The Future of Texas is in Our Public Schools

2021 Legislative Priorities

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Welcome to the 87th Legislative Session. Meet our policy team and find out more about our legislative priorities.

Raise Your Hand Texas has a front-row seat to the 87th Legislature (we can see the Capitol across the south lawn). Stay up to date this session with our weekly update — Across the Lawn.

We must continue to invest in high-quality programs, enhance public accountability, and ensure our teachers have the support they need.

Vouchers

Vouchers reduce equitable access to educational opportunity, weaken rights for students with disabilities, and expose taxpayers to fraud. The Legislature should reject any type of voucher.

Public School Funding

In 2019, the Texas public education system received a much-needed funding boost. Less than a year after the Legislature made this historic commitment, COVID-19 changed the education landscape of Texas and slowed the state’s economy.

Full-time Virtual

Though some have pushed for the expansion of full-time virtual vendors, the continued lackluster performance of these programs shows that they are not a good solution for the overwhelming majority of students.

Accountability and Assessment

As Texas’ public education system adjusts to new instructional approaches and deals with technology issues due to COVID-19, state policymakers must take this time to reevaluate whether our accountability system appropriately measures all the factors of an effective education.

Charters

In addition to a funding advantage, charters, unlike traditional school districts, are not required by law to accept all students. There should be a level playing field for all public schools.

Blended Learning

Blended learning combines the best of classroom teaching and online learning. Teachers use data and classroom technology to personalize instruction for every student.

Teacher Workforce

Texas teachers are the heart of our state’s public education system. Effective teachers guide our students’ academic growth as well as their physical, social, and emotional well-being. For this reason, improving recruitment, development, and retention of our most promising and dedicated teachers must be a top priority.