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EDUCATE TEXAS • 2018 – 2019 ANNUAL REPORT
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SIDE by SIDE WE’RE TRANSFORMING TEXAS EDUCATION Texas is a big state with a strong economy, a robust education system, and community-minded businesses and nonprofits. Texans have a long history of working together to achieve results — and to ensure a prosperous future, we must make education a shared priority. At Educate Texas, we’re working side by side with public and private partners to empower effective teaching, improve college and career readiness, make higher education accessible and make a positive collective impact. Education is essential to the success of our students and our state. Side by side, we are creating a brighter future for all Texans.
Educate Texas thanks each of you who worked side by side with us to make this report possible. We sincerely appreciate the time you devoted and the inspiring photos and stories you shared.
On the cover, left to right: Betsy Cook, Educate Texas; Justin Castro and Michael Bland, 8th Grader and Principal at Lyles Middle School, Garland ISD.
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EDUCATE TEXAS • 2018 – 2019 ANNUAL REPORT
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Left to right: Back: Erin Philip, Riddhi Chhaya, Natalie Applegate, Chasidy Henry, Kristin Kuhne, Susan Henderson, Ernestine Key, Zimo Banta, Beth Hook. Middle: Reo Pruiett, Andy Scripps, Eugenio Longoria Saenz, Chris Coxon, John Fitzpatrick, Amy Groff, Karina Siu, Kenya Wilson, Michelle Wisdom, David Patterson, Nischal Prakash. Front: Melissa Henderson, Shareea Woods, Kate Haisten, Becky Calahan, Leilani Lamb, Jennifer Esterline, Katherine Diaz, Amy Desler, Cynthia Wilson, Betsy Cook. Not Pictured: George Tang, Priscilla Aquino Garza, Morgen Brown, Jennifer Coop, Kelty Garbee, Lora McKeown
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A REFLECTION from JOHN & GEORGE In 2018 – 2019, Educate Texas continued to make great progress toward our 20x2020 Student Success Strategy — our goal to positively impact 20% of the nearly seven million public school and higher education students and 350,000 public education teachers in Texas by 2020 — and we could not have done it without our amazing partners. In this report, you will read stories about five outstanding partnerships that have helped us better serve students through both program and policy strategies. With the unprecedented 86th Legislative Session recently coming to a close, we are especially proud of our collaborative advocacy efforts with an exceptional team of educators, policy experts, practitioners and leaders who testified and supported the passing of landmark bills that will have a profound impact on our students. To complement the educational gains in the legislature, we have also made significant strides by working closely with our district and higher education partners across the state to expand key program strategies and to support new program ideas. We are grateful to every member of our staff and extended team for the successes we achieved with our partners and are excited to see improved outcomes for our students and teachers. As we go into the final year of our 20x2020 Strategy, we expect to reach our ambitious goals but know that we still have much work to do to align our programs, policies and partners so that we can ensure that all Texas students succeed. In the meantime, if these stories inspire you, we would love to get connected. Side by side, we can achieve more than we ever could alone. Regards,
JOHN FITZPATRICK Executive Director
GEORGE TANG Managing Director 3
EDUCATE TEXAS at a GLANCE
EDUCATE TEXAS • 2018 – 2019 ANNUAL REPORT
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EDUCATE TEXAS IS THE TRUSTED CHANGE AGENT IN TEXAS EDUCATION. SIDE BY SIDE WITH OUR PARTNERS, WE ARE EMPOWERING STUDENTS TO REALIZE THEIR DREAMS AND FUEL A THRIVING TEXAS.
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OUR VISION
OUR MISSION
Strengthen the public and higher education system, so that every Texas student is prepared for educational and workforce success.
Increase postsecondary readiness, access and success for all Texas students by building partnerships, leading innovation and scaling best practices and policies.
OUR VALUES
LEARNING
IMPACT
INTEGRITY
COLLABORATION
The THREE P’S EDUCATE TEXAS IS AN EDUCATION REFORM STRATEGY, PRACTICE AND POLICY PARTNER. WE ARE THE ONLY ORGANIZATION IN TEXAS THAT HOLISTICALLY LEADS EDUCATION REFORM FROM IDEA TO IMPACT. TO DO THIS, WE EMPLOY WHAT WE CALL THE THREE P’S:
PARTNERS
PROGRAMS
POLICIES
Involve the right parties and convene for action.
