TEA Chief: Don't Give Up on Accountability System
Texas Education Commissioner Michael Williams on Tuesday called on educators to hold the line on the state's accountability system amid what he called a "ranging conversation" at the Legislature about how to address the widespread concerns about the role of high-stakes testing.
"I know we are out there in that desert and it is a transition period," the Texas Education Agency chief said. "But I'm going to ask us to pump our brakes and slow our roll to get through this transition."
During his speech at an annual gathering of school administrators in Austin, he urged the crowd ...
Comments (11)
Nora Dearing via Texas Tribune on Facebook
He is out of touch with the real world of public education that we, as teaches, live in.
Sue Talley Guthrie via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Thanks
Sue Talley Guthrie via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Thanks
mel fuller
The Commissioner is out of touch with education because he's not an Educator. He's a puppet for Rick Perry, plain and simple. He was out of work and needed a job.
Texas Educators, business, and most importantly parents don't have time to "pump our brakes". The accident is happening right now. There are far too many tests being given to students, even the Commissioner said he was embarrassed the other day in front of the Senate Finance Committee. He wouldn't answer Sen. Nelson's question about it because he realized that he spoke his mind and not Rick Perry's.
We, as Educators, want to be held accountable...but on a system that is fair and responsible to students. One that is not driven by Pearson, Bill Hammonds, or other non-educators like our now Commissioner. Commissioner Scott understood what was happening, it led to his statements a year ago. That's why he resigned...Gov Perry didn't like it. It wasn't good for "business".
Commissioner - We don't have time to pump our brakes. We don't have the resources to fix the brakes. We have to clear a path for all students to be life-long learners and productive citizens. The path now is full of gatekeepers and obstacles.
Ty Allen via Texas Tribune on Facebook
What perks is Pearson bestowing upon Mr. Williams? Very few others have refused to acknowledge this accountability system is critically flawed.
Ty Allen via Texas Tribune on Facebook
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/22/education/new-york-attorney-general-is-investigating-pearson-education.html?_r=0
Ty Allen via Texas Tribune on Facebook
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/22/education/new-york-attorney-general-is-investigating-pearson-education.html?_r=0
Ken Collier via Texas Tribune on Facebook
How many million kids have to subjected to this failed experiment before he admits the testing scheme is a failure?
LLC LLC1923
He's listening to Pearson's lobbyists - not parents.
Texas Parents Opt Out of State Tests via Texas Tribune on Facebook
"Pump our brakes"? Guess that means just keep giving more practice tests and worksheets and hopefully the students will get better at choosing the correct answer. Sadly, this has nothing to do with education; but then again, Commissioner Williams is NOT an educator.
Natalie Crittendon
I must say that as a educator and parent I am afraid for my children. To have to take so many test to graduate is disturbing. I trust my fellow colleagues to prepare my children but the stress that they will have to endure is unreasonable and the stress is on both sides (teachers and students). As adults we never had to take this many test and we turned out just fine. I do support teaching children to prepare them with the 21st century skills they need but we must find a better way to assess their academic ability. I am up for the fight and will fight until this system is changed.