Alright, I would like to welcome everyone to the November
20, 2020 meeting of the Texas State Board of Education.
You know, this is a bittersweet meeting for us. It's
sweet and the fact that we've had so much great time
with these board members that will have their last
meeting with us today. But it's bitter that it will
be the last time that we are here with these six retiring
board members today. So we're gonna have a fun day
today. We're gonna have lots of proclamations and recognitions
and so forth and also a little work that we will do
also. So um,
I am going to call on Miss Pam Little first, to
introduce our student performance.
Thank you Mr. Chair. Uh, the choir is on their way in.
I am honored this morning to introduce the Lovejoy
Acapella Choir. For those of you that may not know,
Lovejoy is a combined area of Fairview, Allen and Lucas
in Collin County. This group features 15 students in
grades 10 through 12. Many quality singers from Lovejoy
High School audition each year for a spot in this highly
acclaimed group. These students perform in numerous
community events and concerts throughout the year singing
a variety of music genres including pop, jazz and concert.
This morning, the Lovejoy Acapella Choir has selected
several pieces for your enjoyment. Supporting the choir
today with them are Miss Katie Cordell their Superintendent,
Fine Arts Director, Dr. Fela Mathy. Obviously their Choir
Director Kelly Martin, and two Lovejoy trustees are here
Amy Smith and Marvin Bobo. And we also have the Mayor
of Fairview, Henry Lester and his wife Nancy. And the
Fairview Town Councilman Larry Little. I give you the
Lovejoy Acapella choir. Good morning everyone.
My name is Brindley Eaten. I'm a Senior at Lovejoy
High School and we are Lovejoy Acapella. Like she said,
we are an elect group of Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors.
We share a passion through spreading music throughout
our community. Thank you so much for inviting us today,
this morning. We are so, so very excited. Today will
be beginning with a rendition of "Everything" by Michael
Buble. This song is about that one special person
in the world, who makes everything worthwhile. We hope
you can reflect on those people in your life as you
listen. Thank you.
"Yes, you're my everything, but a. You're a falling star, you're the getaway
get away car. You're the line in the sand, when I
go too far. You're the swimming pool on an August day.
And you're the perfect thing to say. And you play it coy, but
it's kinda cute. Ah, when you smile at me, you know exactly what you do.
Baby, don't pretend that you don't know it's true. 'Cause you can see it when I look at you. And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times. It's you,
it's you, you make me sing. You're every line, you're every word. You're
everything. So, la, la, la, la, la, la, la. And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times. It's you,
it's you, you make me sing. You're every line, you're every word. You're
everything. So, la, la, la, la, la, la, la. So, la, la, la, la, la, la, la."
Hi, my name is Katie Knuckles and I'm a Senior at Lovejoy
High School. In 2011, the group Pentatonix put acapella
music on the map and their song, "Take Me Home", they sing about
about how individual heartbeats can come together and
make a group stronger. It reminds us that even as one
day we'll all go our separate ways. We will still be
united through the hope and love of being a part of
our acapella family, it is our home. Please enjoy,
"Take Me Home" by Pentatonix. "You,
you light up in the dark. You're the glowing and priceless work of art.
I see, I see your shining star. You're the light through my window
from afar. Oh,
And don't you forget. The only that matters is your heartbeat
going strong. Oh, dont
you forget. That nothing else can matter 'cause you know where I belong. Oh, take me there
Won't you take me there? Won't you take me
home? Oh,
take me there. Won't you take me there? Won't you take me home?
We, we light up the sky. Heaven knows there's no such thing
as goodbye. 'Cause love, love can never die. We'll forever be burning,
you and I. And don't you forget. The only that matters is our
heartbeats going strong. Oh, don't you forget. That nothing else can matter cause we know where
I belong. Oh, take me there
Won't you take me there? Won't you take me home?
Oh, take me there. Won't you take me there? Won't you take me home? Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh.
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh. Oh,
take me there. Won't you take me there?
Won't you take me home?
Oh, take me there. Won't you take me there? Won't you take me
home?"
Hello, I'm Kila Lawrence and I'm a Senior at Lovejoy
High School. Um, the poem, "The Sound of Silence," was
written by Paul Simon in 1964. It is about the friendship between Art Garfunkel and his friend who woke up with sudden blindness. It is said that within
darkness in the world, we find light within each other.
And this is "The Sound of Silence" and we hope you enjoy.
"Hello darkness, my old friend.
I've come to talk with you again. Because a vision softly
creeping.
Left its seeds while I was
sleeping. And the vision that
was planted in my brain. Still remains
Within the sound of
of silence. In restless dreams, I walked alone.
Narrow streets of cobblestone. 'Neath the halo of a street lamp.
I turned my collar to the cold and damp. When
my eyes were stabbed by the flash of a neon light. That split the night. And touched the sound
of silence.
And in the naked light, I saw. Ten thousand people, maybe more. People talking without speaking People hearing without listening. People writing songs that voices never shared.
And no one dared.
Disturb the sound
of silence. "Fools" said I, "You do not know
Silence like a cancer grows. Hear my words that I might teach you. Take my arms that I might reach you."
But my words, like silent raindrops fell. And echoed in the wells
of silence.
And the people bowed and prayed. To the neon
god they made. And the sign flashed
out its warning.
In the words that it was forming. Then the sign said, "The words on the prophets are written on the
subway walls. In tenement halls"
And whispered in the sound
of silence."
Hi, I'm Rider Sullivan. I'm a Senior at Lovejoy
High School. So, we finish up our performance this morning
with the arrangement of Queen's "Somebody to Love." So,
Freddie Mercury penned these, pinned this song. As he hoped
to find the one person in the world that would accept
him, regardless of his fame and fortune. In the end
he finds hope in refusing to accept defeat. And um,
knowing that there will eventually be somebody to love.
"Can anybody find me somebody
to love?
Nah, nah,
nah. Ooh, each morning I get up I die a little.
Can barely stand on my feet. (Take a look at yourself) Take a look in the mirror and cry (and cry). Lord, what you're doing to me? (Yeah, yeah). I have spent all my years in believing you. But I just can't get no relief, Lord.
Somebody (somebody), ooh, somebody (somebody). Can anybody find me somebody to love? Yeah. I work hard (he works hard) every day of my life. I work 'til I ache my bones. At the end (at the end of the day). I take home my hard earned pay
(goes home). All on my own (goes home on his own). I get down (down) on my knees (knees) And I start to pray (praise the Lord). 'Til the tears run down from my eyes. Lord,
somebody (somebody), ooh, somebody. (Please) can anybody find me
somebody to love?
Somebody to love (somebody to love). Every day (every day), I try and I try and I try.
But everybody wants to put me down. They say I'm going crazy. They say I got a lot of water in my brain. I got no common sense. (He's got) I got nobody left to believe in. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Got no feel, I got no rhythm. I just keep losing my beat (you just keep losing and losing)
I'm OK, I'm alright (he's alright, he's alright). I ain't gonna face
no defeat (yeah, yeah). I just gotta get out of this prison cell. One day (someday) I'm
gonna be free, Lord.
Find me somebody to love. Find me somebody to love. Find me somebody to love
Find me somebody to love. Find me somebody to love (find me). Find me somebody to love (find me, find)
Find me somebody to love, love, love (ooh, find me, find me)
Find me somebody to love (somebody to love). Find me somebody to love (ooh). Somebody, somebody
somebody, somebody. Somebody find me. Somebody find me
somebody to love. Can anybody find me somebody to love? (Find me somebody to love)
Somebody to love. Somebody to love.
Somebody to love. Somebody to love. Somebody,
Somebody to love."
Thank you again for your kind invitation and we hope
you'll have a blessed day. Thank you so much.
Good job. Uh, I know I am biased, but I think this is the best performance
we have ever had at The State Board of Education. This
is the best performance that we have ever had at The
State Board of Education. And I ask you for another
round of applause for these talented children.
Thank you very much you were great. We've got pictures.
And while they're doing that, I want to also recognize
the special guest Senator Angela Paxton, who represents
Lovejoy is also in the room here. Please raise your
hand. And
she told me it was on her playlist that she listens
to.
Perfect, right there.
Got it. Thank you.
Good morning.
Yes,
Again, an absolutely phenomenal performance. And so
thankful to everyone who helped to get them here. And
was part of that, that wonderful performance. Uh Miss
Georgina Perez, will you please bring the invocation
and lead us in the pledges?
Good morning. If I could please invite Miss Audrey
(inaudible)
Please bow your heads with me. Dear Lord, thank you
for having all of us here today. Thank you for your
guidance and your wisdom. And all the goodness and gracious
grace that you give us. As we make decisions that impact
5.5 million Children in the State of Texas. Dear Lord,
thank you for the works of the Texas Education Agency,
the State Board of Education, and all of the staff,
students, members and faculties of every school district
in the State of Texas. Dear Lord, please watch over
us. Please protect us and please keep us in your solid
hands. As we continue to do the good works of this great
State of Texas. Amen
If you all would please stand and join me in the Pledge
of Allegiance.
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States
of America. And to the Republic, for which it stands. One
nation under God indivisible. With liberty and justice for all."
And the Texas Pledge. "Honor the Texas flag. Pledge
allegiance to the Texas. One state under God. One and indivisible."
Thank you Ms. Perez. And at this point I'm gonna have
Staff to please call the roll.
Ms. Perez? Present. Mr. Cortez? Here. Ms. Perez-Diaz?
Here. Mr. Allen? Present.
Dr. Bell-Metereau? Present. Mr. Hickman? Here.
Dr Robinson? Here. Dr. Young? Here. Mr. Maynard? Here. Ms. Hardy? Here.
Mrs. Little? Here. Ms. Davis? Mrs. Melton-Malone? Here. Dr. Johnson? Here.
Dr Ellis? Here.
Thank you, a quorum is present. The first business to be considered
is the approval of the minutes of the State Board of
Education meeting from September 2, 2022, and from September
26, 2022. Are there any corrections to the minutes?
There are no corrections in the minutes, and the minutes are approved.
The next business in order is the presentation of the
resolutions honoring the 2022 Presidential Awards for
Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching State
finalists. And I will again call on Miss Perez.
If I could have Mr. Tom Maynard, enter the center of
the ring, with the appropriate materials. And be joined
by Miss Nikki Davis.
Good morning.
Miss Pam Little.
If you would please be joined by Miss Caitlin Duncan.
Mr. Allen?
If you will please join Miss Jessica Garza.
Miss Hardy?
If you will please join Miss Denise Carbon.
Miss Hardy, you also have Miss Cherre Palmer.
Mr Hickman? If you will please join Miss Shatara White. Members,
if you would please stand behind.
Somebody from the board can help.
Maybe Dr. Robinson. Dr. Robinson? Will you please join
Miss Shatara White.
Members, if you would please stand behind the finalist.
I love the color coordination.
As I say the individual's name, if you would please
hand their resolution to them. Whereas the
Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and
Science Teaching Program, identifies outstanding mathematics
and science teachers in each state and the four U.S.
jurisdictions. And whereas, through state selection
committees, three mathematics finalists and three science
finalists were selected as Texas finalists. Whereas
these teachers have become candidates for the Presidential
Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science teaching.
Now therefore be resolved, that the State Board of Education
does hereby extend its congratulations to Miss Jessica
Garza of Williams Elementary School Pasadena ISD,
Pasadena, Texas.
Kate Duncan, Robert L. Pastor Elementary School, Lovejoy
Independent School District, Lovejoy, Texas.
Nicole Davis, Pioneer Crossing Elementary School, Maynard
Independent School District, Maynard, Texas.
For being named State finalists in the Elementary Mathematics
category for the 2022 Presidential Award. And be it
further resolved, that the State Board of Education
does hereby extend its congratulations to Denise Carvin,
Radiant Stand Academy, Lewisville, Texas.
Cherre Palmer, I. University Preparatory School, Grapevine-
Colleyville Independent School District, Grapevine, Texas.
Shatara White, Tomball Intermediate School, Tomball Independent
School District, Tomball, Texas.
For being named State finalists in the Elementary Science
category for the 2022 Presidential Award. And be it
further resolved, that this resolution will be presented
to the aforementioned teachers for being identified
as State finalists for the 2022 Presidential Awards
for the Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
Program. And that a copy be included in the permanent
records of the Texas State Board of Education. Please
witness our signatures this 18th day of November 2022,
in Austin, Texas. Your Chair Dr. Ellis and myself, your
Secretary Georgina Perez, congratulations.
If you all would face your recognition forward. For
a nice group photo with your Representative behind
you please.
Mhm.
Enjoy that.
Congratulations again to this great group here. So
as that was honoring the 2022 State finalists. The
next business and orders, is the presentation of the resolution
honoring the 2020 Presidential Awards for Excellence
in Mathematics and Science Teaching Nationals awardees.
If Miss Sue Melton-Malone would join Miss Kristen Butler.
And Dr. J. Johnson, if you would please join Miss
Laurie Garrett.
Whereas the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics
and Science Teaching program, identifies outstanding
Mathematics and Science teachers in each state and
the four U.S. jurisdictions and whereas through National
selection committees, one mathematics finalists and
one science finalists were selected to represent Texas.
And whereas these teachers have become Texas
National awardees for the Presidential Awards for Excellence
in Mathematics and Science teaching. Now, therefore
be it resolved, that the Texas State Board of Education
does hereby extend its congratulations to Kristin Butler,
Midland Middle School, Northwest Independent School
District, Trophy Club, Texas. For being named Texas National
Awardee in the Primary Mathematics category, for the
2020 Presidential Award.
And be it further resolved, that the Texas State Board
of Education, does hereby extend its congratulations
to Miss Laurie Garrett, Cactus Elementary School, Dumas
Independent School District, Amarillo, Texas. For
being named Texas National Awardee in the Primary Science
category for the 2020 Presidential Award.
Turn it forward.
And be it further resolved, that this resolution
be presented to the aforementioned teachers for being
identified as State and National Awardees for the 2020
Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and
Science teaching program. And that a copy be included
in the permanent records of the State Board of Education.
Please witness our signatures this 18th day of november
2022, in Austin Texas. Our Chair, Dr. Keven Ellis and
myself, your Secretary Georgina Perez, congratulations.
Thank you Miss Perez.
Next business in order is a presentation of the resolutions
honoring retiring State Board of Education members.
We will honor Dr. J. Johnson first, and Dr. Young is recognized
to present the resolution in honor of Dr. Johnson.
Dr. Johnson? Why don't you go stand by Dr. Young up there.
as she presents.
Whereas John J. Johnson, has the eagerness and passion
to improve public education in Texas. And whereas he
is a dedicated public servant for education, who was
elected to serve District 15 of the State Board of
Education in November 2020. Where he served as a key
member of the committee on school initiatives. And whereas
he served for over 16 years on the Pampa Independent
School District's Board of Trustees, including as President
of the Board for two years. And whereas he is a founding
member of the Pampa Education Foundation, and he has
served as President of the Pampa Youth and Community
Center Board of Directors. And whereas, he is also famous
in Pampa for being inducted into the Pampa High School
Hall of Fame. And whereas, along with his dedication
to education, he was responsible for many healthy and
bright smiles in his profession as a dentist. Where
he practiced in Pampa-Gray County for 43 years. And
whereas, he is officially the bus driver, by vehicle
BR 549 of the State board of Education. Therefore
be it resolved, that with bright and happy smiles members
of the State board of Education which John J. Johnson
the very best in his next endeavors. And be it further
resolved, that this resolution be presented to John
J. Johnson and that a copy be included in the permanent
records of the State board of Education. Witness our
signatures this 18th day of November 2022, in Austin,
Texas. Keven Ellis, Chair and Georgina Perez, Secretary.
You're welcome. I love you. I love you too.
I'm also gonna call on Mr. Maynard now to make a presentation.
I want to point out, Mr. Maynard has done yeoman's work
to make sure that each of these members have a beautiful
gift. Don't go, don't go far J. Stay up close there.
A beautiful gift to go home to, to recognize their service
and their time on the State Board of Education. And
I'm gonna call on Mr. Maynard to make that presentation.
Dr. Johnson, as we kind of mentioned last night that
uh we, had this special thing
made for you. This is a, as you look at this,
seal on the wall. We we duplicated that. That seal on
the wall in wood. And uh, this so far as I know
this is the only one in existence. And so there may
be other ones, but this is, this is number one in a
series. So if it winds up on the Antiques Roadshow, but
it's not signed. But I mean, it's like that and so on
behalf of all of us. And we'd like to present you with
this token of your service on the Board. And
for your kids and grandkids to admire. And to be
proud of and the example that you set for them. Furthermore
Representative Ken King, has flown the flag over the
over the Capital in your honor, uh this week. This
week, this your last week here, your last meeting.
And uh, and we had this boxed for you, And
it says here, this is flown over the Texas Capital
and honor of J. Johnson State Board of Education 2021-
2022, on November of 2022. For you to to keep, and uh.
Thank you sir, my pleasure.
And from all of us, who rode in your bus. Your
own little he-haw, BR 549. Thank you. You're welcome.
Dr. Johnson, you know, so Representative Ken King flew
that flag for you. I think you may have filled a
cavity of his at one point in time also.
Alright, so congratulations. And I would ask all those
in favor of adopting the resolution honoring Dr. J. Johnson
say aye. Aye. The resolution is adopted.
I'm not accepting any nays on that one. All right,
we will honor Dr. Robinson next. Miss Davis is recognized
to present the resolution to honor Dr. Robinson.
So I just want to first say it's my honor to present
this resolution to a true hero and thank you. You know
we came in together, it's just been amazing to work
with you. Resolution, whereas Matt Robinson has been
a passionate advocate for traditional public schools.
And whereas, he showed that commitment by serving on
the Friendswood ISD Board of Trustees for a decade
before serving four years on the State Board of Education.
And whereas, he leaves the Board as Chair of the Committee
on School Initiatives. Which he diligently led the past
two years. And whereas, he successfully juggled this
public service with his work as a medical doctor. And
whereas, examples of his dedication could be seen as
he often attended local school functions and zoom meetings
of the State Board of Education, while wearing his scrubs.
