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October 2007 |
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Texas students outperform national average on NAEP math!
AUSTIN - Texas students outperformed the national average on the fourth and eighth grade 2007 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) mathematics exams and matched the national average on the fourth and eighth grade reading results.
However, when the scores are examined by ethnic groups, Texas students in all major groups outpaced students in the same student groups across the country on both the NAEP mathematics and reading tests at both grade levels.
In addition, economically disadvantaged fourth-grade students in Texas achieved higher average scale scores on the reading exam compared to the national average. At grade 8, economically disadvantaged students achieved higher average scale scores than the equivalent national average in reading, and both economically disadvantaged and English language learners in Texas outpaced students in the same student groups across the country on the math exam.
The NAEP is known as the nation's report card because it is the only assessment test given to students of all academic levels in all states.
press release
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Dropout definition demystified
The subject of dropouts has captured much of the debate about our public schools over the last few decades. Much of that debate, and the widespread confusion over the subject, has been driven by the multitude of definitions and calculations of the dropout rate.
Conforming to a more uniform standard for purposes of comparison with other states, as well as gaining a more accurate assessment of the problem, the State of Texas elected to adopt the federal definition established by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). This new definition took effect with data for the 2005-2006 school year.
The dropout rate issue is much more complex than a simple calculation of those who graduate and those who do not. According to NCES, a dropout is a student who is enrolled in public school in grades 7-12, does not return to public school the following fall, is not expelled, and does not graduate, receive a GED, continue school outside the public school system, begin college, or die.
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Friend of the Year Award Ceremony and Reception - November 1, 2007
Tom Frost, Senior Chairman of Frost Bank, has demonstrated a legacy of support for public education in Texas and Friends of Texas Public Schools is proudly honoring him for that commitment as its 3rd Annual Texas Public Schools Friend of the Year.
Frost enthusiastically accepted the honor and invitation to attend a reception that will celebrate his many contributions to public education, as well as the collective achievements of Texas public school educators and students. The reception is scheduled for Thursday, November 1st, 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Pearl Brewery Stables in San Antonio. For more details, table sponsorship information or ticket sales please contact Brandie Cleaver at brandie@fotps.org.
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This month's featured sponsor
HillCo Partners is an Austin-based governmental relations and consulting firm. This full service, independent lobby firm assists clients with strategic planning to achieve intermediate and long-term goals. The firm is comprised of twelve knowledgeable professionals, each of whom possess an in-depth understanding of Texas' political and public policy processes. HillCo Partners offers a unique combination of resources that reflects the expertise of the lobby team. |
Hands-On Heroes are educators and volunteers who go the extra milego to provide the next generation of Texans a bright and promising future. These remarkable people touch the lives of students and parents in Texas schools every day. Hands-On Heroes are all around us, but too often go unnoticed.
Who's a Hands-On Hero? You decide. Nominate someone who makes a difference in your community and your schools by telling us their story. Help us celebrate the very best of Texas.
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Myth of the month
Source: "Debunking Seven Myths About Public Education" byMolly A. Hunter and Matthew Samberg
Myth #3: Private and Charter Schools are Educating Kids Better
Private and charter schools do, on average, no better job of educating children than public schools, and they sometimes do a worse job. NAEP scores of private school students are no better than those of public school students, after correcting for socio-economic background. The "benefits" of private schools may be nothing more than the benefits of attending schools with students from predominantly affluent backgrounds.
Stories of high-performing charter schools are frequently provided without context. At some charter schools, such as the KIPP academies, there is a high rate of student attrition; the students who have the most difficulty frequently leave (and return to their regular public schools). In addition, in KIPP schools and similar schools, students have 60 percent more learning time, through a longer school day, weekend classes, and summer school. Comparing these schools to regular public schools is comparing apples to oranges. Bringing this model to scale would require a major influx of funds.
more myths
* National Assessment of Educational Progress |
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Test your TAKS readiness The following question is taken from the 11th grade TAKS test.
Compounds with the same chemical
composition may have different densities
because they -
A. have differences in reactivity
B. are able to bond with oxygen
C. vary in solubility
D. exist in different phases |
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Breaking down the dollar
Three cents of every education dollar is spent on school bus transportation.
Texas public schools provide a host of services that are designed to support students and teachers in the classroom, but that are not captured in many definitions of instruction that are included in reporting from various sources . School library books and librarians' salaries, for example, are included in the definition of instruction, but not by other sources that report on education spending.
The cost of cleaning classrooms and providing heating and cooling is almost never included, nor is the cost of construction. School security, student lunches, and school nurses are among the many other services that are provided by schools but considered "outside the classroom".
To see how one full dollar is spent on education, read Tracking the Education Dollar by clicking here. | |
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Remember to forward to coworkers, friends and family!
Friends of Texas Public Schools
Scott Milder, President & Chief Executive
4000 McEwen Road North
Dallas, Texas 75244-5083
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