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So what is happening in Austin concerning our kid’s education? According to many, including LULAC, the NAACP, teacher’s groups and others.... NOTHING GOOD!
Reports from our friends are saying that although the new plan to finance our schools is called the “Roadmap to Success”,
That roadmap needs to be redrawn. As it stands, it is the fast path to inferior results! It is riddled with the roadblock to good results.Specifically, this is what the current version of HB 2 does:
Special Programs Eliminates funding weights. This means funding for gifted and talented, low-income students (compensatory education), bilingual education, and special education that currently increases with higher student enrollment will now be fixed and frozen. Instead of automatically increasing, schools will be forced to approach the legislature every two years and ask for financial support, if the state budget allows. A funding system based on a dollar amount does not allow for the system to address changing times, needs, and expectations. HB2 should address the true costs by establishing a weight of at least 4 for economically disadvantaged children and English learners.
Eliminates Pre-Kindergarten. Funds for pre-Kindergarten programs are not included.
Accountability
Uses accountability as a double-edged sword. The hypocrisy is that legislators want to crack down on misused funds, but want to allow districts to use funding for transportation and for students in special programs however they wish.
Pressures schools to push students out of bilingual programs before they are ready. Schools will be pressured to prematurely transition students into all-English classes. The bill also has students in bilingual programs take more English proficiency tests. These students are already being tested regularly to monitor progress.
When students are in excellent bilingual programs about five years, they have a very strong base in English. These students excel academically. Conversely, when they are exited from bilingual education prematurely, they encounter problems in school and require extra help. In the end, forcing students to exit bilingual programs too early, will create academic failure and will be costly to the system.
Facilities
Ignores the need for renovation and construction of school buildings to alleviate over-crowded and dilapidated classrooms. Without a permanent annual funding source for facilities the legislature is inadequately funding our education on a “if funds are leftover basis.” Every child deserves the opportunity to learn in structurally sound, technologically-equipped classrooms.
(continued on page 5)
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