Texas bonus money goes to schools for graduates’ readiness

Texas school districts are changing the mindset on how success is measured, thanks to a program spawned from a school finance bill passed by the Texas Legislature in 2019. In the past, districts had two focuses — students passing state exams in math and English and their graduation rates. Now, the Texas Education Agency is measuring how well districts prepare students for careers or the military, and rewarding districts that prepare students for college or careers.

“There is a big gap between passing Algebra 1 and being college ready in math,” said Ben Mackey, interim executive director for Texas Impact Network, a nonprofit that helps school districts access performance-based funding created by the 2019 legislation. “If a kid goes to college and is not ready, they have to take remedial classes before they can even start. Then you see a lot of students self-select out.” The Texas Education Agency sends districts money through the College, Career, and Military Readiness Outcomes Bonus based on test scores and weather students enroll in college, join the military or receive industry certifications following high school graduation. The bonuses range from $2,000 to $5,000 per student, based on certain factors. In Tarrant County, funding at 100% success rate would equal $101 million. Actual funding received in 2021 (based on 2019 results) was $13 million. Statewide, $1.5 billion could be distributed to districts at a 100% success rate. Based on the 2019 numbers, only 14% of that amount was funded. Mackey said the goal is to increase the amount of money each district draws annually.