As we prepare for 2009 and the legislative session that begins next week, here is my wish list for Texas education:
– Increase funding for incentive pay programs (performance bonuses, shortage stipends, combat pay) that allow school districts to target resources based on local needs;- Stop across-the-board pay raises since they reward high performers and poor performers equally and limit local control; – Eliminate the state mandated single salary schedule that requires every teacher, counselor, nurse and librarian to be paid based off of seniority rather than effectiveness; – Add a growth measurement to the state accountability system allowing districts to measure the effectiveness of their schools and teachers; – Create more choice within the public school system through more public charter schools, magnet schools, and open-enrollment school districts; – Give scholarships to students with special needs; – Remove the cap on open-enrollment charter schools; – Increase school spending transparency through open checkbooks and posting financial records online; – Tie teacher performance reviews to salary increases and professional development; – Dismiss poor performers as they hurt teacher morale and harm students; and- Reduce unnecessary regulations.
Overall, the Texas Public Policy Foundation would like to see more local control, less unnecessary government regulation, more transparency, and more choice. Our goal is to transform our education system into a fully competitive education system because competition ensures that each child’s individual academic needs will be met.
– Brooke Terry