Take a Close Look at What He Done Look at the record of Governor Bill Clements on education. It is easy to un- derstand why former Texas Education Commissioner Al- ton Bowen said: "No gover- nor in my memory has exceeded Governor Bill Clements' record in improv- ing education." Back to the Basics The Governor proposed and signed into law a bill to get the curriculum back to the basics of reading, writ- ing, and arithmetic. More than an Apple The Governor signed into law pay increases boosting average teacher pay 45%, according to the Texas Education Agency. He supports further increases in the next Legislature to bring the average salary of Texas teachers above the national average for the first time. While the Governor has not always agreed with all the pay raises suggested by teacher groups and teacher unions, he has supported significant pay increases. A Better Teaching Environment—A Better Learning Environment The Legislature approved the Governor's plan to allow school districts to establish guidance centers for disruptive students. The Governor organized the "Texans' War on Drugs" effort to crack-down on illegal drugs. He involved teachers, students, PTAs and community groups in drug education and rehabilitation. To End Social Promotions Governor Clements started a pilot summer school program to help under-achievers. Competency New teachers now have to pass competency tests before entering Texas classrooms. No Federal Control, Less State Interference The Governor strongly opposes the proposed Federal takeover of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas. He has worked with the Texas Con- gressional delegation to build a bi-partisan coalition against this Federal power grab. Bill Clements believes school districts should have more control over their own affairs without expensive and cumbersome red tape. Professionalism Governor Clements opposes unionization of teachers. He knows that col- lective bargaining in our schools and the right-to- strike for teachers will not make Texas schools better. He believes teachers are professionals. As Governor, his door will continue to be open to all teachers. We're Involved The Governor has ap- pointed a number of teach- ers to his blue-ribbon task forces studying issues that affect Texas schools. An Unprecedented Endorsement Three Texas Governors (Allan Shivers, John Con- nally, and Preston Smith) and four Attorneys Gen- eral (Gerald Mann, John Ben Shepperd, Will Wilson and Waggoner Carr) back Governor Clements for re-election. All seven were elected as Democrats and served in statewide office for a combined total of 54 years. They know this election is not about party labels. It is about who can do the best job for Texas. For the Future Governor Clements knows much more needs to be done to make Texas schools as good as they can be. He supports better pay for teachers. He backs making classes smaller and improving the student/teacher ratio. He supports a fair and equitable health insurance plan where teachers get the same break as do other public workers—not more, not less. He wants classrooms to have a better atmo- sphere for learning. The Governor's commitment to quality educa- tion is not new. Bill Clements served as the Chair- man of the Board of Governors for Southern Methodist University for eight years. As Deputy Secretary of Defense, he was responsible for the world-wide school system for military dependents. Governor Bill Clements is doing a good job for Texas schools, students and teachers. He deserves another term. tiRe-elect Governor Bill Clements. ) Good Governors are hard to find. • Distributed by Educators for Clements. Pol. ad paid for by The Governor Clements Committee, Toni B. Rhodes, 1ireasurer.1807 Brazos, Austin, Texas 78701.