And whereas, he used his expertise as a medical doctor
to inform the revisions to the Health Education Texas
essential knowledge and skills. Now therefore be resolved,
that the State Board of Education wishes Matt Robinson
a healthy prognosis of gratitude and appreciation for
his service. And be it further resolved, that this resolution
be presented to Dr. Matt Robinson and that a copy be
included in the permanent records of the a State Board
of Education. Witness our signatures this 18th day of
November 2022, in Austin Texas. Keven Ellis Chair, Georgina
Perez, Secretary. Thank you, Matt.
Yeah.
So a few years ago, we began the practice of, sort of
memorializing the leadership. That that members who
are retiring from the Board have exerted. And uh,
that's sort of the symbol of that leadership maybe
is the gavel. And uh, and so we have uh, arranged
for these, these gavel boxes. With uh, the plate that
commemorates Dr. Robinson's service on the board. But
also his Chairmanship on the School of the Committee
of School Initiatives. As you know, that the State Board
of Education, has uh three standing committees outside
of the committee of the full Board and the executive
committee. And uh, Dr. Robinson has been the
Chair of that committee. And we'd like to thank you
for your leadership.
In addition, we may have to juggle here a little bit.
Heavy.
Representative Ed Howard, has flown this flag, I believe
that you of a relationship there. And he was honored
to do that for you. And this flag was flown this week
over the Capital in your honor. Of your service and
your leadership on the State Board of Education. And
thank you for your work and for your dedication
to the children of Texas.
Congratulations, and I would also ask all those in
favor of adopting the resolution honoring Dr. Robinson
say aye. Aye. The resolution is adopted. Next, we will honor
Miss Perez. Pasture, the last great Chair of the State
Board of Education, has recognized Miss Donna Bahorich
to present the resolution in honor of Miss Perez.
Whereas, oops sorry, whereas Georgina Cecilia Perez,
is a passionate former 8th Grade English Language Arts
Reading teacher in the Ysleta School District. And
whereas as a child, she often found solace
and comfort in libraries and then grew up to be a fierce
advocate for literacy. And has now helped provide more
than 500,000 books to students who live in rural or
impoverished areas. And whereas, immediately upon joining
the Board, she channeled her passion for Language Arts
and Reading, to ensure the board adopted a strong set
of English and Spanish language arts and reading Texas
essential knowledge and skills. And whereas, her State
Board of Education district encompassed 40 West Texas
counties. That included more than 900 miles along the
Texas-Mexico border. Okay. And whereas she was often
on the road again, to meet with constituents so that
she could hear their concerns in person. And whereas,
she served as a vital member of the Board's Committee
on Instruction, and as the Secretary of the Board since
2019. And whereas, she worked tirelessly to reach across
party lines to bring about the best decisions on behalf
of the children of Texas. And whereas, the staunch Democrat
quickly formed a close and strong alliance with Donna
Bahorich, uh Republican Chair of the State Board of Education.
And whereas, this pairing known as Thelma and Louise.
Crisscrossed this state, gathering input from constituents
and together they forged bipartisan solutions on many
policy issues. Whereas this proud El Paso native, was
instrumental in the development of the State's
1st Ethnic Studies course and helped craft a fast track
approach to developing additional Ethnic Studies courses.
Now be it now therefore, be it resolved that the State
Board of Education, thanks Georgina Cecilia Perez for
her passion and dedication to Texas public education.
And be it further resolved, that this resolution be
presented to Georgina Cecilia Perez. And that a copy
be included in the permanent records of the State Board
of Education. Witness our signatures this 18th day of
November 2022, in Austin, Texas. Keven Ellis, Chair. Pam
Little, Vice Chair.
Present this to you.
We have rules Aisha, you're not allowed to cry. You make me cry up here. Okay.
I'm just gonna have to give um, my own remarks for this
remarkable woman. I just have to do this. Um, Gina and
I began our fast friendship right after her election
to the SBOE. At the time, the Board was
revising Spanish Language Arts and Reading. And I as
the Chair, needed more input from the field. Um, so that
we could be sure and to approve the best standards
possible for our classroom. And Gina took on the assignment
like immediately because I loved to give assignments.
And just so you know. And um, she took it on immediately
put a strong educated group together. I know many of
you sitting around this room will remember. You know,
the incredible group from El Paso, that came up and
helped us finish up the Spanish Language
Arts and Reading standards. And um, and they made it
and she made a huge impact from the very first meeting.
And there were numerous 2am calls. Yes. Uh, just talking
through what she needed to, to get ready proposing amendments
to make the standards better. From that first meeting
on, we never stopped working together to prepare for
meetings because that's what the public expects. When
they elect officials to represent them. Good faith
efforts to work through the issues. Rolling up our sleeves
together regardless of party labels. To work with anyone
and everyone in support of the 5.5 million students
of Texas. The students of our great State deserve nothing
less than that effort. A lot has happened in both our
lives over the last several years of our friendship.
But our commitment to supporting each other professionally
and personally has only grown. What also has grown
is my love for the color purple.
Purple.
Sorry, sorry. Purple represents everything Gina is.
Her language of love is truly service.
Gina Perez is someone you want in your corner.
No one will fight harder. Fight longer. Fight more
passionately than Gina. She's a warrior in the best
sense. And this is why this children of Texas have
been so blessed to have Gina Perez in their corner
for the last eight years.
Gina, you will leave a void on this Board. I know I
speak for many around the circle. That you are a rare
diamond.
Brilliant and fierce.
A true champion for children. Well done, Georgina Perez.
You will be greatly missed. Godspeed, my friend.
I know.
Okay, you want a photo with all this stuff? Oh yeah
with all this stuff. Okay, sorry, sorry. Dry it up.
I didn't ugly cry. No, you didn't. There was no snot
bubbles.
Thank you. Okay, Mr. Maynard, let's have it.
Well, Georgina would like to memorialize your
leadership on the Board, as serving as Secretary and
of course as a member of the Executive Committee. I
will tell you that plate doesn't really
capture that. And I what you and
I have in common, is that you know, we've
taught all the same same kids. Yes sir. And uh, and I especially
remember that you know when the uh, the Spanish language
arts. The Spanish-English language arts was completely
unsatisfactory. And that uh, that that you would not
accept that for those students. Because all
students deserve excellent standards. And uh and
and thank you for your leadership. And I hope that this
will be something that will remind you of your
time here, your years here, your work here. That you'll
hold that in a spot and I know you and your kids.
And uh, always be a reminder of the example
that you set for them. Thank you.
Thank you sir.
In addition, uh your good friend Representative Gina
Hinojosa. Has flown this flag over the Texas Capital
this week. In honor of your leadership and your
service. And on her behalf, I'd like to present that
to you. Thank you.
Congratulations. Thank you.
Congratulations. And I again, I would ask all those
in favor of adopting the resolution honoring Miss Perez
say aye. Aye. And the resolution is adopted. We will honor
Mr. Cortez next. Miss Perez-Diaz is recognized to present
the resolution and honor of Mr. Cortez.
All right. Well, Good Morning everybody. I'm gonna
try to get through this without crying. And I will
say for anybody that's watched the State Board of Education
over the last decade. Um surprise, surprise. I would
be the one to do this for Ruben. Um, so I'll read
I'll read this resolution.
Whereas Ruben Cortez, Jr. has demonstrated a long standing
commitment to service, particularly in the area of
public education. And whereas he served in the Brownsville
ISD Board of Trustees. I'm already crying. The
Region One Education Service Center, Board of Directors.
And various committees for the Texas and National Association
of School Boards in addition to his decade of service
in the State Board of Education. And whereas, he served
as the Secretary of State Board of Education, two terms
from 2015 to 2019. And whereas, he developed a reputation
as someone who carefully scrutinized applications that
request approval for the creation of a new school district
known as a charter school. And whereas, he regularly
reached out to administrators and other active educators
to get their first hand input before making policy
decisions. And whereas, he worked successfully with
coalitions to help craft the state's first ethnic studies
course, which has now become an example for other ethnic
studies courses. Now therefore be it resolved,
the State Board of Education wishes Ruben Cortez
Jr. all the very best on his next pursuit. And be it
further resolved, that this resolution to be presented
to Ruben Cortez Jr. And that a copy be included in the
permanent school record and the permanent records of
the State Board of Education. Witness our signatures
to this 18th day of November 2022, in Austin, Texas. Keven
Ellis, Chair. Georgina Perez, Secretary.
And of course I will also take a point of personal
privilege really quickly. Um, I've been on this Board
now a decade. I'm, you know, as a result of both Member
Alan and Member Cortez transitioning off. I'm the most
Senior Democrat on the Board now. And it's been an honor
and privilege to serve next to you mi hermano. Eres familia no
amigo. Um, I remember our first year on the Board. We
were sworn in on January of 2013. Ruben called me
up after our first Board meeting was like, all right
so what do we do first? And the two of us agreed
that Mexican-American studies was what our
Texas students deserved. And in April 2013, we started
our work. And it took us an entire year to be able
to bring that to the State Board of Education from
2013 to what we finally passed 2016. Um, probably
longer than that, we worked really hard on that journey.
Um Ruben, you've been the big brother, I've always
wanted. You were there for my wedding. You've been
there for all of our kids births. Um, you are truly
um, you're truly family. And uh, you know, and I'm sorry
I wore red on your day. Um, but the truth is
Ruben, you've made an impact on this Board, on the
State of public education in Texas. And truly on me
and my family. Um, we love you with everything. We love
your family. Um, we'll watch over your girls in San
Antonio. Uh, and you know, I just wanna, I just wanna
say. You've truly been the person, that's um you've
been my right hand man, literally this last decade.
I'm gonna miss you tremendously and I know on this
Board, um for some of you, Reuben is um, the one you
love to hate. And then you can go have a beer afterwards.
Ruben has truly been the one I love to, love on this
Board. Um so thank you. Thank you for your years of
service. For your kindness, your dedication to everything
you do and truly for, for your friendship.
Oh, I guess this is yours.
Get a picture.
Yes. Let's move over here. It's in the podium.
And has become our, our tradition. And we would like
to present you this gavel, representing your leadership
on the Board. And uh, we hope again that you will cherish
that as a memento of your time. That you will be reminder
not only to you, but of your children and
your grandchildren. And those who come after them. Uh
just a piece that the legacy. Yeah,
my Grandpa was on the State Board of Education. And
then. Hopefully grandkids. Yeah. Still some time. Yeah
This is gorgeous. Thank, thank you guys.
Yeah.
And your good friend, Representative Chairman Terry
Canalis. Has flown this flag over the Texas Capital
this week in your honor. On his behalf, we'd like to
present that to you.
Well, um I noticed none of you but I actually. You
all know, I am a man of very few words. Uh
so I will try to make this. Testimony is limited to
two minutes. I will try to make this as quick as I
can. You know, every time I get an opportunity to go
and visit schools. I always and I brought, I brought
this up a little last night. I always like to tell
those teachers as a way of thanking them. That a kid
like me shouldn't be up here making decisions for 5.5
million kids, right. I should be dead or in jail. If
not for the great Educators that we have in this State,
that helped someone like me. And so when I came onto
this Board a decade ago, I had one goal. Is to figure
out how we can help more Ruben Cortez's that exist
in every school district across this great State. I
wanted to make sure that our teachers had the best
tools that they needed. Uh.
We've accomplished a lot in 10 years. There's no doubt
about that. Uh, Marisa mentioned some of that when
we adopted the first Mexican-American studies course,
and other ethnic courses that
are gonna be coming into the pipeline. We've made a
lot of important changes for students with dyslexia.
Which is something that I'm extremely passionate about,
three of my kids are dyslexic. So it was something
that was very, very important to me personally, because
it struck close to home. Uh, we've been a voice
for all Texas schools and all Texas children. We've
advocated for better pay raises. For the reduction and
at times the elimination of high stakes tests. And
we've on this body voted against vouchers on numerous
occasions. Sometimes it's taken uh, compromise and
sometimes it's taking us a lot of fights in this room.
But I think you all would agree that the children of
the State of Texas are worth fighting for. Even though
sometimes we're fighting against each other, because
the approaches we believe that will get us to the finish
line are sometimes different. Uh, I've always learned
to respect this process, even though sometimes I don't
like the outcome. Uh, but I believe that our children
in this State are worth, that sacrifice are worth
that fight. Uh, and I can promise all of you this,
I'll continue to do my part to fight for the children
and our public schools and the families of the State
of Texas. Uh, but I would be remiss if I didn't say
that serving in a position like this is not something
you can do without the support of your family. I know
my wife and my kids aren't here, but uh I couldn't
do this without my wife, Sandra. Without my daughter
Sofia, and Anna, my daughter, Julieta and my son Ruben.
Uh, I've made a lot of amazing friends on this Board,
like my dear sister over here, Marisa Perez-Diaz. And
a lot of you and a lot of you who have come
and gone. I got, I got my chocolate bar from uh, Barbara
Cargill. That's gonna be my uh, my sugar as I drive
home. Thank you. Uh, but I just ask that you guys keep
up the fight because the children of the state of Texas
are worth it. And regardless of how late you stay in
here, and regardless of the disagreements that go on.
And just as long as we keep the students in mind, uh
this Board is gonna do great things. And so I don't
wanna say goodbye. I just want to say until we meet
again. So God bless each of you and God bless Texas.
Thank you Mr. Cortez. And I want to say again, congratulations
and all those in favor of adopting the resolution honoring
Mr. Cortez say aye. Aye. And the resolution is adopted. We
will honor next Miss Sue Melton-Malone. Miss Hardy
is recognized to present the resolution in honor of
Miss Melton-Malone.
All right. Whereas Sue Melton-Malone, passionately served
Texas Public Education for almost a half a century
as both an Educator and as a Member of the State Board
of Education. Whereas she taught school in the Ross
and West School Districts for 36 years. And is now completing
a decade of service on the State Board. Whereas her
election of State President of the Association of Texas
Professional Educators in 2007-2008 school year. Showed
that Sue Melton-Malone was a recognized leader in her
profession. Whereas she used her skills as a Church
Choir Director to lead the Board and audience in many
robust renditions of "Happy Birthday" to celebrate fellow
Board Members and Staff. Whereas as Chair of the Committee
of Instruction for the past eight years, she helped
Members of the Committee sing from the same page as
they crafted policies. That's so true. Whereas she
frequently used her Teacher voice to present dozens
of long and complex motions amending the Texas Essential
Knowledge and Skills. And therefore be it resolved, that
the State Board of Education wishes Sue Melton-Malone
many years of fun. And be it further resolved, that this
resolution be presented to Sue Melton-Malone, that
a copy being included in the permanent records of the
State Board of Education. Witnessed our signatures on
the 8th of November 2022, in Austin, Texas. So.
I'm gonna say one little thing. Uh, that is everybody
brings a different skill to the Board. Everybody brings
something different. And I would say that Sue is one
of those silent warriors. Because you don't know what's
going on in her head. And she will make the right choice
when it comes down to it. But she is thinking and working
behind and thinking and working on all these issues.
In regard, mainly to her love of the elementary child
and the special needs children. And I think I said
this last night, we're all appreciative of that because
she brought us to that point too. And so we will miss
your guidance in so many ways, but especially that
way. So we will miss her as a friend on the Board.
But I know she's got good things planned, like lots
of travel probably now that she will be free. But thank
you. Thank you for all that you've done.
And Sue, to commemorate your able leadership of
the Committee on Instruction. First as as Vice Chair
and then for eight years as Chair. And I just say
that there's just a lot of things that have happened
on the Committee on Instruction that people really
don't really remember think about. Remember that
we held the first period on the length of the (inaudible),
and you think about the dyslexia handbook. By the way,
I raised a dyslexic son, who now lives in West. And all
of those things that really impact children and
and people don't always think about it. But thank you
for your leadership. And uh, and we want you to take
this and as a reminder. And uh, your time here
it doesn't always capture that. But I hope you'll look
at that, and think about that. And maybe think
about us in a kind way. Thank you. So congratulations.
And in your honor, you're a good friend Representative
Kyle Cassell, has flown this flag over the Capitol this
week. And uh and sent you this certificate. And on behalf
of our mutual friend Representative Cassell. I'd like
to present you this flag, in honor of your service
on the Board. Thank you.
Yeah.
I'm gonna save my remarks for the end. I think we'll
have some personal time at the end. Right, Mr. Terry?
So, I'm gonna save those for then. Uh, in case I get
all teary eyed. So thank you all so very much.
Congratulations and all those in favor of adopting
the resolution honoring Miss Melton-Malone say aye. Aye.
The resolution is adopted. And we will honor Mr. Allen
next. Mr. Maynard is recognized to present the resolution
and honor Mr. Allen.
(inaudible)
It's my honor to read this resolution. Whereas Lawrence
Allen Jr., is a third generation Educator. Who dedicated
his life to improving education in the classroom, as
an Administrator and at the State level as
a Member of the State Board of Education. And whereas,
he was elected to the State Board of Education in 2004.
To serve in the same seat previously occupied by his
Mother, Dr. Alma Allen. And whereas, he is a Member of
the Houston Association of School Administrators, the
Texas Association of Gifted and Talented, National Association
of Secondary School Principals, and the National Association
of Secondary Administrators. And whereas, during his
17 years on the Board, he served on the Committee on
Planning, Committee on Instruction, and was Vice Chair
of the Board for a two year term, and served as Vice
Chair of the Committee on School Finance and Permanent
School fund for eight years. And whereas, he developed
a reputation as the E. F. Hutton of the State Board
of Education. Because he did not speak often, but when
he did everyone listened. Now there it, there would be
resolved that the State Board of Education, wishes Dr.
Lawrence Allen, Jr., all the best in his next venture.
And be it further resolved, that this resolution be
presented to Dr. Lawrence Allen, Jr. and that a copy
would be included in the permanent records of the State
Board of Education. Witness our signatures this 18th
day of November, 2022 in Austin, Texas. Dr. Allen. Uh.
And I would add to that, is that
Dr Allen of course. And I mentioned this last night, as
a Charter Member of the Board of Directors of the Permanent
School Fund Corporation. Uh, there will be other Members
come, but there will never be any more Charter Members.
