From the Support Team

SGS Network Districts: Thank you to all districts for timely completion of roadmaps! We are excited to see the plans the Network has for the next four years. Our team will evaluate the plans & linked artifacts and send updated ratings to CIOs and EAs by Friday, Sept. 4. As we look ahead to the 2020 - 21 school year, SGS Network districts will update and resubmit roadmaps Nov. 2020 and in Jan, March, and June 2021.

Prospective SGS Network Districts: Thank you to all districts who submitted an application to join the SGS Network! The SGS team received five applications and we will invite select districts to join the Network on October 9. Please email Christopher Dewitt with questions.

The TEA's Strong Start resources have been updated to include the following tools, models, and training to support a strong 2020-21 start:

The OnRamps Distance Learning Catalog is a series of free online training modules that support middle and high school teachers who are preparing for remote or hybrid instruction models. An introductory webinar is online here.

The Phased Re-Opening Guide offers considerations and examples for districts during the first 4-8 weeks of re-opening.

A Planning Supports Guidebook for Students with Disabilities has been published. The guidebook provides an explanation of priority areas of focus (see page 20) and the requirements under current circumstances.

Updates & Opportunities

Letter of Intent for 1882 Partnerships: Districts that are considering pursuing a Texas Partnership for SY 2021 - 22 are required to submit a non-binding Letter of Intent by Friday, October 30. Districts can submit the Letter of Intent by completing this online form. For more information, please see the July 16th To the Administrator Addressed letter.

Grants & Resources

Authorizing Training: NACSA's online authorizing courses are available to help you achieve Full Implementation of sub-lever 2.1 on the SGS Rubric. To learn more, click here. To enroll, fill out this form and NACSA staff will reply to provide support.

2020 NACSA Leadership Conference: This year’s NACSA Leadership Conference will run from Oct. 12th to 30th, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. You can register here.

Blended Learning Grant Program: A TAA will soon be posted announcing the Blended Learning Grant Program established under HB 3. When available, it will be posted to the TEA's To The Administrator Addressed Correspondence page.

Network News

Edgewood ISD launched Safe Start 2020, for everything COVID-19 related in EISD.

Ft. Worth ISD's Families Webpage has been updated with summary and detailed home-learning videos, and a video of the Aug. 11 town hall.

Longview ISD Supt. Wilcox explained the first day of school went "better than expected."

Midland ISD launched their 2020-21 Call for Quality Schools.

San Antonio ISD's Safe Start Hub has been updated with a tiered plan for student return to campuses and a campus walk-through video showing school safety measures.