Texas Voters of All Backgrounds Want to See Students Succeed

As the 89th Legislature prepares to tackle pressing education issues, Texas voters are sending a clear message: state leaders should strategically invest in education policies shown by data to strengthen the academic success of our state’s students.

A recent representative statewide poll conducted by Ragnar Research Partners reveals overwhelming support for programs that bolster educational achievement. Specifically, 87% of likely Texas voters, including the majority of both self-identified conservatives and liberals, expressed support for “sufficient targeted investments for public school funding to improve student outcomes.”

Levels of support rose even higher for specific policies outlined in greater detail. For example: '

• 87% support “expanding the Teacher Incentive Allotment” to “allow top-performing teachers to make more money,” especially if they “teach on hard-to-staff campuses.”
  
• 91% support “additional evidence-based support to students struggling to read” before third grade.
  
• 93% support “workforce-aligned opportunities in high school,” and
  
• 94% support “high-quality college and career advising” as well as increasing funding for “tutoring and other programs to accelerate learning for students falling behind.”
  

These responses demonstrate that Texans of all backgrounds want to see Texas students succeed – and increased state funding strategically invested in ways that support their success.

“These results speak to the foresight and thoughtfulness of Texas’ voting public,” says Commit Chief State Impact Officer Bridget Worley. “With many important issues at the forefront this legislative session, prioritizing a strong education system and further investing in what works is something all Texans agree on. Texans know how important it is to ensure our children are prepared for life beyond the classroom, and quality education provides a strong foundation.”

Many of these strategies have strong groundwork already laid by previous legislation such as 2019’s House Bill 3 and 2023’s House Bill 8, providing a clear path to continuous improvement. Legislators have an opportunity this session to build upon their past success by continuing to invest in and evolve the education policies supported by student data – and public opinion.

To learn more about the poll results, demographics, and methodology, view our one-pager here.

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