Standardized Testing Reduction for Texas Students

As of now Texas has 15 standardized tests that high school students are required to pass in order to receive their diplomas. Recently The Texas House has approved 145-2 which will reduce this number to five tests. Many people though out the state ranging from parents to professional education administrators approve of this reduction in accountability. They argue that not all children will go to college and by doing this they will decrease the drop-out rate. The counter argument is that by reducing the requirements it will leave the students interested in receiving a higher education ill prepared. I can see both sides of these arguments.

On one hand, lowering the demands on students will make it easier to graduate. It also may reduce the cost it requires to make and administer the tests. But, on the other hand, the transition from high school is difficult especially if the proper preparation is not learned. By lowering these standards classes such as, Algebra II and any science courses, will no longer be required. In my experience, those classes are imperative to a college degree; you will not obtain a degree of any type without those core classes.

If it were in my hands I would implement a duel curriculum option. The students could assess what their future education priorities will be. They would have the ability to choose either a trade program or a college entry program. The trade program would give them the appropriate curriculum to aide them in a successful completion of a certificate program, even if they later chose not to achieve any type of higher education they would still have the fundamentals to be hired into a skilled job. The college entry program would give suggestions to help assist the student to be better prepared for their intended college path. Both curriculums would include mandatory visits with an educational advisor to assure that the student are fulfilling the requirements necessary for their success and allow them to alter their coarse if they decide it would better suit their interest.  

I have never felt the Texas standardized testing is necessary at any k-12 level. I believe that my system would be a better way to obtain a higher level of high school graduates. Plus, there would be less time wasted drilling them to do well in these test and more time actually learning what they will need for a successful future.

The Importance of Planned Parenthood

Recently one of my colleagues wrote about the importance of Planned Parenthood. She made a few very good points; not only does the program supply affordable care for women that cannot afford it, but I also educates young adults of the importance of contraceptives and “safe sex.” I believe she is absolutely right, she stated, “If Texas takes away funding from this organization I think there will be more problems such as STD’s and less informed people, therefore more pregnancies and even more debt.” I could not have put that better myself. A woman’s body is her own; she should have the ability to make the choices that affect it. I understand the concern that abortions should not be used as birth control, but there are circumstances that make them a responsible decision. However controversial the subject may be, the government should stay out of it. 

Limiting Texas Governors Terms

     Texas currently has no limit on the number of terms its governor can hold. I feel as though there should be a two term limit, our federal government has a limit and I believe Texas should too. Governor Perry has been in office since 2000, this is the longest any governor has held office in Texas history.  

     Due to the various political organizations that influence the decisions that Perry makes his appointment have profound impacts on the state. In more recent years, the influence of Super PACs has been visible in his campaigns and policies. He continuously reinstates officials that he has scattered throughout the Texas government and although they will continue to serve out their terms, eventually if Perry is no longer in office the government may find some sort of balance.

     If Texans limit the terms that we allow our governors to serve we may be able to prevent such a one sided monopoly and reintroduce diversity to our system. This diversity encourages economic growth by allowing the population to be included in everyday commerce. Texas is traditionally a low tax low service state; because Perry has been in office and kept the majority of the government republicans it has prevented change. For example, the outcome of the bill concerning the HPV vaccination could have been different if a governor without such a significant history was running the state, there may have been a different veto philosophy applied because he is not so closely affiliated with law makers that passed the bill.