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This special issue is a case study of a recent legal challenge to a graduation test, GI Forum v. Texas Education Agency. Its purpose is to provide updated, relevant information to the many statewide and district testing programs, measurement professionals, and policymakers currently involved with the implementation of new educational standards and tests. The GI Forum Court's decision provides a road map for creating legally defensible graduation tests, and by analogy, may also provide useful guidance for other high stakes uses of standardized achievement tests. The GI Forum case is an extension of the landmark Debra P. v. Turlington case.
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Customer Reviews (1)

Very informative!
As a teacher in Texas and a lover of Texas history, this is the perfect read.The book basically is an in-depth study of rural Texas schools around 1900-1930.The key word here is detail.You really get to understand all aspects of the old one and two room schoolhouses- curriculum, construction, politics behind the locations of the schools, etc.As with all of this author's works, the best parts are the little human details- pranks the students played on each other, the food they ate, funny things that happened at recess, games the students played, and the pride the community took in the school's success.The end of the book, where everything is consolidated and the small community schools are closed down, is downright sad.I'd highly recommend this book. ... Read more

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A behind-the-scenes look at the day-to-day activities of a state governor follows Texas governor Ann Richards as she makes her way through a hectic and productive schedule. ... Read more

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This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

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Texas: A World in Itself is considered to be one of the most unusual books about Texas ever published. George Sessions Perry's unique style could make the reader think that they too are apart of the defense of the Alamo or friends with the myriad of figures who are presented within the confines of this book. This style, in the end, brings a certain amount of authenticity to the book.In the introduction of this book, Perry tells of a Yankee family, the Rosengrens, who move to San Antonio to set up a bookshop. Despite their slim chance of success, this family slowly came to consider Texas their home, finding more friends there than they ever had anywhere else. By Mr. Perry's account, this is nothing short of a miracle, which can only happen in Texas, because "the Rosengrens don't belong to any clubs and the people in San Antonio don't like books."This work is an excellent informal guide to the state in which the author was born and raised. With enchanting stories, the book introduces the reader to the history, traditions, and folklore of Texas. Due to Perry's many trips to other cities, states, and countries, he has gained a worldly perspective of his home state. These experiences allow him to give the reader a picture of Texas that a nonnative can easily understand and a native could fondly enjoy.ABOUT THE AUTHORGeorge Sessions Perry was born May 5, 1910, in Rockdale, Texas. In 1933, he married Claire Hodges of Beaumont. A prolific writer, he published a long line of fiction and nonfiction stories and novels, many of which were based on people and events from his hometown. In World War II, as a correspondent, Perry wrote first-hand accounts of the war for the prestigious newspapers the New Yorker and the Saturday Evening Post. Perry won several major awards, including the 1941 National Book Award. George Perry died in Connecticut in 1956 and was buried in Rockdale in February of the following year. ... Read more

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If walls Could Talk
The casual observer would initially think that the Memorial Student Center is like any other 'Student Union' at a major university. Upon arrival though the visitor immediately becomes aware that is a very special place. Before entering, hats must be removed and refrain from walking on the surrounding grass must be observed."First and foremost, all Aggies uphold the MSC as a memorial to those fellow students who sacrificed their lives for freedom." The MSC was initially dedicated as a "living, useful memorial" to honor those Aggies who died in World Wars I+II.

The story of the MSC is rich in history starting with the opening of the College in 1876 at a location that was a remote , "wind swept prairie. " The institution originally was an all-male Agricultural and Mechanical College. "No running water, no electricity, no streets, and no sanitary toilets." Despite the obvious obstacles, the cadets formed student organizations. Which were encouraged by the University President who promoted additional ones.

The concept of student unions spread to America from across the Atlantic. Becoming social-cultural centers embracing the interests of the total university community of students and faculty. A YMCA built in 1914 served as the center of campus social life. Increased enrolment over the years led to overcrowdingand various plans for a union building were considered.The student center was opened in September 1950, and on April 21, 1951 the Memorial Student Center was officially dedicated.

"With the opening of the MSC, a new world opened to both cadets and members of the local community." More important than just a gathering place, the MSC director J.W. Stark, began laying the foundation for exposing Aggies to ideas outside of the norm. In an attempt to broaden world view in culture and in developing leadership. From 1950 to 1970 the MSC worked to awaken a military college and expose its students to a variety of amenities and programs that would impact the students for the rest of their lives.

In 1963 the Board of Directors approved a plan to allow women on a limited basis and racial integration.The onset of the 1970's brought enrollment up to15,000 students. The Corps dwindled in size relative to the civilian student population which included 10% women by 1972.More diverse programs were offered to get students involved as soon as they stepped on campus.

