Texas To Reconsider Law Easing Graduation Requirements

Boy, has education changed since I attended school.  Can't recollect too much government interference about course curriculum and testing requirements.  What I do remember, is the first bell sounding at 7:45 a.m., and the last bell at 3:20 p.m.

Interesting reading this week coming from the expose of the Texas House where law "HB5" was overwhelmingly passed last month.  It reduces the number of state exams that must be passed in order to graduate - from fifteen down to five - with only a single test being administered following grade nine.

Proponents of the measure say that while this appears to be the diploma fast track, real drawbacks to this speed course may include a "minimal education" hampering grads from mustering college material.  Additionally, low-paying jobs may be the end result of this lackluster "success".

The good news is, like a bad call in a baseball game where the umpires convene to discuss the matter, then overturn the original decision, the Senate Education Committee is preparing amendments to "HB5".

In closing, I am sure Texas lawmakers have many more things to do, than making graduation requirements so remedial - that everyone passes.

Today's values are far different from just one decade ago, and even further removed from the 1990s.  Going back any farther is culture shock to our current generation.

For those parents resisting compromise to "HB5", you get no pity from me.  I say kids either embrace an education, or not, and Texas should be ashamed of offering the path of least resistance.