MEDIA ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Wednesday, March 4, 1998 

MEDIA ADVISORY: Texas Leads The Way In Choice and Accountability In Education

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Dallas - "The charter schools technical and professional support system announced today by Governor Bush is just another example of Texas leading the nation in education reform." That's what Dr. John Goodman, president of the Dallas-based National Center for Policy Analysis said upon hearing the Governor's announcement today in Houston.

Texas has adopted one of the most progressive charter school laws in the country. It established one of the first statewide school accountability systems and has implemented rigorous testing standards that apply to regular and charter schools. Results show these changes are paying off. A 1996 National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) report found that Texas fourth graders were among the highest math scorers in the nation. Both black and white fourth graders had higher average scores than their counterparts in any of the other 38 participating states.

"What's unique about education reform in this state is that the business community has taken a leadership role," Goodman said. "Business leaders are worried about the quality of the state's workforce so they are spearheading school reform."

Attached is a two page brief analysis from the National Center for Policy Analysis. Choice and Accountability: Texas Leads the Way details the progress the state has made in education reform.

WHO:

Dr. John Goodman
NCPA President

WHAT:

Available for Comment on Governor Bush's New Education Initiative

WHEN:

Interviews Available by Appointment

WHERE:

Call Jil Hicks
NCPA Media Coordinator at 972/386-6272

# # # #

The National Center for Policy Analysis is a public policy research institute founded in 1983 and internationally known for its studies on public policy issues. The NCPA is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with an office in Washington, D.C.

For more information:
Katy Meaker Menges, Dallas, TX 972-386-6272
Joan Kirby, Washington, DC 202-220-3082
Internet: http://www.ncpa.org



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