In 1970 Stark prescribed graduate school and travel as the keys to becoming a well-rounded individual. He organized an annual MSC program designed to give students the chance to visit many northeastern Ivy League graduate schools. Stark also matched former students with young Aggie students who could learn from them. This lead to summer jobs with CBS, politicians, prosperous businessmen, and even the performing arts.He wanted the MSC to be the university's beacon of culture and leadership. It was as if he sent explorers into a new world to bring back all the treasures that could be found to be shared and strengthen the university.

"By the e mid-1980's, approximately 1,600 students in the MSC produced more than 1,400 programs for more than 250,000 people each year. Heads of state, diplomats, politicians, distinguished lectures, renowned scientist, cultural performers, and entertainers primarily came to A&M by way of MSC."

The end 80's brought more renovation and their efforts to "think big" continued to gain them significant amounts of national and international recognition. Another watershed moment occurred when the Bolshoi Ballet Grigorovich Company made its premier in Aggieland. At 41,000 on campus at that time, students were coming from metropolitan areas as opposed to rural backgrounds. In 97, Vision 2020 was initiated to position Texas A&M as a consensus top-ten public university by the year 2020.

There is currently a four- to five-year renovation process that will respectfully honor fallen Aggies, serve the student population, and "create a bridge from the past to the future." It was 68 percent of the student population that approved in an increase in student service fees that will pay for a large portion of this renovation.

Amy Bacon brings you through a brisk walk in time presenting the history of the MSC.Important dates, people, and events are highlighted and you can witness the evolution of the University and surrounding community. If you have ever found yourself in a building and wondered, "if these walls could talk", this book does for the MSC.

Alumni from the University of Texas might find this book of particular interest. There is a historical picture of steerhide benches that were added to the MSC in '75, showcasing the rivalry between the Aggies and UT. Upon a visit, the president of the UT student union was amazed at the MSC budget and level of student management. "the fact that students were running it [MSC], doing it, administering it-it just floored her." Just think of where UT could be now if they would had the foresight of A&M!
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Each year 20,000 people prepare for the Texas Real Estate Licensing exam.This edition has been completely revised.It provides indispensable practice and review for the new test, with all-new exams and an up-to-date Texas Real Estate Refresher Course. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A useful study guide
I used this guide exclusively in my prep for the exam; in fact, I didn't study ANYTHING else.I got an 86% on the national exam and HERE's the bad part - a 70% on the state exam.I did pass, but I felt that the material was a little weak with respect to the state portion.I can vouch for the tech support though; I had a problem the night before my exam and the software support man contacted me with a response to my problem within 3 hours of my email to him, at 11 o'clock at night!That type of support is scarce these days!In retrospect, I would highly recommend this guide, but also perhaps another one to help you with the Texas portion of the test.Good luck!

CD is good for practice but contains errors
I found the CD practice exams to be an effective computer based review/prep process.Nevertheless, I was extremely disappointed with the number of errors contained within their own questions.Either the Texas exam contains these same errors or this publisher needs a new editor.If they assigned a unique question ID number to each question, it would be a simple matter for readers to point out the errors.Generally disappointed with the overall quality and price.The Austin reviewer sounds like he works for the author.

Texas Real Estate Sales Exam 2nd Edition
This book did not cover much of what I expected. It covers subjects on fitness and well-being.These subjects should not be part of an exam practice book. I went to the public libary and found much better practice workbooks written by Charles J. Jacobus. Not too pleased with my purchase.

Excellent sample tests.
This book has four sample tests. Although a few of the questions are not worded well making determining the correct answers difficult, I'm assuming they got the sample questions from old real estate sales exams, sooooo. Taking the four tests really helped me target my weak points and were "right on" in predicting how I'd do on the real test. After taking the first practice test, I studied all questions, both right and wrong, to ensure that I knew the correct answers to the questions I'd guessed at and got right in addition to the ones I got wrong. I got 84% on the first exam. Then improved my score on the second one to 89%. Got 88% on the third, and 90% on the fourth. This gave me confidence in my ability to pass the real test the first time around. It surprised me that even though I studied after each sample test by utilizing the book's guide that points out the areas to study based on the questions answered wrong, I struggled to get my score up to 90% and then just barely made it on the last sample test. This means that the questions on each of the four tests are sufficiently different to make them four good evaluations. I took the real thing this afternoon and got 88% on the theory test and 88% on the law test, the first time around. Not the 90% or better I always shoot for on tests but without a doubt, better than I would have gotten without this book. I'm guessing that utilizing this book probably raised the scores I would have gotten without it by about 8 - 10 points.

I recommend this book highly.

