Texas

Center for Public Policy Priorities

The Center describes itself as a non-partisan, non-profit policy research organization seeking "sound solutions to the challenges faced by low and moderate-income Texans." The Center also states that it is committed to improving public policies and private practices that influence the economic and social conditions and prospects of individuals, families, and communities, and it accomplishes this goal through independent research, analysis, policy development, advocacy, public education, technical assistance, and collaborative partnerships. School finance is one of the Center's primary focuses, especially regarding increased funding for all public schools, funding equity, and the adequacy and equity of the state/local tax system.

Dick Lavine, Senior Fiscal Analyst
900 Lydia St.
Austin, TX 78702
Phone: (512) 320-0222
Fax: (512) 320-0227
cppp@cppp.org

In September 2002, CPPP named former judge F. Scott McCown as its new executive director.

Center for the Study of Education Reform

The Center conducts policy research on selected school-reform issues and disseminates research findings to policy makers and educators. During most of its existence, the focus of the Center has been on researching the consequences of public and private school choice.

Director: Dr. Frank R. Kemerer
University of North Texas
College of Education
P.O. Box 311337
Denton, TX 76203-1337
Phone: (940) 565-4800
Fax: (940) 565-4425
cyausbro@coefs.coe.unt.edu

Charles A. Dana Center

The Charles A. Dana Center describes itself as a research unit of the College of Natural Sciences at the University of Texas at Austin. The Center strives to provide Texas education leaders and policymakers with new information about teaching and learning in order to foster informed deliberation about important educational issues. The Center says that it focuses on mathematics and science education, but that it is also concerned with strengthening the system in general. In addition to research, the Center supports teachers and districts who work for school improvement through high standards.

Executive Director and Professor of Mathematics: Dr. Philip Uri Treisman
UT-Austin Development Building (DEV)
2901 N. IH-35, Suite 2.200
Austin, TX 78722-2348
Phone: (512) 471-6190
janisg@mail.utexas.edu

Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA)

The Intercultural Development Research Association describes itself as an independent, non-profit organization that calls for 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 conducts research and development activities; creates, implements and administers innovative education programs; and provides teacher, administrator, and parent training and technical assistance.

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

Texas Center for Educational Research (TCER)

The Texas Center for Educational Research (TCER) describes itself as an independent, nonprofit educational research organization that was founded to study major issues affecting Texas education at all levels. TCER's stated objective is to design and conduct original research in areas such as: school finance; teaching and learning; and the economics of education. TCER further aims to provide high-quality information for those who make, influence, and implement Texas education policy. Current projects include a study of Texas' open-enrollment charter schools.

Director: Dr. Kelly S. Shapley
P.O. Box 679002
Austin, Texas 78767-90025
Phone: (512) 467-3632 or (800) 580-8237
Fax: (512) 467-3618
tcer@tasb.org