tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877543324460499349.post9105418026426607756..comments2023-10-11T03:46:48.969-07:00Comments on Reclaiming the Texas Turf: Educators fuel election chaosFaith Chathamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11705441713246434955noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877543324460499349.post-42740092004980230692008-01-15T08:23:00.000-08:002008-01-15T08:23:00.000-08:00TEA Performance Testing responded to the email on ...TEA Performance Testing responded to the email on Jan. 15:<BR/><BR/>"Thank you for your email regarding the conflict of dates between TAKS testing and the primary election day in Texas. The agency does realize that by not allowing the general public the access to vote in a school<BR/>building it could cause some confusion to some of the people trying to vote. We hope that the general population understands the importance of not only this day but everyday that the TAKS test is scheduled that the students taking the tests to be able to focus totally on the test for that day and not be distracted by a high volume of people entering and exiting the building and any additional distraction in the hallways.<BR/>You email is important. It will be directed to agency staff that set testing dates. The agency will make every effort to see that this type of conflict of dates doesn't happen in future years.<BR/>RR"<BR/><BR/>Faith Chatham responded to TEA Performance Testing on Jan. 15:<BR/>"Thank you for your response. Since the Agency understands the importance of administering tests when there are the least distractions, the Agency has failed to serve the best interest of the children and citizens of this state by scheduling TAKS testing on an election day. Since state law requires public buildings (schools) to accommodate elections, scheduling testing on Election Day is a violation of state law and the act of TEA prompts school districts to 1. either break the law or 2. require /allow testing on a day when there will be more distractions. <BR/> <BR/>The change in the Texas Education Code moving the beginning of testing back two weeks does not mandate that testing occur on March 4th. That date was selected by TEA and imposed on the school districts. Please convey to your colleagues that TEA is responsible for this fiasco and attempts to spin it as "compliance with the law" is not convincing. <BR/> <BR/>Once the Texas Public School system teaches citizens to read and analyze and check facts, some of us become able to cut through excuses and bureaucratic "spin" to the facts.<BR/> <BR/>I have been told by the Lt. Governor's office and Senator West's office that the SOS, Attorney General and TEA are working with them, and hopefully there will be a compromise worked out by today. <BR/> <BR/>If any school bans elections March 4th in response to TEA's directive, there will be a precedent set which is contrary to law and contrary to Legislative Intent. <BR/> <BR/>If children taking TAKS are distracted by voters on March 4th, it will be caused by a scheduling decision made by TEA. The phrase "can begin no sooner than 2 weeks later than last year" is what the Education Code stipulates is when TEA can schedule testing. That means that TEA could select any date other than those earlier than two weeks before the date scheduled last year. It does not stipulate that testing must begin 2 weeks laster than last year. <BR/> <BR/>TEA oversees educators who teach (and test on) reading comprehension. It appears that many people who participated in scheduling TAKS on March 4th (and all who signed off on the decision) may need a "reading comprehension" brush-up course."faithchatham@gmail.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15842753099519084220noreply@blogger.com