The Texas High Performance Schools Consortium

"Senate Bill 1557
The 82nd Texas Legislature approved Senate Bill 1557 in 2011, calling for the commissioner of education to select schools for the Texas High Performance Schools Consortium.  After an application process, 23 Texas school districts were selected in September 2012 by Commissioner Michael Williams to comprise the Consortium.

According to SB 1557, the Consortium is charged with improving student learning in the state of Texas by developing innovative high-priority learning standards and assessment and accountability systems.  The major work of the Consortium includes developing a system that has high priority learning standards, includes the use of multiple assessments with accountability at the local level, and integrates the use of technology into student learning.

Visioning Institute
SB 1557 is an extension of the work of the Visioning Institute that began in 2006 when a group of 35 superintendents from across the state of Texas came together and asked the question, “What should curriculum, instruction, assessment and accountability include as districts work to meet the needs of students?” From the work of the Visioning Institute, ideas emerged that included the importance of a) integrating technology into the learning process on a routine basis, b) using a curriculum that includes high-priority learning standards as opposed to a curriculum that is “a mile wide and an inch deep,” c) broad-based accountability that relies on a variety of measures, d) authentic assessment of students as a powerful tool that enables educators to customize learning, and e) local communities maintaining the lion’s share of control in determining the success of schools.

We believe in the appropriate use of standardized tests and the role they play in measuring educational inequities and the system as a whole, but the current assessment and accountability system is much too reliant on high-stakes, standardized testing. Based on the work of the Visioning Institute, the work of the Consortium, as charged by SB 1557, is to create a balanced assessment and accountability system that insists upon high standards for all students and provides flexibility to local communities."

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Can A Few Good Schools Make an Amicable Split with Texas’ Accountability System?

Texas Senate Education Committee passes HB 5, as substituted - accountability, assessment and graduation

Texas Association of School Boards Legislative Update

"HB 5, as substituted, was voted favorably from committee and referred to the full Senate. Sens. Van de Putte and West registered present-not voting stating that the committee is making progress on the bill, but they are not completely on board yet.

Chairman Dan Patrick (R-Houston) laid out the bill by stressing that the accountability changes included in HB 5 and similar senate legislation do not reduce rigor and accountability, as claimed by detractors of the legislation.

Testimony

Bill Hammond of the Texas Association of Business testified against the bill, arguing that students are currently not ready for college and require assessments from a third party that track Texas curriculum are the best way to ensure quality education. He said that students graduating under the foundation plan would most likely be ill-prepared for college. Chairman Patrick noted that universities often admit out-of-state students with lower graduation requirements, and he did not want Texas students to be at a disadvantage.

Jim Windham of the Texas Institute for Education Reform testified against the bill because it reduces the rigor of required assessments. He would favor administration of all 15 assessments, but attach high stakes to Algebra I and II, geometry, biology, chemistry, physics, American history, and English III. Chairman Patrick noted that requiring those assessments for graduation would reduce flexibility in graduation plans by requiring students to take those courses.

Larry Kellner testified that the state is “confusing rigor and standards with testing. Rigor is a strong curriculum, it’s strong teachers, it’s delivering educated students that are ready to succeed after high school. Testing is the quality control system, and it can also give you a lot of good diagnostic data.” He supported measuring college readiness the way that colleges do: by using assessments recognized by colleges. Kellner added that the state must act to increase student performance on Algebra I before requiring Algebra II.

Sen. Donna Campbell (R-New Braunfels) asked if there were any kind of incentive programs to attract teachers to core or higher-level courses. Sen. Van de Putte answered that the state cut many of those programs.

Chairman Patrick noted that of all the businesses from which he has heard or heard represented, only eight have spoken out against the changes in HB 5. To sum up what he has experienced, 300,000 businesses are supportive of changes in HB 5 whereas eight are opposed.

Spring Branch ISD Superintendent Duncan Klussmann testified in support of the bill, saying that the proposed graduation plans are equal to university requirements for out-of-state students and a good foundation for most students who may then focus on endorsements that allow them to take rigorous classes that interest them. He noted that arguments against HB 5, including that students will not take rigorous courses if not mandated and that it will lead to tracking, do not hold water. He said that the current system tracks kids into graduates and dropouts and anyone who works with kids now knows that they will take courses that interest them. He concluded that relevance makes rigor possible, so students need flexibility to take the courses that are relevant to them.

