“School choice legislation introduced this week”
Hays Free Press
January 3, 2013
As of press time, Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and state Sen. Dan Patrick were expected to announce education legislation this week that would allow more school choice. The Texas Tribune reported that the bill would likely spark a major battle in the upcoming legislative session.
Dewhurst and Patrick are strong proponents of school choice options for parents. Newly minted Texas Education Agency Commissioner Michael Williams is also in favor of choice but has said he would not advocate for it in his current position.
According to the Texas Tribune, proponents of school choice believe competition would elevate all schools, while critics are concerned about the effectiveness of competition if there isn’t a level playing field between public and private schools.
They are also concerned about how Texas STAAR measures would apply, as well as whether the cost of transportation and tuition would be affordable for Texas families.