Brad Swail sits down with Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath and Mary Lynn Pruneda (Texas 2036 Director of Education & Workforce Policy) for a forward-looking conversation on the future of Texas public education. They discuss post-COVID recovery (literacy at all-time highs, math still climbing), the game-changing Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) shifting to performance-based pay and creating more six-figure teacher salaries, the role of timeless classics vs. accelerating technology (robots, AI, tablets), parental guidance on AI/ChatGPT risks, Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) growth and school choice diversity, A-F accountability rigor increases, why leadership matters more than funding alone, extended learning time incentives, and the key metrics Texas 2036 is tracking—on-grade reading/math proficiency and career readiness—for Texas to thrive by its 2036 bicentennial. Perfect for parents, educators, policymakers, and anyone tracking Texas schools. Visit texas2036.org for progress tracking. Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify for the Future of Texas series.

00:00:08 - Welcome & Series Intro: Future of Texas Education
00:00:33 - Guest Introductions: Commissioner Mike Morath & Mary Lynn Pruneda
00:01:07 - Why They're Optimistic About Texas Education's Future
00:03:01 - Where Texas Stands Today: Post-COVID Literacy & Math Recovery
00:05:03 - Biggest Reform to Celebrate: Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA)
00:06:31 - How TIA Works: Merit Pay, Six-Figure Salaries & Projected Growth
00:08:45 - Education in 2036: Technology Acceleration & Enduring Fundamentals
00:09:50 - Robots, AI & the Chinese Boomi Example
00:11:14 - Why Classics & Timeless Wisdom Still Matter Most
00:13:51 - Smart Use of Tech Tools vs. Replacing Good Teaching
00:15:46 - Math & Science as Immutable Foundations
00:17:56 - AI/ChatGPT in Schools: Opportunities & Parental Risks
00:20:13 - Controlled Tech Access & Building Discernment
00:23:10 - Intentionality: Avoiding "Shiny" Tech Distractions
00:25:06 - Education Savings Accounts (ESAs): Early Demand & Future Growth
00:27:02 - School Choice, Competition & Diversity of Options
00:29:33 - Accountability: A-F Ratings, Rigor Increases & Interventions
00:33:22 - Funding vs. Leadership: Why Management Choices Matter More
00:36:12 - Extended Learning Time Incentives & Global Comparisons
00:38:19 - Texas 2036 Tracking: On-Grade Reading/Math & Career Readiness
00:39:12 - Recruiting, Supporting & Retaining Great Teachers by 2036
00:41:21 - Closing Thoughts & Call to Action: texas2036.org

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Educating Tomorrow’s Texas: From Classrooms to Careers w/Mike Morath & Mary Lynn Pruneda (Future of Texas)

Texas Talks