Chairman Patrick questioned a representative from Pearson about the motives of the company, which he suggested were to sell the most tests at the lowest cost. The representative noted that his main goal was a quality assessment above profit.

Hudson ISD Superintendent Mary Ann Whiteker testified in support of the bill on behalf of TASB and TASA because it reduces testing, establishes a strong foundation degree that consists of a rigorous curriculum, and helps districts engage students by establishing multiple pathways to graduation through endorsements. She suggested removing the English I end-of-course exam requirement and keeping the English II exam. 

Elgin ISD Superintendent Jodi Durón testified in support of the bill on behalf of the Texas Association of Midsize Schools. She explained that HB 5 provides more flexibility within the system without compromising rigor and provided an example of an orchestra teacher who would not have been considered “college-ready” according to current standards but is changing the lives of students on a daily basis through music.

Barbara Beto of Texas PTA testified in support of the bill, primarily because of its reduction of standardized testing and allows other assessments to satisfy end-of-course requirements.

Round Rock ISD Superintendent Jesus Chavez, representing the Texas School Alliance, testified in support of the bill. He supported the five EOC tests required to graduate and asked to have English III and Algebra II exams available to provide on an optional basis. Dr. Chavez also supported the 24 credits required to graduate as outlined in HB 5, not the 26 called for in SB 3/SB 1724. Sen. Van de Putte asked a question about students selecting endorsements when they may not know what they want to do in life, to which Dr. Chavez answered that providing as much information as possible to parents and students was the solution. He called upon the education community to make a commitment to providing a rigorous graduation plan for all students and monitor the endorsements students are taking to avoid tracking.

Aledo ISD Board President Bobby Rigues testified in support of the bill on behalf of TASB, applauding the reduction in testing and the flexibility that brings."

Attending TASA/TASB 2012 Convention - Austin, Texas

Today I traveled to Austin Texas to attend the annual Director's meeting of the Texas Association of School Boards.

The 2012 convention will be held through September 30th at the Austin Convention Center.

439 Texas school districts have adopted the resolution concerning high stakes testing

 From TASA - Texas Association of School Administrators - Click Here

"As of May 10, 2012, 439 districts representing more than 2.3 million students have notified us they've adopted the resolution."

Region 10 - Dallas area

Allen ISD
Anna ISD
Avalon ISD
Bells ISD
Bland ISD
Blue Ridge ISD
Boles ISD
Caddo Mills ISD
Celeste ISD
Celina ISD
Commerce ISD
Community ISD
Coppell ISD
Denison ISD
Ennis ISD
Ferris ISD
Frisco ISD
Greenville ISD
Highland Park ISD
Kaufman ISD
Kemp ISD
McKinney ISD
Mesquite ISD
Palmer ISD
Plano ISD
Richardson ISD
Rockwall ISD
Royse City ISD
Savoy ISD
Sherman ISD
Trenton ISD
Van Alstyne ISD
Waxahachie ISD
Whitewright ISD
Wills Point ISD

Austin school board decries high-stakes testing

From Impact News.com - Click Here

Joe Olivieri

Kealing Middle School student Callier Creadle spoke out against high stakes standardized testing before the April 23 Austin Independent School District meeting.

"Austin Independent School District became the most recent Texas school district to speak out against high-stakes testing for students.

At its April 23 meeting, AISD's board of trustees unanimously approved a resolution asking the state Legislature to re-examine public school accountability and develop a system that more accurately reflects what students know. That system would enhance teachers' roles as leaders and instructional guides, as well as instill a sense of inquiry and a love of learning in students.

AISD's resolution is similar to a model Texas Association of School Administrators resolution that takes a harder line on the issue.

Both commend Commissioner of Education Robert Scott for his concern on the overemphasis of high-stakes testing and continued support of high standards and local accountability. The TASA resolution goes on to say that over-reliance on standardized high-stakes testing is strangling public schools and undermining any chance of educators turning the education system into one that can prepare children to compete on the global stage."

