Educate Texas - Philanthropy Advocates

Philanthropy Advocates was formerly known as the Texas Education Grantmakers Advocacy Consortium (TEGAC) until August 2020. Previously-created resources, documents and blog posts mentioning TEGAC are still provided on this website for your reference.

Spooky News This Halloween

In the Halloween edition of the TEGAC blog, we wanted to share with you some news as spooky as the costumes you will see at your doorstep tonight.

Texas 2036 – Data Platform, Texas Education Grantmakers Advocacy Consortium

Texas 2036 uses data, research, and leading expertise to enable Texans to make informed decisions to ensure Texas continues to be the best place to live and do business through its bicentennial in 2036 and beyond.

The Consequences of Underfunding our Public Schools

Making sure our children receive a quality education is essential for the future prosperity of Texas. To be successful academically, many students rely on programs like tutoring or bilingual education.

The Texas 85th Regular Session by the Numbers

The 85th Legislative Session has been described as one of the most contentious legislative sessions in Texas history.

It’s Time to Renovate Our School Finance System

Education is the bedrock of an informed democracy and the bridge to lifelong opportunities. As a state, we rely on our public education system to develop a talented workforce and promote shared prosperity.

Local Research On Texas Pre-k Grants Provides Lessons for Lawmakers, Texans Care for Children

As Texas began its new HB 4 pre-k grant program in the 2016-2017 school year, the Texas Education Grantmakers Advocacy Consortium (TEGAC) sponsored a research project to explore local demand and provide a preliminary analysis to policymakers.

“They Quit on Me”: The Toll on Students of Weak Teacher Preparation

Key Texas leaders are paying attention. Educate Texas convened a Teacher Preparation Collaborative led by former Commissioner of Education Jim Nelson, and the Texas Education Grantmakers Advocacy Consortium published a report in order to advocate for critical changes to the Texas system of preparing new teachers.

Texas Can No Longer Rely on Local Property Taxes to Fund Public Education

One thing philanthropy cannot do is make up for ongoing state cuts to public education. Over the past six years, Texas has failed to restore its investment in public education even to 2011 levels.

Why Our Community Foundation Partners With State Legislators to Improve Policies and Address Needs

The Texas Capitol is big. The tip of its dome is almost fifteen feet taller than its counterpart in Washington, DC. Decisions made there impact almost thirty million people. When you enter the building, you can feel the seriousness, history, and purpose. For anyone who believes in democracy and representative government, it is downright awe-inspiring.

Pre-k Works for Texas Kids and Taxpayers

As the 2017 Texas legislative session gets underway, business leaders, educators, community leaders, and parents are eager to see state policymakers’ next move on pre-k. As national and Texas research shows, high quality pre-k helps kids get off to a strong start.

My Family’s Foundation Entered the Policy Arena, and We Are Not Looking Back

The system needs to change. Like many family foundations, we receive several worthy requests that we turn down due to lack of funds.

Why did you join TEGAC?

The Simmons Foundation’s mission is to partner with organizations that strengthen women, youth and families while building an educated, tolerant and resilient community.

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