The Plano ISD Council of PTAs has adopted a legislative advocacy to change high school graduation requirements in Texas. The project is to secure additional, rigorous high school diploma degree plan choices that recognize individual student’s natural talents, interests and abilities and prepare all students for a variety of career and continuing education aspirations.
Right now, our students who are in 9th and 10th grade are taking a uniform class schedule with only one path toward graduation, and it includes only 3.5 credits of electives. Each students, regardless of interest or ability, is required to take 4 years of high school math, science, social studies and English. For 3 of the 4 years, there are no choices on which math or science class they can take. (The graduation requirement used to be 2 years of math and science, but PISD required 3 years of each)
Did you know there is NO college or university in Texas that even requires 4 years of math and science? In fact, of the top 5 universities listed by US News & World Report, only Harvard requires 4 years of math and science? Right now, over 25% of the Texas science teachers aren’t even certified to teach science, so when the students start taking the additional science next year and the following year, who will teach these classes? Only 6% of teachers become certified in math or science annually. Did you know that in our digital age, there is only one technology credit required?
We think there is a strong value in arts education and the problem solving and life skills associated with it. The inventor of the microchip (thank you for my computer, digital camera & cell phone!) currently has his photography work on display at SMU’s Meadow’s museum and credits the synergy of arts and technology for his creative solutions. PISD students received thousands of dollars in college scholorships for achievement in the arts! Athletics and fitness for life should be encouraged, not dropped because it would be the only elective available to a student. Students with an interest in math and science should be encouraged to explore through interesting, high-level, hands-on projects and classes that let them collaborate with professionals. Students who do not choose to progress to college should leave high school with valuable certifications (nursing assistant, JROTC, network administrator, automotive repair, plumbing, electrician, etc..). We believe all work has value!
The details of this project are outlined in the PowerPoints below. We welcome your feedback and support. Senator Shapiro of Plano Chairs the Senate Education Committee and is in the information gathering mode. Should you wish to contact her to let her know of your concerns, we have posted her information below.
Cara Mendelsohn
president@planopta.org
President, Plano ISD Council of PTAs
Gretchen Abner
legislative@planopta.org
Legislative Chairman, Plano ISD Council of PTAs
Contacting Senator Shapiro
Written correspondence can be sent to:
The Honorable Florence Shapiro
5000 Legacy Dr., Ste. 494
Plano, Texas 75024
Phone (972) 403-3404
Fax (972) 403-3405
For more information click on one of the documents below:
* PTA Advocacy Project Detailed Presentation 9/19/2008 [PDF file]
* PTA Advocacy Project Quick View Presentation 09/19/2008 [PDF file]