Speakers say collaboration is key to providing educational options

Written by Shambhu Sharan, The Shorthorn staff   

Monday, 19 October 2009 09:28 PM

Collaboration is the key to Texas education, said Rep. Diane Patrick, R-Arlington.

Patrick, representing the area the school resides in, hosted the third annual Educational Policy Summit on Monday in the Rosebud Theatre and Bluebonnet Ballroom. She worked in the university’s College of Education and Health Professions from 1999 to 2003. The summit’s purpose was to provide educators and business communities a way to give input on the state’s educational policy.

President James Spaniolo said he is delighted to have the event at the university.

“No institution can be successful without working hand-in-hand,” Spaniolo said. “We all represent a variety of educational institutions, and we rely on each other. Academic successes of students are important for the university. We have challenges working with diverse group, changing technology and we have to find ways to deal with it. Kindergarten, middle schools, high schools and community colleges — all are important for us. I am confident we’ll work together.”

Mayor Robert Cluck attended the summit. He said it was important for public and business leaders, along with educators. About 200 representatives from public and private schools, community colleges, four-year institutions and business leaders attended.

“UTA is the most important thing in the city,” Cluck said. “This is the place where people are getting education, and they become part of the society.”

Commissioner of Higher Education Raymund Paredes and Raymond Glynn, Texas Education Agency deputy commissioner, were the keynote speakers.

Paredes said the university has so much energy in the community, but Texas higher education is slightly underfunded compared to California and other states.

“We have to compete in the global economy,” he said. “We have to improve quality in education. Faculty quality is important. National education of science, research and engineering are important for us.”

Paredes said institutions need to collaborate and provide whatever options students want. If students need to work after high school, institutions should prepare them to get jobs.

“The faculty, superintendents, presidents and college deans need to work in collaboration,” Paredes said. “UT Arlington is a leader in that regard.”