And so that is uh, you know, that's one of those
things that flies into the radars. But it's really
really important. Uh, Dr. Allen, I just want to thank
you for uh, for your service and your leadership and
your friendship. And uh, we have some things in common
too that. You know, we a lot of people don't know that
that I serve on the Advisory Committee for Prairie
View A&M University. And uh, and Dr. Allen
is one of the proud Prairie View A&M grads here
on roaming around Capitol Hill. And uh, and we will
continue to work on those things, and to do those things.
But thank you for your service. Thank you sir. Now.
And to commemorate your leadership on the Board. We'd
like to present you this, this house gavel in this box.
And there is a State Representative that you, you have
a relationship with. Yes sir, somewhat. Somewhat. Your best
friend, well besides your wife. Your other best
friend, and your Mom Representative Alma Allen,
has flown this flag over the Capitol in your honor.
And uh, has presented this very
our special certificate with this special message to
you. And so I think that, I guess someone's gonna read
it last night. But I guess we will dispense with. I will have my
wife read it when we get home.
All right.
Thank you.
Like my colleague Ruben, I'd like to take my minute
and a half at this time. I know many people think I'm
a man of few words, but you probably didn't know I was
a Minister. And so I have a great ability to speak for
hours, if it's necessary. I want to really and truly
thank each and every one of you. As I was reflecting
because I don't really want to be emotional. So I distance
myself from my emotions at times. Whatever, as I remember
coming in and Tyson Miller was the Chair. Uh, 18 years
ago, I just know how many wonderful people who have
set around this circle, and it affected my life. I'm
truly gonna miss each and every one of you. I'm truly
gonna miss not seeing Pat because no, not funny. She's
been here with me the entire time. That she is now serving
in her 20th year. It's always special to see a familiar
face every time you come. And and a sounding board and
that's all I want to thank you for that. My mother
who sat in the seat before I did. Asked me if I
would, would do this and whenever I think about my
Mother, I get extremely emotional.
We were in Denver, Colorado when uh, Barack Obama was
being named the Democratic Nominee for President uh,
during that time. And my Mother turned to me and she
said, I can see you up there one day.
And that's because she just believed in me. And that's
why I do what I do because my Mother always believed
in me. I have dyslexia. I struggled in school most
of my life. But my Mother always told me if you could
only see what I see, you'll go and do great things.
So I thank her for encouraging me to do this. And it's
been a love uh, to just honor my Mother, as I sat
here. My first wife, uh Clotheo, just walked
with me from the time we were 18 until today, she's
still with me. I want to thank her for giving me four
children, and just being by my side. To make sure
this young man, who struggled could go somewhere that
God wanted him to go and do great things. And now I, sitting
with my best friend, and my wife and uh, Miss Carlotta.
As we go on to this next level, 13 years later now
we've been married. And I want to thank her for telling
me every time she gets a chance, you're brilliant.
Something that's very difficult for a young Black man
to truly believe. And so when I can hear it from her
voice that you're brilliant, I get up and get ready
to run one more time. And so I want to thank each
and every one of you, the Chairs from Barbara to Donna
to those who serve before you've done excellent. People
may not fully understand, I'll leave with this how
difficult it is to get something passed. But it's the
process that makes it wonderful. It's not an agreement
it's not the disagreement, it's the process. And to
learn that one part of Texas is not like the other
part of Texas. And so I don't speak because you have
to learn how to listen. Because if you come thinking
you know at all, you don't know anything. Come to learn
and then find what consensus is, not what I want, what
we want. Thank each and every one of you and I'll
see you tomorrow.
Congratulations Dr. Allen and thank you for believing
in us. And I would ask all those in favor of adopting
the resolution honoring Mr. Lawrence Scully Allen, say
aye. Aye.
The resolution is adopted. Members, thank you all. I do
want again, thank Mr. Tom Maynard. That is a lot, a lot
of work. To make all those things happen on those presentations.
And he took care of that. So I wanna just personally
thank Tom Maynard for doing that. State Board of Education
will take a recess says, my script until 10:30. We might
go a little bit longer than that. So that we can attend
a reception for the retiring members and we will stand
in recess.
(inaudible) will come back to order. Next business in order
is the Commissioner of Education's comments and presentations.
So I will call on Commissioner Morath again. As always
we thank him for being here and taking time. Thank
you for traveling Wednesday. So we missed our normal
time with you. But thank you for uh, switching around
and being available for us today. Thank you Chair
Ellis, thank you Members for your service. We know
we have six Members, which is kind of extraordinary
six members. That this is your last meeting and I just
wanted to publicly say thank you. Um, for extraordinary
service to 5.5 million souls. Uh, I know y'all don't
do it for the money. Uh and I am grateful. I'm grateful
for this body, grateful for you and y'all's leadership.
Um, I want to give you an update on a couple of
things that I know um, are heavy interest to Board Members.
The first one is about changes coming to the STAAR test.
So just for my own benefit, raise your hand if you
are aware that we are redesigning the STAAR test this
year? Uh okay, good. I just wanna make sure we're getting
the message out. I believe I've talked to you about
that several times. Of course the STAAR test is the
test that is designed to discern student mastery of
your (inaudible). Um, that is what we use it for around the
State. Um, and uh and before STAAR there was TAKS. Before
TAKS that was TAAS. Before TAAS, um actually there
weren't even any standards, TABS, TEAMS. Uh, yeah so um.
So STAAR is changing. It is not getting more difficult.
Which is what happened with each of those prior sets
of testing changes. But it is changing to be more reflective
of classroom instruction. So I think I've previously
shared this information with you. Um I thought I would
ground today's update. Because I do have a few pieces
of information that are new. I want to make sure I
share with you. Um, but just ground this update in the
nature of the changes. There's five key changes happening
to the STAAR test. The first thing is the passage selection
process for our LA. Has been modified to ensure that
as many passages as possible are chosen for a cross
curricular content knowledge. So you think if a
student expectation in Science or Social Studies in
that grade or earlier has um, has covered that knowledge
base. We want to try to ensure passages are aligned
with that cross curricular content. This is extraordinarily
important as a literacy practice. Uh, and we want to
make sure that that's reflected in the design of
STAAR test. Second key, changing writing is being added
um, throughout the RLA. Exam. So grades 3 and
up. Um, so you have short constructed response. These
are typically phrases or sentences. And then extended
constructed response. Which might be a paragraph saying
Third grade or a short essay in Eighth grade. Um,
and uh, which is important because Reading and Writing
are definitely related. Um, and but the Writing passage
or the writing assignments on STAAR are also based upon
Reading. So the student will read a passage and then
they will be asked to write in response to that. What
we see in very strong classroom instructional settings.
We want to make sure that the assessment reflects that
strong instructional practice. Third thing is we know
the bane of a great classroom is the dreaded multiple
choice worksheet. We want to see fewer and fewer multiple
choice worksheets um, instructionally. Um, and so we are
attempting to have fewer and fewer multiple choice
questions on the STAAR test. To reflect that um, uh strong
instructional practice. So um, the Law requires that
no more than 75% of the questions can be multiple choice,
on any given STAAR test. And we're actually trying to
get as few multiple choice questions as possible. Um,
a fairly complex set of changes. But that will again
reflect what we want to see happen instructionally.
Fourth, we know that in classrooms all over Texas
with the diversity of learners that we have. There
are instructional accommodations that are offered in
our classrooms. You think for example, a student with
um, dyslexia might be getting accommodations where
Math content is read aloud to that student. So you
want to make sure that the assessment has those same
kinds of accommodations. And that they are universally
equitably available to our students. So you don't want
to depend on just the proctor in the room. You want
to make sure that every student that um, uh sits for
the exam has access to those. So those are universally
available embedded in the assessment. And this is uh,
number five. All part of a shift to online assessments.
Which in future years will allow us to get scores back
more quickly, to uh, teachers and parents. So um, uh
which is which is a great long term change. I say future
years because I'm gonna come back to that point. So
a couple of things have, have come up in recent months
that I think are worthy um to review. This is not new
information. But I get asked this question so frequently,
and I assume you get asked the same question with some
frequency. So uh, want to try to explain it. The
the change in the redesign of the STAAR test. I would
say that the feedback that I have gotten from Teachers
from Principals from Superintendent from students themselves
have been remarkably positive. People think these are
very good changes to make to the design of the test.
But they are different. Uh, and a very common question
is, well this, these look like great questions, but
this is clearly harder. And so, um, scores are gonna
go down. So that is not true. Uh, and uh, and everybody
thinks that it's true and it certainly feels true.
It's just not actually true. And so I wanted to explain
why, um, we say that it's not true. And has to do
with field testing. So, and in the process of equating.
So if you think any given year student sits down for
STAAR test and I don't know, 4th grade Math. And maybe
there's 40 questions on the test. So five of those
questions are actually not the STAAR test. The student
doesn't know which of five questions we're talking
about. The teacher doesn't know. Only the test
designers know. Those are questions that are being tested
for a future test. Um, and so you can see how students
respond to it. And so say 10% of kids answer the question
right. You can tell that's a very, very hard question.
90% of kids answer the question right. That's a very
that's an easy question and anything in between. So
um, we use that to then compile, um and
review all of the different items that are out. We
also do, um, analysis for bias. So let's say one particular
group of students seems to perform abnormally high
or low on a given question relative to other students.
If that if that shows up, we might throw that question
out. So, um we, gather statistics on all of these
uh, future possible STAAR test items every year. We
also make sure that we're covering the entirety of
your (inaudible). So um, the breadth of the student expectations
all have to be field tested. And then um, in preparation
for building next year's test, we put that together.
So on this image here, you can think of this bowl of
marbles, as it were. So a big marble might be a hard question.
A small marble might be an easy question, and
everything in between. The different colors or different
student expectations and the (inaudible). And so when, when
a test is designed, the overall difficulty of
the test has to match in year two versus year one.
We and, we can discern that by looking at the
percentage of kids that answer questions right or wrong
on these field test items. So that if you think about
the weight of this bowl of marbles, um, the weight
in year two has to be the same as the weight in
year one. This is the equating process. Now when,
when folks are building tests locally, nobody ever
does this. It's very intense. It's labor
intense, time intense is expensive. But we need to
do this to make sure that STAAR is a consistent measurement
of grade level, mastery of the Texas Essential
Knowledge and Skills. And so this happens, this equating
process happens every year. And so what that means,
is you can have an individual item among the assessment
that looks much harder in year two than in year one.
But the, the totality of the test is meant to be balanced.
So meets grade level in year two is the same as meets
grade level in year one. Um, so we get asked this question
a lot. We, we um, it's also important to emphasize
that Teachers actually do really design the STAAR test.
So we have, you can see six different specific Teacher
Review Committees that are formed. We use current practicing
Teachers in that grade and subject. We actually ask
for districts all over the State to volunteer Teachers
to do this. Uh, what we find for Teachers that participate
in this, is they find it to be an immensely valuable
professional development, um, experience. They come
back and they understand the rigor expectations of
the, of the, of the State (inaudible) better than everybody
in the State once they go through this. So we get a
lot of positive feedback from the Teachers that participate
in this process. But they're editing items, they're writing
items. They're selecting passages, they're editing passages,
the whole nine. So this is what the process actually
looks like to build the assessment. Um, each of the
light blue steps in this process are um, where Texas
classroom Teachers are driving the train. And then the
the other steps are just other steps in the assessment
development process. So none of that is new information,
but I do want to make sure I share with you one
piece of information that will be new for this year.
It's a one year only issue. Um, because of the
changes in the 338 Test, we will go through a standard
setting process again this year. The last time that
we did this was in Mathematics in 2015, as a result
of the significant changes that this Board made to
the Math (inaudible). Um, and uh, and but we only did it in 2015
in Math. And then the time that we did it before that,
was when the STAAR test came into existence initially,
which was 2011-2012. So the standard setting process
you bring together a bunch of Educators. And they review
both before kids take the test, and after kids take
the test. To discern the kinds of responses and
level of response is that kids are given. And they have
to they are ultimately making the decision. If you
get 24 questions right, that meets grade level.
They are sort of making that decision. Um, and so we
do equating every given year. And then we
do standard setting only when there's a significant
change in test design, and that is happening this year.
So um, and uh, and that happen in no
small part because of the additional writing components.
That are added in the RLA Exam. Because last year
in 3rd grade, there weren't writing questions on the
test. Um, so those are kind of a new dimension of information
being asked about um, for our students. A new
subset of the (inaudible) being assessed. So um, so this
is happening this year. It's a one year only deal. The
last time that we went through standard setting, we
that year, I don't know if you'll recall this in 2015.
But that year, uh, parents and Educators did not get
their STAAR scores back in Math until October. Um, uh
and it's because of the standard setting process. Um,
and, so this chart shows you the timeline for when
standard setting has to happen. Its that gray chunk
on this. So we will be able to give raw scores back
in late May, early June like we normally do. And when
I, when I say raw scores, I mean every individual
item will be graded. And everyone will have all of the
responses. So they'll see the how the kid answered
a writing assignment and what the grade was on that
writing assignment. So they'll get all that back late
May, early June just like they normally would. Actually
slightly faster than they normally do. But because
the standard setting, we will not be able to say uh,
this student performed. That it does not meet grade
level or this uh, student performed at approaches grade
level or a meets grade level or a master's grade level,
until mid August. Um, that is a one year problem. Uh,
and of course, it's a lot faster than it was in 2015.
Because it was October in 2015, so August is faster
than that. But it is a change in the
what is expected and what normally happens. This is
not um, this only applies to 338. Does not apply to EOCs.
Um, EOCs will be returned on a normal timeline.
Um, but it is a change. And so, I've been discussing the
implications of this change with Superintendents around
the State over the last couple of months. Um and, you
may or may not get questions on this. Um, I can tell
you as a Dad, I'm gonna be bummed about this. Because
I want to see my kids score as soon as I can.
And this year I won't get my kids score back until
until mid August. And that'll be the same for um, for
all of our parents, unfortunately. This is a one year
problem. Um, so next year we should actually get scores
back sooner, because of the switched online testing.
But it's somewhat unavoidable because of the standard
setting process. So I wanted to make sure that y'all
knew that this was happening. Um, and we're aware
of this. The we similarly get a lot of questions about
the shift to online assessment. Um, so I thought I would
share some data with you on that. Uh, Board Member Cortez
of course it's a presentation for me, so there's charts
and graphs. Um, so um, the the switch to online assessment
has largely happened in Texas already. So 82% of kids
took the test online in the Spring. Um, you can see
it was relatively equivalent whether we're talking
Elementary kids, Middle School kids or High School
kids. Those are the bars on the right. So 77%
of Elementary School students were already testing
online, 85% testing online in Middle School and 84%
in High School. Um uh, so we have largely made
the logistical shifts and the academic preparation
shifts needed to do this. Um as a State, but it hasn't
happened everywhere, so there are still some districts
that um, are feeling nervous about this switch. Um and
we are working to try to provide supports um, as much
as possible. One of the supports that we have offered
is, there is a version of the online assessment platform
that school districts have access to. Where they can
load their own items in. And uh, and so you think they
might have a common six week assessment that they do
at the end of every six week. Um, if they want to
they can convert that assessment into the online testing
platform. And then the kids will take a assessment that
is planned that the Teachers find valuable. Uh and,
it will already be in the online format. So
when a student then comes, to time to test on STAAR in
the Spring, it won't be the first time that the student
has has taken an online assessment. And I'm a big fan
of useful assessments. I'm a big adversary to useless
assessments. So we don't want School Districts
to say shut down the school in early
April, and do a practice test for everybody. We think
that's a huge waste of time. People should not be doing
that. But assessments are part of normal instruction
activities. So if the School District has a
local assessment that they find value, and then they
can potentially convert that. And then, you're sort
of killing two birds with one stone as it were. You
have a useful assessment that you're going
to administer to the students. And the students have
a practice opportunity in an online environment. So
we have posted as much information as possible about
the STAAR redesign on our website. So I don't know if
y'all have checked this stuff out. But you know, Google
to STAAR redesigners web page with. There's a, you can
take practice tests. Which again, we discourage for students.
But it's not a bad idea for adults to take this. So
they know what their students are up against. There's
example uh, question types for every new item type that
shows up on the test. There are scoring guides for how
do we grade writing? How do we make sure it's fair?
There's examples of strong Writing responses and weak
Writing responses. So that people um uh, know exactly
how the assessment works. The blueprints are posted
online. Um uh, instruction for how to to do accommodations
for paper administration. There's a bunch of frequently
asked questions. We also produced uh, an online webinar
It's about an hour, hour and 15 minutes long. So if
somebody wants to understand everything about the STAAR
redesign, they can watch that in their jammies. Um
uh, you know, at night if they want to. Um, we put
we actually put together an online class. So if you
really want to like learn about the online are the new STAAR
redesigned, you can take that online class. It's free,
it's on our website. So we've been we've been trying
to get as many resources as possible. We don't want
this to sneak up on anybody. We want everybody to be
um, comfortable with the changing. And most of the feedback
that I've gotten is, is very positive. People think
these are good changes to the assessment. But it is
still change. And um, if the people that you work with
or any like the people that I work with change is not
something that you know comes natively to the human
species. We uh, so we're trying to get as much information
as possible out. So um uh, this slide just has a few
key takeaways related to start redesign. We will share
this with you, uh today's presentation. But again, um
I want to give you an update on just some stuff. That
is happening related to the STAAR redesign. That goes
into effect this Spring. Time is short but on that, there
might be a few questions. Maybe do one or two questions
just on that. One question that I've seen surface quite
a bit is 3rd graders, typing out the non-multiple
choice questions. What is that going to look like?
And also you talk about being able to get the results
back sooner. Is the non-multiple choice answers? How
does that fit into getting that sooner? Yeah, great.
Both of those are great questions. So um, as y'all
may know this. It is in fact, a student expectation
adopted by the State Board of Education. That 3rd
graders can type. Um, it's in your technology (inaudible).
Um, so this is something that is supposed to be happening.
It's supposed to been happening for years in Texas.
Um, cursive also is in your standards in 3rd grade.
It's supposed to be happening. And um, I have seen it happen.
