STATEMENT FROM EDUCATION REFORM CAUCUS AUSTIN, Texas (May 25, 2004) — The Texas Education Reform Caucus (TERC) today underscored the success of the TAKS test, saying newly released 11th grade scores emphasize the role TAKS has played in improving Texas schools. Authorized by the Texas Legislature in 1999, the TAKS test ties academic accountability testing to high school graduation. TERC Chairman David O. Russell issued the following statement concerning the TAKS test and today’s 11th grade scores. “We are delighted to see that the 11th grade TAKS scores are up, despite pessimism by some that our schools and students were not up to the task. Texas schools have established a solid track record of improvement and continue to rise to the challenge of change in public education.” “Quality assessment like TAKS gives teachers and students a fair and accurate way to gauge how much students know and a road map to prepare them for post-high school challenges. Nine out of 10 Texans say students need to be tested to determine what they are learning so they can receive the help they need, according to a statewide education survey conducted by the Texas Public Education Reform Foundation this year.” “We need to maintain the clearly defined standards, assessment tools like TAKS and consistent expectations that are improving our schools.” Founded in 2000 by Sandy Kress, former education advisor to President Bush, Tom Luce, Charles Miller, and Representative Kent Grusendorf, the Texas Education Reform Caucus is a non-profit group of more than 250 elected officials, educators, school administrators, parents, and civic and business leaders who have joined together to promote public education innovation and improvement. The group is based in Dallas. |
