Texas Teacher Law

New Laws Might Be Coming

Today is the opening of the Texas legislative session.  It's a big deal because the Texas legislature only meets every other year, and only for five months even then.  Compared to nearly every other legislative body in the country, that's next to no time to handle state business.  On the other hand, we've managed to amass a bigger set of law books than almost every other state besides California and New York, so the time crunch doesn't seem to hinder productivity.  Quality, now that might be another debate . . .

Another Committee

Representative Charles "Doc" Anderson has pre-filed  HB 368, dealing with school discipline policies. Basically, it would allow classroom teachers on a campus to force the creation of a student discipline committee made up of all classroom teachers that would advise the principal and receive feedback from campus staff on how well the campus handles student discipline. 

Aside from some procedural details that could use tweaking, I think it's a good idea.  Most campuses have effective and responsive administrative support for student discipline, but on those campuses where there are problems, this woudl be a great tool to bring an organized voice from the classroom teachers who need solid, effective disciplinary support.

What Changes Are Coming To Education?

It's the holiday giving season, and kids everywhere are making their wish lists.  Some of the kids are older than others . . . .

With the Texas legislature getting ready to meet this Spring, educators, administrators, and policy makers are gearing up  to unveil their own wish lists for public education.  So far, the top of every administrators list seems to be money - that's the usual top spot for administrator lists, but this year it seems to be focused on altering the way financial allotments and taxing percentages are handled.  The concensus seems to be that the current Texas finance system has outgrown itself. 

For policymakers, the top spot on the wish list seems to be changes to the accountability system, specifically, TAKS.  While elimination of TAKS would be welcomed by most teachers, the proposals floating around may not be.  With the elimination of TAKS would come new and "better" tests for accountability.  From a teacher perspective, that initially means shifts in curriculum and a struggle to use new and different words.  It may not mean any actual improvement to the education our kids receive.

As for teachers, no huge initiatives have emerged yet.  Improvements in pay, benefits, and working conditions (including reductions in paperwork requirements) are always on the table and still needed. 

Federal Education Policy

President-elect Obama has put together a small task force of state education chiefs to provide recommendations for action by the new administration.  Texas Education Commissioner Robert Scott was one of those chosen for this task force, which meets this coming week. 

Given that Texas was a frontrunner in the high stakes testing race, and that Scott was a heavy player in that while he was still a policy advisor the Governer Perry.

If you like current Texas education policy, you'll be pleased to know his voice will be one of those advising the new president.  If you're less than thrilled with state policy, make sure you voice your own opinions by staying in contact with your own congressional delegation.

They're Baaaack

In the excitement of the presidential election, you may have forgotten the other big political story this year - the Texas legislature goes back in session in January.  Since Texas lawmakers meet only every other year, it is a big deal when we have a session.  With a long time in between sessions and a relatively short time even when they are in session (less than five months), it's an adrenaline rush of major proportions to gear up for what good or harm may be coming down the pipes.

Although the session doesn't officially start until January 13, legislators can pre-file bills and already hundreds of proposed pieces of legislation have been sent to the clerk's office.

Of the thousands of bills that will eventually be filed, very few will ever get a real shot at becoming law, and fewer still will actually be voted on by the House and the Senate.  I'll try to keep you posted on the teacher-related bills that look like they will get some debate.