August 2007

Faith Jackson, a 1991 graduate of Thurgood Marshall School of Law was selected to chair the Oversight Committee of the TSU Laboratory (Lab) School.  In a partnership between TSU’s College of Education and the Houston Housing Authority of the City of Houston, the lab school opened in August 2006 as an educational model for urban inner-city environments based on collaboration, best practices, and community support.  Enrolling preK-3 to second grade, the school’s external charter was formalized by the Houston Independent School District. The lab school seeks to provide vital interactions between students in the school and candidates in the college’s educator preparation programs in an effort to produce urban professional teachers, counselors, and administrators who are caring, committed, competent, and culturally responsive to inner city youths. 

Jackson brings a wealth of knowledge to this committee due to her experience as a special assistant/counsel to Dr. Roderick Paige, former U.S. Secretary of Education.  Jackson accepted the White House Presidential Appointment in 2002 and served one year assisting Dr. Paige with the implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, which was signed into law on January 8, 2002.  A former elementary school teacher, Jackson has a passion for education and believes in educational reform. 

In chairing the Committee, Jackson is afforded an opportunity to utilize her teaching experience and legal education in an effort to oversee innovative approaches to educating students.  Other members of the Oversight Committee include:  Dr. Jay R. Cummings – Dean, College of Education; Dr. C. R. Gooden – Chair, Curriculum & Instruction; Dr. James Cunningham, Associate Dean; Dr. E.L. Amacker, Liaison; Dr. S. Mikelman, Housing Authority of the City of Houston; Mrs. Lois Bullock, Director; and Ms. D. Collins, Site Director.