This study evaluates howTexas public schools are meeting the challenge of educating children today,while considering the cost of public education outcomes on the lives ofindividual Texans, their communities, and the state economy. The evidence iscompelling that many Texas public schools are failing the public trust. Despitedecades of reform, massive infusions of funds, aggressive efforts of policymakers,and commitment of educators, there has been no significant improvement inacademic proficiency of high school graduates, closure of the achievement gap, andincrease in high school graduation. The study notes that the current speciallegislative session on school finance reform offers Texans an opportunity tofundamentally change the delivery of public education. To boost the state economyand provide all children with the opportunity for success, the author concludes thatTexans must choose school choice.
After Tuesday’s Elections, Texas Can Take a Bow
On Tuesday, Texas voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 4, a constitutional amendment to increase the residence homestead exemption for school district purposes from $40,000 to $100,000. With 99% of precincts reporting, voters approved of the measure by a margin of 83.4% vs. 16.6%. The passage of Proposition 4 cements the Legislature’s $18 billion tax relief package,...