I don't see it happen with the consistency that
I'd like. Um uh, the uh, so students should theoretically
they're legally required to get some degree of typing
preparation. We already have students that have taken
the online assessment um, and typed in responses. So
um, it's like anything else. A student who is
well prepared to answer a Mathematics question. Can
answer the Mathematics question. The student who has
not been getting a lot of instruction in that area,
um it's more difficult. Um uh, in terms of getting the
responses back in late May, early June. Everyone
will get the actual responses the kids typed in. So
you will have all of the raw responses. You will see
exactly how the student responded to an item. You'll
see exactly how it scored and that comes back very,
very quickly, with this switch to the online testing
environments. That's a huge improvement.
Cause that is not currently the case, for any of the
constructed response items. That have been on STAAR for
the last several years. Um, but it will be the case
now, with our, with the logistic work we have done
to support the redesign. Any other quick questions? Miss Hardy? One comment and one question.
Only after your microphone gets turned on.
He's trying to harass me, I can tell. Um. He's not trying, he's doing it.
The comment is or the request is, when they check
when they ask Teachers to serve on those test Writing
item. And I totally agree with what you said, about that
is one of the best staff developments you can do. I
would request that they refrain from using AP Teachers,
for doing that. I've served on those. Don't nominate
AP teachers? Right. Is that what you're saying? Right. Because what happens is, they think
about how their students would perform on that. It's
hard for them to think about how the average kid performs.
And we're not doing this test to the AP students, we are doing it to the average kid.
Monica that uh, our procedures that we use. Um, to
um, to bring together the Teacher Committees. That I
think, we will make sure that, if that's not already
in our selection process that we incorporate that.
Yes sir, we can talk to the team who's responsible
for that. But there is um, I do know that there are
several criteria that we look for. To ensure that the
Educators on the committees, are representative of the
demographics. All of the different demographics of
students across the State. We want to make sure we
have a diverse set of Teachers, that are used to teaching
a diverse set of kids. When because. That's what I want.
I don't want kids, who are Teachers who are just used
to teaching AP. Yeah, absolutely. They think differently.
I've been on the Committees. I know that. Okay, the
other thing is, how are the uh, written responses
going to be graded? Uh, so that's a great question. So,
there are highly structured rubrics. Uh, you think of
how a Teacher would set up a guide for how to grade
assignments. So these are highly structured. We battle
test them. They go through this, you know, gauntlet
of approval process. Um and, then we actually
we do trial evaluations of that. So we have a bunch
of um, uh part of our field testing, we have a bunch
of sample student responses, and we run through this.
Um then, so you have to figure out the
rubric and then the training that is necessary for
anybody that is chosen to be a evaluator, a grader,
as it were. Um, we deliberately attempt to hire Texas
Teachers to be evaluators. Um, it is hard to do that
with perfection, because Texas Teachers are otherwise
busy in the month of May. Um, so we don't, it's
not solely Texas teachers, it is generally Educators.
So it's a lot of retired teachers. Um, that
end up serving in our evaluator pool. They all have
to go through a training process. The training process
is pretty intense. And they have to pass the training
process. So they actually they have to grade a bunch
of samples that are not, these are not the actual STAAR
tests. These are sort of uh ,sample STAAR test items. And
they have to have um, they basically have to norm and
and pass our interrater reliability standards. If they
don't they get kicked off basically. They don't, they
don't get selected as an evaluator. Um, and so then
every constructive response item um, has or at least
extended constructive response there are two different humans.
Um, that do that evaluation. They have to have
the same score. And if they don't have the same score, a
third human is chosen for back scoring, and that becomes
the tiebreaker. Um, and then we're constantly.
All of this is done in a platform that we manage. So
you can imagine even as people are grading during the
month of May in real time. If an individual evaluator
falls out of calibration, then we, they don't get to
grade anymore. They just stopped to removed. Very tight
management control process to ensure there's interrater
reliability for multiple evaluators on all of
the all the open ended items. Thank you. That's what
I was looking to hear for the interrater reliability.
It's very important. Thank you. Time is short, so I'm just
gonna do one more question on this topic. I got Mr.
Hickman in the sky.
Uh, it's a different topic. I don't know if it's. A quick
one on something else. Yeah, we're gonna go just on
the STAAR test for this one. Is there one more question
Miss Perez-Diaz? Thank you, Chairman. So quickly, I just wanna acknowledge
Staff. Thank you Staff for working. Um, so Jake um, and
Media and Media Relations and Comms Team. For speaking
with Univision, to share this information with the Spanish language
market. So um, just shout out them. Really quickly, um.
How is the change in testing Commissioner, gonna affect
accommodations for students who need them, if at all?
The so the online testing system actually has a vastly
more robust set of accommodations that are typically
available on the paper administration. So it's a
a significant improvement generally speaking in accommodations.
Um, there is a a very small percentage, it's worth talking
about this for just a second. There is a group of students
uh, typically between half a percent and 1.5% of students
that have extraordinary cognitive challenges. They
don't actually take the STAAR test. They take an alternative
assessment, and that's still paper and pencil. That
test is not being redesigned. Um uh, but the students
who take the STAAR test. Um uh, there's a very
small percentage of those students who may need accommodations
that are not available in the online version. And if
that's the case there's a process that they go through.
And then they can get those accommodations potentially,
in paper pencil or otherwise. Next
topic.
We've got a whole 'nother topic and then we got questions
at the end for the Members. Is it real quick? Yes. Okay.
You mentioned language inequity and bias in STAAR
testing. Is anything done, being done to address that
now during the redesign? Sure, yeah. So that um, so
there's a, it's a very robust process to ensure
that there's no bias inherent in the questions. And
the process is there's really two key um, quality control
systems built in place. One is the Teacher Review
Committees that come together. That sign off on every
item before it can go to field testing,. They have to
answer essentially unanimously or pretty close to unanimously
uh, five questions. And one of the questions is um, this
question is free from bias. We basically ask all
the Teachers to specifically do an evaluation of
items. As to whether or not they think a particular
group of students maybe advantaged. Because of background,
knowledge or whatever else. Um, and if they don't agree,
then that question never shows up on the STAAR test.
The second thing that happens is, just in case they
missed something. We do quantitative analysis during
field testing. And so if a particular group of students
outperforms or underperforms, what would
be sort of the normal range. Then that item ends up
getting thrown out. Um, so it's it's both a qualitative
review, with the collective judgment of diverse group
of current classroom teachers. And a quantitative review
during field testing. Thank you. Okay so the next
thing I wanted to give y'all uh an update on. Different
completely different topic is the School Safety. So
um, as I think you know, Governor Abbott, Lieutenant Governor
Patrick, Speaker Phelan. Announced about three weeks
ago, $400 million of new funding available to schools.
To help them improve their safety posture at the school
level. Um, we followed up with that, with an announcement.
And this was based upon something the Governor had
asked us to do over the Summer. With a um, a change
in our proposed rules or change a new proposed rule.
Related to minimum facility standards and minimum operational
standards. Uh, to ensure that, what we know to be effective
practices in keeping kids safe on school are actually
being implemented. And so there is a new proposed rule
out there. And of course it becomes, we go through the
rulemaking process, we get comments on it before it
becomes a final rule. Um, that requires all schools
in the State, all facilities in the State. To meet certain
minimum safety standards. And this is whether you are
leasing the facility, whether it is 100 years old or
whether it's brand spanking new. This has to be applied
um, universally to all instructional facilities. Um, and
these include standards related to the construction
of doors and the exterior physical plant. Um uh, includes
operational procedures in terms of how you are managing
visitors and how you are ensuring the exterior of the
facility remains secure. All designed to ensure that
the only people that are inside of school building
are those that are allowed to be inside of a school
building. Um, this is a very important set
of standards. Many of our schools already actually
meet these standards, but not all of them. And so uh,
we are applying a, we're proposing to apply a set of
universal standards that would apply equally to all
public schools in the State of Texas. And then there's
$400 million in funding basically to pay for that.
Um and so we've uh, we'll have a grant that allows school
districts to draw down the funds. There are some school
systems that their current physical plant is already
meets the standards. They will still receive this money
and they'll be able to apply it to additional enhancements,
as they see fit. But the first thing you have to spend
the money on is meeting the minimum safety standards.
So, there's also operational procedures. Again,
these weekly door sweeps that have to happen. You need
to make sure that the doors, if you think the doors
are closed, you need to verify that the doors are closed
pretty consistently. We have been also um, with our
partners at the Texas School Safety Center. Conducting
third party audits as it were, to ensure that these
um, these processes are being um, followed.
Which certainly as a Dad um, makes me feel a lot better.
So the uh, and this is we think this generally having
a positive effect. We have mostly positive feedback
from our Administrators on this. It's just, it is going
to be take work for them to do this. Um, some of
this is about making sure glass meets minimum standards
for uh, anti-break ability as it were. I think that's
the technical term. But the um, some of this has
to do with uh, physical bear to get into the school.
Which you think of as the fencing and walls. The sort
of things. Um, communications, infrastructure, making
sure that walkie-talkies can work in the building.
These um, these kinds of things. So it will take some
time for some of our facilities to get up to speed.
We expect the districts to move on this, this school
year. Um uh, and so that's what's in the proposed
rule. The grant um again, uh was announced by um, our
Legislative leaders and the Governor. Um, we have structured
the grant so that there is a funding floor for our
small and rural school systems. So every single school
system in the State gets a minimum, at least a minimum
of $200,000. Even if you only have 50 kids. Um, we
want to make sure that there is a um, uh, resource
access for all of our schools. Um, for these funds.
Um, there was in addition to the fairly large grant
of $400 million grant. There's another smaller grant
for silent panic alert technology. I've seen this.
I was in actually, I was out in El Paso not too long. Saw
this um, use where the teachers had a little buttons
um, as part of their um lava leaders. I don't know
what they're called. So, but um, so these are, these
are useful. Um, security best practices. And they're
now required and they are funded. Uh, so um, so this
is all happening on the safety front. Um as we move
to ensure that we are providing supports as a State.
Um, as many, there are many former School Board Members
that are on this um, on this Board. You know that local
School Boards prioritize keeping kids safe. This is
what we do. But we want to make sure that we're providing
sufficient supports um, Statewide um, to help in this
effort. So that was my second key topic. Um, Mr. Chair.
I'm gonna do because we have just about 10 or 15 minutes
left. I'm gonna give the six retiring Board Members
an opportunity to ask a question. To any farewell parting
words or use that time wherever you may choose. So
let's go around the room for the six retiring Members.
In the short time that we have, Dr. Johnson?
Microphone please.
(inaudible)
It's been my pleasure to serve. And I wish you will
and everything that you do. Uh in Matthew, Jesus said,
gave the great commission go and make disciples. I
think in Texas, the great Education Commission should
be go and make good citizens and lifelong learners.
So that would be my wish for Texas, not for you, but
for you to lead the group. Absolutely. Well, and uh continued
prayers for wisdom. He who seeks wisdom, shall be granted
abundantly. And I can use all the prayer I can get on
that one.
Miss Melton-Malone? I also don't have a question, but
I just want to thank you for your leadership. And it's
been a pleasure serving with you. And uh, I just as
Dr. Johnson said, I wish you the best. And just keep
being that fearless leader that leads all of our Educators.
And this Board on, to making sure the kids in Texas
have the best education we can get. And keeping them
safe. And just letting our schools be the best in the
whole world. Thank you, thank you ma'am. It's been an
honor of working with both of you.
I think we got next, Mr. Allen? Commissioner, and when
I was looking at your report. It said that these dollars
will be available for the 22-23 school year. Which
is what. The current school year, yes sir. Is money already
loaded in the School District's budget or the application
is now available? We we published the formula. So every
School District knows how much money they were, they're
going to get. There are grant process. So, we would
expect districts to get there, what is referred to as
a (inaudible) notice the grant award probably sometime
in January. But the funds are available and they will
flow this this year for sure. I also like to say, ditto
to the comments that my other Board Members made. Well, thank
you. It's been an honor serving with you, sir.
No, no. She's not leaving. Oh, I'm sorry. You trying to keep me off the Board.
Go straight to the principal's office. My mistake. Let's
go to Mr. Cortez. Oh, that's too funny. Uh, so Commissioner
I've enjoyed serving on the Board. I've served
with two Mikes. Michael Williams and Mike Morath.
And my experience with you, has been very pleasant.
I can say, I think you, you're one of these types of
individuals who comes with a lot of information. You've
never been afraid to get into a room of Educators.
Uh and I've gotten a lot of positive feedback about
your leadership. And your willingness to engage and
sit in a room, uh with all of our instructional leaders
in school districts. And um, I think for me
my biggest takeaway is gonna be your leadership during
the pandemic. Um, I don't think any district felt left
alone by the Texas Education Agency. And that's in large
part with the work that you did. And so, on behalf of
the districts that I've represented for the last 10
years. Thank you.
Thank you, sir for the very kind words. The last 24
months has been no picnic, for sure. But it has been
an absolute honor working with you. Um uh, for the entirety
of my tenure. Miss Perez? Um, recently we learned that
Benavidez ISD, which is near San Antonio. Opened
four charter facilities in the El Paso area in multiple
districts. And I'm wondering, these facilities
are um, Kindergarten and 1st grade only. And this is
the first time that I've, that I'm aware. That
we have a School District about 800 miles away, 900
miles away. Opening a public school, a charter school
in a different district hundreds of miles away. And
I'm wondering the grant process from TEA. And the
approval process for that. Considering that it's a
language facility and in El Paso, does pretty well with
our with our emerging bilingual students. And so why
was Benavidez granted this? Uh, so I actually wasn't.
I'm not sure I know that this was happening. Um, I do
know that this is not the first time that a School
District has operated a facility outside of their geographic
area. I'm aware of a couple of districts in West Texas
that do this. This is not uncommon for residential facilities.
It's not uncommon for um, a certain specialty, um school
areas. But, I would have to get back to you. Cause
I'm not actually sure there is an approval process
from TEA for this. I think this is just any School District
can do this. Um, if there's a grant or something that
we've done on this, I need to find out and get back.
So you probably know more about this than I do. Yeah
I can, I can't send some light on this particular one.
But, the education code authorizes any School District
to operate outside their geographic boundaries. Um,
and the education code also authorizes them to create
campus charter. So I don't know if this particular
one you're talking about is a campus charter? Operated
by the School District or if they saw an open enrollment
charter. The only thing that comes to mind that where
our oversight would be a relevance. Is if there is 1882
funding irrelevant. Um, and that may or may not apply
to Benavidez. Because it um, for smaller School Districts
1882 is not really relevant to it. Um, but there's
a rule process where if you're doing
a subsea in district charter. Um, you can access
1882 benefits um, if you meet certain criteria. So
it's possible that we have to evaluate it for that,
but it strikes me as unlikely for Benavidez. It strikes
me as unlikely as well, because it's only for Kindergarten
and 1st grade. It seems like an 1882, would have
been triggered by um, perhaps a need for um, improvement.
Although Kindergarten and 1st grade or not tested grades. So I
believe for example that Austin ISD has some 1882
Pre-K and K partnerships, um like that. So it's
not it's not unheard of. And so when you get back to
me with more information, can you give me a list of
all of them? Uh, when you say all of them, do you
mean all 1882's or all? No, all of the public
ISD's that have encroached other ISD's,
with this charter pseudo charter. I'll have to figure out,
if that's something that we even know. This particular
one did receive a grant from TEA to do this. So you
would you, would have some information. At least
on this one you would. Okay, got it. Well, I will get back to you.
Alright. Commissioner, again in know times short. So I
thank everyone for working with us and being able to
have time. You being here on Friday to get that information
to us. Uh yeah. Mr. Hickman? Do you have a quick question?
Yes sir. Um, I just saw a story um, in the paper
about HISD enrollment decreasing, and funding
is decreasing. Um, has hold harmless expired? Investor
funds been distributed? Or we kind of back to normal?
And if that's not a quick one, happy to take it offline.
So (inaudible) funds have been distributed based effectively.
Whether or not School Districts are drawn down all
their funds, as it depends on sort of spending rates.
Uh, and they, I think they expire in 2025. Um, I'm
trying to remember. Um, Houston ISD received north
of pretty close to a billion dollars of esser funds,
on a one time basis. So I can't imagine they have spent
all of that yet. Um uh, so that's
fund side. The um, the first question there was due
to attendance anomalies that happened throughout the
pandemic. We offered a variety of different hold harmless
is to adjust ADA. To ensure that there wasn't um,
any kind of funding loss due to sort of
attendance declines. Which we we saw for 24 months
basically. But we are done. That is that has happened
Um, and we haven't had any reason to think that there's
a need for a new hold harmless at all this year.
And there attendance rates are getting back to normal.
Um, that doesn't mean now, enrollment declines were not
necessarily held harmless. Um, even in the last calendar
year or last of the last school year. So um, the way
the School Finance System works, is you you get funded
based on how many kids you have. So if you
start seeing a reduced student count, then your
budget gets adjusted accordingly.
Okay, great, thank you. Okay, again, thank you. We
will stand at ease for just a few minutes as we reset
the room.
Everybody back to their seats. Now it's my turn.
Almost.
All right. We have the next item of business is public
testimony. I do believe we have one testifier, who had
registered to speak at this point in time. I'll remind
Members that this is for any item that wasn't previously
on our agenda. But because of that, not being on the
agenda, were not posted for any specific discussion.
We take the testimony, but we cannot engage in dialogue
with the testifier. So that being said, I'll ask Staff
to call the testifier. Augustine Villareal. Right here.
Thank you.
Hello, Hello. My name is Augustine Villareal. I'm here to
advocate for my little Brother and disability people. And
I'm with the E4Texas program at the University
of Texas at Austin. I will be testifying today in support
of SB 18, which would improve training for Teachers,
who instruct Special Education students in Primary
and Secondary schools. This bill, this bill would increase
training, evidence based and structural practices. And
this is very important to ensure that Special Education
students are treated equally. Special Education students
deserve a fair shot of learning, going to college and
getting jobs. And this is the bill. This is what
what this bill would help accomplishment. From 2010
to 2020, the number of students who receive Special Education
services under IDEA increased by one million people.
But in 2019, only 18% of people with intellectual disabilities
were in enrolled in regular classes. Eighteen, 18% is too
low. Regular classes are what kids need to learn skills
that would help this. That will help them go to college
and get jobs. These students need more help. When I
was a kid, I had delay when they said I couldn't talk.
