According to the Nation’s Report Card (NAEP), Texas student reading scores are some of the lowest in the nation and declining; Texas ranks 46th in fourth-grade reading and 42nd in eighth-grade reading. Further, 2018 STAAR results indicate over 58% of Texas third-graders read below grade level.
It is well-established that individual classroom teachers matter much more to student achievement than any other aspect of schooling except for parental involvement. According to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) teacher effectiveness can be measured, and the best Texas teachers can be identified. Effective teachers increase student learning gains, close learning gaps, increase workforce and college attainment, and boost the state’s economy. Conversely, ineffective teachers not only harm individual student performance, but increase taxpayer-funded student remediation costs and Texas’ economic prospects.