Tips for Observation Uploads 

While most uploads of Observation information have been proceeding smoothly, we have identified some issues that we encourage you to check if you are experiencing trouble uploading Observation files:  

1. Set a firm foundation for your work. Use Google Chrome (or Firefox as a backup), empty the internet cache, work with only one window open at a time. Close windows as you finish with them. Add a header to the spreadsheet as a guide to ensure columns are organized correctly, then delete the header row after the data is in the file. Make sure each candidate is listed on the Finisher Records List with a status of Other Enrolled or Finisher. 

2. Ensure formatting on CSV files is correct. Ensure the Excel file is saved as a CSV (Comma delimited) file.  CSV (Macintosh) files will not be processed.  Open the CSV file with Notepad to view and remove stray spaces or other marks, including spaces and lines at the end of data rows or below the last data row. (Note for admission uploads: In Notepad, add commas as space holders for cells with no data such as if you do not report an SAT score.)  

3. Ensure the data is accurate with no conflicting information. The Assignment type must match the certificate type (INT, PRO, or PROX). The field supervisor name and TEA ID in the CSV file must match that in the field supervisor database. All names must be spelled correctly according to the names in ECOS. Additionally, dates must be accurate: 

• The Assignment Start Date must be on or after the effective date on the INT, PRO, or PROX certificate. 
• The Observation Date 1) must be within the reporting year 9/1-8/31; 2) must be between the Assignment Start Date and the Assignment End Date; and 3) must be between the effective date and expiration date of the INT, PRO, or PROX certificate. 
• The Assignment End Date 1) must be before the expiration date on the INT, PRO, or PROX certificate; and 2) must be on or before the effective date on the STD certificate (if one has been issued). 

Call for Applications for Innovative Educator Preparation Recognition 

The State Board for Educator Certification designates EPPs that have implemented innovative approaches to educator preparation for a defined area of emphasis. This year, the SBEC seeks to recognize EPPs with innovative practices related to authentic, practice-based educator preparation. EPPs can submit an application to be evaluated for this recognition. The call for materials is available here, and an application checklist is available here. Please submit questions to innovative_epp@tea.texas.gov. Applications are due November 1.  

Deadline for Final Data Submission for the 2019-2020 Academic Year  

The deadline for final submission of data for the 2019-2020 academic year is September 15, 2020, at 5pm CST. At that time, all updates to the Finisher Records List, Observations, and Admissions for 2019-2020 must be complete. You can find 2019-2020 ASEP reporting information such as the ASEP Data Reporting Webinar on TEA’s Program Provider Resources page. The EPP team hosted a webinar to guide programs through their required annual data reporting on August 6, 2020. The video is posted here. 

Issuance of Waiver Intern Certificates Deadline 

Educator Preparation and Program Accountability Staff News 

The Educator Data shop is excited to welcome Geronima Brady to our team as our new Systems Analyst. Geronima brings a wealth of experience at TEA with her and will lead our ongoing efforts to improve our processes related to the collection, analysis, and reporting of EPP data. 

293 Science of Teaching Reading TExES Preparation Manual Available 

The preparation manual for the 293 Science of Teaching Reading (STR)  TExES is now available on the Texas Educator Certification Exam website. The preparation manual is web-based and responsively designed for viewing on multiple devices. A PDF version that includes the exam framework and sample exam questions will also be available for download. 

Science of Teaching Reading Exam page on the TEA website is live  

The STR exam page on the TEA website can now be accessed here. This page will become the source for announcements and resources related to the STR exam transition. The first set of resources posted to the STR exam page includes a link to a short 15-minute Science of Teaching Reading Exam Timelines and Requirements Webinar intended for candidates and programs. 

Science of Teaching Reading Letters of Attestation Due December 1, 2020.  

All EPPs that are currently approved to offer preparation in any of the following House Bill 3 impacted certification fields are required to submit a Letter of Attestation to the TEA to indicate their ability and readiness to successfully prepare candidates for certification in these fields.  

• Core Subjects: EC-6 
• Core Subjects: Grades 4-8 
• English Language Arts and Reading: Grades 4-8 
• English Language Arts and Reading/Social Studies: Grades 4-8 

EPPs received the STR Letter of Attestation document in December 2019. The completed letter should be submitted to the program’s assigned TEA Program Specialist. 

 EPPs that choose not to prepare candidates in these fields that require successful completion of the STR exam by not submitting the STR Letter of Attestation will be removed from the ability to certify candidates in these areas.  

Throughout the 2019-20 academic year, more than 60 educator preparation programs and their EC-12 school partners engaged in edTPA 101 sessions, regional workshops (e.g., edTPA Handbook & Rubric Deep Dive, Curriculum Inquiry) and virtual opportunities (e.g., Academic Language Webinar) to support the edTPA exploration. In preparation for the 2020-21 academic year, we are thrilled to let you know a series of informational opportunities (e.g., regional workshops, webinars) have been scheduled. To find information regarding topics, dates, times, locations, etc., please select edTPA Regional Workshop Calendar and edTPA Webinar Calendar.  

Candidate deadline for updated information submission for the Test-Limit Waiver application prior to the new STR requirement 

December 1, 2020 is the deadline for candidates to submit new, missing information, or corrections for the Test-Limit Waiver application for the following subject areas: 

• Core Subjects EC-6  
• Core Subjects 4-8 
• English Language Arts & Reading 4-8
• English Language Arts & Reading/Social Studies 4-8  

Given the timing of this change, it is imperative that all new, missing information, and corrections are submitted as soon as possible to allow for application processing, test registration and completion prior to the new Science of Teaching Reading (STR) Requirement beginning January 1, 2020. Keep in mind that we expect our processing timeframes to increase because of the major change.   

TEA will not guarantee review and completion of your candidates' application before the implementation of the Science of Teaching Reading (STR) requirement if they fail to accurately complete and submit their Test-Limit Waiver application by December 1, 2020.  They will not be eligible for a refund and must also pass the Science of Teaching Reading (STR) exam beginning January 1, 2020.