Because of redistricting, all 15 seats on the Texas State Board of Education will be up for grabs in the November 2012 elections. The results of those elections will determine whether the religious right’s corrosive influence over public education will weaken or grow as the board considers what the next generation of public school students in Texas will learn about sex education, social studies, science and other subjects. We plan to publish on TFN Insider candidate announcements for a seat on the SBOE. We will publish announcements in no particular order, and their publication does not constitute any sort of endorsement by TFN. We will redact requests for contributions or mentions of fundraising events from the announcements, but we will provide links to the candidates’ websites (if available).
George Clayton, District 12, R-Richardson (Incumbent)
SBOE District 12 incumbent George Clayton, R-Richardson, sent out an email on August 13 announcing his intent to run for re-election. Clayton defeated longtime board incumbent Geraldine “Tincy” Miller of Dallas in the 2010 Republican primary. So far Clayton has no announced opponent in 2012.
Today, I am announcing that I will be a candidate for re-election to the Texas State Board of Education from District 12. Normally, board terms are for four years. However, because of redistricting requirements all members of the State Board of Education will be up for election in the 2012 cycle. I have been on the board since January 19 of this year. In that time I have learned much and hope that my contributions have been worthwhile. But, there is still much to do. As many of you know, I am openly opposed to the stranglehold that standardized testing has on real teaching and learning in the classrooms of this state. True intellectual growth has been replaced by the mind numbing rote memorization of standards which, although important, do not provide for the advanced learning which our students deserve and require. I would like to continue my efforts to bring about a fundamental change in our educational system, one in which advanced curriculum and stimulating instruction will eventually win out over the current regimen of day in and day out drilling of minimum standards. And yes, I am an educator. I am experienced in the needs of students and teachers. Ask me!
About George Clayton’s qualifications:
Teacher/Educator for Dallas Independent School District
North Dallas High School 1999 to present
English I Teacher
English II Teacher
English III Teacher
English IV Advanced Placement Teacher
Reading Department Chair, two years
English Language Arts Department Chair three years
Academic Coordinator and English Department Administrator, four years.
Attendance Chair, seven years
Principal Hiring Committee, two years
Foundations/School Safety Committee, three years
Administrator 10th grade class, currentORGANIZATION MEMBERSHIPS
Just for Kids
International Reading Association
National Council of Teachers of English
HOPE Foundation
Texas State Board of Education, District 12, currentI am dedicated—entirely dedicated—to the very best education for the students of Texas. Anything less is unacceptable. That is why it is imperative that those who are responsible for that education be currently and intimately involved on a daily basis with the education of our children. Educators, more than any other persons, are qualified to determine education policies in Texas. Be sure you support having an educator remain on the State Board of Education. I am there for you, students, teachers and the future of Texas.
God Bless Texas and the United States of America.
Standardized testing in and by itself is not absolutely and inevitably linked to rote memorization and/or mind numbness. It depends on the test, the subject matter, and the teacher.
The Army, for a while, did away with subject matter orientation in favor of job related performance oriented training. Thus the 30 hour block of instruction on Order of Battle based on a make believe enemy, was replaced by order of battle development in the context of an exercise simulating combat. This method revolutionized American military training after Vietnam, and is still used although the Anal Retentive so beloved by bureaucracy is trying to shovel subjectivity instead of objectivity.
The problem with public education is no visible means of connection with the real world the student must navigate through. Of central importance to the education of the young is preparation for the life and death struggle for dinner and a date, and the consequences thereof.
Just once in my life, I would like to see a candidate “sit for election.” I would also like to see the candidate make some mistake that causes the opposition to be “coated with a thin film of zinc crystals.” It’s the most worn out cliche in journalism.