Texas Border Business
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott held the inaugural meeting of the Texas Classroom Commission at the Governor’s Mansion and discussed the Commission’s mission to strengthen student achievement, support Texas educators, and ensure Texas becomes the No.1 state for educating our children.
“Among the number one rankings we have in our state, it’s time to add another: Texas must rank number one in educating our children,” said Governor Abbott. “The goal now is to ensure enduring progress toward making Texas the best state in America for educating our kids, and the Texas Classroom Commission will chart that path.”
“I wanted to ensure the teacher perspective had a meaningful place in the decision-making process, and I am honored to lead this Commission and help educators engage in and influence education policy,” said Commission Chair Courtney Boswell MacDonald. “I have immense respect for our teachers and the profound impact they have on more than 5 million students across Texas.”
During the meeting, Governor Abbott requested the Commission focus on three key charges: improving student proficiency in math and reading, limiting screentime in classrooms, and identifying additional strategies to attract and retain high-quality teachers.
The Commission will also examine ways to better equip parents to support their children’s academic progress and reduce unnecessary administrative burdens so teachers can spend more time focused on classroom instruction.
Earlier this year, Governor Abbott announced the 22-member Texas Classroom Commission to put educators at the center of shaping the future of public education in Texas.
The Commission will meet regularly and produce a report with legislative recommendations for the 90th Texas Legislative Session.
The Commission is chaired by Courtney Boswell MacDonald of Kerrville. MacDonald is a former classroom teacher and the current chair of the State Board for Educator Certification.