They said I couldn't walk and they were trying to put
me in life skills, but I proved them wrong. How my Mom
fought for me to be, to be successful and to stay regular
classes. Doctors and Teachers said I couldn't go to
college, but they were wrong. I'm in college right
now at the UT. Many people told me
I was never gonna do any in my life. But I had
to take the step to succeed anyway. My Mom had a little
Brother had autism. And make me so sad to see teachers
treating him in the same way that I was treated. And
Teachers are trying to put him in second life skills
classes. And I won't let, and I think that's, I don't
think that's fair. I don't think that's not good for
everyone to have that experience. I came here
today to advocate for my little Brother. I want
him to have the same opportunity like that I had.
I would be able to have when I took regular classes. When
I was, I wanted his school days to be happy and fulfilling.
Not getting proper instruction, regular classes, make
him more likely that Special Education students would
will be (inaudible) and bullied. I was bullied
when I was going to school. And I want that to happen
to my little Brother. He deserves to be educated in
regular classes. I hope, I hope that you choose to
protect his educational rights. My experience has taught
me that the current system makes it too easy to place
disabled students in life skills. Where they don't
learn enough skills to make their own adult choices.
Teachers need to be trained in in the most effective
teaching techniques. Most Special Education students
need to be in regular classes with combinations. Regular
classes, make help make me be ready for life,
and college. Having the instructions will give me more
opportunities when I look for a job. Having the stability
of a job. I will help also help me have healthy
relationships and even get married someday. Everyone
in our school system should work together to ensure
that students are able to have the independent lives
that they deserve. Thank you for your time and for
considering my testimony.
Thank you for being, yes, sir. We echo that. Thank
you for being here today. I think you find support
with the State Board of Education on what you're
advocating for. In fact, we have some of our members
who do this for a living and support our Special Education
students. So thank you very much for being here.
Okay, members. The next business in order is the approval
of the consent agenda. The consent agenda begins on
page 26. Please take a moment to review the items on
the consent agenda. Mr. Chairman? Mr. Maynard? Item number 9 has been removed,
is that correct?
The resolution on the transfer of funds? Yes, we need
to make sure we remove item number 9.
Mr. Chairman? Mr. Hickman? Is number 1, the distribution?
Yes. I would like to remove number 1. Okay.
Any others?
All right, members. We have removed item number 1,
the first one and item number 9 the last one from
the consent agenda. Is there any objection to approving
items number 2-8?
Hearing none. Those items are adopted.
And we will take the other two in order. So number
1, decision on the percentage distribution of the
Permanent School Fund for physical years, 24 and 25.
Mr. Hickman, did you have a question on that one or
a comment? Uh, just a comment Mr. Chair. This is uh,
for me, one of the most important things we do. If
I remember from memory, we're distributing 3.32% of
an amount of $1.5 billion. I just wanted to call attention
to that, and for us to vote on it. Uh and not
have it passed through the consent agenda. That's not
even noticed.
Okay. Any other comments on this one?
Mr. Hickman, thank you for bringing that up. I've got
the motion here. So let me just go ahead and read it.
It's recommended the State Board of Education approve
percentage distribution of 3.32% from the Permanent
School Funded available School Fund for the 2024-2025
State Physical Biennium. Which would produce an estimated
annual distribution of $1.551 billion. Second. Okay. Is there
any objection to approving the motion?
Hearing none, the motion carries. And I'm gonna call
on Mr. Maynard for item number 9 on the consent.
Members were we're about to do something rather
historic here, and so we pulled it off. It was originally
put on the consent agenda. As you know, we've
been going through the process of creating the Permanent
School Fund, Incorporation. And now what this does is that uh,
the big thing that it does, is that it actually reunites
the fund. Remember that in the early 2000s that um,
the Legislature authorized the School Land Board to
retain earnings to create a portfolio in real assets.
Uh, there was an unintended consequence to that and
that is essentially at that point is that no more
funds came to the State Board of Education for investment.
The other consequence of that is just because of the
nature of those investments. We wound up with a $4 billion
cash drag as we called it. This is that we had about $4 billion that was not fully, fully invested. But
just in the Treasury pool. Um, and so the big thing
that this does, is that it reunites all of the
assets. The investment assets of the Permanent School
Fund under the uh, under the umbrella of the
Permanent School Fund Corporation. Which by the way,
is that this is the most significant change. Uh, in
the governance of the Permanent School Fund since uh,
the 1876 Constitution put it under the State
Board of Education. And we had to get that one in Georgina.
And uh but, you know, so that technically it is still
under the leadership of the State Board of
Education. Because the State Board of Education has
the majority of the seats on the Corporation. And
so with that, and just so you understand this is that.
Uh, the transfer of funds has been negotiated with
all the parties. Uh, that they're involved with
the Texas Education Agency, with the School Land Board
and everybody involved. And then, so we there is
a resolution. And so uh, with the approval of this resolution
then, is that as of January 1st of 2023, the all
of the assets of the Permanent School Fund are transferred
to the Corporate uh, to the Corporation. Ours, and School
Land Boards. So, Mr. Chairman. Uh, I move then that the State
Board of Education, approve the date to transfer the
management of the Permanent School Fund to the Texas
Permanent School Fund Corporation has contemplated
in Senate Bill 1232. Second.
Is there any objection?
Hearing none. The motion carries. So, Mr. Chairman, I
believe that you have a copy of a resolution?
We do.
Clarification of what we're doing here, is signing the
transfer of $50 billion to the Permanent School Fund Corporation. We signing the transfer of $50 billion to PSF Corporation. What's the date today?
(inaudible)
I was about to ask how it feels to sign a $50
billion check? Ladies and gentleman, it is done.
I kept Mr. Maynard busy lately. Because again, I have
congratulations and thanks coming to him. For again
all that work that leads these things
do not just happened um, by themselves. So I thank you Mr.
Maynard again for, for working all that. Okay, we are
now on item number 3. Which is the Legislative recommendations
for the 88th Texas Legislature. And I'm gonna call on
Ms. Little to begin this item.
Thank you Mr. Chair. The Committee of the Full Board
adopted eight separate recommendations for the 88th
Texas Legislator in five, Legislature, in five categories.
In the interest of time, may I present them as a single
motion? So Members, if there is any objection to handling
the Legislative recommendations as a single motion,
I would like to know that? Um, if you wish to offer
an amendment, please let me know that now? And we will
handle them separately. I have an amendment, Mr. Chairman.
So.
Okay.
Okay, um.
Mr. Chair, the Committee of the Full Board recommends
that the State Board of Education make the following
recommendations to the 88th Texas Legislature. Under
the header charterel, Charter approval process. Grant
SBOE veto authority over expansions.
Members you have, Members, you've heard this motion.
Again, what we're doing now is taking each of the eight
individually. So this is the first one. You've heard
the motion. The motion is to uh, grant State Board of
Education veto authority over Charter expanses. Is
there any debate on this item?
Okay, I would ask all those in favor show by raising
your hand.
Thirteen, thirteen. I think we had Mr. Allen. Fourteen, is it
fourteen. (inaudible). Yeah, I voted.
14 in favor and 0 opposed. And the motion carries.
Mr. Chair, the Committee of the Full Board recommends
that the State Board of Education make the following
recommendation to the 88th Texas, um Legislature. Under
the header Charter regulation. Charter schools in the
State of Texas would follow the same rules as ISDs.
Members any debate on this item? We're ready
to vote? Ask all those in favor to show by raising
your hand.
14. All right, lower your hands, please. All those opposed
by the same sign. There's 14 in favor and 0 opposed.
And the motion is adopted. Ms. Little? Mr. Chair, the
Committee of the Full Board recommends that the State
Board of Education make the following recommendation
to the 88th Texas Legislature. Under the header Instructional
Materials. Textbooks, all LEAs would use SBO
approved textbooks, approved by the SBOE or seek
a TEA waiver. Combine SBOE approval process with
the Texas Resource Review with SBOE approval
of Rubric. Aligning structural materials to cover 100%
of the TEKS standards. Members any discussion on this
item? Ask all those in favor of the motion to show by
raising your hand? Thirteen.
Lower your hands please. All those opposed by the same
sign? There's 13 in favor and 1 opposed. And the motion
carries. Ms. Little? Mr. Chair, the Committee of the Full
Board recommends that the State Board of Education
make the following recommendation to the 88th Texas
Legislature. Under the header SBOE Member Benefits/
Staff Support. Provide SBOE Member benefits
and Staff support. Any debate on this item, Members? Ready
to vote? All those in favor show by raising your hand?
Lower your hands, please. All those opposed by the same
sign? There are 14 in favor and 0 opposed. And the
motion carries.
Ms. Little? Mr. Chair, the Committee of the Full Board
recommends that the State Board of Education make the
following recommendations to the 88th Texas Legislature.
Under the header Funding and PSF Appropriations. That
the Texas Board of Education, Texas State Board of Education
calls on the Texas Legislature to reject all attempts
to divert public dollars away from public schools. In
the form of vouchers, education savings account
taxpayer savings grants, tuition tax credits, a business
franchise tax credit, or an insurance premium tax
credit. Or any other mechanisms that have the effect
of reducing funding to public schools. All right Members, any
debate on this item? Yes. Yes, Mr. Chair. Ms. Perez-Diaz and Mr. Hickman?
Mr. Chair, I was just going to ask if we can get a
roll call on this vote. Thank you. Mr. Hickman?
Yes, Mr. Chair. Is this discussion? Okay, thank you. I would
like to improve our track record on Legislative priorities.
Uh that was one learning, I think we had a fairly dismal
track record last Session. Uh, and what we see in my
mind, we should focus on items where there's a bipartisan
consensus, uh and avoid political issues. Only eight
Members voted in favor of this item in our Committee.
This is highly political. Half of the Senators and
Reps are working on a Parent Choice Bill across the
street, and there will be a battle. In my meetings, I
started yesterday. I was focusing on textbooks, Charter
oversight CCMR. Really focusing on low hanging fruit
we can all agree on. Uh, so for those reasons I'm voting
against this item.
Members any other debate on this item?
All right, we ready to vote. Ask all those in favor
of the motion show by raising your hand. Roll call. I'm sorry
Roll call vote.
Ms. Perez? Will you explain the yes or nos? So the yes is in favor of the motion.
You want me to read the motion? No sir. Okay. So a yes
vote is to be in favor of the motion. Ms. Perez? No.
Wait, wait. (inaudible) To be in.
So the motion is to
the Legislative priority would be that the Texas
State Board of Education calls on the Legislature to
reject all attempts at and then it gives the list.
So if you would ask the Legislature to reject it, you
would support the motion. Well yes. Had to get you there.
Okay. We're gonna start over Ms. Perez? Yes. Mr. Cortez?
Ms. Perez, yes? Yes.
Mr. Allen? Yes.
Dr. Bell-Metereau? Yes. Mr. Hickman? No. Dr. Robinson? Yes.
Dr. Young? Yes. Mr. Maynard No. Ms. Hardy? Abstain.
Mrs. Little? Yes. Ms. Davis?
Yes. Mrs. Melton-Malone? Yes. Dr. Johnson? Yes. Doctor, no sorry.
Eleven in favor. And. And uh, two against. They're 11
in favor 2 against and 1 abstaining. So the motion
carries. Ms. Little, we got another one?
Yes. We did. Uh, Mr. Chair, the Committee of the Full Board
recommends that the State Board of Education make the
following recommendation to the 88th Texas Legislature.
Under the heading Funding and PSF Appropriations. Raise
the floor of the minimum salary schedule by a minimum
of 50% and fully funded.
Okay. Members any discussion on this item?
We're ready to vote.
All those in favor show by raising your hand?
Fourteen. Lower your hands. And all those opposed by the same
sign. There are 14 in favor and 0 opposed and the
motion is adopted. Okay, that should conclude that item.
The next item Members, is item number 4. Which is
proposed revision to 19 TAC Chapter 113. Texas
Essential Knowledge and Skills for Social Studies.
Sub Chapter A Elementary. Sub Chapter B Middle School.
and Sub Chapter C High School. This is sub, second
reading and final adoption that's on your agenda on page
I-9. Um, we're gonna go ahead and get to the
motion first.
Mr. Chair, the Committee of the Full Board recommends
that the State Board of Education approve for second
reading and final adoption, proposed revisions to
19 TAC Chapter 113 Texas Essential Knowledge and
Skills for Social Studies. Sub Chapter A Elementary.
Sub Chapter B Middle School. Sub Chapter C High School.
Okay, Members. This, we had a lot of discussion about
this. Um, based on the tenor of the discussion that we
had the other day. That it doesn't look like we are
heading towards a proclamation 2025 for Social Studies.
It leads us to the decision of when the Social Studies
Standards would be implemented in classrooms. That
could happen in the 23-24 school year. It could be
in the 24-25 school year or the 25-26 school year.
We initially had in our, in our documents, that it would
be the 25-26 school year. If publishers needed time
for the proclamation or to develop instruction materials.
Based on what we discussed the other day and the feedback
we got from the publishers. That it doesn't seem
like they need that time. Since most of the minor changes
that we have made to the Social Studies Standards is
not gonna require them to develop new instruction material.
The other side of the spectrum is to, a choice to, implement
in the 23-24 school year. Which is just about a half
year away. There's still changes that we have made
that would require professional development. In my mind,
that seems, seems soon, seems quick to have this implemented
in the 23-24 school year. And again the 25-26, I
don't think we need that time. Um, so that leads us
to a possible scenario where we um, make these effective
and implemented in the 24-25 school year.
So I have asked Staff, to put that together for what that
would look like. And I'm gonna let them present on that.
Thank you, Chairman. So we have uh, a handout that we're
distributing. So that you can see exactly what it is
that we're talking about. Essentially, if you'd like
to change the implementation date. We would need for
you to amend the implementation language in each section
of Chapter 113 for each grade level in High School
course. You can see those numbers listed up at the
top. So that would be a simple change from, for example
from 2025-26 to 2024-25. In addition, we have shown language
that would be stricken by Amendment. If the decision
is that you are not going to be specifically issuing
a proclamation to call for instructional materials.
So, your standard practice for many years now has been
and to include this language to indicate that you would
not require School Districts to implement. If there's
the determination that funding has not been made available
for new instructional materials to align to the revised
standards. Um, what we believe we understood from the
discussion the other day. Is that the nature of these
changes doesn't necessarily warrant a full proclamation.
Instead, publishers can choose to use the update and
substitution process. To provide any supplements to
the existing instructional materials. So, if it is
the desire of the Board to make um, either of these
changes and we've provided you with the language for
a possible amendment.
Members questions on, before we really get debate questions
on what we're doing here? Mr. Cortez?
What would be the fiscal impact for schools, if there's
just supplements, right? I mean, there's it's gonna
be a cost, right? Um, so we think it's likely to
vary Mr. Cortez. We have some publishers who've indicated
that the language that has been added to the Standards
is already covered in their materials. Um, there are
other publishers who have indicated that they with
some adjustments, they could provide that coverage.
And so um, with instructional materials um, for example
that are digital. Where publishers have the opportunity
to make those updates. They make those updates, they
send them out to the district and there's no cost to
the district. For that additional material that's being
provided. Um, so I think it really just depends on what
a district has chosen to use. And the extent to which
they feel the new Standards are covered in those materials.
At what point in the future, just given all the conversation
that took place this year on this topic. Would funding
have been available for this? So, the. In the 26? The current adoption
cycle does have Social Studies listed for proclamation
2025. So it would have been our expectation, that there
would have been the funding that districts received
and in there IMA. For that year would have likely
been what they would use for um, proclamation 25. Yeah, I guess.
So, all that just to say Mr. Chair. Thank you by the way.
Is for me, if there's gonna be any expense. Then it
should be in that year, where these dollars should be
available. Because as we know there's never enough uh,
instructional materials allotment dollars. Even with
the money that we just issued today. There's never
enough. And I am correct, correct me if I'm wrong. But also
through this, this process. That now it's all at the
discretion of the appropriators. We make the distribution
the appropriators, appropriate that. But theoretically,
that money in Prop 25 is still there. It's not just for
instruction materials, it's the technology and instruction
materials. So whatever needs to have, that money is
still there. Whether there's a full proclamation theoretically,
at the discretion of the appropriators. So the money
is still there. Not only to buy supplemental, even if
the same as if it would have been a full revision with
a full proclamation. Um, but again that's at the discretion
of the appropriators. Is that correct? Okay. I had a hand
over. Ms. Hardy? How do we vote, if we support
what Monica said? We will, you would vote to adopt.
This is an amendment to the motion. So, we can there's
kind of broken in two sections. We can do this together,
if we so choose or do they need to be separated? So,
what you were handed out, is the amendment to the main
motion. So you would support the amendment to do the
things that were presented. Okay. You vote in favor.
Other questions?
So, Chairman? Um, Shelly just identified a typo in the
handout. Where it says at the very top 113.08, that
should have actually been 113.18. So, if you choose
to if someone chooses to offer this motion, if you
could just read that is 113.18. How about this? Is
there any objection to amending the motion to change
113.08 to 113.18? (inaudible) Okay. Okay, so we
don't have that yet. Okay.
Yeah, let's go. Ms. Little, let's go ahead and make the motion
the amendment. Mr. Chair, I move that we amend the motion
to amend Sub-section A in sections 113.11, 113.12,
113.13, 113.14, 113.15, 113.16, 113.18, 113.19,
113.20, 113.31, 113.41, 113.42, 113.43 and 113.44.
To read as follows, implementation. The provisions
of this section shall be implemented by School Districts
beginning with the 24-25 school year. Second.
Do we, have we a motion to second. All right. Do we
have further discussion on the item now? Dr. Bell-Metereau?
What? (inaudible)
There was a correction in the omission of a 1, in 113.14. Yes. I think she read it correctly.
Then go ahead and note that it's deleting. I have to read all of it?
Just know that it's deleting. It's deleting. (inaudible) And I would also
note that we have deleted number 1, 2 and 3.
Okay. Any further questions on the amendment to the
main motion?
All right. Is there any objection?
