Unproven school board governance training in Texas is all hat and no cattle
According to the TEA, Lone Star Governance is a continuous improvement model, 'founded on research' and focused on 'improving student outcomes.' TEA has required the board of trustees in several districts — including Austin ISD, Fort Worth ISD and Houston ISD — to adopt Lone Star Governance to address various issues, from special education-related failures to persistent low performance on state standardized assessments.
However, as education researchers, we are concerned that TEA is requiring public school districts spend public funds on an approach with no evidence of effectiveness.
A TEA-created flyer claims that districts implementing Lone Star Governance saw, on average, a 10-point increase in accountability scores between 2018 and 2019, compared to 3 points for districts not using that model. The flyer does not indicate which districts were part of this calculation. However, according to information we obtained from TEA through a public records request, starting in the 2017-18 school year, 13 districts were formally engaged in Lone Star Governance.
We were wary of drawing conclusions about Lone Star Governance from such a small group of districts over one year. So we tracked accountability score changes between 2018 and 2023 for all districts that had been involved in Lone Star Governance in 2018 and 2019. In this time, overall district accountability ratings for Lone Star Governance districts declined 12.4 points, a much steeper decline than those districts not using that model (7.4-point decline).
The gap in average accountability ratings actually widened between districts using Lone Star Governance and those that didn't. In 2018, the average accountability rating in Lone Star Governance districts was only two points below other districts (84 vs. 86 points). By 2023, this gap widened to seven points (74 vs. 81 points).
Several districts that were required to adopt Lone Star Governance five years ago are now facing potential state intervention because of a lack of progress on improving student outcomes.
TEA required the program in Houston ISD, where trainees have characterized Lone Star Governance as 'a fear-based system of control' where 'any sort of independent thought is not tolerated.' Houston ISD's accountability rating has declined since its forced adoption of Lone Star Governance. Fort Worth ISD adopted Lone Star Governance in 2018, but, similarly, the district's state accountability ratings have declined.
TEA has forced Austin ISD to adopt Lone Star Governance twice — first in 2016 and again in 2024. Yet, Austin ISD has not experienced substantial improvement in its state accountability ratings. The need for repeated training calls into question the effectiveness of Lone Star Governance and begs the question: Who is benefiting from this costly, unproven training?
In 2024, Austin ISD was required to pay $60,000 to a national organization called the Council of Great City School (CGCS) for Lone Star Governance training and coaching. The person who leads CGCS's governance efforts — including facilitating Lone Star Governance workshops across the state — is AJ Crabill, a former TEA deputy commissioner who was appointed in 2016 by TEA Commissioner Mike Morath.
Texas is unique in that the state has unilateral authority to require districts to spend funds on this unproven school board training. However, several districts across the United States have also adopted Crabill's governance training — nationally known as Student Outcomes Focused Governance. The effectiveness of this training in these districts is now under scrutiny, too. For example, Seattle Public Schools has spent approximately $300,000 on Student Outcomes Focused Governance and has seen little academic progress.
Texans care about the efficient use of taxpayer dollars, especially when it comes to educating our state's children. Requiring already-cash-strapped districts spend public tax dollars on unproven training with zero evidence of effectiveness is the opposite of efficient. Instead, state interventions should prioritize proven strategies, such as evidence-based professional development for teachers and investments into mental health supports for students.
Rachel S. White is an associate professor, and David DeMatthews is a professor of education, in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy at the University of Texas.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Required 'Lone Star' training isn't helping school districts | Opinion
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hill
3 hours ago
- The Hill
Nevada Democrat says Trump megabill could push gamblers ‘into the black market'
Democratic Rep. Dina Titus (Nev.) said on Wednesday that the GOP megabill backed by President Trump will have an adverse impact on gamblers due to its tax provisions. The big, beautiful bill text would strike previous deductibles by 10 percent, according to the senate passed version. The 90 percent deduction cap would require someone who wins $100,000 and loses $100,000 to pay $10,000 in taxes, despite their profit loss. 'It pushes people into the black market if they don't do regulated gaming because they have a tax disadvantage, and the black market doesn't pay taxes, isn't regulated, doesn't help with problem gaming, so it's bad for the industry as well as for the player,' Titus said during a Wednesday appearance on NewsNation's 'The Hill.' The Nevada lawmaker said the House approved GOP legislation was 'bad enough for my constituents.' She said the newly added language 'adds insult to injury' in a bill that would strike health care provisions, Pell grants and renewable energy measures. 'There's still a bias against gaming. And we found it and thought, well, this is not good for people who enjoy coming to Las Vegas to gamble. We're not talking about only professional poker players,' Titus said. 'We're talking about, you know, the average people who want to play a game of poker or pull a slot machine handle.' Titus said all would be impacted. Professional poker player Phil Galfond echoed her concerns. 'This is really bad. Whether you're a poker player, [Daily fantasy sports] player, a sports better, any kind of gambler – professional or recreational – but especially professional. And even if you are an operator in one of these areas. It's quite scary,' Galfond said in a Tuesday video on X. 'Completely untenable. You can't be a professional gambler in the U.S. if this goes through. And that will have a ripple effect on industries that depend on professionals,' he added. Professional player Doug Polk urged Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) to strike the clause from the bill. 'Chip, I am in your district. There is a provision in the Senate version that will kill professional gambling. This will negatively impact THOUSANDS of Texans,' Polk wrote in a Tuesday post on X. 'Please look at this and help remove this senseless provision.' Titus said she's going to try to get it taken out and added that if it doesn't go back to the House Rules Committee for review, she'll introduce a separate bill to address the revision.
