Texas lawmakers are dealing with a projected $15 billion shortfall in the next two-year spending period, and neither legislative chamber’s base budget includes money for updated textbooks.
The state’s 4.6 million public school students will soon face tougher testing focused on college readiness. At the same time, some of their science textbooks are 12 years old.
Education Commissioner Robert Scott is seeking $520 million in updated instructional materials for the fall, and the state board of education has requested $60 million in online supplemental science materials.
