Texas Senators analyze virtual learning statewide

AUSTIN, Texas -- Education leaders in the Texas Senate are holding a hearing on the growing demand for virtual learning statewide.

Democratic Sen. Leticia Van de Putte of San Antonio will serve as acting chairwoman for Monday's hearing, which will include testimony on successful virtual learning programs and analyzing what hinders those not working so well.

The committee's outgoing chairwoman, Republican Sen. Florence Shapiro, is retiring and has allowed members to run recent hearings while the Legislature is out of session.

Last week, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst promoted tea party favorite Sen. Dan Patrick of Houston to replace Shapiro as committee chairman.

Patrick is one of the Senate's most-conservative members and a strong advocate of charter schools and a system allowing parents to use public money to send children to private schools.