Newsweek
14 hours ago
- Newsweek
Texans Allowed to Pay Using Gold and Silver
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Texans are to be allowed to pay with with gold and silver for everyday transactions after Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 1056 into law. The law, which was championed by Republican state representative Mark Dorazio, designates the precious metals as legal tender in the state. Texans will be able to use their gold and silver holdings, stored in the state's bullion depository, for payments through electronic systems such as mobile apps or debit cards. The provision comes after legislative debate, and takes effect on May 1, 2027, enabling transactions based on the state comptroller's valuation of the metals at the time of sale. Newsweek contacted Abbott and Dorazio for comment - via email and online inquiry form respectively - on Wednesday outside regular office hours. Why It Matters The decision by Texas lawmakers to recognize gold and silver as functional money marks a significant experiment in alternative currency in the United States. For decades, the U.S. has operated on fiat currency, and while federal law already recognizes U.S. gold and silver coins as legal tender, their actual commercial use has been rare and logistically challenging. Supporters, like Dorazio, say the move provides Texans with added protection from inflation and expands financial autonomy beyond federally backed dollars. The Republican also cited the Bible in his efforts. Chron, a Houston-based news outlet, quotes him as saying: "If you go back to the scripture in Genesis 2, it gives you a reason how God intended us to be able to effectively engage in commerce. And that reason was: 'In the land of Havilah, I place the gold.'" Critics, including industry groups and independent observers, warn of substantial costs, legal complexities, and potential consumer risks associated with managing gold- and silver-based transactions. How Will Payments Using Gold and Silver Work? The bill authorizes the Texas comptroller to establish electronic payment systems for gold and silver held in the state depository. Consumers will not spend physical gold and silver coins or bars, but rather use digital systems representing their holdings. The new legislation does not require merchants to accept gold or silver for transactions, not does it eliminate U.S. currency. Consumers may choose to continue standard payments. Stock photograph showing gold bullion bars at the ABC Refinery in Sydney on August 5, 2020. Stock photograph showing gold bullion bars at the ABC Refinery in Sydney on August 5, 2020. DAVID GRAY/AFP/GETTY An earlier version of the bill would have created a new gold- and silver-based digital currency, but this component was removed before it passed the Texas Legislature. According to Chron, the bill was opposed by both the Texas Bankers Association and the Independent Bankers Association due to consumer protection concerns. What People Are Saying On Sunday Governor Abbott wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "I signed a law authorizing Texans to use gold & silver as legal tender in day-to-day financial transactions. "It fulfills the promise of Article 1, Section 10 of the U.S. Constitution." I signed a law authorizing Texans to use gold & silver as legal tender in day-to-day financial transactions. It fulfills the promise of Article 1, Section 10 of the U.S. Constitution. — Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) June 29, 2025 Article 1, Section 10 of the Constitution states that no American state can "make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts." Speaking to the Dallas Morning News, Dorazio said: "In short, this bill makes gold and silver functional money in Texas. It has to be functional, it has to be practical and it has to be usable." Where Else Are Gold and Silver Legal Tender? Other states such as Utah and Arizona have recognized gold and silver as legal tender. However, these measures are largely symbolic; most states do not require or provide the infrastructure for retail transactions using precious metals. The practice remains rare outside Texas. In May, Republican lawmakers in Missouri added an amendment to a broader finance bill that would make gold and silver legal tender in the state. The value of gold soared to an all time high on April 1 amid traders' concerns over President Trump's tariff policy, strengthening the precious metal's reputation as a relative safe haven. What Happens Next? House Bill 1056 is due to come into effect on May 1 2027. On the same day Abbott signed House Bill 1056, he also approved Senate Bill 21, which instructs the creation of a new Texas Strategic Bitcoin Reserve to hold the cryptocurrency among its financial portfolio.