MORE HERE

San Antonio ISD joins testing backlash

From My San Antonio - Click Here

By Maria Luisa Cesar

Updated 10:16 p.m., Saturday, April 14, 2012

The San Antonio Independent School District joined more than 280 districts across Texas in mounting a revolt against what they call an “over reliance” on high-stakes, standardized tests.

The school board adopted a resolution Monday calling on the Legislature to re-examine the state's accountability system. As of Friday afternoon, 282 school districts had passed the resolution, according to reports from the Texas Association of School Administrators.
The point is to grab lawmakers' attention and show them that school districts are united in their opposition, Sylvester Perez, SAISD's interim superintendent, said Friday

In San Antonio, nine school districts — including Northside and North East ISD — have adopted the resolution, which argues that using high-stakes, standardized tests as the only form of state and federal assessment is “strangling” public schools. East Central ISD trustees are set to discuss the resolution and could adopt it Thursday, according to the board's agenda.

Lew Blackburn approved the high stakes testing resolution for the April 12th board briefing agenda - then refused to allow a vote at the April 26th Board meeting - Why?

-------- Original Message --------

Subject:	Re: Agenda Request -- Resolution Concerning High Stakes, Standardied Testing - TASB
Date:	Wed, 4 Apr 2012 16:54:49 +0000
From:	Dr. Lew Blackburn
Reply-To:
To:	Carla Ranger, Alan King
CC:

Carla,
I approve adding this item to the Board Briefing agenda for discussion and possible action at the Regular Board meeting this month. Thanks for your request.

Lew Blackburn, Ph.D.
President
Dallas ISD Board of Trustees

---

From: Carla Ranger

Date: Mon, 2 Apr 2012 12:58:58 -0500

To: Alan King

Cc: Lew Blackburn

Subject: Agenda Request -- Resolution Concerning High Stakes, Standardied Testing - TASB

Good afternoon,

At the Texas Association of School Boards Board of Directors
Spring Meeting this past week-end, the Resolution Concerning
High Stakes, Standardized Testing of Texas Public School Students
was adopted. 

As you are aware, the resolution was initiated by the Texas Association
of School Administrators during the recent TASA convention.

This is to request placement of the resolution on the Dallas ISD Board
Agenda for the April 26, 2012 Board meeting for adoption after
review and approval by the legal staff.

A copy of the Resolution is attached.

In addition to being adopted unanimously by the TASB Board of Directors
on Saturday, March 31, I believe the Resolution has been adopted by over
100 Texas school districts.

Please include a copy of the Resolution in the Friday Board update so all
Trustees will be able to review it.

Thank you.

CR

Lew Blackburn denies the third request for Board vote on High Stakes Testing

This is actually the third request and Board President Lew Blackburn's reply.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------- Original Message --------

Subject:	RE: Corrected Copy - RE: Second Board Agenda Request -- Resolution Concerning High Stakes, Standardized Testing - TASA and TASB
Date:	Fri, 20 Apr 2012 19:57:57 +0000
From:	Blackburn, Lew
To:	Ranger, Carla
CC:

Trustee Ranger,

I noticed that you did not address your request to me, although I did respond to your requests.  I am choosing to respond again.

Board policy BE(LOCAL) vests authority for preparing the agenda with the Board President and the Superintendent of Schools.  In addition, three board members may request that an item be placed on the agenda and BE (LOCAL) requires that such be done within 60 days of the presentment of the request. 

I did not say that there was a policy that required a consensus of the trustees for an item to be placed on the agenda.  My statement was an observation of the trustees’ actions at the board briefing. 

However, as I indicated during the Board Briefing, if three (3) trustees request that the resolution be placed on the agenda, I will honor the request.  As of today, you are the only trustee who has made the request.  Please note, the agenda will be approved for posting by 4:00 p.m. Friday, April 20.

