Discussion 4 Exam 3

Discussion

The Texas House proposed $ 218.1 billion funding plan for K-12 education. Funding remains one of the central issues when states approve any new intervention for the improvement of education. Another significant challenge faced is the allocation of funds in an efficient way that leads to positive outcomes. The state of Texas played a profound role in designing the education policy of the country. However, I still believe that the funds are still not used in the best interest of the students. House face pressures for pay raise from the teachers that means the budget shrinks for the school infrastructure and integration of technology. The Senate of Texas proposed $ 217.7 billion for K-12 education. Both Texas House and Senate are involved in approving funds with the aim of providing better educational opportunities to the citizens.

Due to pressures from the taxpayers, the Senate decided to cut funds in the year 2015. The state neglected the repercussions of such measures because it affected the quality of education. the facts depict that the funding provided by Texas state is now 20 percent less than what was granted to schools in 2008. There has been a significant decline in the funds that are linked to all aspects of education and schooling. The schools in Texas are relying heavily on funding. Even the salaries of teachers are also paid from state funds. Any decline will affect the school's capacity of paying the teachers. This also influences the quality of work because teachers who lack incentives are less likely to give their best. It is thus undermining educators’ spirits. The schools are using 45% of the state funds for managing its operations. The evidence suggests a reduction of $3.5 billion in state funding for the education sector. This reflects the apparent flaws in the education system.

The assessment of the Texas House and State policy depicts that schools receive funding from general revenue and property tax revenue. The revenue allocated by the state represents an inequitable system. In 2017 the contribution of state revenue for schools declined by 42.4%. While in the same year 5.3 million more students were enrolled in schools. The contribution of state was only 19.3% that is considered as significantly low. However, the statistics suggest 13.7% growth in the number of students. This has negatively affected the schools because many areas that require funds such as technology continue to suffer. The comparison of the funds also reveals that there is a decline of 12.6% per pupil. This is against the original idea of Texas reforms that was to property taxes in a way that would ensure improvements of the education system. The comparison of the past few years indicates that Texas had always been involved in inappropriate funding. When it comes to the highest poverty districts of Texas like the University of Texas it receives 11% lower funds from the state. Students achievements and performance are also affected by the funding policy.

The student learning outcome is developed about how the Texas House and State are responsible for controlling the education system. Due to insufficient funding and misallocation of resources the schools are unable to invest in areas like technology and the creation of an exclusive environment. The overall analysis of the education policy depicts that the Texas House and Senate need to revise it. They must consider the implications of budget cuts. To improve the quality of education and for providing better learning opportunities there is a need for acquiring more funds. Public education is an important duty of the state so the state must incorporate changes that will enhance learning. Teacher’s morale is also dependent on budgets because it defines their salary. The state can consider education as an essential aspect that needs more funds.

Responses

First student

I agree with the viewpoint of the student because he highlights the issues faced by the schools due to inappropriate funding. The student has mentioned the statistics that provide clear information on the approved budget. I agree that the main concerns are deciding the amount of funding and the ways in which they will be allocated. Texas House and Senate follow different strategies for approving grants for the schools. The Senate has cut its budget by $2.5 billion that is significantly high.

Budget cuts have adverse impacts on the schools because it is linked to the performance of the teachers and students. The state prioritizes other things like road construction that causes shrink of the education budget. I agree that this is inappropriate because education is more important and the state cannot cut funds for other projects. Every year people pay taxes with the belief that it is used for educational improvements.

Second student

The students have discussed the 86th Texas legislation that sets high funds for K-12 education. I agree that the decision of House to spend 9 billion on schools was to overcome drawbacks of the education system. I agree that reliance on property tax for the provision of such funding is not appropriate. I agree that the teacher's salaries are also linked to the funds granted by the state.

The student has explained the process in which bill on education fund gets approved in the Senate. It requires that thee chambers must agree on the amendments. Unanimous agreement leads to approval of bill regarding budgets for K-12 schools. The bill passed in the Senate becomes the law and is followed by the political leaders and policymakers.