Senator Rodríguez letter to TEA requests information on EPISD students
AUSTIN — On Friday, June 22, state Senator José Rodríguez sent a letter to Texas Education Agency Commissioner Robert Scott, following a conversation regarding the state’s role in investigating EPISD testing irregularities and what action should be taken by the legislature to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
“It is critical that our local and state officials take action on this issue and ensure that the children of our community do not suffer as a result of inappropriate actions by school leaders,” said Rodríguez. “I call on those involved to not forget about the victims — the children hurt by the actions of those entrusted with providing them a quality education. State leaders must put laws in place to make sure that something like this never happens again.”
The text of the letter to Commissioner Scott is as follows:
June 22, 2012
Mr. Robert Scott
Commissioner of Education
Texas Education Agency
1701 N. Congress Avenue
Austin, Texas 78701
Dear Commissioner Scott:
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me about the situation at El Paso Independent School District. As follow up to our dialogue, I have a number of questions that I was hoping the Texas Education Agency (TEA) would be able to help answer.
I respectfully request the following:
1. The results of any and all investigations of El Paso ISD that took place from 2009-2012.
2. Information on the fate of the students from Bowie and Coronado high schools that former El Paso ISD superintendent Garcia has admitted to improperly preventing from taking state accountability tests. Can TEA track what happened to them and whether they ultimately dropped out or graduated?
3. Is TEA contemplating taking any steps on behalf of these students?
4. Is TEA contemplating any steps to ensure that this does not happen in the future?
5. What statutory changes would strengthen TEA’s hand in future investigations and provide the tools to ensure that this type of manipulation never happens again?
Thank you for your leadership as Commissioner of Education for the Texas Education Agency. I am honored to have served with you and respect your decision to retire. Please know that your expertise and willingness to work with all members of the legislature will be deeply missed.
I look forward to your response. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you again for the important work you do for Texas.
Sincerely,
José Rodríguez
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