Top Issues in the 87th: Support for K-12 education amid COVID-19
Over the next several weeks, the Lubbock Chamber will be outlining some of the top issues that will be examined during the 87th Legislature. If you missed last week’s post on broadband access, you can find it here.
The next issue we’re keeping a close eye on is K-12 education amid the backdrop of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, educators and students faced unprecedented challenges as they shifted from in-person to virtual learning in the Spring to hybrid formats in the Fall. On top of the challenge of successfully educating students in these conditions, schools and parents were also tasked with maintaining certain health standards.
While the Chamber maintains several education and workforce-related policy priorities, three of the main issues we’re tracking in this session are outlined below.
Maintaining funding levels passed by HB 3 in the 86th Legislature
Last legislative session saw significant movement in school finance by way of HB 3. Among other things, it increased teacher pay and increased funding in Texas classrooms. With the budget facing a $1 billion deficit, it’s understood that legislators will be faced with tough decisions. But the investments made in Texas K-12 education last session should be a priority item to be maintained.
Suspend the A-F accountability system for the 2020-2021 school year
Due to the potential for widespread learning loss on account of virtual and hybrid classrooms, the Chamber supports suspending the A-F accountability system for the 2020-2021 school year. It would be nearly impossible for schools to maintain prior levels of achievement following the almost overnight disruption to operations brought on by COVID-19. In addition, the Chamber supports resetting the baseline for future accountability to the 2021-2022 school year.
Administer STAAR test as report only for the 2020-2021 school year
While schools shouldn’t be punished for learning loss caused by COVID-19, the data provided to educators and administrators via the STAAR test is crucial in assessing where students stand. We support administering the STAAR test as scheduled this school year, but using it for data reporting purposes only rather than for accountability purposes.
Last week, the Lubbock Chamber sent a letter to Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath, voicing our support for TEA’s proposed rule to suspend A-F accountability this year and to use STAAR testing for reporting only. You can find the full letter to Commissioner Morath here.
Stay tuned next week for our next top issue that we’re following during the 87th Legislature!
The next issue we’re keeping a close eye on is K-12 education amid the backdrop of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, educators and students faced unprecedented challenges as they shifted from in-person to virtual learning in the Spring to hybrid formats in the Fall. On top of the challenge of successfully educating students in these conditions, schools and parents were also tasked with maintaining certain health standards.
While the Chamber maintains several education and workforce-related policy priorities, three of the main issues we’re tracking in this session are outlined below.
Maintaining funding levels passed by HB 3 in the 86th Legislature
Last legislative session saw significant movement in school finance by way of HB 3. Among other things, it increased teacher pay and increased funding in Texas classrooms. With the budget facing a $1 billion deficit, it’s understood that legislators will be faced with tough decisions. But the investments made in Texas K-12 education last session should be a priority item to be maintained.
Suspend the A-F accountability system for the 2020-2021 school year
Due to the potential for widespread learning loss on account of virtual and hybrid classrooms, the Chamber supports suspending the A-F accountability system for the 2020-2021 school year. It would be nearly impossible for schools to maintain prior levels of achievement following the almost overnight disruption to operations brought on by COVID-19. In addition, the Chamber supports resetting the baseline for future accountability to the 2021-2022 school year.
Administer STAAR test as report only for the 2020-2021 school year
While schools shouldn’t be punished for learning loss caused by COVID-19, the data provided to educators and administrators via the STAAR test is crucial in assessing where students stand. We support administering the STAAR test as scheduled this school year, but using it for data reporting purposes only rather than for accountability purposes.
Last week, the Lubbock Chamber sent a letter to Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath, voicing our support for TEA’s proposed rule to suspend A-F accountability this year and to use STAAR testing for reporting only. You can find the full letter to Commissioner Morath here.
Stay tuned next week for our next top issue that we’re following during the 87th Legislature!
