Author Profile

Kaitlin Barnes

Teacher

Kaitlin Barnes is a native Houstonian and a proud graduate of Aldine ISD public schools. She currently teaches 5th-grade reading and social studies in Houston ISD.

Latest Columns

Public Education

The STAAR reading test: Cruel and unusual punishment

By Kaitlin Barnes, April 6, 2018

On April 11, thousands of fifth graders across Texas will be subjected to a torture so cruel and unusual that the Texas Education Agency should be found guilty of a crime. What I’m referring to is a punishment known by an acronym that instills fear in the hearts of all teachers and students who hear it: STAAR.

Public Education

Texas can’t afford school vouchers

By Kaitlin Barnes, March 23, 2017

Public funds for school districts could certainly be used more efficiently, but spending money more efficiently is different from spending less money. If we want Texas to have a prosperous future, ESAs are not the way to go.