Blog
The Educate Texas blog is the online conversation on education issues and trends impacting Texans and the country. The blog mirrors the collaborative nature of Educate Texas and features contributors from across the state and nationally including the voices of both our public and private partners. The perspectives and issues discussed here do not necessarily represent those of Educate Texas, but we believe are important to the collaborative process needed to ensure lasting and positive change in education. We look to this blogging community as a forum for dynamic and thoughtful conversation on pressing issues facing our education system and the innovative practices and ideas to help support education success in Texas and beyond. We encourage your thoughts and feedback below. If you are interested in being featured as a guest author, please contact us.
Cheating Our Children – Testing Manipulation or Unfounded Assumptions?
Apr 03, 2012
There’s something interesting going on with the test scores of Long Beach (CA) Unified School District’s 6th grade students. Between 2010 and 2011, 6th grade math scores jumped from 32 percent passing in 2010 to 46 percent passing in 2011. That represents a 43 percent improvement rate. In a high-minority, high-poverty district like Long Beach, that dramatic of an improvement may seem like an unlikely scenario: more than 2000 6th graders with a sudden one-year jump in improvement?
What’s Next for Early College?
Mar 30, 2012
For 10 years now, early college high schools have demonstrated that young people underrepresented in higher education can succeed in college work. By blending high school and college, these schools guide students—primarily low-income and of color—through a seamless transition to postsecondary education. Over the last decade, early college has built a strong record of scale and success.
College Attainment for All
Mar 27, 2012
This week, Educate Texas is celebrating Early College High School (ECHS) Awareness Week 2012. Coordinated nationally each year by Jobs for the Future, the goal of ECHS Awareness Week is to raise awareness of school districts nationwide that have adopted early college designs to increase graduation rates and the college readiness of students traditionally underrepresented in higher education.
“STEM Rocks!” Leading the Charge in STEM Education
Mar 21, 2012
The Texas Instruments (TI) Foundation, Educate Texas and the Lancaster Independent School District (LISD) have announced an initiative to systemically change science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education at all levels in LISD over the next four years.
Through the generous support of the TI Foundation, Educate Texas will work closely with LISD to implement a plan for building out a college-ready STEM District.
The Economics of Effective Teaching
Mar 14, 2012
MetLife recently released the 28th annual Survey of the American Teacher, one of the most comprehensive reports on the perceptions and realities for teachers, parents and students. The report highlights issues - such as low morale - many in the education field are already aware of through anecdotal stories and conversations with colleagues working in the classroom, school buildings and district offices. Job satisfaction has reportedly dropped to a twenty-year low of 44 percent.