Yeah, I. Okay, you object? I do. Okay. So at that (inaudible), at that point in time
then this, and this is just on the amendment. So then
we will now vote on the amendment. So I would ask all those
in favor of the amendment show by raising your hand?
Eleven. Lower your hands, please. Twelve. Okay, lower your hands,
please. All those opposed by the same sign. It's 12
in favor and 2 opposed. And the amendment to the
main motion carries. Now we're back at the main motion.
Any further discussion on the main motion, as amended?
We're ready to vote.
All right, I would ask all those in favor to raise your
hand? Eleven.
Lower your hands, please. All those opposed by the same
sign?
We got 11 in favor and 2 opposed. So there is a majority
in
limited favor (inaudible).
So there is a majority in favor and the recommendation
as amended is adopted.
Okay, moves us to item number 5. Which is the update
on Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, TEKS Review.
Agenda exhibit I-98. Ms. Little? Mr. Chair, the Committee
of the Full Board recommends that the State Board of
Education approve the TEKS review and revision process
for our Career and Technology Education. Do I have to read?
And attachment A.
Staff, you have a presentation on this also, right?
Or notation? Yes, sir. So on Wednesday, um when Monica
walked through the CTE TEKS Review process with you.
Um, we talked about the fact that we would identify
um, Members for an advisory board for each TEKS Review.
Um and Mr. Maynard, asked us to bring back some language
that would allow Board Members to identify those Members.
And so the document that Jessica is handing out to
you right now. Um, has some of that language that we
would recommend to you.
She's also passing out to you a blue folder to some
of you, are lucky to receive a blue folder with applications.
If you recall, Monica mentioned that there's a small
number of CTE courses that we'd like to get started
with um, early next year. Um, so we had been reaching
out to some people. Um, and we've got a few not very
many but we've got a few applications. Um, we especially
wanted to make sure that outgoing Board Members had
an opportunity um, to weigh in on who they might want
on that small group. We're just anticipating to very
small work groups to look at. I think a total of five
courses. It's like a Willy Wonka golden ticket that
we get or?
If you not receive a blue folder, it's simply because we don't
have any applicants from your district. Yet. Yet, correct.
Mr. Chair? Mr. Hickman? Can I ask a question of Shelly?
You may. Shelly, did you ask us to find applicants? Or are these
people that you've found some other way. Um, so our CTE
Team has reached out to mostly supervised,
CTE supervisors across the State. People who have a
general knowledge that would. So the courses are um,
Career Preparation and Entrepreneurship. So we've reached
out to some some individuals. So there are names of
people who are interested. Um, that we um, mentioned this
to in the light, in the event that you were to go
ahead and proceed with this. But certainly, if you know
of some people um, in fact that was the last thing I
was gonna say, we would appreciate your assistance
in recruiting um, some individuals to apply. Yeah, that's
that's what I was getting at is if there are certain
courses you're looking for. If I don't know, if SBOE
Support could email us, kind of?
Yes, sir. We'll prepare some language and share
that with Yolanda, so that she can get it up to you.
Taking a long breath or he's frozen? I think he's frozen.
I think he got his comment out there. We'll see if
he pops back in here. Mr. Chairman? Mr. Maynard? Uh,
so the Staff has essentially given us, kind of what
this what this process would look like.
But I don't. What is the, does this require
an amendment to our motion? I don't think it does,
does it? Only if you wanted to add the underlined language.
So where it says um, what you had asked was. Because
what we said was we would give you names of individuals,
and you raised the point that you might have individuals
that you want to identify. So the language that is
in bold underline, is language that you could add to
the process to make sure that that is that aspect is
documented. Okay. Would you like to make that amendment
to the motion, Mr. Maynard? I would. Go ahead. If we can, uh.
Mr. Chairman, I moved to amend the motion by, well
we don't have a main motion yet. Have we made the main motion? Yeah.
Yes, she read the main motion. Okay. So uh, in the process that has been
submitted by Staff to under, under bullet number two.
In the uh, believe it's the third sentence after
the word SBOE Members, may insert the words identify
individuals to serve on the Advisory Board. And
further to amend it by, in the last sentence following
the word is the words is not denied. Insert the words
by SBOE Members. All right,
do we have a second? Second. Any further discussion on this
item? This is just for the amendments, just for the
amendment.
Is there any objection? Hearing none. The amendment
carries. So now were back to any discussion on the main
item. Dr. Bell-Metereau?
I just have a question. Um, given what happened with
all of the work that the Social Studies Development
Group did. That was just tossed out. How are we supposed
to recruit people for any of these committees? I don't
think this is particularly controversial, but it could
become so. How do we, how do we frame this for people?
Think you frame it as recruiting people who are interested
in the topics are in the subjects. Um, that we are working
through. Through that, you know, is that we talked about
in the CTE. It's gonna be kind of a rolling
basis, where we look at certain courses at a time. And
you talked to your School Districts, your Superintendents.
And I think on top of that, not only that, but people
in the field, to participate. And that their work
may or may not be used. As this Board has always done,
they've taken feedback from work groups. And
and it's been handled in different ways. And that's
been a part of our process for a long time.
Dr. Bell-Metereau, if I could we always explain to the work
groups, that their task is to make recommendations
to this Board. But this board ultimately makes the
final decision. Thank you. Any other questions, discussion
on the motion? We're ready to vote? All right. I would ask all
those in favor to show by raising your hand?
Twelve. Okay. Lower your hands. All those opposed by the
same sign. There's 12 in favor and 0 opposed and
the motion carries. And the recommendation is adopted.
Ms. Little?
Mr. Chair, the Committee of the Full Board moves at the
State Board of Education.
I want, the Committee of the Full Board requests that
the State Board of Education, request that TEA Staff
develop TEKS for an Occupational Safety and
Health Administration Course.
Okay. Members, you remember the discussion on this
one. Any further discussion on this item?
Ready to vote? All those in favor show by raising
your hand?
Lower your hands. All those opposed by the same sign.
There's 14 in favor and 0 opposed and the recommendation
is adopted.
All right, I believe that moves us on to the Committee
on Instruction. Ms. Melton-Malone? Thank you Mr. Chair. This is item number 6,
and go ahead. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, the Committee
on Instruction, recommends that the State Board of Education
approve for second reading and final adoption. The
proposed amendment to 19 TAC Chapter 74, curriculum
requirements. Sub-chapter C, other provisions, innovative
courses and programs. And make an affirmative finding
that immediate adoption of the proposed amendment
to 19 TAC Chapter 74, curriculum requirements.
Sub-chapter C, other provisions 74.27, innovative courses
and programs. Is necessary and shall have an effective
date of 20 days after filing with the Texas Register.
Members, you've heard the motion. Is there further debate
on this item?
Ask all those were ready to vote. Ask all those in
favor to say aye. Aye. Two-thirds. Okay, this is two-thirds. Let's do the
hand count. All those in favor show by raising your
hands? Fourteen.
Lower your hands. All those opposed by the same sign.
There's 14 in favor and 0 opposed. So there is two-thirds
in favor and the recommendation is adopted. Item number
seven. Ms. Melton-Malone? Thank you, Mr. Chair. The
Committee on Instruction, recommends that the State
Board of Education, approve for first reading and
filing authorization. Propose new 19 TAC Chapter
of 111 Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Mathematics
Sub-chapter D. Other High School mathematics courses,
111.56 Advanced Placement AP, Pre-Calculus one credit.
Members, you heard the motion. Is there further debate?
Yeah, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Hickman? I would just say, I hope
we vote in favor. My daughter has signed up to take
this next year. I don't know what Mr. Maynard said, that
she'll be a charter member of that class. So I hope
we passed this one. Mr. Hickman, can you ask her what
her vote would be? She's in favor. She picked her own
classes. Okay.
All right, are we ready to vote? All those in favor say
aye. Aye. All those opposed say no. All right, there is a majority
in favor and the recommendation is adopted. Item number
eight. Mrs. Melton-Malone? All right, the Committee on
Instruction recommends that the State Board of Education,
approve for first reading and filing authorization.
The proposed revisions to 19 TAC Chapter 127, Texas
Essential Knowledge and Skills for Career Development
and Career and Technical Education. Sub-chapter A, Middle
School.
Okay. Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any
further discussion on this item? Mr. Maynard? So, if
uh, if I can kind of clarify this to understand. This
is that so, so the effect of this motion was being
proposed in first reading. Is the elimination of
(inaudible) exploration. And the, in the elimination of College
and Career Prep and substituting it with a single
course. Is that, is that the effect of this motion?
So just to clarify, the names of the courses are Investigating
Careers and College and Career Readiness. Okay. Those
are the two courses that would be, are proposed for
repeal. They've essentially been combined and you can
see the Essential Knowledge and Skills from those courses,
included in this new course. So, so if I am to understand
this then. Is that so at say for instance, at 7th
Grade. If uh a, the school district has been offering
the Exploration Class or Investigation, that I think
is what you're calling it. We used to call Career Exploration.
So, forgive me if I used the old term. Old habits, die
hard. And then, they offer the College and
Career Readiness at 8th Grade. So, now that they
would be offering the same course twice.
They could. So part of what we discussed with the Committee
is ensuring that there are two PEIMA course codes. So
that a student could take the course, more than once.
So well, I'll be very interested just to hear what
the what, the feedback from the field on that is. Uh.
Just, if I can ask, is what was the
public testimony and what was some of the feedback
on that? I know that Mark Brashear was there. So I
just. So the testimony um, referenced the fact that the
Investigating Careers Course, is one that students can
take up to four times. Uh, we provided the Committee
with the enrollment data. So we have about 50,000 students
who took that course last year for the first time.
About 8,000, who took it the second time. And then you
see a drop off where it is 2,000 or fewer at the
last two times. Um, there was also testimony requesting
that the Board um, make this a course for High School
credit. So that it could earn weighted funding. Um, we
did follow up with the Committee to indicate that this
is um, it was written as a Middle School level course.
Um, and not really one that would be appropriate to
include in programs of study at the High School level
for weighted funding.
And I think at this point it's first reading.
And so well, this does kind of put
it in play. And give us the opportunity to put it
out there for comment. But I do have some concerns.
So, all right, thanks.
Members, any other discussion on this item?
You ready to vote?
All right, I would ask all those in favor of the motion
say aye. Aye. All those opposed say no. All right, there
is a majority in favor and the recommendation is adopted.
Item number nine. Ms. Melton-Malone? Right. The Committee
on Instruction recommends that the State Board of Education
approve the list of Elementary Agricultural, Agriculture
Education programs available for use by School Districts
and Charter schools.
Members, you've heard the motion. Any questions or debate
on this item?
Ready to vote?
Ask all those in favor to say aye. Aye. All those opposed say
no. There is a majority in favor and the recommendation
is adopted. Ms. Melton-Malone, item number 10. Thank you,
Mr. Chair. The Committee on Instruction recommends
that the State Board of Education, deny the petition
to amend the rule concerning Fine Arts courses eligible
for Graduation requirements. Because oral interpretation
1, 2 and 3 are not aligned with Fine Arts courses.
Members, you've heard the motion. Do you want to speak
to that one a little bit? Ms. Melton-Malone?
There were a group of people that wanted to have this
uh, oral interpretation 1, 2 and 3 included as a um,
in the Fine Arts classroom to get credit for it. But
uh after looking into it, the courses don't align themselves
with the Fine Arts courses that are in place now. So
we as a Committee, felt like the best thing to do was
to vote to deny that at this point in time. And possibly
when you go back and look at the Fine Arts, uh, again
that maybe you could take a look at it again. And if
you think it it lines up, then you can put it in
there then. But right now, as it stands, it doesn't
line up with those Fine Arts classes.
Members, any other questions or discussion on this
item?
Ready to vote?
I ask all those in favor of the motion say aye. Aye. All those
opposed say no. There is a majority in favor and the
recommendation is adopted. Thank you, Ms. Melton-Malone. Thank you.
All right. Mr. Maynard. I believe on the Committee on
School Finance and Permanent School Fund. There's no
recommendations to be made. Do you have any, we talked
about a few items earlier. Any other comments you want
to make about the Committee? Yeah, there is. I think
that Members, I think it's it's important to to be
aware that, uh, you know, we've had lots of discussions
about the Bond Guarantee program. Uh, and the capacity.
Uh, you may or may not know that in 2009, the United
States Department of Treasury put the Bond Guarantee Program
under the the Arbitrage regulations. Which
is inappropriate. Because that would be
appropriate if the Permanent School Fund was issuing
bonds. Uh, the State Board of Education doesn't issue
bonds. We guarantee bonds. And we have been in the
process of Negotiation with Department of Treasury
since about 2019, and have really not made much progress.
And so, uh we have uh, Lloyd Doggett, uh Congressman
Lloyd Doggett. Along with Congressman uh, Harrington.
Uh, that's a Democrat and Republican. Have co-
sponsored House Resolution 9044. And uh, that essentially
uh, you know, rectifies this issue. This is an
important issue. Uh, November the 8th, there were
about $12 billion in bonds, that were approved by voters.
We don't have the capacity to guarantee them, at this
point. We do have there is some
method where we can we can free up a little bit of
capacity, but at this time we don't do that.
So I will tell you, I mean, this is a this should
be a no brainer. Uh, in terms of Legislation. There's
no fiscal note attached to it. Um and this is this
is not a, you know, this is not a partisan issue. This
is this is something that we're trying to clean up.
Something that the Treasury did back in back in '09.
And they don't seem to be willing to to address it.
So uh, you know. Thank you for Congressman Arrington.
Thank you for Congressman Doggett for taking
this thing on. Uh if you, any people that you know, that
are part of our Congressional Delegation. If you can
encourage them. To make sure that whatever Legislation
comes out of lame duck, this lame duck session. Is
that, that this gets attached to it. Because that's kind
of how things operate in Congress these days. We don't
pass individual bills, we pass these big omnibus bills,
you know. So uh, that is really, really important.
In terms of the continuance of the bond guarantee program.
And this is something we've been working on for a long
time. And it's just kind of, about to come to a head.
And uh, we have to really thread the needle here to
make sure that we get this passed, and get this
rectified. So that's uh, the big thing right now on
our horizon. Thank you for explaining that Mr. Maynard.
Member, do you have any questions on that topic? Dr. Bell-Metereau?
That's house resolution 1944? 9044, 9044. 9044. Okay.
Okay, I'm glad I checked.
Any other questions from Members? Thank you, Mr. Maynard. Mr. Chairman? Mr. Hickman?
I don't know if that's something Mr. Maynard can email
us? Or SBOE Support can send out? Yes can do that. Yes
we can. We certainly can.
Dr. Robinson, you ready? Yes sir, I am. We are on item number 11. Go Ahead. Mr. Chair,
the Committee on School Initiatives recommends that
the State Board of Education, take no action on the
proposed amendments to 19 TAC Chapter 229, Accountability
System for Educator Preparation programs.
Members, any questions on this item? Further debate?
Ready to vote? All those in favor say aye. Aye. All those
opposed say no. There is a majority in favor and the
recommendation is adopted. Go on to item number 12, Dr. Robinson? Mr.
Chair, the Committee on School Initiatives, recommends
that the State Board of Education take no action on
proposed revisions in 19 TAC Chapter 241, Certification
as Principal.
You've heard the motion any further questions or debate
on this item?
Ready to vote? All those in favor say aye. Aye. All those
opposed say no. There is a majority in favor and the
recommendation is adopted. Is that the end of yours Dr.
Robinson? Did you have any other topics? Anything you
wanna discuss in Committee of School Initiatives? Okay.
All right. I believe that's the end of our agenda, correct?
So Members, it's been a been a busy week. It's been
an important week and like I said before a bittersweet
week. Uh for this Texas State Board of Education. This
is a time when we normally take a few minutes to share
anything that's going on in our personal lives, our
professional lives. Um, what I am going to do is I'll
go around the room and call on the non-retiring Board
Members first. And then we will finish with the retiring
Board Members. So since it has been determined Miss
Perez-Diaz, that you're not leaving the Board. Would you
like to go first with anything? I appreciate that Chair.
Um, so on a personal note, I just want to share with
everybody. Um, I am gonna be leaving for Canada on December
7th. As part of an eight member U.S. delegation. To
study Canada's government. Um, it was a really cool
opportunity that I was invited to be a part of. And
so um, I had the option of choosing which um, policy
sort of focuses I wanted to. And so obviously education
is one. Um, health care is going to be another. And then
workforce development. So I'm very excited to be a
part of this really small delegation of elected officials
from across the Country. Um, I'll be the only one from
Texas going. Um, so I'm looking forward to it. How long you gonna be up there? I will
be up there for about a week and a half. So I
started in Ottawa, travel to Montreal and then we'll
end our trip in Halifax. Wow, that's great. So I'm really excited about
it. Be interested in January hearing how that went. Yeah,
thank you. And then as a personal note, so I mentioned
yesterday you know, having served now a decade on this
Board. Um It's I've seen a lot of Members come and
go. And it's always hard to say bye. But this particular
cycle um, is incredibly emotional for me. Um, partly because
um two people who have been my mentors on this Board.
And brothers flank me. And so it's gonna be really hard
to say goodbye to them. So I'll start um, I just want to
go through each one of them. Because every Member that's
leaving this session, this cycle is um, it's hard to
say goodbye to. Um Jay, my very first interaction with
you was right after you won your election. I gave you
a call and you were incredibly kind. Um and we didn't
even know each other. I was very pregnant with my
son. And you sent me a gift for our new
baby. Um, and that was just a small sample of the kind
of heart of gold that you have. You are, you are truly
a Statesman. And you're gonna be incredibly missed. And
you didn't deserve, you didn't deserve to be knocked
off this Board. Because the Texas children need people
like you on this Board. Thank you for your service.
Um
uh, so Gina. I remember our first interaction with you.
