tcep policy, policy brief

Will School Vouchers Benefit Low-Income Families? Assessing the Evidence

By Huriya Jabbar, Jennifer Holme, Melinda A. Lemke, A. V. LeClair, Joanna Sanchez, Edgar M. Torres, and Michaela Pernetti

Texas Center for Education Policy, The University of Texas at Austin
March 2023¹

“In the following brief we assess the evidence of this claim. First, we provide a brief history of school vouchers in the United States. Next we describe the different types of voucher programs that exist, and the variation amongst them. Third, we review rigorous research on who uses vouchers and their effects on low-income and minority students. Finally, based on this evidence, we offer policy recommendations for policymakers considering such reforms.”

¹ This policy brief was initially drafted in 2015 and updated by Huriya Jabbar in 2023.

View Policy Brief
High Stakes Testing and Accountability During Covid-19 Promo Image, Info provided in post
tcep brown bag series, events

High Stakes Testing and Accountability During COVID-19

Mark your calendars for Friday, March 5th at 12:00PM for a Texas Center for Education Policy (TCEP) Brown Bag on High Stakes Testing and Accountability, featuring Texas State Representative Dr. Mary Gonzalez, Dr. Theresa Treviño, Vice President of Texans Advocating for Meaningful Student Assessments (TAMSA), and Ruben Cortez, Jr. Texas State Board of Education Member, District 2. 

Continue reading “High Stakes Testing and Accountability During COVID-19” →
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tcep brown bag series, events

87th Texas Legislature: Lawmaking in a Non-traditional Redistricting Session

On Friday, January 25, the Texas Center for Education Policy will host Ramiro Canales, an experienced litigator, appellate lawyer, and lobbyist, for a virtual conversation regarding the current legislative session. With over thirty years’ experience working at Texas the legislature, Canales will speak to us about his career journey and how things really work at the Texas Capitol.

Continue reading “87th Texas Legislature: Lawmaking in a Non-traditional Redistricting Session” →
tcep events

“Teaching Climate Change and Environmental Justice” with Rethinking Schools’ Bill Bigelow

In co-sponsorship with Luke Metzger and Environment Texas, we at the Texas Center for Education Policy invite you on Nov. 21, 2019, 8:30am-3:30pm to a seminar with Rethinking School’s Bill Bigelow titled, “Teaching Climate change and Environmental Justice,” on the third floor of the Sanchez Building located behind the Blanton Museum off of MLK in SZB 323. 

Continue reading ““Teaching Climate Change and Environmental Justice” with Rethinking Schools’ Bill Bigelow” →
tcep events

Texas Faces the Future Distinguished Lecture Featuring Hon. Judge John K. Dietz

On Thursday, May 14, the Texas Faces the Future Distinguished Lecture returns as the Honorable John K. Dietz outlines the constitutional standards of adequacy, suitability, efficiency, and de facto statewide ad valorem property taxation. Judge Dietz will be joined with commentary from the Honorable Jimmie Don Aycock, Chair of the Texas House Public Education Committee, and David Hinojosa, National Director of Policy with IDRA. The public discussion will be moderated by TCEP Director, Dr. Valenzuela.

tcep events

Fair Funding Now! Research Seminar

In the spring of 2011, the Texas legislature cut education funding the first time in over four decades. Regardless of the opportunity to end funding disparities, nearly $6.6 billion in cuts were made, pushing millions of Texas children aside. In response to nearly $6.6 billion budget cuts, communities across Texas are taking action to make sure that schools are equipped to guarantee that all children graduate ready for college and career.

Continue reading “Fair Funding Now! Research Seminar” →