Innovate solutions and prove them in practice.
Instill evidence-based practices and policies for enduring impact and scale.
OUR PARTNERS OUR WORK WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE WITHOUT WORKING SIDE BY SIDE WITH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ENTITIES, INCLUDING:
School Districts, Colleges and Universities
Community and Civic Organizations
Businesses and Workforce Organizations
State Agencies and Policy-Making Organizations
Philanthropic Organizations 5
OUR 20X2020 STUDENT SUCCESS STRATEGY GOAL
EDUCATE TEXAS • 2018 – 2019 ANNUAL REPORT
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Our goal is to positively impact 20% of the nearly 7 million public school and higher education students and the 350,000 public education teachers in Texas by 2020, within our statewide portfolio of work in four key impact areas. We believe reaching this goal will create a tipping point that will accelerate change for all of the state’s students and teachers. Side by side, we are making great progress in our 20x2020 efforts, which align with the 60x30TX goal — for at least 60% of Texans ages 25–34 to earn a college degree or workforce certificate by 2030.
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COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS
EFFECTIVE TEACHING
HIGHER EDUCATION
COLLECTIVE IMPACT
IMPACT AREAS and PROGRESS to GOAL COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS By redesigning public school experiences through innovative approaches, we can transform Texas learning to meet the workforce demands of the 21st century.
20X2020 GOAL
2019 PROGRESS
SECONDARY STUDENTS
TO GOAL
275,000
89%
EFFECTIVE TEACHING By finding ways to attract, prepare, develop and retain the most effective teachers, principals and superintendents, we can enhance the quality of classroom instruction.
20X2020 GOAL
2019 PROGRESS
TEACHERS
TO GOAL
64,000
92%
HIGHER EDUCATION By enabling more students to complete two- or four-year degrees or technical certificates, we can create an educated workforce that supports Texas’ business and industry growth.
20X2020 GOAL
2019 PROGRESS
POSTSECONDARY STUDENTS
OF GOAL
320,000
101%
COLLECTIVE IMPACT By bringing together community, education and workforce leaders in a region, we can identify and advance a common vision that leads to stronger educational systems.
20X2020 GOAL
2019 PROGRESS
STUDENTS
TO GOAL
1,500,000
96%
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EDUCATE TEXAS • 2018 – 2019 ANNUAL REPORT
COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS
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Left to right: Andy Smith, TI Foundation; Elijah Granger, Lancaster ISD; Reo Pruiett, Educate Texas; Michelle Wisdom, Educate Texas; Greg Mangum, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas; Wende Burton, Communities Foundation of Texas; Pamela Brown, Lancaster ISD
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WE’RE KICK-STARTING COLLEGE SAVINGS PARTNERS: LANCASTER ISD, UNITED WAY OF METROPOLITAN DALLAS, TEXAS INSTRUMENTS FOUNDATION, COMMUNITIES FOUNDATION OF TEXAS, EDUCATE TEXAS
“Dollars for College is a powerful program because it brings something that once seemed unattainable, for many families, into the realm of possibility,” said Lancaster ISD (LISD) Superintendent of Schools, Elijah Granger. “Starting a savings account — even a small one — is a first step toward planning for a stronger academic future.” In 2018, with support from these partners and additional funding from W. W. Caruth, Jr. Fund at Communities Foundation of Texas, The Meadows Foundation and Dallas Social Venture Partners, LISD became the first district in North Texas to launch Dollars for College, a program that helps low-income families build college savings. Dollars for College scholarship accounts are opened for every participating LISD kindergartener, and seeded with $50. Parents set up accounts, which are linked to students’ 529* accounts, with opportunities to earn matching funds. “Children who grow up with college savings, even small amounts, are three times more likely to go to college and four times more likely to graduate. Our long-term goal is to help increase access to postsecondary education for the more than 70 percent of economically disadvantaged students living and studying in Dallas County,” said Wende Burton, Senior Director Community Philanthropy, Communities Foundation of Texas.