Um before you were ever on the Board. Ruben and I were
working on Mexican-American studies. And you came ready,
guns blazing to yell at this board. And Ruben and I
had to talk you off the ledge. And I don't know that
it worked. It didn't work. Um and then it was sort
of serendipitous two years later. See you um, come onto
this Board, and help us finalize the work that we've
started. So um, that's just a small sampling of the
force that you've brought to this Board. You uh, you're
powerful voice is full of passion. Because you (inaudible)
our kids. Um, you'll also be missed. Um, I don't know
that I've ever served with anybody as vivacious. So
it's been, it's been real. Um, Sue we rolled
onto this Board. I think, you know, now that you and
Reuben are cycling off. Tom we're the last one standing,
from our cohort. Survivors. I know. Um, Sue you've always, you know
I know people always spoken about your, your quiet
power. Um, that couldn't be more true, but I also
know you as a, as a really kind person. Who um, puts
family before anything else. You put kids before anything
else. And
it's, you're also one of those voices that we need
on the Board. And you didn't deserve um, to transition
off yet. You weren't done. You're not done. We'll see
you. Um, she'll be sorely missed too. Um Matt. Uh,
I like our you've always been really, really um thoughtful.
In the decisions that you make your very collaborative.
Um, and that we haven't always seen eye to eye on things.
You're a listener and you care. And everything that
you do is centered on the right things. You've taken
very, very difficult positions on this Board, considering
more bipart, because considering our partisan body.
Um, and I have a tremendous amount of respect for you.
Um and you're not just a colleague, you're a
friend and a brother. And I hope we stay in contact.
Because, you know, and I've had the privilege of getting
to meet your beautiful family. And um, in particular
you're Julia, she's amazing. Um Lawrence, you have been.
I'm still not a politician. I'm trying my best. All
these years, sitting next to you, you've taught me a lot.
Um, and it's true, any time you speak, anytime you speak
it's profound. Um, I remember my first year on this
Board. I was talking with Miss Mavis, um, Mavis Knight.
Who's also a tremendous Board Member. Mavis pulled
me aside one time and she was like, you're sitting
next to one of the best. She's just like, listen to everything
he says, because he knows what he's talking about. He
won't often speak, but when he does people listen to
him. And you'll do good to learn from him. And she couldn't
have been more correct in her words. Um, and you've
always been a person and on top of, you know, the mentorship
you've shared on this Board. You're also just very
caring. And um, you've been kind to my family. Um you're
also a brother and a friend. And come visit us in San
Antonio. We'll take you to the Riverwalk or wherever
you want to go. Um and Reuben, I already kind of um
broke down earlier with you. But, I don't know that
I can speak anymore. Because I'll probably cry a lot.
Um, I know I'm not losing a brother, but I know that
to not have you on my side, literally. Um, it's gonna
be a transition for me. Because you've always been there.
You've been there when we're at these Board meetings.
And you know, it's hilarious because I'm the one on
this Board that everybody would text. When they're like,
wrangle him in. What's he talking about? Where is he
going? And I was very unsuccessful at that job. But
I also, I also know that you, um, that you do everything
that you do with passion and a love for the kids
in Texas, in particular District 2. Um, and uh, I just
you know, I know we'll see you lots. I know we're gonna
see you tons. Um, and I'll miss, I'll miss you
but I'm gonna miss these board members a lot. It's
hitting me really hard and I knew I was gonna cry.
Um, but I hope that we don't stop seeing you all. Um,
because y'all are very much loved. Thank you. Well
said Ms. Perez-Diaz. Dr. Bell-Metereau, do you have anything?
Yeah, I do. Um, on a personal note, our granddaughter
who just turned one year old. Started walking and used
a potty for the first time. And can say for "cuh" cat and
"duh" for dog. Now I will, I am so grateful to Marissa for
being an even better crier than I am. It made me oddly
not tearful. But I do want to say something to each
of the people who are leaving. Because even though I
haven't known them as long as you have, I have developed
affection for them.
I'm gonna start with Sue because uh, we have in common
our passion for uh, students with Special Needs. And
I'm gonna take the occasion to say Sue, I need your home
address. Because I want to send you a book called "Autism
and Film and Television." The author is very close to
me. Um so, um, and I sense that passion and everything
you do. Jay. Jay, actually really hurt my feelings once. I'm
I'm serious. I'm serious he did. And I know he's a
good Christian man. I know he's very sweet. But he
told me I couldn't ride in his van, because I didn't
vote right?
And I was thrown back to when I was in
3rd Grade and moved to a strange school. Where nobody
would talk to me. And nobody would include me in their
games. And that only lasted until I was in 6th Grade.
So it really was like, I was suddenly very triggered.
But, once he started letting me ride in his van again.
I thought it's all forgiven. But you know where he
makes me sit, all the way in the back.
No, I actually did sit once beside him. So, uh anyway
I'll miss you a lot. I showed you where the vending machines were. I forgot that act of kindness.
That makes it all okay. All okay.
Gina,
I've always been afraid of you,
and I still am. So I don't even know what to say,
except I consider myself a really good researcher.
I've done it.
Charter schools and everyone should listen to what
she has to say about Charter schools. And I'm so proud
of us as a group, for getting together and defending
our own. Against the incredible, just brutal actions
that took away two of our good Members. Just because
they voted against a few Charter schools. That's not
right. So Georgina. I'm gonna miss you also, because
when I don't know how to vote. I usually just look
over at Georgina.
You're welcome.
Okay, Ruben.
I'm scared of you too. Not quite as scared as I am
of Georgina. But you've given me the most sensible
advice, when you told me to just shut up and give
in.
And the other thing he told me, which I thought was
amazing. I was talking about getting hungry really
often. We were having a breakfast and, and Ruben said
Rebecca, everybody hates you. Nobody wants to hear
skinny people talk about their eating habits.
I can't say, (inaudible)
I did not say that. I just said I'd like to eat
often. Okay, we'll talk about it later. Uh, uh, Lawrence.
Um, now here I may get kind of weepy. Because Lawrence
actually reminds me of how much he has to go through,
by not being a part of a majority religion. And I know
how hard it is to fast. And I experienced it for two
years when I was in Africa, because everybody fasted.
And um, he has never worn his religion on his sleeve.
He has never said anything unkind to anyone, about any
issue and his kindness and his strength.
You're a model. You're a model to us all. You're a
model to us all.
Now,
Matt, Matt. I think he may be even more of an environmental
supporter than I am. But he's not a big loud mouth
and obnoxious about it. So I want to thank him for
really caring about the environment and loving it and
acting on it. And I'm really gonna miss his presence,
as someone who's just kind of on the even-keel. And
also all kinds of other things. Plus he's a Doctor.
and I always wanted to be a Doctor. So thank you. I
think we're posting to talk about our weight issues,
but I'll let that one slide a little bit. Dr. Young?
Oh, I forgot about Mr. Hickman in the sky. Mr. Hickman, you
still around? I am. Am I up. You're up. Uh, thank you. I'll
start with the brochure from last night, do that order.
Lawrence, my neighbor from Houston. Uh, I've enjoyed
our conversations. Wish you well in your future endeavors.
If it's possible we need you back as the emcee for
the party in two years. Um, you don't speak a whole
lot in the circle, but I really enjoy getting to hear
hear when you do speak. And in personal, personal conversations.
Uh Ruben, I've enjoyed getting to know you. And talk
about our families and kids. And serve on the Committee
on School Initiatives together. Um Jay, you're a gentleman
and a scholar and a gentle soul. Thank you for your
service. Thank you for your work for Texas kids. And
thank you most of all for your friendship. I hope you
find a veteran navigator for your Van. Um Sue, um Sue
you, I've enjoyed speaking with you. And you know, on
education and just on everything else. One of my favorite
interactions with Sue, I like to talk a lot and others
on the Board like to talk a lot. And she said, well
y'all just stay there and keep talking and we'll go
somewhere else and get the work done. So she's, she's
quiet, normally quiet in the circle. But I love when
uh, when Sue talks as well. Um Matt, I've enjoyed sitting
by you. Getting to know you, get to meet your family.
Um, your principled and you do what's right for Texas
kids. So thank you, thank you for your service. And
Gina, sorry to the others. But when you're one of my
favorites. Uh, I was told I inherited you from Donna.
I miss sitting by you and solving all of the Texas
Education problems. Uh, talking about everyone else's
antics. Um, those were my favorite meetings and I will
miss our window caucus. Well as it was, while we had
it. So that's all for me, Mr. Chairman, thank you. And
apologies I can't be there in person.
Dr. Young? I don't know that I could have said anything
better, than what Member Hickman and, and the previous
Members have said. Other than Ruben here's cheers to
tequila. Um, anytime. Um, Jay. Thanks for letting me ride
shotgun. It was, it's always been fun and I appreciate,
appreciate that with you. Sue, we'll continue to cheer
on our, our Special Needs Children. Because that's what
we do. Absolutely. Matt, I love um, how conversations
at dinner go completely sideways when you start telling
urology jokes. So we might just call you on speaker
and have you um, you know, jump in with us. So we
can turn that conversation around very quickly. I had
no idea what a phenomenal speaker, speaker you are.
Until um, Donna and um Barbara, we're leaving the Board.
And I got to attend um, that reception and you lead
it. And when you were done, I walked up to you and
told you how impressed I was because I had no idea
he had that many words to say. And they were amazing!
And so thank you so much for, because when you, you
speak people listen. Um, and, and it's always um, it's
great to hear what you say. And, and you're even-keeledness
and when you do it. Gina, thanks for letting me
grab your butt. Um, in the car. Thank you for always
accepting my, my hugs. Um, and you are by no doubt
a sister from another mister. Um you, you will be missed
tremendously. I have enjoyed laughing with you. I have
enjoyed our dinners together and I have enjoyed working
on the things that make Texas better schools. So thank
you for all of you, all that you do. I love you.
And I'm leaving for the Galapagos in a week with my
Mother. So on a personal note, yes. So wish us luck. Mr. Maynard?
Mr. Chairman, I just few personal notes.
Uh well, first of all, you know that this is our only
opportunity to wish everybody Happy Thanksgiving and
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Because the next
time we will reconvene will be next year. And so uh,
just on a note. That of course, you know, all of
you are. You know, we have a ceremonial swearing in
at the end of January, but all of you will be sworn
in somewhere. I've always chosen to do mine at a
school. And I've generally done back on on this
side of the District. I'm gonna be swearing in this
year in Brenham. And so with at the High School auditorium.
And inviting all the, all the Seniors who are taking
government. They've probably never seen a swearing
in before. And so, they can you can see that process.
And so, that's something that I've kind of, kind of
done. And so uh, we're gonna be doing that in Brenham,
Texas this year. Bringing ice cream? Mmm? Any Blue Bell? Um, we haven't gotten that far,
but you know, actually I've got a connection there.
Actually, the uh when I first ran in 2012, one of the
first endorsements I got was from the Blue Bell PAC.
You know, it was a sweet deal, so. It's been a rocky road since then. Oh, don't you start.
So um, yeah party members, you know, I you know, hope
you miss the dad jokes. I don't know, but I think I've
said all that there is to say. But to each one of you.
Georgina come back is, is that uh. You know, my son will
teach you how to make soap. Yeah. You know we uh, we
we've been we've been sort of the supply line to Gina
for goat milk soap. And uh it's really good, you
know. And and uh, Ruben and Georgina like that. So I
I guess one of the things I've got in common with you,
a little bit. Is is that I've spent a lot more time
in Mexico recently, you know. And I have a young man
that, you know, that I get and so I've become a lot
more appreciative of that of that culture. Spent
a lot more time there, that sort of thing. And so um,
and uh (speaking Spanish). Uh so
we're working on that. Uh, Lawrence look
forward to working with you. You know, we're our
work together is not done. Um, you know, that uh
we've got we've got a big date. The Capital, for
the College of Agriculture Prairie View A&M in February.
That we're working on. I've been working with Prairie View
A&M for about 17 years or so. Uh, that's kinda one
of those things that most people don't know about me.
But I do that and so uh, you know. Matt uh, drive thru your part
of the country, uh pretty often actually. You know,
and I buy have all my cars over there. And over there at
McRae. Yeah, so we'll have to get together
sometime. And so when we get over there and uh. Sue, we
worked together for several years on the Committee
on Instruction. And uh, I really, really appreciate that.
I appreciate your heart. And you know, we won't be far.
And the other thing that Sue and I have in common, is we
were both involved in Music Ministry. I spent about 17
years in Music Ministry, as uh, Minister of Music
in churches and that sort of thing. And so that's one
thing we, we never did do a duet together. Maybe we should
have like that. And so yeah. And Jay, you know, we're
really both Panhandle guys. You know, this is that
uh. Of course that when I think about Pampa, Pampa, Texas.
Is that when I was a teacher at Plainview, we used
to uh play Pampa, you know, occasionally. And
the most partisan game announcer I ever heard uh, was
in Pampa, Texas. You just wanted to walk across the
field into the press box and choke that guy, you know.
And so, but yeah, but a lot of good people from, from
Pampa. And so uh, you know, thank you for
your service. And this is that, you know, we kind
of understand each other, when we talk about
the Panhandle. And uh, I do go back up there for
Cal Farley's Boys Ranch Alumni Association stuff. And
so, we'll have to get together at some point. But thank
you all of you for your service. Jay you aren't
a football announcer, are you okay? No. Okay. All right Dean Hardy?
Um, I will spare going through all the accolades for
everybody again. Because I would ditto everything that
you said. And I will miss all of you. I have on
a personal note, I'm leaving for Williamsburg in a
couple of weeks. And spend a week in the Christmas spirit
there, so. Great, sounds fun. Happy New Year, Merry Christmas and Happy
Thanksgiving. Ms. Davis?
Alrighty. Um Sue, it was an honor serving with you
on the Committee on Instruction. And um, and working
with you to make sure that students with Special Needs
have every opportunity to excel. And I've learned so
much from you, um watching you. And it's just been
an honor to fight with you, um for our students. And
Jay, always believe you're like the Father that every
little girl wishes they had. And it's been just so nice
to meet you and and get to know you. And it's just
been an honor, I've never been kicked out the van.
So thanks.
And I've talked to Matt. Lawrence, you're like, my
I don't wanna say my Father, like an uncle here. And whenever
I don't feel safe, whenever I don't feel safe. You've
you've always made me feel safe. And I don't, I don't
always feel safe here. And so I just thank you for
always, just giving me advice. Like we've known each
other forever. And just always seeing about me.
Um, and making sure I'll make bad decisions in my horrible
love life. So thank you so much for, for always being
there. And Ruben, it's been great serving with you
on a Committee on School Initiatives right beside each
other. You know, I'm gonna miss you terribly. Um, we
got a lot accomplished in that Committee, when it comes
to Charters as a whole. And it's been an honor to serve
with you. And I go back to Matt since you came back.
Matt, I really do think you're a hero, I do. I have
so much respect for you. Because it's never been about
necessarily party lines with you. It's just what's
best for kids. And I will say, um, I know your daughter
holds you to a high standard. But that's because you
did an amazing job raising her. And I've, you've really
changed my outlook when it comes to politics and partisan
things. Because I know there are people out there, that
just want to do the right thing because you're one
of them. And it's just been an honor to get
to know someone like you. And boy, oh boy Georgina. For
those of y'all who don't know, Georgina was actually
my Instructor. So the memory is so vivid. I remember
2016, I was a Teacher and I started teaching because
I always wanted to help children. That was my thing,
I just wanted to help children. And I got an email
that popped up, and it said if you wanna create systematic
change for children, you need to apply to the Texas
Education Policy Institute. And I read all about it
and I was like man, this is amazing. They'll
never accept me. And I applied to it and I got accepted.
And I'll never forget the first meeting. She was
like, okay Legislate, Legislative session is coming
up. You need to read all of these Bills. It was about
100 and something of them. And you need to do um, little
mini summaries. And one of my classmates was like,
so do we get like two weeks to do this? She was
like no I need this tomorrow. So, but that's the way
I learned to read policy, and understand policy, and
how to make change in policy that benefits kids. And
part of that fellowship, we took a trip to D.C. And
I was the only Teacher in a fellowship. It was mostly
Director's, Assistant Superintendents, and me. And I told
Georgina, I feel like I didn't deserve to be here. And
she told me, Teachers are the most important people
in that School District and never say that. And then
she took me to the African-American Museum. It was
probably a year old at the time. And we spent the whole
year. And she's like look where you came from. Don't
you realize how powerful you are? And that was the
first time I ever thought that I could have power.
And it just changed me. And I asked her, I said well
this was just an amazing experience. You know, let's
incorporate some of this in our African-American Studies
class we have in Texas. She said we don't have one.
And that minute I went back home to Dallas and started
working on the African-American Studies course. So
Georgina, you changed my life, you have changed my life.
You made me realize the power that I had, because I
was a Teacher. And you made me realize how powerful
all Teachers are, in that classroom influencing kids
every single day. And I try to empower other Teachers.
So now we have Teachers, we sit around, we talk about
how we're gonna go to the Capitol and what we're gonna
do. But that all came from your inspiration. And now
they're Teapot Fellows, at least 20 some Teapot Fellows
that came. You know, we're serving in all levels of Education.
Uh, Darlene Braw actually was just named Alief ISD
Trustee, President of the Board. And all of
that is because of your influence. I just really want
you to know, how much you've done really for kids, for
Teachers, for everybody around the State of Texas.
It will be a void like Donna said, it will be a
void that will never be filled. And I'm, I'm thankful
I am thankful that God brought you into my life. And
not just the last thing.
When my Aunt died for my first swearing in. My Mom couldn't
be here, and it tore me up. Some of y'all didn't realize
I was running outside every five minutes just crying
and bawling.
And I didn't know Georgina had been talking to her
the entire time and letting her know I was okay. And
letting me know she was okay. And after the swearing in,
and she said your Mom is so proud. And so thank you
for being a part of her life to in, in our life.
And you'll always be a part of our lives, you know, I
love you so much. And I, I'm always gonna be around and
I know you're always gonna be around too.
Ms. Little?
Well, first I'd like to start by thanking each of you.
For your leadership and for all the courage that you've
had. In providing for the 5.5 million students that
we have in this State. I mean that is our responsibility
and there's nothing more important than that. And I
think it's been said what each one of you have contributed.
Um, and I would second all of that and just thank you
deeply from the bottom of my heart. I would like to
mention a couple of things about each one of you. that
I am personally going to miss. Miss Gina, I'm really
going to miss your constructive advice forming. You
are very good at making sure that my image was projected
properly, and I thank you for that. Ruben, I'm gonna
miss your thoughtful questions. You always had the
longest and the best questions. So uh, we will miss
that for sure. And um Lawrence, I'm gonna miss your
wisdom. You were, I think you, you should be a wise
man. You just as people have said, you don't talk very
often, but when you do, you have um great information.
