The Texas Institute for School Boards

Improving the governance and leadership for reform of urban school boards in Texas

The Texas Institute for School Boards provides first-time board members from 57 of the largest school districts in the state with a premier training experience that helps them become more effective reform leaders.  

Started in 2001, the annual 4-day event focuses sharply on the theory and practice of urban school district improvement and the policy-level roles and responsibilities of urban school board members.  Superintendents are invited to accompany board members from their districts.

Learning is achieved through a balanced educational program consisting of case studies, scenarios, discussions, presentations, and readings.  All issues are presented within the unique demographic, political, and policy context of Texas. The faculty includes some of the most stimulating and knowledgeable practitioners, policymakers, and researchers in the state, with some representation from out of state.

The goals of the Texas Institute are that board members will:

      •  Learn the theory and practice of effective policy governance.  
      •  Examine and evaluate governance issues in urban Texas districts.  
      •  Be introduced to the literature on urban school reform.  
      •  Understand and be able to act upon an effective theory of action for change.  
      •  Build a personal network with state education reform leaders and peers.  

The Texas Institute is funded entirely by Texas foundations and corporations.  It was created by the Center for Reform of School Systems with generous grants from The Meadows Foundation, Houston Endowment, Inc., and others.   

CRSS and the Houston Endowment are pleased to release an independent evaluation, which tracked the quality of the Texas Institute for School Boards and its alumni program over three years.  An Executive Summary is available.  

The 2011 Texas Institute will take place July 22-25, 2011, in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Contact us to learn more about the Texas Institute for School Boards and how it is helping urban district leaders improve public education in our state.