“We believe that creating these accounts will help instill a college-ready mindset in all kindergarten students and will assist their families with financial planning for the students’ postsecondary educations.” ELIJAH GRANGER Superintendent of Schools, Lancaster ISD
“If it wasn’t for this program, I don’t know how we could afford to send our youngest child to college,” said LISD parent, Cameisha Borner. "We are so thankful that Lancaster ISD and Dollars for College are partnering with parents by investing in our children's future." To read the full story, visit EDTX.ORG/STORIES
*A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings plan sponsored by states, state agencies, or educational institutions designed to encourage saving for future education costs.
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EDUCATE TEXAS • 2018 – 2019 ANNUAL REPORT
EFFECTIVE TEACHING
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Left to right: Cheryl Alexander, Garland ISD; Betsy Cook, Educate Texas; Dr. Jovan Wells, Garland ISD; Sarah Barrientos, Garland ISD
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WE'RE HELPING STUDENTS SUCCEED PARTNERS: GARLAND ISD, BEST IN CLASS, THE COMMIT PARTNERSHIP, COMMUNITIES FOUNDATION OF TEXAS, EDUCATE TEXAS
“I’ve always known that this calling to be a teacher was going to be tough — but I also knew that it was all going to be worth it. We have a greater purpose to serve and lead. That matters!” said Sarah Barrientos, second grade teacher at Handley Elementary School in Garland ISD (GISD). “The ACE program has helped us better serve students, meeting them where they are and helping them get to where they need to be, academically.” The ACE (Accelerating Campus Excellence) model, a turnaround strategy that began in Dallas ISD, identifies a district’s most effective teachers and leaders, and places them in schools with the highest needs. In 2018, Best in Class, a partnership between Educate Texas at Communities Foundation of Texas and Commit Partnership, worked side by side with GISD to implement ACE at two campuses: Handley Elementary School and Lyles Middle School. ACE supports the “whole child,” with features including an extended school day; free after-school enrichment activities; breakfast, lunch and dinner; uniforms and evening transportation home.
“The ACE program has helped us better serve students, meeting them where they are and helping them get to where they need to be, academically.” M S. SARAH BARRIENTOS Second Grade Teacher, Handley Elementary School, Garland ISD
“The ACE model is designed to close achievement and opportunity gaps and help students achieve greater academic, social and emotional success,” said Betsy Cook of Educate Texas. “GISD handpicked a team of highly effective educators for each ACE campus, and it’s already seeing positive results — with available Mock STAAR data, Handley Elementary School is projected to rank #12 of 47 campuses in GISD, moving it from the bottom quartile to the top.” To read the full story, visit EDTX.ORG/STORIES
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EDUCATE TEXAS • 2018 – 2019 ANNUAL REPORT
HIGHER EDUCATION
Left to right: Sue McMillan, Greater Texas Foundation; John Fitzpatrick, Educate Texas; Shareea Woods, Educate Texas
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WE'RE INCREASING COLLEGE ACCESS PARTNERS: GREATER TEXAS FOUNDATION, COMMUNITIES FOUNDATION OF TEXAS, THE KRESGE FOUNDATION, EDUCATE TEXAS
“So many kids are bright and talented, but need access to opportunities,” said Shareea Woods, Director of Texas College Access Network (TxCAN). “TxCAN is bringing together our partners across the state, to give our kids the best start at life.” Nearly 60% of Texas pre-K–12 students come from economically disadvantaged families. Economic disadvantage is the strongest obstacle in students achieving postsecondary enrollment — but it doesn’t have to be. TxCAN works to connect and support college access initiatives throughout Texas. Since launching in 2012, it has had great success building access networks, collecting data on Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion rates, and sharing learnings and data with educational professionals statewide. In 2018, to further expand the reach of the work, Greater Texas Foundation and other partners generously provided additional funding and deep thought partnership to reinforce the TxCAN program.