Everything Helps When Taking the Texas Real Estate Exam
I felt the book was a very help tool in studying for the Texas Real Estate Exam. It is very simple and comes with a great CD disk to help you practice. It had only one really stupid section and that was about starting a diet and fitness regime and had a chart for you to track your progress in that area. Practice exams covered what I learned in class... ... Read more

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Profiles of 35 top educators

Texas is fortunate to have many wonderful teachers throughout the state who not only instruct their students but also inspire them. Those teachers considered the best share many of the same outstanding qualities and techniques. They are Top Texas Teachers because they were deemed the best by those they work with on a daily basis: their students, students’ parents, and other educators. A compilation of stories featuring the top teachers and how they personify those qualities and utilize those techniques, Top Texas Teachers celebrates these dedicated individuals.

Teachers from all areas of Texas are profiled, and different grade levels and subjects are represented. These educators are from large schools and small, big cities and rural towns, public schools and private. The unifying thread is that all of the teachers are considered among the best in Texas. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Positive Portrayal of a Diverse Group of Great Teachers
Top Texas Teachers uses the short biographical sketch format to briefly examine the careers of teachers who do their jobs well.In this time when everyone has a "magic formula" or "secret test" to suddenly solve all the challenges in our school, it's a pleasure to read this book, which takes on the question 'what makes a good teacher?' one teacher at a time.The striking thing about the teachers here is what a diverse set of circumstances and personalities are found among the educators profiled.The author skilfully shows us that the common threads are not identical personalities or approaches, but rather the more straightforward values of diligence and compassion.The book is an extremely easy and entertaining read.If you've wanted to understand teaching from the perspective of "who makes it work?" rather than the more familiar "everything's wrong", this is an excellent place to start. ... Read more

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Never HIGHLIGHT a Book Again!Virtually all testable terms, concepts, persons, places, and events are included. Cram101 Textbook Outlines gives all of the outlines, highlights, notes for your textbook with optional online practice tests. Only Cram101 Outlines are Textbook Specific. Cram101 is NOT the Textbook. ... Read more

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YOU NEED TO KNOW . . .
What's the real agenda behind "education reform?"
The truth is alarming

Based on his award-winning newspaper coverage of the often-acrimonious Texas education debate during 1996-97, journalist Dave Mundy traces the roots of "reform" from the local level to the state level to the national level in this hard-hitting work which tells the reader the truth about where "reform" comes from, where it is and where it's headed.

Focusing on the debate in Texas, Mundy also shows the connections between what happened in that state to what's happening in other states, clearly identifying the national agenda underlying the continuing "crisis" in public Education. THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Poorly researched ranting
The former managing editor for the Katy Times, Mundy became interested in placing some long-deserved heat upon his local school board.

Like many small town newspapers, the Times had a historic reputation of covering the school board in unquestioningly fawning terms under the hastily offered premise of making the community feel good about itself.

These same news accounts prevented the citizenry from making informed choices about their local government, therefore actually preparing their students for the 21st century.

Ironically, Mundy's initial work is guilty of many of the same flaws he is content to cast upon others. The first rule of a good investigative reporter requires careful reading, and an understanding you will not be able to find what you are looking for in a sound bite format because the world is not binary either/or when dealing with social issues.

For instance, Multicultural Education incurs a blanket attack throughout the text, even as Mundy's then-hometown demographics were rapidly changing, and the colleges servicing an ever-increasing college prep oriented community also expect incoming freshman to deal with diversity.

So-called traditional conservative campuses such as Texas A&M have embraced these programs not to put down heterosexual Christian white men, but to prepare the entire student body for working with people of every background.

Likewise, Mundy does not wish to realize there are instances where the federal government intervenes in educational policy because the states are either unwilling or unable to perform their jobs. Ideally, the local schools would recognize their past mistakes and completely reform, but the work of other investigative reporters from across the state indicate historically marginalized communities still face an uphill battle.

Failure to concede the abovementioned benefits of a more inclusive educational program, and incomplete explanation of what "Outcome Based Education" really stands in for (although the word seems to be the new "red-baiting" tool now that Mundy and company have realized the cold war is finally over)are fatal flaws within this book. Because certain groups of students are inherently different from his demographic norm, they are savagely reduced to subhuman status.

Mundy's deliberate obscuring of a thesis central concept is a weak admission that even relatively conservative communities and states contain people seeing the book for it's real and hysterical attack on students with disabilities and/or membership in racial ethnic minority groups.

Rather than attacking the inherently unequal school funding system in Texas, the contradictions of having high pregnancy rates AND a teen parenting center in an abstinence-only school district (which by definition should be teen pregnancy free), Mundy has chosen to exploit people's fears of special education and school integration.

