January 5, 2013 11:16 AM

RESPONDING TO LEGISLATIVE MANDATE: WILLIAMS PROPOSES REVISED APPROACH TO SCHOOL AND DISTRICT ACCOUNTABILITY AND CONTROVERSY ERUPTS

“How many times can we measure this pig to see if it is fat enough?” asked Ratliff

Education Commissioner Michael Williams has suggested a wide range of substitutes for end-of-course tests, a proposal already stirring up arguments in education circles.

Testing and accountability will be the proving ground for Williams’ leadership at the Texas Education Agency and the future of school and district accountability in Texas. And while Williams has demurred on various measures – saying much of the decision-making resides under the Pink Dome -- state-mandated deadlines continue to thrust the commissioner and his staff into the fray.

Four years ago, state lawmakers asked the agency to produce a list of tests that could substitute for the 15 required end-of-course assessments. That list was released this week, and it already has one State Board of Education member worked up.

“The sports broadest network ESPN has a segment called ‘Come on, man!’ where they talk about various sports highlights. Some of these highlights showcase unbelievable talent, while other highlights show examples of poor sportsmanship or other bad ideas,” said State Board of Education member Thomas Ratliff. “After reading the proposed rulemaking released today from the Texas Education Agency regarding alternatives to the state’s end-of-course testing regime, I find myself saying, ‘Come on, man!’”

By Kimberly Reeves