A comprehensive collection of papers by the leading voices on school finance reform from across the ideological spectrum, Putting the Sides Together identifies the diversity of opinion voiced in Texas today and the areas of fundamental agreement. The importance of school finance reform – for public education, taxation, and the state economy – dictates that all Texans be fully engaged in a measured and thoughtful debate. This collection is designed to help clarify the debate. Edited and introduced by the Foundation’s director of research, this collection most importantly demonstrates the tremendous opportunity Texans have to improve both the quality of education and the economic vitality of our state for generations to come. Click here to download either the full report or individual sections in PDF.
Amarillo teachers make the most of high-quality instructional materials
At Eastridge Elementary School, Principal Genie Baca’s teachers have enough challenges. Their students are mostly refugees, recent immigrants from countries such as Somalia, Yemen, Vietnam and Burma, among many others. The parents are often shift workers at local meatpacking or poultry processing facilities, meaning that no one’s home to ensure the children are fed and...