Because the former program especially requires some basic learning of federal and state statues beyond introductory American government, Special Education and the related concepts of Least Restrictive Environment and Individial Education Progam is an easy punching bag for people wanting to project their own fears about the future of Texas and National educational policy, but too cowardly to actually admit their ongoing prejudices towards different groups.

Indeed, careful language selection does not mask the overall irrationality of this hastily slapped together volume. Indeed, there are school reforms whose policy efficacy and legality (federally mandated testing standards for all students, although states control curriculum), but Mundy's unwillingness to actually investigate and distinguish between the truly bad and relatively under publicized/historically misunderstood calls his own 'investigative research' skills into question, thereby sacrificing the entire book.

As an investigative reporter myself, I take extreme issue with celebration of ignorance and illiteracy throughout this text.

Poorly researched ranting
The former managing editor for the Katy Times, Mundy became interested in placing some long-deserved heat upon his local school board.

Like many small town newspapers, the Times had a historic reputation of covering the school board in unquestioningly fawning terms under the hastily offered premise of making the community feel good about itself.

These same news accounts prevented the citizenry from making informed choices about their local government, therefore actually preparing their students for the 21st century.

Ironically, Mundy's initial work is guilty of many of the same flaws he is content to cast upon others. A good investigative reporter's first rule requires careful reading, and an understanding you will not be able to find what you are looking for in a sound bite format because the world is not binary either/or when dealing with social issues.

For instance, Multicultural Education incurs a blanket attack throughout the text, even as Mundy's then-hometown demographics were rapidly changing, and the colleges servicing an ever-increasing "college prep" oriented community also expect incoming freshman to deal with diversity. So called traditional conservative campuses such as Texas A&M have embraced these programs not to put down heterosexual Christian white men, but to prepare the entire student body for working with people of every background.

Likewise, Mundy does not wish realize there are instances where the federal government intervenes in educational policy because the states are either unwilling or unable to perform their jobs. Ideally, the local schools would recognize their past mistakes and completely reform, but the work of other investigative reporters from across the state indicate historically marginalized communities still face an uphill battle in receiving a public education and the other civil rights he regularly takes for granted.

Failure to concede the abovementioned benefits of a more inclusive educational program, and incomplete explanation of what "Outcome Based Education" really stands in for (although the word seems to be the new "red-baiting" tool now that Mundy and company have realized the cold war is finally over) are the main flaws of this work. Because certain groups of students are inherently different from his demographic norm, they are savagely reduced to subhuman status.

Mundy's deliberate obscuring of a thesis central concept is a weak admission even relatively conservative communities and states contain people seeing the book for it's real and hysterical attack on students with disabilities and/or membership in racial ethnic minority groups.

Rather than attacking the inherently unequal school funding system in Texas, the contradictions of having high pregnancy rates AND a teen parenting center in an abstinence only school district, or undereducated special education staff who engage in reactionary and discriminatory pedagogy, Mundy has chosen to exploit people's fears of special education and school integration.

Because the later program especially requires some basic learning of federal and state statues beyond introductory American government, it is an easy punching bag for people wanting to project their own fears about the future of Texas and National educational policy, but too cowardly to actually admit their ongoing prejudices towards different groups.

Indeed, careful language selection does not mask the overall irrationality of this hastily slapped together volume. Indeed, there are school reforms whose policy efficacy and legality (federally mandated testing standards for all students, although states control curriculum)are problematic, but Mundy's unwillingness to actually investigate and distinguish between the truly bad and relatively under publicized/historically misunderstood calls his own 'investigative research' skills into question, thereby sacrificing the entire book.

As an investigative reporter myself, I take extreme issue with celebration of ignorance and policy illiteracy throughout this text. ... Read more

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You are about to read the most controversial teaching guide ever written.Texas Public School Teacher Survival Guide states the truth that has long been hidden from the public about the realities of teaching in Texas public schools.If you wish to teach, are a veteran teacher, a retired teacher, or just looking for a great book to read on the demise of the U.S. Education system, this is it.Written by a veteran Texas Public School Teacher. ... Read more

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Teacher supply and demand issues are of critical importance as our society enters the 21st century. Over the next decade, about two million new teachers will be needed largely because of a dramatic increase in enrollments and high attrition rates as an aging teacher workforce becomes eligible for retirement. It is important to understand where these teachers will come from and where they will teach. This is especially important for high-poverty districts that tend to have large numbers of students at risk of educational failure. These districts, which also tend to be disproportionately minority, are already facing difficulty recruiting and retaining qualified teachers. Given this, it is important to ask whether we will be able to staff high-risk and high-minority districts. National data show that these districts are staffed predominantly by minority teachers. Thus, the answer to the question of who will staff these districts revolves around whether we will have enough minority teachers. This report aims to fill part of this information gap by examining demand and supply of minority teachers in Texas. ... Read more