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Tracking politicians' promises
Perry-O-Meter
Tracking the promises of Rick Perry
Abbott-O-Meter
Tracking the promises of Greg Abbott
Adler-O-Meter
Tracking the promises of Steve Adler
Promises we’ve rated recently
Raise five Texas universities into nation's top 10 public universities
"We must ensure that Texas' four-year public universities claim five of the top ten spots in future rankings" of public universities by U.S. News.
Tie some college and university funding to student success indicators
"In addition to incentivizing higher graduation rates, the criteria for performance-based funding should also include metrics to ensure quality of instruction; for instance, universities may receive funding based on the percentage of graduates who are employed within six months of graduating."
Grant college credit to high school students scoring well on Advanced Placement exams
Public colleges and universities should be required to give college credit to high-school students scoring 3 or better on AP exams, potentially saving students and parents tuition money.
End CSCOPE and don't allow federal "common core" academic standards in Texas
"And as governor, I will drive a stake through the heart of CSCOPE and will never allow common core in Texas." CSCOPE, developed by state-funded Education Service Centers, offered school districts curriculum tools, including classroom lesson plans, aligned with revised state academic standards. Critics said the material included inappropriate directives.
Mandate block scheduling for two-year associate degree programs
"After students choose a program or major, they will choose a morning or evening schedule instead of picking individual courses."
Repeal limits on students taking online classes
Public school students should be allowed to take any Virtual School Network course even if it's offered in person at their school. Also, the state cap of three VSN courses per student should be repealed.
Require school districts to list the capacity of each school compared to its enrollment
Requiring schools to declare each school's enrollment compared to its capacity will better inform parents and taxpayers.
Stop 'forcing teachers to teach to so many standardized tests'
"And my plan will stop forcing teachers to teach to so many standardized tests."
Launch school principals leadership training program
"To improve campus leadership, the state should offer financial support that enables public school principals and others in leadership positions to receive optional advanced leadership training."
Require some public colleges to accept credits earned at community colleges
"Allowing credits to transfer more freely enables aspiring students to take advantage of junior and community college cost savings."
Reform 2001 law authorizing in-state college tuition for unauthorized residents
On the stump, Abbott called the 2001 tuition law "flawed" and said he would not veto a bill to repeal it. But he did not outline how he would suggest fixing it.
Fund treatment for postpartum depression for low-income mothers
"As a starting point, the coverage period for postpartum doctor visits for the mother under" the Children's Health Insurance Program's perinatal coverage "should be extended from 60 days to up to one year." Abbott calls for spending $3 million more over two years.
Allow schools to opt out of state mandates
"Teachers and parents know far better how to educate our children than do a bunch of bureaucrats in Austin or Washington, D.C."
Enact a 20 percent homestead exemption
Wants to "provide a 20 percent across-the-board tax exemption for homesteads."
Rework incentives so they reward creating middle class jobs
"Reform the policies for granting incentive subsidies to reward creation of middle class jobs, as well as training local residents for those jobs." Mayor Steve Adler also wants to allow small businesses to participate in order to incentivize growth of small businesses.