Can you speak or write a short email to end the use of test scores to evaluate teachers? This Thursday, HISD will vote on the $680,000 EVAAS contract that uses test scores to evaluate teachers. Last Thursday, they voted behind closed doors to cut funding to kids $179 per child (PUA) which, combined with the 2011 cuts is $550,000 in cuts for a mid sized high school.  Read more

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Hundreds of students across the greater Houston area are opting out of the STAAR this week as the movement continues to grow exponentially across the state of Texas.  Read more

Two CVPE members visited the local NPR show Houston Matters last Thursday to discuss opting out in Houston.  Read more

Our city floods and from all across Houston we reach out and support people in their time of need. Our schools send buses and provide assistance to families. This is wonderful and we should all be proud of our great city.  Read more

There are 34 days until the next round of STAAR testing. We are giving you a new reason every day to opt out as we count down to May 9! Tweet or post on Facebook with #34days34ReasonsToOptOut to share your reasons for joining the movement.  Read more

Opting out is only the first step.  We must push the HISD board to change their policies or push for new board members that understand the damage that is being done to our children and our schools. We encourage others to join us in opting out.  Contact the CVPE for information.  They can direct you to those of us that have been through the opt out process.  Those who have said enough-is-enough. Read more

Some thoughts from Houston's FIRST opt out parent, Claudia de Leon, on the difference between tests given a generation ago and today.  Read more