implementation of bills passed in the last session.

Patrick also directed the Higher Education Committee to analyze faculty senates, monitor bans on DEI policies at colleges and universities and revise policies for faculty tenure.

Melandrez noted their union is now affiliated with the American Association of University Professors and members are concerned the lieutenant governor is inserting his own political views into the education system.

"That's worrisome for us," Melandrez emphasized. "In public education and higher education, we are seeing a concerted effort to minimize educator voices."

Patrick also wants senators to review university antisemitism policies and protecting the First Amendment rights of faculty, staff and students. The next legislative session convenes Jan. 14, 2025.

Indiana's new budget does not include funding for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.

The program sends free books to children from birth to age 5. It has helped Indiana's child literacy ranking rise from 19th to 6th nationwide.

Gov. Mike Braun is looking for solutions and appointed first lady Maureen Braun to work with donors and state leaders. He said their goal is to keep the program running in all 92 counties.

"When you're engaging your wife to make sure that you find the private sector to be the main funder of stuff because we've got a lot of other things, infrastructure, education, health care that we have to do," Braun explained.

Without state funding, local groups may struggle to cover costs. The program relies on partnerships, and some areas might not be able to continue.

Parents whose kids have benefited from the Imagination Library are concerned. One mother said the books have helped her child develop a love for reading. She praised the diverse selections and interactive guides that make learning fun.

Educators also worry about the effects. They said early access to books is key to childhood development and without the program, many children may miss out.

Braun said the discussion to save the program was loud and quick.

"That was one of them obviously -- it was well received -- didn't see where it had any real negatives to it," Braun noted. "But it was part of our budget that went up 10%."

Lawmakers and advocates are looking for new funding sources. Some hope private donations can fill the gap. Others push for legislative changes to restore funding. For now, the future of the program remains uncertain but supporters are determined to keep books in the hands of young Hoosiers.


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For the second year in a row, every nursing graduate from Florida Gulf Coast University passed the national licensing exam required to become a registered nurse. This 100% pass rate comes at a critical time for Florida, which is grappling with a growing demand for healthcare professionals amid an expanding population.

Brenda Hage, director of FGCU School of Nursing, credits dedicated investments for the program's success. Increased state funding helps universities like FGCU enhance their programs by offering scholarships, hiring faculty, and upgrading simulation labs.

"It's certainly a team effort. I have a wonderful team of faculty, a great BSN director Dr. Kelly Goebel, and we have really motivated and energized students that are dedicated to their studies and I think all of these things comes together with our great curriculum and wonderful men ed preparation that they get here at FGCU," she said.

FGCU's success is part of a statewide effort to tackle Florida's nursing shortage. Since 2022, the governor and legislature have invested $138 million to expand nursing programs through initiatives like PIPELINE and LINE grants.

The State University System achieved a 94% pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination, or N-CLEX, surpassing the national average of 92%, and produced a record 1,900 nursing graduates last year.

Ray Rodrigues, chancellor of FGCU, says the investments are paying off as he touts the program's success in the Sunshine State.

"So, if you want to get a quality education, pay as little as possible for that education, and have the greatest chance of passing your licensure exam, the State University System of Florida is the path that will get you there," he said.

Rodrigues added that although the university had a successful pass rate on the N-CLEX nursing exam the state's overall rate is lower due to unaccredited private institutions. Recent reports show these programs have dragged down pass rates, with Florida ranking last nationally in 2024. He predicts public institutions will soon achieve near-perfect pass rates as struggling private programs close.

The fate of the U.S. Department of Education could have big effects for North Carolina schools.

While the Trump administration has discussed eliminating the agency, Congress has the final say. Still, spending reductions are on the table, including a $900 million cut by the Department of Government Efficiency.

Robert Taylor, superintendent of the Wake County Public School System, said grant funding from the federal government in particular is important, as states would have to step up if the Education Department is eliminated. Reductions to agencies like Health and Human Services are also a concern.

"State governments and local governments get funding from those programs," Taylor pointed out. "They would have to look holistically at all the things they no longer get from the federal government and do they have the capacity to fill all those holes that have now been created?"

Much of public schools' funding comes from states and localities but federal grants pay for things like underfunded schools and education for children with special needs. North Carolina has its own education funding issues stemming from the 1994 Leandro case, requiring the state to fund public education it has yet to fulfill. President Donald Trump and Republicans have been critical of the Education Department's policies in areas like diversity, equity and inclusion.

Rep. Rodney Pierce, D-Roanoke Rapids, represents Halifax, Northampton and Warren counties, three of the most economically distressed in the state. Federal per pupil expenditure in Halifax County, for instance, is about $6,500, well above the state average of about $2,200. Pierce said cuts to federal funding would lead to poorer outcomes for students in the district he represents.

"Education is such a foundation for so many other things," Pierce noted. "All professions start in the classroom, whether you're home-school, private school, public charter, traditional public school, magnet school. So you're talking about producing more dismal outlooks and a more uneducated populace."

Taylor added finding places to cut waste in the federal budget is a worthy goal but the government should ensure vital services for schools do not end.

"What I would encourage them to do is to take time to study the impact of what a closure would look like and look for cost savings in other areas," Taylor emphasized. "We know that education is one of the most important things that we do."


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