Save Texas Schools Rally at the Capitol-April 18 Save Texas Schools

Save Texas Schools Rally at the Capitol-April 18
Save Texas Schools

Public education in Texas continues to struggle with the challenges of underfunding and over-testing. Texas children deserve better. Join thousands of fellow Texans standing up at the Capitol to say THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW!

The rally is on April 18 from 10 am to noon. We have an amazing set of speakers (including parents, teachers and students) and student performers. We'll also have a large group of legislators attending as our audience.

Texas children cannot be left standing outside a courtroom waiting for their future. We need fair funding, testing reform and community-based supports for struggling schools today!

The rally is kid and family-friendly.

Click here to register for the rally and connect with others from your area.

House Leaders Speak Out on School Funding

With the 2015 Legislative Session underway, Texas public schools face significant challenges. State funding is still $600 per student below pre-cut levels of 2009 (and 25% below per pupil funding in 2000, adjusted for inflation). Texas currently ranks 49th nationally in per pupil spending.

While little action was expected this session as legislators wait for the Supreme Court to rule, Public Education Committee Chairman Jimmie Don Aycock made a surprise announcement last week of a deal to add $3 billion to the state's public education budget. With support from Appropriations Chairman John Otto and House Speaker Joe Strauss, the proposal will be filed as House Bill 1759.

The Senate has proposed a much smaller increase for public education. Click here to read more.

Bills Filed to Support Community Schools
We've punished, closed reconstituted and tried to privatize struggling schools, and it just doesn't work. What does is an all-hands-on-deck effort called "Community Schools." This model brings teachers, parents, students and the community together to bring resources and solve issues that keep kids from achieving at high levels. It is a proven model that has worked in places like Austin, Tulsa, Cincinnati, Portland and even New York at over 5,000 Community Schools. HB 1891, 1892 (Rodriguez)and SB1483, 1484 (Garcia) would define Community Schools, make an alternative to reconstitution, and provide support for new efforts. Click here to find out more.

Update on Testing Bills
HB 5 in the 2013 session repaired some of the damage from from the huge expansion of testing requirements in 2011, that included 15 EOC exams. However, little was done to address testing in grades 3-8, and lots of problems still exist with the End-of-Course exams. A number of bills have been filed to address these issues, and all of them will need your voice to get the attention they need to pass. Our friends at TAMSA have made an updated list of bills to follow. Click here to learn more.