Description:“Measuring Up: A Statewide Conversation on High-Stakes Testing & Accountability” to explore the STAAR program, End-of-Course Exams, and Other Education Policy Issues in Advance of the November Elections

With Texas approaching the 83rd Legislative Session, concern and controversy surrounding the increased number of standardized tests and elevated stakes for students is rising. To better inform and engage parents, educators, legislators, and advocates in discussion of the state's educational accountability system, the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs will host “Measuring Up: A Statewide Conversation on High-Stakes Testing & Accountability” on Sept. 24.

The forum will feature a roundtable of experts from state government, academia, and the private and nonprofit sectors offering nonpartisan, evidence-based expertise on the policy options available to Texas. Panelists include:

-David Anthony of Raise Your Hand Texas and formerly of the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District
-Texas State Representative Jimmie Don Aycock
-Linda McNeil of Rice University
-Commissioner Tom Pauken from the Texas Workforce Commission
-Angela Valenzuela of The University of Texas at Austin
-Todd Williams of Commit! and formerly of Goldman Sachs

Carolyn Heinrich, director of the LBJ School’s Center for Health and Social Policy, will moderate the forum.

The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. The event will take place at the Lady Bird Johnson Auditorium located at 2315 Red River St. The roundtable discussion will begin at 7 p.m. and will be followed by an audience Q&A session. At 8:30 p.m., attendees will be invited upstairs to the LBJ School Lobby for a networking reception. To register, visit: http://measuringupforum.eventbrite.com.

The event is co-sponsored by the LBJ School’s Center for Health and Social Policy, the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Education at The University of Texas at Austin. Other partners also include the University’s Texas Center for Education Policy, Institute for Urban Policy Research & Analysis and Center for Mexican American Studies.