KEYE-TV - Search Results
The following is an archived video story. The text content of that video story is available below
for reference. The original video has been deleted and is no longer available.
Texas Lawmaker Wants More School Choice
It's back to the drawing board as one Texas state lawmaker is pushing for education reform.
Senator Dan Patrick says the Texas public school system is failing many students.
He's believes lifting the state cap of charter schools could make the grade. But not everyone is in attendance.
Jennifer Farley is a mother of two. Her son is about to embark on his education experience and Farley is trying to find the best school possible.
"We just feel public school isn't the best option for our child," said Farley.
So she turned to charter schools. But like many parents, Farley was told to take a number.
"This is all about our kids. Kids have one shot at their future," said Patrick.
And that "future" -- according to Patrick -- lies in education alternatives.
Patrick says his plan is about increasing choice. Currently there are 5,000,000 Texans in traditional public schools. There are another 150,000 in charter schools. And with approximately another 100,000 on a waiting list Patrick points for a need for additional charter schools.
Patrick is also pushing for private school scholarships. Businesses would get a tax break for funding a student's private education.
"Don't trap a kid in a bad school because of five numbers and those numbers are your zip code," added Patrick.
But not everyone is on board with Patrick's proposal. The Round Rock Independent School District recently voted to adopt a resolution opposing tax credits, claiming they eliminate public accountability are not effective in improving student achievement, divert public money away from public schools and do not guarantee a competitive, educated workforce.
"None of this takes away money from public schools," insisted Patrick.
Irene Sanchez hopes not. Her daughter begins public school in august.
"Public school is where I'm going to put her now for financial reasons," said Sanchez.
Patrick says he will submit his education reform bill by the end of legislative session
By Alex Boyer
Texas Lawmaker Wants More School Choice
It's back to the drawing board as one Texas state lawmaker is pushing for education reform.
Senator Dan Patrick says the Texas public school system is failing many students.
He's believes lifting the state cap of charter schools could make the grade. But not everyone is in attendance.
Jennifer Farley is a mother of two. Her son is about to embark on his education experience and Farley is trying to find the best school possible.
"We just feel public school isn't the best option for our child," said Farley.
So she turned to charter schools. But like many parents, Farley was told to take a number.
"This is all about our kids. Kids have one shot at their future," said Patrick.
And that "future" -- according to Patrick -- lies in education alternatives.
Patrick says his plan is about increasing choice. Currently there are 5,000,000 Texans in traditional public schools. There are another 150,000 in charter schools. And with approximately another 100,000 on a waiting list Patrick points for a need for additional charter schools.
Patrick is also pushing for private school scholarships. Businesses would get a tax break for funding a student's private education.
"Don't trap a kid in a bad school because of five numbers and those numbers are your zip code," added Patrick.
But not everyone is on board with Patrick's proposal. The Round Rock Independent School District recently voted to adopt a resolution opposing tax credits, claiming they eliminate public accountability are not effective in improving student achievement, divert public money away from public schools and do not guarantee a competitive, educated workforce.
"None of this takes away money from public schools," insisted Patrick.
Irene Sanchez hopes not. Her daughter begins public school in august.
"Public school is where I'm going to put her now for financial reasons," said Sanchez.
Patrick says he will submit his education reform bill by the end of legislative session
By Alex Boyer
Social