Texas is launching a new commission to inform state policy decisions regarding public education policy, following the announcement of a new chair for the commission.
Earlier this month, Gov. Greg Abbott selected Courtney Boswell McDonald of Kerrville to lead a new Texas Classroom Commission ahead of the 90th legislative session bill filing deadline in November.
McDonald, who began her career as a math teacher in Richardson and Dallas, previously worked for the Texas Senate Education Committee and served as executive director of Texans for Education Reform. She currently serves as chair of the State Board for Education Certification. She will collaborate with a committee of current and former teachers who will deliver recommendations to the governor, the Texas Education Agency and the legislature on ways to support teachers, improve instruction and promote a safe and productive learning environment.
According to Gov. Abbott, the initiative is rooted in the idea that teachers understand what students need to be successful and should be empowered to identify solutions for public education.
The commission’s creation comes as Texas continues to debate the direction of public education policy, including how curriculum decisions are made and how teachers’ perspectives are incorporated into the process. The effort also comes amid record levels of state education funding and ongoing discussions among educators, lawmakers and school leaders about how to best support teachers and improve classroom outcomes.
Photo from LinkedIn
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