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Sustaining Partners
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"The percentage of students going on to college is way up over the last 30 years, she noted, and the United States is still tops in global competitiveness, with the highest productivity levels of any country in the world."
- Leslie Milder
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Leslie Milder debunks myths of education failures
A highlight of the just-completed Texas AFT biennial convention in Dallas came in the form of a bracing message from the Friends of Texas Public Schools. The group is on a mission to debunk the myths of a "crisis in education" propagated by the critics of public schools and then parroted ad nauseam by the news media. Special guest speaker Leslie Milder, co-founder of the Friends, comprehensively refuted the "crisis" talk with facts and arguments that tell the actual success story of Texas public schools. Full Article |
Note from the Founder
Dear Educators,
As you work this summer to prepare for an unprecedented year of success in your schools I'd like to offer a thought that may help your efforts to strengthen public confidence in your districts. I received an email today headlined, "Study shows vast differences in area graduation rates over time," referring to district comparisons in a certain region of Texas that will remain anonymous to protect the well-intentioned-but-nevertheless guilty. This headline reminded me of a communications philosophy I've held for many years about comparisons and their effect on public opinion.
In your attempt to make your district look good by comparing test results or tax rates (et al) to other districts in your region or across the state, you are in fact doing much more harm than good. Though your comparison may put your district in a favorable light this year on a particular measurement, what you are actually doing is making all of your neighbors look bad, which perpetuates the myth that, with the exception of "my school", Texas public schools in general are failing. Plus, we all know true comparisons are unattainable because no two school districts are alike. International comparisons do not hold water for the very same reasons.
My charge to educational leaders across this great state of Texas and throughout our great Texas public schools is to avoid comparisons to other school districts in 2009-10. Rather, shout from your rooftops about the strengths of your district's achievements on their own merits. Leslie and I speak in school districts all over the state and we have yet to visit a district that does not have plenty to brag about without unintentionally chunking their neighbors, colleagues and allies under the bus.
Don't know what to celebrate? Send me a note and we'll help you find your message. We might even help you organize an Education Celebration where you can demonstrate to your staff and community just how well you really are performing.
Scott Milder
Founder, President and CEO
Friends of Texas Public Schools
smilder@fotps.org
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Looking for a great public speaker for your upcoming event?
 Leslie Milder is a great presenter with valuable information about achievements in Texas public schools and what we can do to help students, teachers, and parents.
"Leslie was the keynote speaker at Katy ISD's annual joint luncheon with the Katy Chamber of Commerce honoring our Teachers of the Year. Governor Perry, Comptroller Strayhorn and a number of other very high profile guests have headlined this event in the past, but we have never had a speaker who has won the hearts of both teachers and community like Leslie. While inspiring our teachers, her message of commitment, hope and dedication sent an important message to our community members about the challenges educators face daily and the critical role they play in shaping the future of our world." - Kris Taylor, Katy ISD
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Our Mission The mission of Friends of Texas Public Schools, the leading voice of optimism and hope for our public school family, is to ensure positive and constructive conversation about public schools by educating Texans through honest communication, productive dialogue, and relentless encouragement.
Please share our optimism for public education, pass us along to others.
Friends of Texas Public Schools
Scott Milder, President & Chief Executive
P.O. Box 3526
Harker Heights, Texas 76548
Phone: 214-497-6411
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