With Regards for Children,


Lew Blackburn, Ph.D.
President, Board of Trustees
Dallas ISD

Lew Blackburn - Third Board Agenda Request -- Resolution Concerning High Stakes, Standardized Testing - TASA and TASB

As of April 19, 2012, 344 Texas school districts have  adopted the resolution. TASA

*************************************************************************************************************
Third Email Request
-------- Original Message --------

Subject:	Third Board Agenda Request -- Resolution Concerning High Stakes, Standardized Testing - TASA and TASB
Date:	Fri, 20 Apr 2012 16:05:12 +0000
From:	Ranger, Carla
To:	Lew Blackburn, King, Alan
CC:

Good morning,

More than disappointing, your reply is a reminder that politics too often prevails
at Dallas ISD.

This is my third request to you on behalf of our children, teachers, parents, taxpayers,
and the Texas Association of School Boards. The first request was made April 2, 2012;
the second was made on April 18, 2012.

Please refer me to the Board policy that requires a consensus for an item to
be placed on the agenda. I am not aware of any policy that requires a consensus. 
The Board does not act by consensus.

Four Board members spoke against the Resolution at the Board Briefing - Lew Blackburn,
Bernadette Nutall, Edwin Flores and Nancy Bingham. No other Trustee spoke either way.

Your refusal to allow an up or down Board vote undermines democracy and robs our
community of an opportunity to address the important issue of high stakes testing.

The Resolution is supported by hundreds of school districts, as well as the two
leading public education organizations in Texas - TASA and TASB. Texas
Commissioner of Education Robert Scott has also spoken publicly against the excessive
use of high stakes tests.

What possible justification do you have to block Board action? If Board members
don't support the resolution, their votes will defeat it.

Again, I request that you place this important Resolution on the Agenda
in the interest of our children, teachers, parents and public education.

Please include this email address when responding: Carla@CarlaRanger.com.

Awaiting your reply,

Carla Ranger
District 6 Trustee.

Lew Blackburn again refuses to allow Board vote on testing resolution approved by TASA, TASB and over 300 Texas school districts

TASA - Texas Association of School Administrators
TASB - Texas Association of School Boards

---

From: Lew Blackburn
Sent: Wednesday, April 18, 2012 1:12 PM
To: Ranger, Carla; King, Alan P
Cc:
Subject: Re: Second Board Agenda Request -- Resolution Concerning High Stakes, Standardized Testing - TASA and TASB

Carla,

I appreciate you bringing the resolution to the Board's attention.  However, after the Briefing discussion, I did not get a sense that there was a consensus for this item to move forward for consideration.  As such, I will not add it to the agenda for the April 26, 2012 Board meeting for discussion and possible adoption.

However, as I indicated during the Briefing, if three (3) trustees request that the resolution be placed on the agenda, I will honor the request.  As of today, you are the only trustee who has made the request.  Please note, the agenda will be approved for posting by 3:00 p.m. Friday, April 20.

 Lew Blackburn, Ph.D.

Board Agenda Request -- Resolution concerning high stakes, standardied testing

"School boards in school districts as small as Iowa Park ISD and as wealthy as Highland Park ISD have adopted the Resolution Concerning High Stakes Standardized Testing of Texas Public School Students, saying that testing has gone too far.

"Assistant Superintendent Tim Powers (Wichita Falls ISD) didn't mince words when he voiced his opinion to board members ..."

"Testing is getting way out of hand," he said. "There needs to be more consideration taken to what are the successes of our district — not just a one shot, one test deal."

 TimesRecordNews - Wichita Falls-April 11, 2012

***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Email Request

-------- Original Message --------

Subject:	Second Board Agenda Request -- Resolution Concerning High Stakes, Standardized Testing - TASA and TASB
Date:	Wed, 18 Apr 2012 10:09:29 -0500
From:	Carla Ranger
Organization:	Dallas ISD
To:	Lew Blackburn , Alan King
CC:

Good morning,

This is to again request placement of the Resolution concerning High Stakes Testing
on the Dallas ISD Board Agenda for the April 26, 2012 Board meeting for adoption. 

The first request was sent on Monday, April 2, 2012.

A copy of the Resolution was previously provided for the Board Briefing.

Both the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) and The Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) have approved the Resolution.

As of April 17, 2012, 304 Texas school districts have already adopted the resolution,
including the third largest school district in the state - Cypress-Fairbanks ISD.

