Key Issues
School Finance
The Association believes creating and maintaining an adequate and equitable funding system for Texas public schools must be the highest priority of our state.
- Remodeling Our School Finance System: The Center for Public Policy Priorities provides an overview of school finance.
- Equity Center: The Equity Center is a nonpartisan, non-profit organization of over 700 school districts across the state.
Vouchers/Education Savings Accounts
TEPSA strongly opposes using state funds for vouchers and/or tax credits to attend private or religious schools.
- Coalition for Public Schools
- Intercultural Development Research Association – 5 Reasons Vouchers Hurt Students. Also available in Spanish.
- National Coalition for Public Education
- National Education Association
- Pastors for Texas Children
- Public Funds for Public Schools
- Raise Your Hand Texas
- Texas Association of Community Schools
Teacher Retirement System
The Association supports the integrity of the Teacher Retirement System.Preserve the quality of professional education by fulfilling the promise of a defined benefits plan for retired educators.
- Texas Retired Teachers Association: TRTA provides legislative updates and important information for current and retired Texas educators.
School Safety
TEPSA believes it is critical for parents, educators, school administrators, and the community work together to keep children safe in their schools.
- Texas School Safety Center: TxSSC serves as a clearinghouse for the dissemination of safety and security information through research, training, and technical assistance for K-12 schools and junior colleges throughout the state of Texas.
Student Discipline
TEPSA supports state law that requires school districts to implement a student code of conduct that is age-appropriate, and includes campus placement/review committees, the minimum requirements of documentation and parental notification, and a limited three-day student suspension.
A-F Campus and District Ratings
The Association believes the true measure of proficiency must be based on more than just scores on state standardized assessments. The Association believes in educating each child based on his or her individual needs.
Prekindergarten
The Association strongly supports statewide fully funded, universal access to full-day, full-year prekindergarten for 4-year-olds, including facilities expansion.
Charter Schools
The Association supports the current limited number of independent charter schools that must be approved by the State Board of Education. Charter schools should not be exempt from safety, student assessment, accountability, transportation, employing fully qualified and certified public educators, nondiscrimination and other essential rules.
Virtual Schools
TEPSA believes schools receiving state funds must be held accountable for student success by the same state standards as public schools.
Bully Prevention
Students have the right to learn in school without undue interference of their education by other students. The Association advocates positive measures to promote a safe learning environment for all children such as the teaching of social skills and conflict resolution.