This site was designed by graduate students of the University of Houston as a curriculum project. Its primary objective is to investigate the criterion-referenced Texas Assessment of Academic Skills Test (TAAS) and the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) curriculum that guides the test.

Students working individually and jointly have attempted to investigate certain questions that will hopefully give rise to public discussion concerning standardized testing and it's role in a democratic society. Student had to decide:

• What questions about the TAAS and TEKS were important?
• What evidence supported the importance and value of TAAS and TEKS?
• And, how was TEKS and TAAS helping schools develop citizens who have the "habits of heart and mind" to participate fully in a democratic society?

The goal of this website is to awaken public awareness and encourage discussion of our educational system and the democratic process in the United States.