AUSTIN -- Heeding warnings that tens of thousands of students could fail the new assessment test, the State Board of Education on Thursday tentatively adopted lower passing standards for all grades. The board voted 7-6 to phase in passing standards for the new Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills. The number of correct questions required to pass would be lower for 2003, but would gradually become tougher over the following two years. However, the passing standards could change today when the board takes its final vote. Two members were absent from the vote Thursday, and one member said she intended...