In Washington this week, House Education and the Workforce Committee Chairman John Kline (R-MN) and Senior Democrat George Miller (D-CA) introduced the "Success and Opportunity through Quality Charter Schools Act" (H.R. 10). The legislation would allow the U.S. Department of Education to oversee spending $300 million on competitive grants to fund charter school startups, expansions and facilities. The full press release, including a bill summary and fact sheet, can be found here: Success and Opportunity through Quality Charter Schools Act - press release.

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The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has released new figures this week on student enrollment. The number of students attending Texas public schools has increased by more than 19 percent over the past decade, with statewide enrollment passing the 5 million mark during the 2012-13 school year.

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ATPE State Vice President Richard Wiggins and ATPE Governmental Relations Director Brock Gregg were featured in a front-page news article Monday in the Austin American-Statesman about teacher evaluation reform efforts. Wiggins is one of several ATPE members serving on a committee that has given TEA officials input on the creation of new professional teaching standards and the redesign of the state's recommended appraisal system. Commissioner of Education Michael Williams is expected to present federal officials with TEA's plans for the redesign by May 2, pursuant to the conditions of the state's NCLB waiver. Related Teach the Vote content: Why it is important to support candidates in the 2014 elections who will ensure teacher evaluations are valid, fair and easily understood.

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The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) will meet Friday to discuss possible recommendations to the 84th Legislature. SBEC and TEA will again be under sunset review in the 2015 legislative session after a sunset bill failed to pass in 2013. Stay tuned next week for updates.