Are You Getting the Real Facts?

For several years now we have heard how public schools are failing our kids. We have been told that schools are inefficient money pits that are made up of a bunch of whiners. But, are you getting the "real" story?

This week students around the state are taking a new assessment that was mandated by the Texas Legislature. This new test, entitled STAAR, has been heralded as more in-depth and rigorous. It has been hailed as the new "savior" of our public schools in Texas, and the state's representatives have sat back and patted themselves on the back for doing such a great job. These legislators have increased the standards, changed the testing regulations, and cut funding to education by $5.4 billion and have told the public that schools (trying to meet the state's mandates) should be able to do more with less. All the while, our schools have become the scapegoat for all of our societal "ills." This has been aided, in part, by a series of untruths that have been espoused by certain groups and the media. The fact is that these claims are just not true! You have been handed a "bill of goods," and you need to be aware of the facts.

The following information was gathered by the Texas Association of School Board and taken from the Texas Education Agency's data. The information was compiled and presented by Mary Ann Whiteker, superintendent of Hudson ISD, and includes a comparison of today's education to the past, as well as, common assertions and misperceptions:

■ Public education accounts for greater share of the state budget than in the past:
• 1982 — 31.2 percent
• 2012 — 29.3 percent

■ State appropriations for public education have doubled over the last 10 years:
• 1992-2012 — 13 percent gain
The 13 percent increase has not financed the expanded state mandates, facility needs for enrollment growth, adequate compensation for public school employees.

■ Texas lags behind most states on education spending per student:
• 1992 — Texas ranked 37th
• 2012 — Texas ranked 44th

■ School districts have been hoarding state dollars in fund balance accounts:
• 1992 — 14 percent of general funds in fund balance.
— Texas Education Agency urged districts retain 12 percent — 20 percent
• 2012 — 17 percent of general funds in fund balance
— Half the school districts have adopted deficit budget, fund balance is used to cover the deficit
— Fund balance includes inventory in warehouses, delinquent taxes receivable, as well as money in the bank.
— Fund balance includes funds owed to the district by the state on the last day of the fiscal year

■ The demographics of Texas public schools have undergone significant changes:
Racial/ethnic minority
• 2000 — 56.8 percent
• 2011 — 67 percent
Economically disadvantaged
• 2000 — 49.3 percent
• 2011 — 59 percent
Schools have become the sites for addressing the multitude of social issues as well as the new mandates to implement college ready curriculum for all students:
■ Drug and alcohol abuse education
■ Parenting
■ Character education
■ Special education
■ Computer education
■ Multicultural/ethnic education
■ Bilingual education
■ Teen pregnancy awareness
■ Early childhood
■ After-school programs
■ Alternative education
■ Stranger/danger education
■ Antismoking education
■ Sexual abuse prevention
■ Expanded health and psychological services
■ Child abuse monitoring
■ Conflict resolution and peer mediation
■ HIV/AIDS education
■ CPR training
■ Inclusion
■ Distance learning
■ School to Work Programs
■ Post secondary options
■ Concurrent enrollment options
■ Gifted and Talented
■ At risk programs
■ Dropout prevention
■ Homeless education
■ Gang education
■ Bus safety
■ No child Left Behind
■ Bully prevention
■ Anti-harassment
■ Personal financial literacy
■ Health and wellness
■ Post secondary financial aid assistance
■ Test prep for standardized testing
AND
■ Academics
 This list is not all inclusive!

Schools have been mandated to “make bricks without straw!” All of the above issues have value; however, resources are needed to begin addressing the many academic challenges facing public education, not to mention the social problems. Schools can’t do it alone! Schools can’t do it without resources!

How can you make a difference? Vote! Your voice needs to be heard. If you want a better world and a world-class education for your children, you need to let Austin know that is the priority. This is especially important in the upcoming Primary Elections. If you don't go to the polls for the Primaries, you may very well not have a voice in who represents you because a majority of the elections in the state are determined by the Primary vote.

I am a product of Texas public schools, as many of you are. They are staffed by hard-working and caring adults who want to take your children beyond imagination. Schools are not the problem. In fact, Local Control has deteriorated to such an extent that it is practically none existent, replaced by legislative mandate. We have to join together to fight for the future of our great State. We have to let everyone know that the children, our future, is the top priority!

Spring is Near

I would like to welcome everyone back from Spring Break. I hope that each of you were able to find some time for rest and relaxation. I also hope that you were able to spend some time with family and friends.

This is the beginning of a really busy time for school, as well as, the students and parents. We have many activities taking place, and it often seems like we are meeting ourselves coming and going. However, it happens like this every year, and we always make it through. This year will be no different. Think of it as the opportunities that you get to spend time with your children and the other fine folks from the Harleton community.

Please remember that the new testing system will begin soon. The STAAR test will take the place of TAKS, and the state tells us that it will be much more rigorous for the students. If you haven't done so, I would suggest that you visit the Texas Education Agency website and take a look at the sample questions from the new exams. I think you will be greatly surprised. Also, keep in mind that these tests will have a time limit. Students will have 4 hours to finish their exams. Although the tests will be more difficult, I have faith in our students and teachers, and I believe that they will continue to succeed as they have in the past.

Once again, I welcome you back and hope you have a wonderful Spring.