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Connecting today’s news with the research & opinion you need.
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Priorities, Priorities 

What to Know: Dallas ISD officials are trying to prevent a charter school from moving its campus to a new location. Even the Dallas Morning News editorial board thinks they’ve gone too far.

The TPPF Take: Dallas ISD’s superintendent isn’t the only school leader who has acknowledged that competition from charter schools help make traditional districts better.

“The DMN is absolutely correct—‘When DISD objectives focus more on market share than on student outcomes, the time is right for just the kind of refocusing incentive competition brings.’” Says TPPF’s Emily Sass. “Time and again we see charter schools positively impact local student achievement beyond their own enrollment. Texas education should be focused on giving families more agency and improving student outcomes, not limiting their options.”

A Chance to Change

What to Know: The COVID-19 pandemic is keeping some inmates who are ready for release behind bars.

The TPPF Take: The coronavirus pandemic is an opportunity to improve our criminal justice system.

“The coronavirus crisis led to many changes in practices,” says TPPF’s Marc Levin. “These include the proliferation of alternatives to arrest, virtual check-ins for pretrial defendants and people on community supervision, and video hearings. As America reopens, justice systems need not reflexively return to anachronistic practices. Instead, they must leverage this opportunity to transition to a leaner and nimbler approach.”

It’s Getting Better All the Time

What to Know: The COVID-19 pandemic is showing signs of slowing in Texas and some other states.

The TPPF Take: We need better data to truly track the coronavirus pandemic’s toll on Texas.

“Having the most accurate COVID-19 data across Texas is essential in formulating actions to reduce deaths while preventing other negative consequences, such as a collapse of Texans’ jobs and a cessation of education for our children,” says TPPF’s Chuck DeVore. “Texas needs better virus reporting.”