Texas

Coalition to Invest in Texas Schools

The Coalition to Invest in Texas Schools is a coalition of teachers, school board members, school administrators, parents and business leaders who support increased school funding. The Coalition's Web site provides the public and decision-makers a broad range of information and studies on school funding. Visitors are also able to sign up for weekly newsletters to stay informed about the issue as the special session approaches.

Contact: Cathy Douglass
1101 Trinity
Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 478-4044
Fax: (512) 476-3096
To contact by e-mail

Equity Center

The Equity Center describes itself as an education association that exclusively represents the interests of low and mid-wealth school districts, whose access to state and local funds for operations and facilities is significantly less than that enjoyed by other districts. Founded in 1982, the Equity Center conducts research and advocates on behalf of its large membership. Today, about 85% of all Texas students attend school in the nearly 900 districts whose interests are represented by the Equity Center. According to the Center, it "develops policy alternatives, 'crunches numbers' to check the impact of finance proposals, testifies before legislatvie committees and in court, makes presentations to school groups across the state, and works with state officials and agencies, concentrating its energy on improving hte financial status of low and mid-wealth school districts."

1220 Colorado Street, Suite 300
Austin, Texas 78701
Phone: 512-478-7313
Fax: 512-478-6433
info@equitycenter.org

Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA)

IDRA describes itself as an independent, non-profit organization that advocates the right of every child to a quality education. IDRA has worked for excellence and equity in education in Texas and across the United States. IDRA creates, implements and administers innovative education programs and provides teacher, administrator, and parent training and technical assistance. IDRA also does research and development relating to policy.

Executive Director: Dr. María “Cuca” Robledo Montecel
5835 Callaghan Road, Suite 350
San Antonio, Texas 78228-1190
Phone: (210) 444-1710
Fax: (210) 444-1714
contact@idra.org

Just for the Kids

The stated mission of Just for the Kids is to raise academic standards and to improve student achievement. Just for the Kids describes itself as a research organization. Its members emphasize their belief in public schools, and they assert that these schools can be improved through the cooperation of parents, teachers, educators, and communities. Just for the Kids analyzes successful schools and offers training for principals and teachers on how to use their data to develop better educational techniques and curricula. The group is now studying schools in Arkansas, Colorado, Flora, Tennessee, and Washington, in addition to Texas. Its website has information for parents, educators, and policy makers.

President and C.E.O.: Brad Duggan
4030-2 West Braker Lane
Austin, TX 78759
Phone: (512) 232-0770 or (800) 762-4645
Fax: (512) 232-0777
jftk@just4kids.org

The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF)

MALDEF describes itself as a nonprofit Latino litigation, advocacy and educational outreach institution. According to MALDEF, its mission is to foster sound public policies, laws and programs to safeguard the civil rights of Latinos living in the United States and to empower the Latino community to fully participate in our society.

Regional Office:
MALDEF
110 Broadway Suite #300
San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone: (210) 224-5476
Fax: (210) 224-5382

Public Education Network Local Affiliates:

Austin Voices for Education and Youth

The stated mission of Austin Voices for Education and Youth is to engage the community to strengthen education and expand opportunities for all young people in Austin. Austin Voices for Education and Youth represents an effort to “blur the lines” between the learning that young people do in schools and in communities, and to create stronger links between the local public schools and the community they serve.

3710 Cedar Street
Suite 229
Austin, TX 78705
Phone: (512) 472-9297

Houston A+ Challenge

The Challenge, a private-public partnership, develops and funds school programs, professional development, and leadership institutes, using the principles of Whole School Reform, to promote higher academic achievement by all students.

Executive Director: Linda Clarke
1415 Louisiana, Box 9, Suite 3250
Houston, TX 77002 7332
Phone: (713) 658-1881
Fax: (713) 739-0166
lclarke@houstonaplus.org

RISD Tomorrow

The stated mission of RISD Tomorrow is to promote enrichment, innovation and excellence in education throughout the Richardson Independent School District.

400 South Greenville Avenue
Richardson, TX 75081
Phone: (469) 593-0313
Fax: (469) 593-0332

San Antonio Education Partnership

The San Antonio Education Partnership was established to promote excellence in academics and attendance that will ensure professional and financial success in the future.

1017 N. Main, Suite 101
San Antonio, TX 78212
Phone: (210) 229-9900
Fax: (210) 229-9901