This is an alignment study comparing the Texas English-Language Arts and Reading curriculum standards (ELAR TEKS) to two sets of national college readiness standards. Texas has struggled over the last several years to reach consensus over revisions to the 1997 ELAR TEKS. Recently the State Board of Education has adopted a 2008 document, which applies beginning the 2009-2010 academic year. This study will align both the 1997 and the 2008 ELAR TEKS (grades 9-12) to the American Diploma Project (ADP; Achieve, 2004) and the ACT college readiness standards (ACT, 2008). Both content alignment and cognitive complexity ratings will be made for aligned standards. This will help policy makers and educators understand how Texas ELAR standards relate to national college readiness expectations, and how the ELAR TEKS have changed between 1997 and 2008 in this context.
Are Texas English Language Arts and Reading Standards College Ready?