Back to Top

Public Education (K-12)

  Video Links:  [TikTok] [YouTube]

Texas is huge! No one denies that. In fact, if it hadn't been for that upstart, Alaska, we would still be the largest state (by area) in the Union. But our size also means that we have multiple areas with very dense populations and even more areas with very sparse populations. These two factors present unique and daunting challenges to public education throughout the state.

Between the razor-thin education budgets in our school districts and the increasing costs that public education seems to routinely require, our current education funding models have become even more challenging than gym class, where dodgeballs fly like Patriot missiles, where students attempt to complete a pull-up without dislocating their shoulder, and where the gym teacher's whistle becomes a weapon of mass humiliation.

It's universally acknowledged that public education is one of the most expensive government services. As taxpayers/investors, we often expect that it should provide the some of the best returns on our investment. Unfortunately, most discussions on improving public education typically involve funneling more money into a system that was designed well before the current information age instead of designing an education system that will propel our students into leaders of the 21st century. 

"Here's a little trap that sometimes trips up everyone: when we tire of our own company, sometimes we're the last to see beyond the day's frustrations."

Let's take a look at what each political party has to say about Public Education (K-12):

 

Republicans on Public Education (K-12)

"Education, not indoctrination. Public education is socialism!"

Republican views on K-12 public education encompass a wide range of perspectives, from advocating for school choice (and using vouchers to enable it) to expressing concerns about curriculum content and parental influence (or lack thereof). There is often a push for "traditional values" in education, including a focus on American history, civics education, and sometimes religious values. Republicans generally support school accountability measures such as standardized student testing and school performance assessments to ensure that schools are meeting educational standards and improving student outcomes. Many Republicans also advocate for reducing federal oversight and increasing local control over education decisions. They argue that local communities and states are better positioned to understand their own educational needs and implement effective policies.

"Frozen in the moment, the lack of possibilities between how it is and how it ought to be."

For Republicans, the purpose of K-12 schools is to provide an education to those who want one, but they think that most kids don't really want one, especially those kids from areas with a lower economic matrix. They seem to envision public schools as a survival course in guerrilla warfare where both students and faculty constantly shield themselves from aerial assaults by paper airplanes or navigate impromptu dance-offs in the corridors. And despite their insistence on dress codes, most students still arrive looking only presentable enough to avoid being mistaken for a rogue Sasquatch by their classmates.

With these "visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads", is it any wonder that Republicans desperately seek ways to send their kids to someplace "better"?

 

Democrats on Public Education (K-12)

"If you think education is too expensive, try ignorance."

Democrats generally prioritize K-12 education and advocate for policies that focus on equity, access, and quality in public schools. There is often support for curriculum standards that are evidence-based and inclusive, promoting a well-rounded education that includes subjects like arts, sciences, and civics, while also recognizing the importance of critical thinking, creativity, and social-emotional learning. They often advocate for policies that aim to reduce disparities in educational opportunities based on race, income, or location. Democrats may advocate for federal funding to support state and local education budgets, especially in communities with greater economic challenges. This funding would be used toward resources such as classroom materials, school infrastructure improvements, and teacher salaries, including professional development opportunities, fair wages, and improving working conditions.

"Burning in the moment, trapped by desperation between how it is and how it ought to be."

For Democrats, the purpose of K-12 schools is also to provide an education ... usually whether the student wants one or not. It doesn't matter that history becomes a dramatic retelling of "Who Wore It Better?": Napoleon or a sack of potatoes, or that math transforms into a cosmic battle of wits against the dreaded Pythagorean theorem (seriously, when will you ever need to calculate the hypotenuse of a triangle in real life?). And don't even get me started on lunchtime seating arrangements that resemble a high-stakes game of musical chairs where students have to decide between the risk of sitting at the drama club table (and inadvertently auditioning for a role in the next Shakespearean play) or braving the treacherous waters of the jock clique (whose discussions revolve around the sacred catechism of football strategies and the latest protein drinks).

 

Libertarians on Public Education (K-12)

"Get government out of the classroom and let teachers teach."

From my personal perspective, it has been commonly and consistently recognized that the quality of education in Texas is a problem, but I believe that ONE answer is not more state control; it is innovation.

Given the amount of government funding spent on education in Texas, the expenditure does not seem to translate into adequately prepared students who are capable of finding a job. I think that one reason for this is the generic standards and mandates imposed on schools statewide. In my opinion, schools and school districts need the freedom to set their educational curriculum and expectations to meet the needs of the people most directly affected by the institution, the students.

"It's such a cloudy day, seems like we'll never see the sun or feel the day has possibilities."

One component of this plan is to allow educators to teach and innovate based on what’s best for their students. Just as some things work in California and New York, but not in Texas, the methods used in one school district may not work for another which is why unfunded education mandates from the state do more harm than good. I think that, as more control resides in the hands of local school boards, parents, and students, schools would not require as much oversight or paper-pushing to respond to federal and state level restrictions.

For Libertarians, the purpose of K-12 schools is also to provide an education, but one where the students learn how learn for themselves. It's not just about math, history, and biology, or finding creative ways to get around the dress code. It's also about students finding out which learning methods work for them and trying (but usually failing) to get the student interested in something more than the latest TikTok trend, in hairstyles and makeup tips, or of finding new ways to achieve higher scores on Fortnite.

Education in Texas is an important issue, and one that I believe deserves to be treated with realistic 21st century solutions and not heart-warming 20th century platitudes. If we want real solutions to the issues that we have with our education systems in Texas, let's get the government out of the classrooms and let the teachers actually teach our students instead of being their babysitters.

 

 

 


Committee to Elect Darren Hamilton
Powered by CampaignPartner.com - Political Campaign Websites
Close Menu