And my husband who just met you for the first time
last night kept saying the whole night. Lawrence is
a good guy. He's just a great guy, I really like him.
So, um, I thank you for that. And Matt, you are my
Alum buddy. We came in together and um I'm gonna miss
our happy hours together. We'll have to have one maybe
in zoom happy hour or something from now on. But I
appreciate the conversations that we had and we'll
miss those. And um Sue, I'm wondering who's gonna lead
us in "Happy Birthday" now? You're gonna have to come
back or maybe on zoom because we don't have that ability. I
know I don't have that ability. So somebody else is
gonna have to fill that void. And Jay, I've loved sitting
by you. Cause we were just kind of roll over and talk
and, and um I really miss that. And of course it's been
said many times about your show first service. And I
was the benefit of some of that. And I'm just gonna
miss your courage, your sweetness and um the quiet
comments that we shared. So I wish all of you the best.
And would ask each of you to please, please please, keep
doing something for Education in this State. Thank
you.
And I just I can't even begin to add on to the
incredible words that have been spoken already. But
I want to say Jay, and Sue, and Matt,
Lawrence,
and Ruben, and Gina. I'm a better person, because I've had you
in our and my life. And I've been blessed, to be able
to call you friends.
And let each retiring Member, say anything they'd like
to say. I'll start with Dr. Johnson.
Well I hate to be remembered for being a driver. But
uh, you know everybody has their part to play. So it
was my pleasure. Actually I enjoyed it. And since that
came up.
I have this I leave for Pat. This is my magnetic sign
that I held on the side of my car. That said State
Board of Education Taxi, BR 549. So Pat, this is for you.
So Pat has the driving responsibility from now on.
Uh, first of all I also want to thank my District. I
want to thank the people that allowed me the honor
and privilege of representing them. Uh, it's 88 counties and
234 Districts. And you guys keep that in mind please,
when you're doing things. Uh a lot of us aren't from
Houston. A lot of us aren't from Dallas. Uh, you know,
234 districts in my area. We have a whole different
outlook on Educational needs. So please keep that in
mind. Uh, when you're looking at things. So I want to
thank my District. I wanna thank you guys. I have really
felt a friendship and kindness from all of you. And
I just, I can't tell you how much I appreciate the
way you accepted me immediately. Pat has been my mentor.
I've got three sisters and they don't treat me nearly
as well as Pat does. So I really appreciate you, Pat.
Thank you so much. I want to thank, I want to thank
all the agencies and the lobbyists that gave me some
knowledge. I mean I know they're hired guns, but they
know a lot of things that the history of things. And
I learned a lot from a lot of you, who are still
here. I see anyhow, thank you for the information that
you shared and kind of accelerated my learning curve.
Uh, I really appreciate that. Uh I wanna also say Happy
Thanksgiving, Happy Christmas, Happy New Year. Uh, anyhow.
I'm sorry that we won't be here together again. To encourage
each other for the holidays. Uh and like I said a while
ago to the Commissioner. Uh I think it's important
that we do look for an Educational great Commission,
that we try to make good citizens and lifelong
learners of the students of Texas. So I think that
if you make a good citizen and lifelong learner, we
have accomplished our goal. So always keep that in
the forefront of your mind. Uh um, one more thing. I
started collecting these ties about 30 years ago. And
a lot of them are Save the Children ties. And uh, I'm
gonna leave one for your Fearless Leader, because I've
got several of them. This is a Save the Children tie.
And uh, I really want to compliment the job that Dr.
Ellis has done. I think that he was a good glue for
this group. A great and easy to keep us working together.
Keeps us focused and uh, and I consider him a great
friend. I've collected ties, but I tell you something
else, I may have told some of you, I collect friends.
And you guys are my new friends and I don't let you
go. So I'm a bug you, you may get a text from
me. You, you may get an email. Uh, but anyhow I want
to keep him with you. Because you guys are my friends,
and you're part of my friend collection. So it's been
my honor to know you and, and to serve with you.
I'm honored.
Sue, that's a nice looking scarf you got there. It's a (inaudible)
It is detachable. I'll undo it. Now, Shelly
might say something. She may claim it, but that would
be fine. That I just want to say what an honor and
a privilege it's been to serve with each one of you.
And to the Board Members that were previously on, when
I came on to serve with them as well. Um, the one
thing that I wanted to be sure of whenever I came on
the Board, is that we always kept children first. And
I think that's exactly what we've done. We need to
always remember that, as long as we keep those kids
first, everything's gonna be okay. And I had a Pastor
friend of mine say, Ruben referred to, the fact that
we didn't always agree on things. And I had a Pastor
friend of mine say, you know, it's okay, we can agree
to be disagreeable. But when we walked through those
doors were of one body and one mind, and that's the
children. And as long as well keep that at the forefront,
everything is going to be in good shape. And I have
to agree with Jay, that uh, y'all are now my friend
family. Because I consider each and every one of you
friends. And I may do like he may do, we just text
back and forth or quick phone calls and emails and
things like that. Because truly I am a better person
for having had each one of you in my life. And I
appreciate that so very much. And uh, I most some
of you know, I don't have any siblings, biological
siblings. But I do have a lot of siblings been there
sitting right here. And so I just appreciate each and
every one of you so much. And last night Monty asked
me the question, what's next? He said, he's noticed
that every time I get to a point in my life and
that something ends, something else will come along.
And so he asked last night, he said, what's next? And
I said, well I don't know. I'm still waiting for God
to tell me. And I know he has a plan for me.
And Jeremiah says, for I know the plans I have for
you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans
to give you a hope and a future. And I know that
God's gonna lead me in a direction. And when you, when
you worked with kids for as long as I've worked with
kids and kept them at the forefront. You can't just
go cold turkey and not do anything for kids. So, um
I want to continue working for the kids in Texas. And
I want to make sure, as I said before that they have
the best Education in the world, because they deserve
it. They're worth the fight. And I just want to again
thank each and every one of you for your friendship.
For your willingness to work together to uh, talk things
through, talk things out. Maybe when we did disagree.
To be able to sit down with you and say, okay, let
me hear what you have to say. And then you say, let
me hear what you have to say. And I thank you for
that. You all are are big, big part of my family. And
my heart and I thank you each and everyone.
Matt?
Well, I don't know. Um, yeah, I'm gonna try to say
to hold it together too. But this, this has been a
really great experience, really great experience. And
and I've gotten to know some of you better than others.
But I know that all 15 of us have the children, as
far as what's best for them. And the Teachers and public
education um, is the main thing. And uh, I can't remember
who said it. One of, y'all over here said that you
were, you were afraid of Georgina. And, and I still
am too. I'm still afraid of her. But there's
probably a few people though that probably. Well, Georgina
and Keven have been my mentors. And I would say
so especially Keven. I mean, I really we also come from
similar backgrounds. And so I, he's just been, I think
he's been a great Chair. And he's really, you know, sometimes
he lets, you know. One thing else I have in common with
Keven is, is he has had the challenge of trying to rein
in Ruben, just like I have on CSI. But
you've been good. And that you know you don't cut
people off too quickly. And so that that gives everybody
a chance to get their say. And uh, you know, I've developed.
I got to know Marissa um, probably when we're doing
that Health TEKS. I got to know her and worked with
her some. And it was very, very good experience. And um,
and don't take this wrong. Uh, Rebecca but and this is
a compliment. But you do, you do remind me of my mother.
And that's a good thing though. And she's, she's a very
um she's a Progressive Democrat. And she's a strong
Environmentalist. And I kind of am too, even though
I am you know Republican. But and and I've been and
I as far as I each I, you know, I've made you
the Vice Chair of the CSI. And, and that was
maybe a small thing. But, but I really think that you've
got a bright future. As far as whether it's an education
and that intersect between education and politics.
So I hope you stay in there. And Lawrence, you know.
Lawrence has a lot of, a lot of good advice. And
I've really um, really have the greatest respect. Respect
for you. And Audrey, I know you're gonna do a good job
of taking Georgina's place. That's your job, okay.
You've got those, those shoes to fill. And and I know
you'll do good. And you know, there's been a lot of
talk about how the Board's gonna change next year. But
I'm not worried, because I know that the nine of you
that are coming back. Um, that the six new people are
gonna look at you and they're gonna quickly
see. That there, there's a lot of wisdom, and
appropriate priorities. And so even if some of them
are wanting to go off reservation. I think that, I think
the Board's gonna be in good hands next year. And
I'm not gonna go away completely. And and if I you know,
we're all stay in contact. Um and if things seem to
go, there's some some people getting off kilter, I
might come and testify. You know get my three minutes
you know. And I'll time that ahead time. So you don't
have to ding me out anymore. But it's just
been a great experience. And I think I need to get since
Keven and Will live in the Houston area. Keven
already took me out fishing once. I need to get ya'll
all down to Galveston and go fishing. But so anyway
thanks a lot. Thank you for those words Matt. (inaudible)
Lawrence? Again, I want to say thank you to everyone
that has spoken and for the kind words. And um, I certainly
want to not leave, without looking at it from an 18
year experience. There've been so many people in the seats.
And I really don't see Ruben or Georgina as fighters.
If you had sat here with Mary Helen Berlanga.
What they do is just smile, that smile. And so I learned
from Mary Helen. I see her as a school was named after
her. As a person that really fought very hard. Long before
they got here, for the inclusion of Hispanics in the
curriculum. And so I was sitting there with History,
on this Board. And with Joe Bernal, and Tysie Miller,
and David Bradley. People had served 26 years and I
was here for a day or so. And so when I look
at that, I realized that when I'm looking at you
I'm looking at the continuous work of those who started
years ago. And so I do know the Board is in good
hands. Because children will always be in the center
of the conversation. So thank you for that. The one
thing that I know is a constant is that the Staff at
the TEA has been simply amazing. When one leave
you always say, gosh, how can we get along without
Rene? How can we get along without this other person?
And the next person that steps in that seat is just
as efficient or just as wonderful. Monica, and
all those individuals who have when they take your
phone call, they make you think you really are important.
You know, get right back to you. So I want to thank
all of the current Staff and all of the past Staff
Members. That have served in the capacity to make sure
that I could do what I need to do. But I got
to save my VIP, even though she's a little
something. Lenny, make sure that Mr. Allen is well taken
care of. Even though whenever she sends me something and
go straight to my junk mail. I don't know what that means. I have
to go in my junk mail, to make sure I can speak
with Lenny, because she has taken care of me. I don't
know if Rene or whoever told her take care of Mr. Allen,
he's slipping. See and Miss Dix, they take good care
of me. So the Staff at TEA has been amazing to me.
The Members that sit around this, this seat, you are
my inspiration. I am cheering for you. And whatever
the discourse is, make sure that the children are all
right. Keep the children first and it'll be okay.
Thank you, Lawrence. Ruben?
You know, I thought I had said everything I was gonna
say over there. And then Sue spoke and.
In 2013, a friend of mine, uh, retired Superintendent,
he was Superintendent the time. Give me a little book
called the Godwink. Know if any of you have ever read
it. And it's about these little things that happen
in your life, where you get these messages, right? And
you know that God is with you, right? Uh, Sue referenced
Jeremiah 29:11. And so I just, I felt this need to
share this because, uh, that Scripture has been something
that just pops into my life at the most appropriate
time when I feel I need guidance from above, right.
When I'm veering or something chaotic is happening,
and I need direction. Uh,
I originally didn't want to run for this seat. Because
it's hard, you know, you've run for School Board. It's
difficult to run for an office. Imagine running across
17 counties. And in that run back in 2012, I came across
this lady, her name is Millie. And she invited me into
her home. Um, and when we walked in, the first thing
she asked is, do you mind if we open in prayer? And
I said, sure. And she hands me a Bible. And she said,
I want you to close your eyes and I want you to
open the bible and just put your finger down. Whatever
verse scripture it lands on, that's what we're gonna
pray.
It landed on Jeremiah 29:11. That was the very first
time that I felt, I mean the presence of God
and whatever it is that I was doing. And I was running
for this office.
I made it into a run off, but I was the low
man in the, in the runoff in that scenario. And uh
it was the redistricting year, as you remember we had
an odd Summer election. Those of you that were running
you remember we had a Summer election. I had rented
a condo on South Padre Island for the Summer. And I
woke up, my kids were asleep. And I remember I had been
on the road for weeks. And I had a meeting in Corpus
Christi at 9am. I had to be in San Antonio at
2pm. I had to be in Bay City, Texas at 8pm.
Uh, and I was just tired. I said, I don't not
gonna go and stay in a hotel in Matagorda County.
I'm driving back to Padre Island. And that morning as
I left South Padre Island, my wife, my kids were asleep.
And as I'm driving there's this, once you pass the
checkpoint, there's this big Stripes, this trucker
Stripes. Where everybody stops and uh, if you've ever
walked into a Stripes store, the first thing you're
gonna hear is "Welcome to Stripes. Thank you for coming."
Remember as I parked, all I could think was, why am
I here?
I should be at home, already lost. I mean I'm 16 points
away from the lady ahead of me. I'm gonna lose this
run off. I just kept just arguing with God, as I was
sitting in the parking lot of the gas station. And as
I get off to get a cup of coffee. I walk up
the lady from the register says " Welcome to Stripes."
And I just, you know, I was just a foul mood. And
I walked up to get a cup of coffee. I kept my
head down. And as the line moves up, this is a very
busy gas station. Uh, I look up and the lady in front
of me has a T-shirt on. And in the back of
her T-shirt says, for I know the plans I have for
you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not
to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future.
I just remember breaking down in tears in the gas station.
Getting my cup of coffee, going and paying. I walked outside
I said, God I'm never gonna complain about anything
anymore. I'm here. I don't know why, but I'm here.
I'm gonna be a cheerful giver. Went on to win that race.
and that Scripture has popped up so many times. You
all know, I didn't, I chose not to seek reelection,
for this office. And there's at the time that it, that
I made that decision, it was because that scripture
entered my life at some point. I still don't know the
why. But hearing you talk just reaffirms the fact that
I made the right choice. Uh because uh, this Godwink
for me is a very serious thing. It happens. And, and
I feel it. And so when you were speaking, I felt this
sense of peace. Because this whole time I've been feeling
a little emotional about, you know, I'm going. But
I'm, I'm leaving today with a sense of peace because
of what you just said. I've enjoyed thoroughly my time
with all of you, even my disagreements. Because we do
it for the children of the State of Texas. And I'm
grateful for every interaction that I've had with all
of you. I'm grateful for our Staff, who have a very
difficult task of dealing with 15 personalities. Uh,
and sometimes we're not in agreement. And things change
from one second to the next. And the Staff at the
Texas Education Agency's is world class. And so I've
enjoyed my time here. Uh, it's been a love and a joy.
Just like the kids that we had from Lovejoy this morning.
And thank you for every experience that I've had with
all of you. I leave here with a full heart. Knowing
that when you guys come back in January, you guys are
gonna pick up right where you left off. And you're gonna
do amazing things for students. I know there's gonna
be disagreements. I know the Media is gonna write negative
things, sometimes they're gonna write positive things.
But I know that you guys are gonna do your very best
for the kids of the State. And I'm glad to know every
one of you.
Thank you and Gina. I maybe naive, but I'm not afraid
of you.
It's not a may, it's a shall. So, um, I've had the
opportunity all, all week to say kind things to, to
the people in this circle. And if I skipped you, well
I'll send you a letter. Um, because I want to talk to
Shelly and Monica.
There was a lot of talk about what we did for Spanish
Language Arts. And I guess because I sit here and you
sit there, maybe it was somehow attributed to my work.
But the truth is, and for you all who don't know. Shelly
and Monica are also from El Paso. Well, it shouldn't
be a surprise, really. The best people come out of
West Texas. But,
it was um, very difficult. A ridiculous amount of work.
Um, that's something that we very much needed. Because
looking at the students that we serve. If we don't change
the way we teach them, the outcomes will never change,
for that demographic. And as much as we disagreed and
Monica can tell you it was a lot.
At the end, we all agreed that what we were doing was
um a work of heart. Um difficult getting there, but
a long time coming. And so while I thank all of you
for thinking that I had some phenomenal role in that.
The truth is it was, it was Monica and Shelly who did
the incredible heavy lifting. Um and since then there
have been comments about how great it is um, that Texas
has this material. And um, um not only uh, that Texas
has a great uh, dual language program now. But that
it is modeled in other states as well. And that is
definitely um, thanks to the both of you. When we started
Ethnic Studies. I don't I think we talked about this
a lot, but one name that's never mentioned is Sue.
She was the person who championed that in the Committee
of Instruction. And had it not been for Sue, taking it
under her wing saying this is absolutely what we're
gonna do. I don't even know that we could have gotten
it back on Donna's agenda. And then when we did that,
we sent again Shelly and Monica a mountain of content.
That they had to dwindle down to get it all into one
year. And um, work with so many personalities, and so
many special interests. Because it was um, overwhelmingly
something that we were excited about. So we gave you
way too much. Um and I think perhaps maybe Shelly and
Monica were excited to to see what, what we could possibly
do with that. Um and they shared the same belief or
vision with me that,
when you open the door for these children, please open
the door for all of them. Not just some. And as difficult
as I have made your jobs, and I'm fully aware of that
difficulty. Um, I thank you for tolerating it so long.
For days and days and weekends and um, a ridiculous
number of emails and phone calls. And um, truly it has
been um,
a privilege to work with both of you. Thank you.
Just a perfect way to finish that, with the important
work that we all appreciate so much from the great
Staff that we have. Members, I think it's gonna be pretty
hard for any future Board, to surpass the what, what
the Texas State Board of Education 2021-22 Board.
Um has accomplished and done and become. And so I want
to tell you how proud I am to be, be a part
of that. Um I wish everyone Happy Thanksgiving, Happy
Holidays, Merry Christmas. And uh, we'll see some of
you back at our meetings in January. And the rest of
you, we will see you around soon. Godspeed. Thank you.