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Over 100 representatives from business, education, statewide organizations
and chambers of commerce attended the legislative briefing held
in Austin. TPERF spokesperson, David Russell, announced the results
of a statewide education survey that affirms TAKS as an effective
tool to ensure student success. Of those respondents, 78 percent
favor the TAKS because it focuses on what students learn rather
than just what they can remember. Additionally, 69-percent of survey
respondents agree that the use of standardized tests is a good tool
to help make schools accountable.
The legislative briefing was underwritten by the Washington Mutual
Foundation. “Washington Mutual is not just showing up as a
financial institution,” said Ritter as he expressed appreciation
to Tracy Baskin, Corporate Giving Fund Manager for Washington Mutual.
“Rather, it serves as a valuable member of the community through
its dedication to education reform.”
During the briefing, a panel of educational reform proponents reviewed
issues relating to recent survey statistics, TAKS testing results
and proposed education reform issues. Panel members included Phil
Ritter, chairman of the Texas Education Reform Caucus and senior
vice president of Texas Instruments; David Russell, TPERF communications
committee chairman and external affairs vice president of Verizon
Communications; David Thompson, TPERF board member and partner of
Bracewell and Patterson; and Dr. Felipe Analis, Commissioner of
the Texas Education Agency.
“Accountability is the centerpiece of education reform in Texas,”
said Thompson. “School districts that show improvement should
be allowed to increase flexibility.” TEA Commissioner, Felipe
Analis reviewed TAKS results, a test taken by students earlier this
month, which showed that 89 percent of students passed the more
difficult, application-based test; a 4-percent higher success rate
than the state’s prediction.
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