Texas Legislature Makes Big Changes to Education Policies
The 89th Texas Legislature has made significant changes to the state’s education policies, which could have a lasting impact on the state’s public school system. The legislature, which is dominated by conservatives, has passed several bills that aim to reform the education system in Texas.
Education Funding
One of the most significant bills passed by the legislature is House Bill 2, which allocates $8.5 billion for public school funding. However, some argue that this amount is not enough to meet the needs of the state’s schools. Libby Cohen, executive director of Raise Your Hand Texas, said that the bill "will help, but it will not solve the budget woes of too many school districts." The allocated funds are not even half of the $19.6 billion that schools need to simply maintain their purchasing power from 2019.
Teacher Salaries
The bulk of the $8.5 billion, $3.7 billion, will fund teachers’ salary raises, while $500 million will go toward raises for other school staff. However, Bob Popinski, senior director of policy at Raise Your Hand Texas, said that this still places the state $8,800 below the national average for teacher pay.
Voucher Program
Another significant bill passed by the legislature is Senate Bill 2, which establishes a $1 billion school voucher-like program. The program, known as Education Savings Accounts (ESA), allows Texans to use public funds for private education costs. However, some argue that this program will not benefit average Texas families. Cohen questioned whether the program will deliver real choice to parents looking for other education options or if it will primarily benefit those who already had their children in private school.
Concerns About the Voucher Program
There are concerns that the program will balloon in response to those who would see vouchers become a new entitlement. Governor Greg Abbott has said that the program will open doors for families, allowing them more flexibility to choose which schools they want to enroll their kids in. However, Rombado, with Raise Your Hand Texas, said that the legislature was set up this year to pass the historic voucher program after Abbott amped up his political might to get it passed.
STAAR and Accountability
One notable education bill, House Bill 4, did not pass. The bill would have switched out the state’s STAAR test for three shorter standardized exams given throughout the school year and strengthened the power of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) over its A-F accountability rating system. The bill died in conference committee, leaving parents, students, and teachers still waiting for Texas to truly measure up to what matters in our public schools.
The Future of Education in Texas
The future of education in Texas is uncertain, with many wondering how these new policies will play out. Rombado said that this session wasn’t just about education policy — it was about power, pressure, and political consequences. The state’s education system will likely continue to be a battleground for conservatives and liberals in the coming years.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 89th Texas Legislature has made significant changes to the state’s education policies, which could have a lasting impact on the state’s public school system. While some argue that these changes will benefit Texas families, others are concerned that they will harm the state’s education system. Only time will tell how these policies will play out, but one thing is certain: the future of education in Texas will be shaped by the decisions made by the legislature.