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Newsweek
Colin Allred's Chances of Winning Texas Senate Election: Polls
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Colin Allred has announced a new Senate run in Texas after losing to Senator Ted Cruz in 2024. The former member of Congress announced his run on July 1, posting a video to X (formerly Twitter) where he said: "Washington is broken and the system is rigged – and Texas families are paying the price. Today I'm announcing I'm running for the U.S. Senate because Texans deserve someone who will fight for them." Washington is broken and the system is rigged – and Texas families are paying the price. Today I'm announcing I'm running for the U.S. Senate because Texans deserve someone who will fight for them. From working to lower costs to taking on corruption, I'm ready to be the fighter… — Colin Allred (@ColinAllredTX) July 1, 2025 Although no polling has been released for his official 2026 run, a poll taken by the Houston Chronicle in April found that Allred beat potential GOP nominee Attorney General Ken Paxton 52 percent to 37 percent, despite Paxton leading the GOP primary among Republican voters. In response to a request for comment on his polling chances, Paxton's team sent Newsweek a link to his X (formerly Twitter) post, which says: "Welcome to the race, Colin! Texans have already rejected your liberal values it's time for Texas voters to say no to your vision and your values one more time." Cornyn campaign senior adviser Matt Mackowiak told Newsweek: "Crooked Ken is a fraud and walking talking ethics disaster." Colin Allred speaks during a watch party on election night, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. Colin Allred speaks during a watch party on election night, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. Tony Gutierrez/AP Photo Why It Matters Allred is the first of likely many Democratic candidates to announce their run for the 2026 primary in the Texas Senate race. Despite losing to Cruz eight months ago, the poll taken by the Houston Chronicle shows he has a higher chance of winning this race if Paxton is able to upset the GOP primary. The 2026 midterm election is expected to be more favorable to the Democratic Party than the 2024 election was, giving Allred a better chance of winning a Texas Senate seat. What To Know Allred is running for Senator John Cornyn's Senate seat. Cornyn's team has said he is committed to running a "vigorous reelection campaign," as he is facing a significant primary challenge from Paxton. A poll taken by a Paxton PAC in June found that the attorney general is leading the Senator by 19 points among Republican primary voters. The Pulse Research poll found the attorney general to have higher name recognition than Cornyn among the 806 voters surveyed, and had a net favorable rating of 70 percent. The 62-year-old Paxton's brand of politics appeals to Trump voters, whereas Cornyn, who is 73, appeals to Reagan-era Republicans. Despite his Trump-affiliated voters, the president has yet to make an endorsement in the race. However, despite Paxton's significant polling lead in the GOP primary, his popularity fades when compared to Allred in the general, per the Houston Chronicle's polling of 1,000 voters. Paxton is running an 'America First' campaign and has been attacking Cornyn's record on the border wall. John Cornyn without a primary: "The border wall is naive." John Cornyn 20 points down in a primary: "build the border wall" — Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) June 30, 2025 Allred's first campaign video focuses on the cost of living, with the former NFL player saying: "You shouldn't have to have a son in the NFL to own a home. Everything's backwards. Folks who play by the rules and keep the faith just can't seem to get ahead. But the folks who cut corners and cut deals? Well, they're doing just fine." He also points to how he never took corporate PAC money while serving for six years in Congress. Beto O'Rourke, who lost his Senate race to Ted Cruz by 3 points, told the Dallas Morning News that Paxton as a candidate would be a "gift" to the Democratic nominee. A Democrat winning Cornyn's seat would be a major upset in a state won by nearly 14 points by President Donald Trump, and won by 8 points in Cruz's race against Allred in 2024. Left: Senator John Cornyn talk with reporters in Dirksen building on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Right: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks at a news conference in Dallas on June 22, 2017. Left: Senator John Cornyn talk with reporters in Dirksen building on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Right: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks at a news conference in Dallas on June 22, 2017. Left: Tom Williams, Right: Tony Gutierrez, File/Left: CQ Roll Call via AP Images, Right: AP Photo What People Are Saying Colin Allred in his race announcement video: "Texans are working harder than ever, not getting as much time with their kids, missing those special moments, all to be able to afford less. And the people that we elected to help? Politicians like John Cornyn and Ken Paxton are too corrupt to care about us, and too weak to fight for us. I know Washington's broken. The system is rigged. But it doesn't have to be this change might feel impossible, but I'm not giving up." Cornyn campaign senior adviser Matt Mackowiak told Newsweek: "John Cornyn has voted with Trump 99 percent and is the only candidate conservatives can trust to beat progressive Colin Allred." What Happens Next The Texas primary will be held on March 3, 2026. Many more Democrats are expected to join the race before then.
