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.
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...