From West to East Texas

In education news this morning

Canyon's new alternative school

Some teenagers like J.R. Rivera prefer campuses without all the fanfare of a traditional high school.

A 17-year-old has a course load similar to what seniors in Canyon Independent School District might have, with English, economics and other courses. But with no five-minute passing periods, homeroom or pep rallies, Rivera completes a full 240-minute instructional day by 1 p.m.

"It's up to you how fast you want to graduate," said the teen, who works at Sonic and wants to be an automotive mechanic. "I want to come so I can get my stuff done and graduate."

What are your thoughts on new alternative schooling options? One reader sent a note to me that his daughter is taking online courses through Houston Independent School District through Connections Academy.


Tyler ISD considers security

A day after Tyler Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Randy Reid ensured "a greater sense of urgency" at campus gates, two vehicles carrying Tyler Morning Telegraph reporters passed unhindered through security gates at Robert E. Lee High School.

.... Reid said Friday he was "very upset" by the lapse. He had addressed security Thursday after a reporter and editor for the newspaper were waved through a security gate at John Tyler. This came one day after 50-year-old special needs teacher Todd Henry was stabbed to death by a student in his classroom.

After Henry's death students, parents and faculty voiced concerns that the campus was not safe. Other parents raised security questions about other facilities.

Do you think that schools in the Amarillo area are safe?