Texas could do away with TAKS

According to the WDL and AP, Texas high school students could see an end to the dreaded TAKS test soon.

Texas moved a step closer Thursday to replacing its high-stakes test with end-of-course exams in high school.
The state Senate Education Committee unanimously approved a bill that would revamp the way student learning is measured in the upper grades; elementary and middle school students would still take the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills, which has long been criticized for putting too much emphasis on a single assessment and forcing teachers to tailor their instruction to a single exam.
High school students must currently pass the TAKS in English, math, social science and science to graduate. Under the new system, students would have to earn a cumulative score of 840 on 12 standardized end exams – which averages out to a score of 70 per test, but high scores on one exam could compensate for lower scores on another.

Read the full story online

Register to vote

Today is the last day to register to vote if you plan on voting in the May 12 election.
Here in Ellis County we have several elections taking place. The city of Waxahachie will have a city council election, the school board will have a board election and the county is looking at a $53.8 million bond issue for the construction of new facilities.
And don’t forget the statewide referendum for seniors.

Bully on the Bench

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The Dallas Observer has an interesting article on Ellis County 40th District Judge Gene Knize.
It’s partially focused on a request for recusal of the judge by Dallas Attorney David Finn, the rest focuses on accusations of the judge being biased towards attorneys and accuses the WDL of being biased towards the judge as well.
I covered the recusal hearing while I was with the WDL.
Interesting case.
Read the story online.

Google Calendar add-in for Firefox

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Elias Torres has a great new add-in for Firefox that allows you to do quick adds to your Google Calendar anytime your browser is open.
Simply type CTRL+; and a small window will pop up letting you type things like, “Doctor’s Appointment Monday, May 7, 7 a.m.”
And of course — bing badda bang it shows up on your calendar.
I’m a huge fan of Google Calendar and now Google Notepad as well for keeping track of mine and Laurie’s calendars and to-do lists.
Give them a try if you haven’t and be sure to check out Torres’ add-in.

Google hiring for new Lunar Center

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Google is hiring for Copernicus Center and their new Google Copernicus Hosting Environment and Experiment in Search Engineering (G.C.H.E.E.S.E.).
According to Google’s job site, the GCHEESE “is a fully integrated research, development and technology facility at which Google will be conducting experiments in entropized information filtering, high-density high-delivery hosting (HiDeHiDeHo) and de-oxygenated cubicle dwelling. This center will provide a unique platform from which Google will leapfrog current terrestrial-based technologies and bring information access to new heights of utility.”
If you’re intrigued by the opportunity to launch a new career, now is the time to step forward. For more information about the Google Copernicus Hosting Environment and Experiment in Search Engineering, please contact us today at lunarjobs@google.com.
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age by April 1, 2007 and have proof of earth residency. Google is an equal opportunity employer.

Hat tip to Eric for the link.