HIGH STANDARDS, ASSESSMENT, ACCOUNTABILITY, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, and STUDENT SUCCESS
Why We Have Come Together
The Texas Education Reform Foundation (TERF) a nonprofit 501c3 corporation was established in 2001. Our work is to bring improvement in the state from early childhood education through post secondary credentialing by and through the following:
Communication and Education Efforts: Our work is premised on the belief that broad public awareness and understanding about school improvement is critical to helping all students achieve at high levels.
Through our statewide forums, conferences and other events, TERF brings together key education stakeholders to discuss, write and act upon the most pressing issues facing our schools and to motivate one another with the sharing of ideas.
Serving as a common voice for school improvement efforts, the Foundation collaborates with educators, business and professional leaders, statewide agencies and associations in the development and delivery of a statewide message that informs all Texans on the importance and value of education reform.
Research Efforts and Data Distribution: TERF is a credible source for education-related data and its interpretation. Our research provides guidance and recommendations to statewide education organizations, educators and policymakers in their efforts to improve our schools.
Forging Partnerships among Business and Professional Leaders, Educators and Policymakers: The future of Texas depends on the success of our education system. The responsibility for the continuous improvement of student and school achievement must be shared by policymakers, educators, business and professional leaders. TERF seeks to foster relationships and build consensus for school improvement initiatives among these stakeholders.
Supported by a generous grant from the Houston Endowment Inc. and supplemented by support of The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, TERF has mounted a study titled: "A Commitment to Excellence: Redesigning Student Success in Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary and Postsecondary Education." This rigorous academic and practical investigation of Texas' present education condition is embodied in a two year long, statewide effort focused on creating a unified success agenda for Texas in order to produce higher and more competent levels of post secondary credentialing.