Title: Standards-based Reform, the Accountability System, and Equity: A Case Study from Texas
Speaker: Philip Uri Treisman, University of Texas

Ten years ago, Texas student achievement in mathematics was low. Today, the average scale scores of Texas students overall-and specifically of Hispanic and African American students-on NAEP mathematics tests are at or near the top of national rankings. This talk will describe the confluence of efforts that have brought about this change, including the work of the Texas Statewide Systemic Initiative, the development of the Texas state curriculum frameworks, the impact of the Texas accountability system, and the recent changes in the Improve America's Schools Act. The rate of change in Texas has set a new benchmark for the speed at which a large state's academic performance can improve.