“We can do so much more when there is cohesion and shared learning among organizations with aligned goals.” S UE MCMILLAN President and CEO, Greater Texas Foundation
“We are proud to support TxCAN,” said Sue McMillan, President and CEO of Greater Texas Foundation. “We can do so much more when there is cohesion and shared learning among organizations with aligned goals. We are eager to see TxCAN lead a statewide strategy to make us all more effective at supporting students.” To read the full story, visit EDTX.ORG/STORIES
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EDUCATE TEXAS • 2018 – 2019 ANNUAL REPORT
COLLECTIVE IMPACT
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Left to right: Chris Coxon, Educate Texas; Eduardo Infante, Lyford CISD; Traci Wickett, United Way of Southern Cameron County
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WE'RE STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES PARTNERS: LYFORD CISD, UNITED WAY OF SOUTHERN CAMERON COUNTY, RGV FOCUS, EDUCATE TEXAS
“We are smarter together than we are apart,” said Eduardo Infante, superintendent of Lyford CISD (LCISD) and 2018–2019 RGV FOCUS co-chair. “We have learned the benefits of working together, and RGV FOCUS has been a big part of that.” LCISD recently partnered with United Way of Southern Cameron County (UWSCC) and RGV FOCUS by providing student volunteers to assist low-income families in Lyford in preparing their annual tax returns. UWSCC’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program trains volunteers to help working families that earn less than $55,000 by preparing their income-tax returns for free. “Students benefit because they become official IRS-certified tax preparers,” said Traci Wickett, President and CEO of UWSCC. “The community benefits too, because it’s an opportunity to have income taxes prepared for free.” Wickett joined the Leadership Team of the RGV FOCUS Collective Impact initiative in 2012, and enjoys working with the team of business, education and non-profit leaders in the community. “We all understand what the end game is,” she said. “It is not just education. It is financial stability for families in our community. For us, alignment with RGV FOCUS has been this fantastic gift.”
“RGV FOCUS is not only an education initiative. This is an economic-development initiative. The work done and the progress made toward this goal require strong partners.” TRACI WICKETT President and CEO, United Way of Southern Cameron County
To read the full story, visit EDTX.ORG/STORIES
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EDUCATE TEXAS • 2018 – 2019 ANNUAL REPORT
POLICY & ADVOCACY
Left to right: Elizabeth Puthoff, Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas; Matt Parson, Texas A&M University System; Melissa Henderson, Educate Texas; Ray Martinez, Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas
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WE’RE BUILDING KNOWLEDGE PARTNERS: INDEPENDENT COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES OF TEXAS (ICUT), THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS, TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY, EDUCATE TEXAS
When it comes to higher education policy, there are many stakeholders. Texas legislators, public and private universities, educators and students are all invested. In 2018, Educate Texas worked side by side with many partners to host five Lunch and Learn sessions for legislative staff. “We collaborated with Educate Texas to raise awareness of important issues in higher education, like advancing educational opportunities, addressing financial needs, and the economic importance of education,” Ray Martinez of Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas said. “The Educate Texas Lunch and Learn sessions helped legislative staff understand why these issues are important to all higher education stakeholders.” Educate Texas seeks to strengthen higher education by building partnerships and encouraging collaboration across the system. “These sessions were unique in a few ways,” said Melissa Henderson of Educate Texas. “First, they were collaborative across university systems and across public and private universities. Second, they were focused on issues affecting all higher education. And lastly, through our partnerships, we reached nearly 60% of all legislative offices, a much broader reach than we’ve ever had.”
“Because of the Educate Texas Lunch and Learn sessions, Texas policymakers are now more informed about some of the most important issues affecting higher education today.” RAY MARTINEZ President, Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas
Reaching more people and building a foundation of knowledge helps Educate Texas achieve its goal of being a trusted thought leader in higher education — and a strong collaborator. To read the full story, visit EDTX.ORG/STORIES
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The IMPACT of the 86TH LEGISLATIVE SESSION
EDUCATE TEXAS • 2018 – 2019 ANNUAL REPORT
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WORKING SIDE BY SIDE WITH OUR PARTNERS DURING THE 86TH LEGISLATIVE SESSION, WE WERE ABLE TO SEE SEVERAL CRITICAL BILLS PASS THAT WILL BENEFIT OUR STUDENTS, INCLUDING SEVERAL POLICIES WE ARE THRILLED TO HIGHLIGHT:
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HOUSE BILL 3 The primary public education bill that adopted many of the School Finance Commission’s recommendations, including the increase of school funding with an added weight for districts serving low-income students; the support of full-day pre-K for every eligible child; a bonus for college, career, and military readiness; the resources for districts to adopt strategic compensation and teacher incentives; the allotment for stronger teacher mentoring; the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as a high school graduation requirement; as well as many other critical levers. SENATE BILL 25 A higher education bill that compels greater transparency of how students’ earned credit hours and academic progress are transferred between community colleges and four-year institutions to ensure more timely graduation.
