The prosperity that Texas has been enjoying from its diverse and vibrant economy could spiral downward if steps are not taken to ensure an educated population and workforce for the future of our state. Dr. Gardner will provide a summary of Texas demographics and an update on progress made toward Closing the Gaps by 2015, the state's higher education plan.

The Texas Performance and Accountability System for public higher education makes data available for Texas' public universities, colleges, and health-related institutions. The Accountability System has been in place for nearly four years. It is now time to focus on one of the original purposes of the system: using the accountability process to improve our higher education administration, institutions, and programs. Dr. Craycraft will provide an overview of this system and how it is being used by the Texas State University System to better serve the needs of our state, communities, and students.

Most state funds appropriated each biennium to public higher education institutions are distributed by the Legislature through funding formulas designed to allocate the funds equitably among institutions. The Texas Education Code and General Appropriations Act directs the Coordinating Board to review and recommend changes to these formulas. Diebel will provide a summary of these funding mechanisms for public institutions in Texas.

Presentation

• Gayle W. Strange; Chair, Board of Regents; University of North Texas System
• Ronald B. Walker; Vice President, Board of Trustees; The Victoria College
• Welcome W. Wilson, Sr.; Chairman, Board of Regents; University of Houston System

Governing board members who serve public colleges and universities fulfill their considerable responsibilities in an increasing complex political, economic, and social environment. Panelists will include governing board members from Texas institutions of higher education who will discuss the biggest concerns of new regents and trustees, relations among governing board members and senior administrators, and evaluation of board and executive performance.

A strong partnership between higher education and P-12 is fundamental to achieving the goals of Closing the Gaps by 2015, the state's higher education plan. The Texas Education Agency and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board have been charged by the Texas Legislature with adopting a comprehensive college readiness and success strategic action plan designed to increase college readiness and decrease developmental coursework in college. Dr. Paredes and Coordinating Board members will provide a brief overview of several new promising initiatives intended to enhance students' preparation for and success in college.

There is widespread agreement among policymakers, the business community, and education leaders that we must raise the educational achievement of our population. However, getting admitted to college is not the most difficult hurdle. Many high school students prepare for college, but they are often surprised by the knowledge and skills expected by university professors. Dr. David T. Conley, who is facilitating the development of Texas College Readiness Standards, recently directed a threeyear project sponsored by the Association of American Universities and the Pew Charitable Trusts to determine what cognitive skills and subject area knowledge college-bound students need to master to succeed in college. Dr. Conley will provide an overview of the Standards for Success project that offers college readiness resources to assure that university-bound students are prepared not just to go to college, but to succeed once they arrive.

Presentation

Dr. Carol S. Dweck is a leading researcher in the field of student motivation. Her research has focused on why students succeed and how to foster their success. In her work, Dr. Dweck has discovered the basic set of beliefs, or mindsets, that guide students' desire for challenge and learning, as well as their confidence and resilience in the face of obstacles. She will describe this work and research on how students' mindsets can be changed to boost their motivation and achievement.

Presentation

• D. Scott Elliff, Superintendent of Schools, Corpus Christi Independent School District
• Amaury Nora, Ed.D., Professor and Director, National Center for Student Success, University of Houston
• Larry Taylor, Student Regent, Texas Southern University

What can governing board members, administrators, and educators do to help develop students who will face academic challenges rather than be overwhelmed by them? Why is it that many students seem to fall apart when they face the transition from middle to high school, or from high school to college? What remedies are likely to exacerbate rather than eradicate problems? Can the "gifted" label or praise for intelligence do more harm than good? Is self-esteem something that educators can or should "give" to students? Panelists will describe and discuss how they see parental, educator, and school administrators positively influencing students' motivation, competence, and success.

Dr. Robert J. Beichner has been instrumental in reshaping the learning environment for large enrollment introductory STEM courses at North Carolina State University. His efforts illustrate how pedagogical pioneers are contributing to the knowledge base of what is known about learning, within and beyond a particular STEM discipline. Dr. Beichner will describe his research and demonstrate his work on how students' conceptual understanding, ability to solve problems, and attitudes can be improved, and their failure rates decreased.

Presentation

Luncheon, Keynote Speakers, and 2007 Star Awards Ceremony
Raymund A. Paredes, Commissioner of Higher Education
"The State of Higher Education"

M. Ray Perryman, Ph.D.
President of The Perryman Group
"A Tale of Two States - And One Million Jobs!!" The Economic Benefits of Achieving the Goals of Closing the Gaps

Texas Higher Education STAR Awards Ceremony

Led by members of the Coordinating Board, groups of 20-25 conference participants will meet with one another to discuss new initiatives, programs, projects, and activities intended to enhance students' preparation for and success in college, and the practical ways we can work together to encourage student achievement and success.