In order for Texas students to achieve at higher levels, we need to adequately provide for their education.  The cuts to education with the previous session, undermines educators abilities to provide the students with an exemplary education.  We must return to our original funding.

2.    Return Calendar Flexibility

Returning local control will allow the school districts to be more flexible in scheduling their calendar, maximizing class time, and allow them to make up shortfalls in education funding.  

3.    Require ONE Exit Exam

Excessive testing creates an atmosphere of teaching to a test instead of encouraging our students to explore and deepen their knowledge in areas of interest as well as shortens valuable education time.  Provide ONE all-inclusive Exit Exam to replace existing EOC (End of Course) exams that will ensure that students have completed mastery of the information.   

4.    Restore Multiple Graduation Paths

Students need to have the flexibility to determine their own path to the future whether it be college, trade school, or a job after high school. The current 4 X 4 requirements limit the courses and electives available for students to take and prepare for their future.  

5.    Oppose School Vouchers  

Private Schools are not bound by the same government requirements, accountability, and testing as public schools. Private schools can pick and choose who they wish to have in their schools and do not have to provide for any special student needs. Vouchers will drain much needed funds from the public school to the private school sector.

6.    Preserve Security and Retirement for Teachers

Our teachers dedicate their lives to the education of our children and deserve security in retirement. We support our teachers and retired teachers in their efforts to keep the defined benefits retirement package as is.