Sen. Dan Patrick to debate Vice Chair of SBOE Thomas Ratliff on CSCOPE

Date Posted: 8/08/2013 | Author: Jennifer Mitchell, CAE
Senate Education Committee Chairman, and now candidate for Lieutenant Governor, Sen. Dan Patrick (R-Houston) will debate Vice Chairman of the State Board of Education Thomas Ratliff on CSCOPE, an online curriculum aid used by many Texas schools. Patrick recently led a push to end production of CSCOPE lessons, which some conservatives believe promotes a liberal agenda. However, although no new lessons will be created, there is nothing stopping schools from using lessons that are already in existence. This issue has become a hot topic for both Patrick and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, who are using it to drum up attention prior to election season. Patrick issued a public challenge that he would debate anyone of the merits of the system. Ratliff accepted Patrick's challenge. As of press time, the two sides were wrangling over the details of the event, which will take place Aug. 24 in Tyler. Stay tuned for updates.
CONVERSATION
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

09/05/2025
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Sept. 5, 2025
A bill aimed at rebranding the STAAR test heads to Gov. Abbott’s desk after contentious debate on the House floor Wednesday night.

09/04/2025
HB 8 heads to governor's desk as second special session comes to a close
The second special session is over, and legislation that will alter Texas' testing and accountability system is headed to the governor's desk.

08/29/2025
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Aug. 29, 2025
The STAAR redesign bill awaits its fate, and ATPE shares guidance on SB 12, the Parental Bill of Rights.