Change is a constant. At the same time, change can be hard for everyone involved. How do change leaders do it well? In this research study, I explored the planning and execution of state-level change initiatives within the Texas Education Agency's (TEA) strategic plan. I designed my study to identify and uncover the strategies change initiative…

This study applies Clark and Estes's (2008) gap analysis model to understand how a state education agency's decision making, during reform policy implementation, impacts the success of the initiative. Specifically, the purpose of this study was to assess the effect of the Texas Education Agency's (TEA) decision making, during the policy design and…

Historically, U.S. school districts have led schooling, while state education agencies (SEAs) have held a largely regulatory role in school improvement. Yet, a recent reform strategy, the "state takeover," allows an SEA to assume direct governance of a low-performing district -- potentially creating a much more active role for state…

The 2015-2016 year has been an especially busy one in Texas education. Teachers and other professionals had opportunities to participate in the revision of the English language and Spanish language arts and reading Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (ELAR/SLAR TEKS), a process that is now nearing completion. As a result of several bills signed…

Today's educational mission statements at national, state, and local levels revolve around much the same thing--preparing students with skills to compete and succeed on a global level. The Partnership for 21st Century Skills (2008) reports cognitive skills are significantly more important for the global economic success of a country, and in order…

To remain competitive in a global economy, institutions of higher learning must commit to excellence and establish as a priority organizational and human resource development (McCabe, 2001). While mission statements from community colleges throughout the country may include similar foci, it is of paramount importance that these institutions of…

State educational agency efforts to promote linguistic and academic achievement for English language learners (ELLs) are critical to improving educational outcomes, such as high school achievement, graduation rates, and postsecondary opportunities. This brief begins with a national snapshot of the achievement and educational outcomes of ELLs and…

Reported are findings and recommendations concerning educational services for deaf children in Texas which are based upon interviews with staff of state agencies and public and private schools. Information is provided on the characteristics and numbers of hearing impaired persons in Texas, the program of the Texas School for the Deaf (TSD) and…

Chief academic officers of public universities in Texas were asked to comment on trends affecting general education on their campuses. The role of academic departments in furthering--and inhibiting--changes in general education curricula is analyzed. (PP)

Adopted in November 1988, the Long-Range Plan for Technology of the Texas State Board of Education plots the course for meeting educational needs through the application of technology and for implementing concomitant changes in education from 1988 to the year 2000. The plan recognizes that both educational technology and the practice of education…

Examines the impact during a period of extensive curricular and school finance reform in Texas of the implementation of the block grant provisions of Chapter 2 of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act. Considers governmental response, effects on transaction costs and resource allocation, and the potential for further savings. (PGD)

Texas' Select Committee on Public Education, created in 1983 by resolution of the Texas Legislature, was directed "to study the issues and continuing concerns relating to public education in Texas, particularly school finance and each of its components." The committee's recommendations, presented in this report, are intended to provide…

This resource guide is intended to assist local Texas school districts in the implementation of site-based decision-making and in the development of district and campus plans that will result in improved student performance. This document includes information on site-based decision-making and suggestions for developing district and campus plans.…

The purpose of this topical review is to present Educational Policy Reform Research Institute's (EPRRI's) state-level qualitative findings collected during in depth interviews in the four core study states of California, Maryland, New York, and Texas. The data presented reflect the perspectives of state-level personnel who were involved with the…

Reviews precedents, at the state level, to the movement for education reform. Reports, by year and state, on first reactions to reform. Outlines topics touched by state reform efforts, summarizes unifying themes, and predicts the future of reform. Includes a table of states requiring testing for initial certification of teachers. (IW)