SENATE BILL 1324 A higher education completion bill to require students to file a degree plan once they have earned 15 hours of dual credit in high school. HOUSE BILL 4205 A public education bill that allows school districts to adopt an Accelerating Campus Excellence (ACE) model for campuses required to implement a turnaround plan. HOUSE BILL 18 An effective-teaching bill that improves supports for student mental health, including training for teachers in traumainformed practices.
OUR COMMITTEE and TRUSTEES With immense gratitude, we would like to recognize our committee members and trustees. Their commitment to service, strong vision and insightful leadership are paving the way for an educational system that better serves every student in Texas. Alfreda Norman Chair; Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Communities Foundation of Texas Trustee
Martha Ellis Charles A. Dana Center, The University of Texas at Austin, Roueche Graduate Center
Rosemary Perlmeter Southern Methodist University, Teaching Trust
José (Pepe) Guevara Vice Chair; Millstone Assets Communities Foundation of Texas Trustee
Matrice Ellis-Kirk RSR Partners Communities Foundation of Texas Trustee
Wynn Rosser T.L.L. Temple Foundation
Connie O’Neill Civic Leader Communities Foundation of Texas Trustee
David J. Scullin President & CEO, Communities Foundation of Texas
Nolan Perez, M.D. Ex-Officio; Trustee Harlingen CISD; UT System Board of Regents; Texas Woman’s University Board of Regents; Holdsworth Center Governing Board
Hon. Florence Shapiro Fmr. Chair; Fmr. State Senator; Shapiro Linn Strategic Consulting Communities Foundation of Texas Trustee
OUR DONORS We are especially grateful to the donors and philanthropic partners who have worked side by side with Educate Texas to create a brighter future for students across the state. Because of their generosity, our state will have a stronger workforce and every Texas student will have a path to success. We are humbled to acknowledge the following major donors and supporters: The Boeing Company The Boone Family Foundation W. W. Caruth, Jr. Foundation CREEED Michael & Susan Dell Foundation El Paso Community Foundation Exxon Mobil Ford Foundation Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Greater Houston Community Foundation Greater Texas Foundation
Lyda Hill Foundation Houston Endowment IBM JP Morgan Chase Foundation The Kresge Foundation Lumina Foundation The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation The Meadows Foundation Orix Foundation The Powell Foundation Rainwater Charitable Foundation
Sid W. Richardson Foundation Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors Still Water Foundation Mike and Mary Terry Foundation Texas Education Agency Texas Education Grantmakers Advocacy Consortium Members Texas Instruments Foundation Trellis Foundation The Walton Family Foundation The George & Fay Young Foundation
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WE'RE LOOKING to the FUTURE
EDUCATE TEXAS • 2018 – 2019 ANNUAL REPORT
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Working side by side with our partners, we achieved great success in 2018– 2019. As we look to the future, we are excited to leverage the momentum of the 86th Legislative Session to strengthen the public and higher education systems in Texas by thinking even bigger. Given the scale of Texas and the needs of our students, we know we must act bigger, too.
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Over the past year, we have made great progress toward positively impacting students and teachers in our state, and meeting our 20x2020 strategic goals. Now, we are building on these successes to develop the next iteration of our strategic plan. From ideas to programs to policies, we are working side by side with our partners to innovate and instill strategies that achieve bigger and better things for all Texas students. Through collaboration with bold and committed partners, we are developing solutions and scaling them for lasting, enduring change. That’s the only way we can solve big challenges and ultimately ensure our Texas education system fuels a thriving Texas economy and life for all. Join us. To learn more and join our movement to Think Bigger, visit EDTX.ORG/JOINUS
DALLAS OFFICE 5500 Caruth Haven Lane Dallas, TX 75225 (214) 750-4222
AUSTIN OFFICE 1303 San Antonio St. Suite 830 Austin, TX 78701 (737) 708-8150
RIO GRANDE VALLEY OFFICE 407 N. 77 Sunshine Strip Harlingen, TX 78550 rgvfocus@cftexas.org
Educate Texas is proud to be an initiative of Communities Foundation of Texas, which enhances the experience and impact of giving by stimulating creative solutions to key challenges in communities across the state and beyond. Side by side, we can change lives. Join us. edtx.org | cftexas.org