The 86th Texas Legislature is in session, and assessment is in the spotlight. As TCTELA members, we have an opportunity to share our expertise on that subject through individual advocacy and participation in the TCTELA 2019 Literacy Education Day initiative.

On March 27, small groups of TCTELA members will visit legislative offices at the capitol in Austin to express our support for legislation that requires an independent review of STAAR readability levels, for legislation that calls for the removal of high stakes measures associated with student assessment, and for legislation that would continue the work of developing a portfolio-based writing assessment as an alternative to STAAR.

Add your voice to our efforts!

Call your congressman’s district office for an appointment.  Your legislator is likely in Austin this spring, but a member of the staff will be available to meet with you if there is no convenient time for you to see your congressman or senator.  The fact that you took the time to visit the office in person is significant, and you can expect a warm welcome from an attentive aide. Bring along a companion, someone to take notes while you engage in discussion.  Share the TCTELA position statements included here, and let us know how your visit went by emailing [email protected].  

Send An Email 

Send an email via an electronic form available on the Texas Legislature website. Visit the member pages of the Texas Senate and the Texas House of Representatives and click on the correct name.  You’ll see an email link in the upper right of each senator’s page and in the upper left of each house member’s page.  Open a document on your computer and draft your message of support for changes to our current high stakes assessment policies (feel free to use the content on this page!) then just copy, paste, and submit.

Make a Phone Call

Place a call to the capitol office or the district office of your legislators.  A knowledgeable aide will make note of your message, including the specific points you’re making and the specific bills you are supporting.  It’s that aide’s job to relay the content of your message to your legislator.

NOT SURE WHO REPRESENTS YOU? Submit your address here to find out.