From Save Texas Schools
"The concepts in SB 1718 have been tried in Louisiana and have failed miserably. Their "Recovery School District" has been reorganized three times in 10 years, and is ranked the lowest-performing school district in the state."---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Dear Save Texas Schools Supporter,
We've written about SB 1718, which would take schools away from communities if they miss state standards for as few as two years. These schools would come under state control and in most cases, would be transitioned to outside charter entities.
Though this bill, as written, would be limited to 10 schools in the first two years, it would ultimately affect hundreds of Texas schools.
Supporters of SB 1718, including Texans for Education Reform (TER) are falsely saying that nothing is done for "failing" schools. This is just not true. Our current system, while not perfect, puts in action a set of agresssive school improvement strategies that, in the vast majority of cases, gets struggling schools back on track within 2-3 years.
While dead a few days ago, SB 1718 may be added into two larger bills that are being considered by conference committees right now: SB 2 (charter school bill) and HB 5 (testing and accountability bill).
We need you to write and call the members of both conference committees TODAY and let them know your opposition to forced state takeover of schools under SB 1718.
**********************************************************************
Here is some suggested language:
Here is some suggested language:
Dear ______________________,
I am writing in opposition to the creation of the Texas Achievement District under SB 1718. It is my understanding that the legislation may be combined with other bills, including SB2 or HB 5.
I want to see great schools for ALL kids, and believe that the current system of strong interventions for struggling schools works for the vast majority of schools.
I am against SB 1718 for these reasons:
1. It forces conversion of local schools into charters with no input from local school boards or communities.
2. The state is not equipped to take over local schools.
3. Conversion to charters, where the schools have to take all children from a community, have a poor record nationwide.
4. Our current system works for most schools. with schools turning around after 1-3 years. If a school still struggles after 5-6 years of interventions, we allow the state to take action through closure or alternative management.
5. Our testing system is currently under repair. Let's fix that system first before we use it to close schools.
6. Most kids are not trapped in "failing" schools. Under NCLB, any school that has missed AYP requirements for two consecutive years MUST provide transfers and transportation to nearby schools that are meeting standards. Kids do have choices already.
The concepts in SB 1718 have been tried in Louisiana and have failed miserably. Their "Recovery School District" has been reorganized three times in 10 years, and is ranked the lowest-performing school district in the state.
Please keep SB 1718 out of other important legislation that needs to be passed in the closing days of the session.
Sincerely,
______________________
Here
is the contact information for conference committee members:
(512)
463-0111
(512)
463-0107
(512)
463-0128
(512)
463-0131
(512)
463-0126
(512)
463-0104
(512)
463-0684
(512)
463-0662
(512)
463-0670
(512)
463-0520
(512)
463-0674
SB 2 (Charters)
(512)
463-0684
(512)
463-0532
(512)
463-0309
(512)
463-0570
(512)
463-0496
(512)
463-0107
(512)
463-0125
(512)
463-0127
(512) 463-0123
(512)
463-0111"
