Why SB 1962 Matters for Houston Students – Good Reason Houston

Why SB 1962 Matters for Houston Students

In Texas schools – students, parents, and teachers have been working hard, but for two years, no one has seen the official ratings. Good Reason Houston’s CEO, Cary Wright, recently testified in support of SB 1962, a bill that ensures public school ratings are released every year. These ratings help everyone understand how schools are performing and where improvements are needed. Without them, it’s like trying to improve a team without knowing what plays are working.

What’s at Stake?

Texas has not been able to release full accountability ratings for five consecutive years and families deserve to know if their schools are preparing students for success. SB 1962 will make sure that school ratings are fair, clear, and available every year, so parents can make informed decisions and school leaders can focus on what really matters—helping students succeed.

It’s Not Just About Test Scores

While some people think school ratings are just about test scores, they actually measure much more. The A-F rating system looks at how well schools prepare students for life after high school, including college and careers. Right now, only 1 in 4 Texas students earn a postsecondary credential, which can limit job opportunities and earnings. Schools need to know if they’re helping students build the skills they need for the future, and SB 1962 makes sure they have that information.

“SB 1962 is vital for ensuring that Texas public schools are meeting the academic needs of students,” Wright said. “It will give parents and decisionmakers the tools they need to improve our public education system and help prepare students for success in college, careers, and life.”

Supporting Postsecondary Readiness

Students deserve access to pathways that will equip them to thrive after graduation. SB 1962 strengthens the state’s approach to postsecondary readiness by weighting the college and career measures in academic ratings to reflect real-world wage and job opportunities.

Not all postsecondary measures lead to the same level of opportunity, but rigorous academics are directly correlated with better outcomes for students. For example, Houston students who take five or more advanced courses are three times more likely to earn a postsecondary credential, leading to higher salaries and more career opportunities. SB 1962 will encourage schools to focus on these key areas so that more students graduate ready for success.

“Given how closely postsecondary credentials are tied to economic success, SB 1962 will incentivize school districts to prioritize pathways aligned with postsecondary success,” Wright said during his legislative testimony to the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday.

The Bigger Picture

By making sure Texas schools continue to improve, SB 1962 will help Texas become one of the top five states for preparing students for the future. It’s not just about numbers – it’s about making sure students have the knowledge and skills to thrive.

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