For anyone confused as to why TEACHERS are saying NO to Abbott’s Voucher system, I saw this as a comment on an article and thought it was pretty spot on, it simplifies the issue better than anything I have read and cuts through all the bs
Greg Abbott: We want to offer school choice because the gap between our highest and our lowest achieving students is getting bigger. Any child can attend a private school if they choose.
Family A: Awesome! My child already attends a private school because I am rich and can afford it! The voucher now gives me a $10,000 discount on what I’m already paying!
Abbott: You’re welcome!
Family B: Awesome! $10,000 is great, but our school choice costs $20,000 a year. How do I pay the rest?
Abbott: Since your child has great test scores, the school will give them a scholarship to cover the rest of the cost.
Family C: Awesome! $10,000 is great, but our school choice costs $20,000 a year. How do I pay the rest?
Abbott: Since your child didn’t have the best test scores, it’s not our problem. Go to the now underfunded public school.
Family D: Awesome! But my child has autism and the private school doesn’t have any programs to deal with that.
Abbott: Not my problem. Go to the now underfunded public school.
Family E: So awesome! What time will the bus be by to pick up my child?
Abbott: It won’t, but it’s not my problem. Go to the now underfunded public school.
Family F: Awesome! But, my child has an IEP for his special needs and our school of choice doesn’t have programs to help him.
Abbott: Not my problem. Go to the now underfunded public school.
Family G: I homeschool already and the $10,000 will be so nice to help us.
Abbott: Yes! Just make sure you get all your curriculum from MY approved vendors list. I want the control. Oh, by the way, how does the STAAR test sound? You will trade your freedom for funding!
Public School: How is taking only high-test scorers with no special needs who can provide their own transportation (which usually equates to being middle or upper class) going to shrink the gap between the highest and lowest achieving students?
Abbott: Not my problem. Do more with less. I’m just happy that my rich donors are now happy with their discount, and I know my kid doesn’t have to sit next to a poor kid or one with a learning disability in class. Win-win for everyone! By the way, your special education student test scores WILL be counted towards your school test score average.
Public Schools: That’s not really fair. That’s not comparing apples to apples since the private schools don’t have to accept kids who bring down their test score average.
Abbott: Not my problem. We will continue to make it look like YOU are the biggest failure in the world.
(I encourage everyone to do their own research, but I have been closely following the voucher program and its potential impact on students in Texas, particularly in our rural community of Cuero. It will take money away from our school district. Call your representatives and tell them NO to Vouchers! This program will negatively affect all public schools in DeWitt County, Texas. Let’s stand together to protect our educational system. -Pat Trevino)
Also read: Dear Zorro, Should I vote for or against school vouchers? – The Voice of Cuero,Texas
School vouchers in Texas: Everything you need to know | The Texas Tribune
