This hard year is almost over. Now it’s time to look to our future and imagine what’s possible. Texas has six key challenges that we could overcome if our state leaders seek to tackle them. — Only 30% of Texas fourth graders meet grade-level reading standards. Wide education achievement gaps separate students from different backgrounds, and data suggests COVID-related school closures are hurting students’ progress. Addressing this challenge starts with measuring existing gaps through student assessments; expanding access to research-based literacy instruction; providing high-quality teaching and tutoring; considering innovative school-year models; and offering more rigorous courses. — Only 32% of Texas high school graduates ...