Championing Mental Health and Curriculum Alignment
As the newest member of the Texas State Board of Education, Tiffany Clark brings a wealth of experience and a passionate commitment to advocating for students’ well-being and academic success. With her background as a school counselor and former school board trustee, Clark is poised to make a significant impact on the 15-member board responsible for setting curriculum standards, reviewing instructional materials, and overseeing the Texas Permanent School Fund.
Clark’s appointment to the District 13 seat came after the unexpected resignation of Aicha Davis, who stepped down to run for the Texas House of Representatives. While Clark had not initially planned to jump back into the political arena, she felt a sense of duty to continue the important work of serving the students and educators in her community.
“I wasn’t planning to jump back in, but when Aicha resigned and asked me to step in, I felt it was important,” Clark said. “This seat gives me an opportunity to continue advocating for policies that align education with real-world needs and mental health support.”
Prioritizing Mental Health Support
One of Clark’s top priorities as a member of the State Board of Education is addressing the critical issue of mental health in schools. With recent state legislation focusing on school safety, Clark believes it is essential to ensure that students have access to licensed professional counselors who can provide the support they need.
“We hear about mental health all the time, especially in connection with school violence,” Clark said. “But the issue is, school counselors aren’t licensed professional counselors. So how can we start bringing in those services our school districts don’t have?”
Clark understands the significant impact that mental health can have on a student’s academic performance and overall well-being. She plans to advocate for policies that bridge the gap between mental health support and classroom success, addressing the root causes of issues rather than just treating the symptoms.
“If a kid is struggling with anxiety that directly affects their school performance, they’re more frustrated, then you’re creating a circular effect without actually solving the problem,” Clark explained. “We need reputable people who can engage with our students’ mental health. Who’s going to be that bridge for those students?”
Aligning Curriculum and Testing
Another area of focus for Clark is the alignment between curriculum and assessment, particularly the Texas’ State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test. As someone who struggled with the STAAR exam during her own high school years, Clark understands the frustration and anxiety that many students experience when faced with high-stakes testing.
“I see students break down when they fail the STAAR, and it makes me question whether this test truly reflects their abilities,” Clark said. “I know from experience — as somebody who went into my senior year not having passed the test myself, I don’t believe these tests determine your success. Here I am, with four degrees.”
Clark believes the key to improving the effectiveness of the STAAR test is to ensure that it closely matches the curriculum being taught in the classroom. By aligning the assessment with the instructional content, students will be better prepared and able to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
“If we’re going to test students, the test needs to match what they’re learning. We shouldn’t define success with a single test score,” she emphasized.
Bringing a Wealth of Hands-on Experience
Clark’s journey to the State Board of Education is unique, as she was not initially planning to run for the position. However, her extensive experience in the education field, both as a school counselor and a school board trustee, has equipped her with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by educators, students, and administrators.
During her six-year tenure on the DeSoto ISD school board, Clark was instrumental in driving academic growth and implementing initiatives that addressed the mental health and well-being of both students and staff. Under her leadership, the district saw an increase in the percentage of students meeting grade-level standards on the STAAR test, from 31% in 2018 to 36% in 2023.
“In 2017, I ran for the school board because I wanted to push academic achievement in a district that was heavily focused on sports,” Clark explained. “While the DeSoto High School varsity football team won the 6A Division II State Championship in 2022, the district also noticed academic growth during my tenure on the board.”
One of Clark’s notable achievements was the implementation of mental health policies for staff and the adoption of African American and Mexican American studies curricula. As the State Board of Education prepares to review new social studies standards in 2025, Clark’s experience and commitment to inclusive education will be invaluable.
Additionally, Clark spearheaded the “Return Home Initiative” in DeSoto, which incentivized alumni to return and teach in the district. This program helped to address teacher turnover rates, a persistent challenge faced by many school districts.
“We wanted to show that education could be a career path that’s fulfilling while giving back to the community,” Clark said.
Serving with a Renewed Sense of Purpose
Although Clark had initially planned to take a break from public service after her school board term, the opportunity to represent North Texas on the State Board of Education has reignited her passion for advocating for students and educators.
“This seat gives me an opportunity to continue advocating for policies that align education with real-world needs and mental health support,” Clark said. “Regardless of their path, whether it be college, trade school or something else entirely, I want to make education relevant and accessible to every student.”
As she prepares to assume her new role, Clark is focused on listening to her constituents and gathering feedback to inform her decision-making. While she has not yet confirmed whether she will run for a full term in 2026, Clark is leaning towards continuing her service on the board.
“I want to be a voice for students,” she said. *”I’m ready to work hard and make a difference for the families and communities I serve.”
Conclusion
Tiffany Clark’s appointment to the Texas State Board of Education represents a fresh perspective and a renewed commitment to addressing the pressing issues facing the state’s education system. With her extensive experience as a school counselor and school board trustee, Clark brings a unique understanding of the challenges faced by educators, students, and administrators.
As she sets out to advocate for mental health support, curriculum alignment, and inclusive education, Clark’s passion and dedication will be vital in shaping the future of education in North Texas and beyond. Her unwavering focus on student success and her willingness to listen to her constituents will undoubtedly make her a valuable addition to the State Board of Education.
The Artificial Christmas Tree Shop community looks forward to following Clark’s journey and the positive impact she will undoubtedly have on the lives of Texas students and educators.
