It’s been a busy week so far at the State Capitol with many developments regarding education issues. Read on for a brief update and stay tuned for additional information. This morning, the Senate Finance Committee approved Senate Bill (SB) 1, the senate version of the state budget bill. ATPE Lobbyist Josh Sanderson outlined the education-related provisions in a previous Teach the Vote post—click here to learn more. The House Public Education Committee approved several bills yesterday, including House Bill (HB) 5, the omnibus education bill filed by committee chairman, Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock (R-Killeen). There was only one major change to the original bill: A new provision links the rule that allows the top 10 percent of students automatic admission to Texas public universities to earning a diploma on the “distinguished” track. Aycock pledged to remove the provision when the bill is brought up on the House floor. State Board of Education Chairman Barbara Cargill has appointed an ad hoc committee for a non-binding review of the CSCOPE curriculum. The system is not under the authority of the board, but the review aims to address concerns raised by parents and educators. The first meeting is scheduled for later this month. ATPE recently filed written testimony on teacher quality with the U.S. House Education Committee and the Workforce Committee. Read the testimony here: Federal Testimony on Teacher Performance Stay tuned.