In our area, school trustees in Highland Park, Mesquite, Plano, Richardson,
Sherman, Rockwall, McKinney, Waxahachie, Frisco, Coppell, etc., have
adopted the resolution.

Under Dallas ISD Board policy, the Superintendent and Board President prepare
the agenda. There is no requirement other than the Superintendent or Board
President place the item on the agenda.

This is a very important matter at a crucial time in the history of education in Texas.

I am requesting that you place the item on the Thursday, April 26, 2012 Board Agenda
and allow a vote - up or down.
.
Awaiting your reply,

Carla Ranger
District 6 Trustee

Resolution Concerning High Stakes, Standardized Testing of Texas Public School Students

Resolution Concerning High Stakes, Standardized Testing of Texas Public School Students

"
... the resolution drafted by TASA (Texas Association of School Administrators) is a philosophical statement that, among other things, challenges the notion that standardized testing should be the single measure of a district and endorses more engaging student learning experiences. As of Wednesday afternoon, 271 districts had passed the resolution. It has also been endorsed by at least one chamber of commerce, a school board in Queens, New York, and sparked national attention, including coverage from the Washington Post. Our goal is to draw attention to the transformation that needs to happen in Texas public schools and to speak with a clear and unified voice to Texas lawmakers about the concerns - not just of educators but also business leaders, parents and students – regarding the current accountability system." 

EduSlate

 

TASB Board supports testing resolution

Texas Association of School Boards (TASB)

On March 31, the TASB Board of Directors voted unanimously to support a resolution calling on Texas legislators to reexamine the public school accountability system and develop a system that more accurately reflects what students know.

The resolution, initiated by school districts involved in the North Texas Regional Consortium and promoted by the Texas Association of School Administrators, has been adopted by about 230 Texas school districts -- with many more taking up the resolution in board meetings this month.

The TASB Board agreed that the current accountability system is "strangling our public schools and undermining any chance that educators have to transform a traditional system of schooling into a broad range of learning experiences that better prepares our students to live successfully and be competitive on a global stage."

The resolution has already garnered national coverage, which can be found on TASA's EduSlate blog.

--TASB Legislative Report - 4-5-12

Region 10 includes Dallas ISD.  In Region 10 the following school districts have already approved the Resolution:

Region 10
Allen ISD
Anna ISD
Bland ISD
Blue Ridge ISD
Boles ISD
Caddo Mills ISD
Celina ISD
Community ISD
Coppell ISD
Denison ISD
Frisco ISD
Greenville ISD
Highland Park
Kaufman ISD
Kemp ISD
McKinney ISD
Mesquite ISD
Palmer ISD
Plano ISD
Richardson ISD
Rockwall ISD
Sherman ISD
Trenton ISD
Van Alstyne ISD
Waxahachie ISD
Wills Point ISD

As of April 11, 2012, 271 districts have adopted the resolution. The complete list of state-wide school districts is here:

Districts Adopting Petition

Texas Association of School Boards adopts resolution concerning high stakes, standardized testing

The Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Board of Directors convened in Austin Texas - Thursday, March  29 - Saturday, March 31, 2012 in Austin Texas.  During our Spring Board Meeting today, the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB)  adopted a Resolution concerning the current over reliance on high stakes, standardized testing in Texas.  The Resolution was adopted unanimously.  The Resolution has also been adopted by over 100 Texas school boards.

****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

_______________________________INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

RESOLUTION CONCERNING HIGH STAKES, STANDARDIZED TESTING

OF TEXAS PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS 

STATE OF TEXAS 

COUNTY OF ________________ __

§

§

§

WHEREAS, the over reliance on standardized, high stakes testing as the only assessment of learning that really matters in the state and federal accountability systems is strangling our public schools and undermining any chance that educators have to transform a traditional system of schooling into a broad range of learning experiences that better prepares our students to live successfully and be competitive on a global stage; and 

WHEREAS, we commend Robert Scott, Commissioner of Education, for his concern about the overemphasis on high stakes testing that has become "a perversion of its original intent" and for his continuing support of high standards and local accountability; and 

WHEREAS, we believe our state's future prosperity relies on a high-quality education system that prepares students for college and careers, and without such a system Texas economic competitiveness and ability and to attract new business will falter; and 

