Blog Response: School Funding

In response to Ramblings of an Austinite’s blog on School funding I have to start by saying that I don’t believe there’s much about public schools that doesn’t confuse Texas lawmakers. Half the time it’s a process of the right hand not know what the left hand is doing (incidental pun). But, I digress, I have to agree with the comment in the article “that this [Senate Bill 3] is a backdoor attack on poorer districts that will slash nonessential programs “. Whenever it comes to cutting budgets in schools the first heads on the chopping block belong to the arts. If this does go through it will be another case of dividing the children of Texas into the haves and the have-nots. The last thing children in these circumstances need is to be told that they do not merit having an opportunity to study art because of where they live or who they are.

There’s always talk about funding, funding and more funding. As it stands are schools are basically funded by smokers, gamblers and sales taxes. It’s time these law makers stopped depending on sales taxes to keep this state afloat. It’s not working, unless of course you fall in the “I make over $150,000 a year” bracket. I think a state income tax would be a healthy step in the right direction. The entire system needs to be reformed, let’s face it. But, I can see both sides of the isle on issues of taxing. Yes, people do need to be more responsible for their families and their families well being. But, you can’t do that if percentage wise you pay more taxes than the CEO of “Big Oil”.

I have to believe that there is a real solution to this education crisis, my kids are in the system and I bust my backside every day making sure that I pick up where public education leaves off. It all comes down to personal responsibility but not just in taking care of your house but in paying your fair share of taxes to make sure all the children in this state receive the education they rightfully deserve.

Keeping my fingers crossed...

Well, it happened. The Texas legislature finally figured it out, NCLB (no child left behind) was leaving everyone behind. In a news story from KVUE.Com it was reported that a bill was passed that would take away the high emphasis placed on the TAKS test. Halleluiah! The bill will allow more focus to be placed on college readiness versus the focus placed on passing minimum standards in the elementary grades. I believe this is a wonderful step in the right direction for our public school system. Instead of having schools “teaching to the TAKS” teachers can now focus on the job they were originally hired for: educating children.

This new bill will remove the fear of having to pass the TAKS in the 3rd, 5th and 8th grades in order to be promoted to the next grade. It will also “prohibit districts from having grading policies that force teachers to give minimum grades to failing students”. So, in essence the Texas education system will now have an accurate accountability system in play.

It seems the focus will be placed more on preparing for college and therefore the tests that will matter will be taken at the HS level. High School students will also have a three tier option of classes they can take from basic, recommended and advanced, with most of the students being steered towards the recommended option. These classes will focus on teaching students the subjects needed to move on to college after high school. The hope is that it will empower more of the youth in Texas to stay in school and, just as important, to attend college after high school.

Of course as with all things time will tell how this bill will play out. But, I am hopeful that our legislators have worked out the major kinks NCLB placed into our public education system and more importantly that they realize now how important it is to make sure funding is available for our public schools. Because great ideas are one thing, not having the resources to see them through is a complete let down to the potential each and every student has.