Please Don’t Remove Funding fromTexas’ Already Under-Funded System

By passing a key amendment to the state budget this week, the Texas House vote may have ended this legislative session’s push for a private school voucher program.

According to this amendment, no state money can be used to support private schools, either through vouchers or tax credits used to fund scholarships.

I am very encouraged by the House action and applaud those who took a stand for public education.  Since Texas currently ranks 49th in per pupil spending after the reductions in the last biennium, it would be difficult to justify any action that removes funding from an already under-funded system.

Have you seen the tips posted on our website on how to contact your state lawmakers? Join the conversation to make sure your voice is heard.

Good News About High Stakes Testing?

After progress this week from the Texas House of Representatives, the future of high stakes testing and graduation reform is now in the hands of the Texas Senate. This week the House voted overwhelmingly to loosen high school graduation requirements and reduce required tests.

House Bill 5 reduces from 15 to five the number of end-of-course exams needed for high school graduation. It requires tests in algebra, biology, U.S. history and 10th-grade reading and writing. The bill also replaces the current "4x4" graduation plan - four years of English, math, science and social studies - with several different paths to a diploma.

The Senate's version echoes the House bill on graduation plans. It also reduces the high-stakes assessments to five but requires different tests.

This is a step in the right direction and is more in alignment with curriculum. I commend Rep. Aycock for his leadership.  Testing has gone beyond what is reasonable. Though we believe in being accountable for student learning and college preparation, testing should not drive every day of instruction.