WHEREAS, the real work of designing more engaging student learning experiences requires changes in the culture and structure of the systems in which teachers and students work; and 

WHEREAS, what occurs in our classrooms every day should be student-centered and result in students learning at a deep and meaningful level, as opposed to the superficial level of learning that results from the current over-emphasis on that which can be easily tested by standardized tests; and 

WHEREAS, we believe in the tenets set out in Creating a New Vision for Public Education in Texas (TASA, 2008) and our goal is to transform this district in accordance with those tenets; and 

WHEREAS, Our vision is for all students to be engaged in more meaningful learning activities that cultivate their unique individual talents, to provide for student choice in work that is designed to respect how they learn best, and to embrace the concept that students can be both consumers and creators of knowledge; and 

WHEREAS, only by developing new capacities and conditions in districts and schools, and the communities in which they are embedded, will we ensure that all learning spaces foster and celebrate innovation, creativity, problem solving, collaboration, communication and critical thinking; and 

WHEREAS, these are the very skills that business leaders desire in a rising workforce and the very attitudes that are essential to the survival of our democracy; and 

WHEREAS, imposing relentless test preparation and boring memorization of facts to enhance test performance is doing little more than stealing the love of learning from our students and assuring that we fall short of our goals; and 

WHEREAS, we do not oppose accountability in public schools and we point with pride to the performance of our students, but believe that the system of the past will not prepare our students to lead in the future and neither will the standardized tests that so dominate their instructional time and block our ability to make progress toward a world-class education system of student-centered schools and future-ready students; therefore be it 

RESOLVED that the ISD Board of Trustees calls on the Texas Legislature to reexamine the public school accountability system in Texas and to develop a system that encompasses multiple assessments, reflects greater validity, uses more cost efficient sampling techniques and other external evaluation arrangements, and more accurately reflects what students know, appreciate and can do in terms of the rigorous standards essential to their success, enhances the role of teachers as designers, guides to instruction and leaders, and nurtures the sense of inquiry and love of learning in all students. 

PASSED AND APPROVED on this ___ day of _______ , 2012.

By:   ___________________
Name:
Title: 

By: ___________________
Name:
Title: 

By:   ___________________
Name:
Title: 

By:   ___________________
Name:
Title: 

By:   ___________________
Name:
Title: 

By:   ___________________
Name:
Title: 

By:   ___________________
Name:
Title: 

Texas school leaders rally to "Make Education a Priority"

State Capitol - Austin, Texas

Hundreds of school leaders gathered at the Capitol today to deliver a message to lawmakers to Make Education a Priority when crafting the state’s budget.

Roughly 1,000 school district administrators and school board trustees came to Austin today for a free Legislative Conference put on by the Texas Association of Administrators and the Texas Association of School Boards.

After the conference, school district leaders headed for the Capitol to meet with their lawmakers. At 2 p.m., many of them rallied on the south steps of the Capitol, standing unified in their message with red placards, fans and a banner, all reading: "Make Education a Priority."

--TASB Legislative Update

Texas Association of School Boards 

Legislative Conference and rally March 30 in Austin

The Texas Association of School Administrators/Texas Association of School Boards (TASA/TASB) Legislative Conference and Rally will be held in Austin on March 30, 2011. Attendees will receive an update on legislative happenings and then travel to the Texas Capitol for a "Make Education a Priority" rally at 2 P.M. on the south steps of the Capitol and opportunities to meet with legislators.

TASA/TASB/Texas School Alliance responds to Gov. Perry’s comments

Gov. Rick Perry and some lawmakers have indicated that local districts are to blame – not the state – for projected draconian budget cuts to school district budgets, including the potential loss of tens of thousands of school district jobs.

Representatives from TASA, TASB and the Texas School Alliance jointly released the following statement Wednesday in response.

“Let there be no mistake, the decisions being made in school districts across the state regarding staff layoffs are a direct result of state funding cuts proposed by the lawmakers.

“We urge lawmakers to use a balanced approach in developing a state budget, including accessing the Rainy Day Fund ...

“Local school leaders make education a priority every day. Texas students need our state leaders to do the same and protect funding for the classroom to ensure a quality education for every child.”
More Here