March 14, 2025 | Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Tarrant County, TX: For the first time – Tarrant County superintendents, business leaders, and members of the North Texas delegation gathered for a conversation about the state of education in our region, and to gain insights about the 89th legislative session. With a commitment to improving student outcomes and economic prosperity, local leaders are laser-focused on legislation that drives improvement in an effective regional educator workforce and Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4 funding.
Rev Partnership’s Legislative Convening highlighted the shared responsibility of school districts, businesses, and policymakers in preparing our region’s students for future success. The convening featured a dynamic panel discussion where Tarrant County superintendents, business leaders, and elected officials shared their commitment to implementing impactful strategies that enhance academic achievement and strengthen the region’s economy. Topics ranged from increasing Pre-K enrollment and improving early literacy and math skills to addressing teacher shortages and expanding career pathways for students. The panelists emphasized the need for continued collaboration between schools, businesses, and policymakers to ensure that every student in Tarrant County receives a high-quality education and achieves future success.
Key highlights from the discussion included:
Expanding Pre-K Access: Eligible Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4 enrollment is on the rise, and data indicates that students who attend Pre-K are 26 percent more likely to be ready for Kindergarten[i], reinforcing the need for continued investment in early education.
Strengthening Teacher Pipelines: Over 30 percent of uncertified teachers leave the profession in their first year. After five years, less than 40 percent of uncertified teachers are still in the classroom[ii]. Leaders addressed the rising number of uncertified teachers and the need for alternative certification programs, to ensure every classroom has a well-prepared educator.
Aligning CTE with Workforce Needs: These stakeholders are aligned – a thriving education system supports a thriving regional economy. Projections by Texas 2036 suggest that by 2031, over 63 percent of jobs in Texas will require some sort of postsecondary training, degree, or credential. Tarrant County is responding by preparing quality CTE graduates. 35 percent of Tarrant County’s CTE graduates are enrolled in Texas public colleges, and 33 percent of these students are graduating and seeking immediate employment[iii]. Tarrant County school districts are continuing to expand programs in high-demand fields to equip students with industry-recognized credentials that lead directly to high-paying jobs.
Business and Legislative Support: With one in every 10 of our nation’s children going to school in Texas, getting it right here is not only essential for local prosperity – it is essential for the future of our nation. Local leaders and policymakers are working together to drive policy changes that enhance workforce development and education funding, ensuring sustainable economic growth in the region.
Rev Partnership is dedicated to bringing together these leaders to engage stakeholder groups throughout and following this 89th legislative session. As Tarrant County continues to grow, the commitment of its leaders to education and workforce development remains steadfast.
Tarrant County is taking bold steps toward a brighter future. With the continued collaboration of our public education system, the business community, and policymakers, these efforts will ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed and contribute to our region’s thriving economy.
Sources:
[i] Source: TEA, TAPR Kindergarten Readiness Report, Reporting Year 2023
[ii] Source: UT Austin Education Research Center. Analysis by M. Marder under project UTA 123-Outcomes.
[iii] Source: TPEIR, College Enrollment and/or Employment Following HS Graduation by District and CTE
