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.
K-12 Education
Study: K-12 Grade Inflation Making American Kids Dumber, Costing Them Millions
When teachers inflate grades — giving higher marks than students’ actual performance warrants — the effects ripple far beyond the classroom. Increasingly widespread high school grade inflation can cost students more than $200,000 in lost earning potential per teacher per year, finds a groundbreaking new study. Authored by Jeffrey T. Denning, Rachel Nesbit, Nolan Pope,...
March 23, 2026