There is no doubt that there are problems with Standardized testings in Texas. And one of the main problem has to do with efficiency. But these testings do have their benefits. It's just that these benefits could be much greater.
I do not agree that we should get rid of the entire Texas standardized testings. Instead, we should improve them and make them more efficient. Some of the major problems I see with the standardized testings are the amount of time required from schools each year, the incentives or lack thereof, and how poorly they are structured/organized/administered.
Schools with higher overall scores and performances should be well rewarded. We must create incentives for schools, and the reason for them to compete. This will naturally drive up most schools' overall performance within competitive districts.
And the main reason to keep standardized testings? It is for our tax-paying citizens.
Tax-payers in Texas deserve the right to know how well the schools, they paid for, perform compare to other schools at a national, state and local level. After all, education is one of the main portion of their taxes.
Newborn's blog "Capitol Politics" http://hannahnewborn.blogspot.com/2016/05/staar-testing.html
Sunday, May 8, 2016
Thursday, May 5, 2016
Possible Expansion of Power for the Texas Governor?
The recent trouble involving Attorney General Ken Paxton and Commissioner Sid Miller have led many, including myself, to wonder about their characters, actions and most of all, their future employment for the positions which they currently holds. They both just won their elections not too long ago in 2014, and now their jobs are already somewhat on the line. AG Paxton is facing three felony indictments with two first-degree fraud charges. While Commissioner Miller is under investigation by the Texas Rangers for his State-paid trips. One of the trip was getting an injection called the "Jesus Shot" in Oklahoma; the injection was supposed to cure him from all illnesses.
If AG Paxton and Commissioner Miller are to be removed from their offices, this would grant the Texas Governor Greg Abbot the power to fill in those vacancies. It is part of the governor's executive power to appoint someone to be head of a board or commission when there is a vacancy. His appoints will have to go through senatorial courtesy which are checked, advised, consented and 2/3 approved by the senate. Governor Abbot will, of course, appoint people who he can get work well with, favors him, and essentially to form stronger bonds/team; in other word, an unofficial cabinet. Similarly to the U.S. President Obama and his Cabinet, which consist of different heads of different departments.
It would be a potential expansion of power for the Texas Governor Abbott. Whereas when we have an election for the AG, the commissioner of Agriculture or other executives, the power would belong to the voters.
If AG Paxton and Commissioner Miller are to be removed from their offices, this would grant the Texas Governor Greg Abbot the power to fill in those vacancies. It is part of the governor's executive power to appoint someone to be head of a board or commission when there is a vacancy. His appoints will have to go through senatorial courtesy which are checked, advised, consented and 2/3 approved by the senate. Governor Abbot will, of course, appoint people who he can get work well with, favors him, and essentially to form stronger bonds/team; in other word, an unofficial cabinet. Similarly to the U.S. President Obama and his Cabinet, which consist of different heads of different departments.
It would be a potential expansion of power for the Texas Governor Abbott. Whereas when we have an election for the AG, the commissioner of Agriculture or other executives, the power would belong to the voters.
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