Money Well Spent

Whew!! What a whirlwind of a semester. I can say honestly that this is the most engaging school year ever. I can say also that this is the best freshman class that has yet to cross my threshold. They are inquisitive, courteous, attentive, and, well, fun. They are responsive to lessons, eager to participate, and easy to know. Since this first level freshman class may well be my last fourth level senior class before retirement, they make it easy to hold them close to the heart.

TEA released its report Enrollment in Texas Public Schools in November. From this Gary Scharrer and Ericka Mellon of the San Antonio Express-News reported on the looming impact of the 40% increase in economically disadvantaged students on the 2011 legislative sessions’ handling of school funding (Texas schools see more minority, poor kids). In the article Rep. Robert Eissler (R-The Woodlands), Chairman of the House Committee on Public Education, commented that he sees the cost of this increase addressed as part of the funding discussions. (As a side note, the Texas Classroom Teachers Association deemed Rep. Eissler a Friend of Education in its public official category last January.)

That’s all good and well, but a plethora of additional interesting data comes from the report. For example, total enrollment increased over 20% during the last decade with Texas adding about 80,000 students to its school rolls annually. That is astounding when compared to the nationwide increase of 8%! In the words of Joe Smith at TexasISD.com, “Our growth is tantamount to adding a new Fort Worth ISD in Texas every year.” Wow!

Another interesting comment comes from the New York Times Sunday Opinion pages. Carolyn Bucior pinned an article about her experiences as a substitute teacher along with a few facts about that nationwide. It does not surprise me that most school districts (77%) do not train subs, nor do they conduct personal interviews (56%). What surprised me the most is the fact that over 5% of teachers nationwide are absent o any given day. It compels me to research that figure for Texas teachers.

Over the next several months I will pass along my research of the portentous comments of others on the impending school funding issue. Until then, let me leave you with two good sites to help in your knowledge. The Center for Public Policy Priorities will definitely give us some good data, insight, and commentary. Also, Equity Center Radio provides some good podcasts of folks in the know on myriad issues, including Texas education. Incidentally, their last podcast of 2009 featured F. Scott McCown, the district judge, now retired, who presided over all Texas’ public education funding cases during the 1990s. He is now the Executive Director of the Center for Public Policy Priorities. (6 degrees of separation may be too many, right?!)

So, may you and yours be blessed with a healthy, prosperous, and happy New Year.

image: http://www.ct4me.net/images/SchoolDollars.gif