From the Support Team

Summit 2020: We hope you're all doing well and staying safe! We’re so excited to announce our first ever System of Great Schools Virtual Summit will take place on Dec. 9-10. While we would love to gather in person, we’re looking forward to connecting with the SGS Network in this new format. We look forward to a Summit that helps district leaders:

1. build SGS Network connections to new Network members,

2. celebrate success and share best practices in SGS implementation statewide, and

3. provide valuable learning experiences to continuously improve practices in your district.

TEA will send Save the Date calendar invites to all attendees, and a full agenda will be available on Tuesday, Nov. 10.

We are Hiring! The Division of System Support and Innovation has two open positions: an SGS Program Specialist and a School Action Fund Manager. If you know anyone who would be a good fit, please forward these opportunities.

November Roadmaps: We’re excited about all the work that has been done this fall. Please update your roadmap by Friday, Nov. 13, by linking all evidence which shows implementation of each sub-lever in tab 2, column I. TEA will review the roadmap evidence and give formative feedback and updated rubric ratings by Monday, Nov. 30. Please email Chris DeWitt with any questions!

Updates & Opportunities

Mandatory LOI for 1882 partnerships Due Tomorrow: Please note that the mandatory Letter of Intent is due tomorrow, Oct. 30. (view form) In addition, districts that are not using the TEA model board policy or model application must submit their version by Monday, Nov. 30 to DSSI@tea.texas.gov. Please use the rubrics on the txpartnerships.org/tools to make sure the district's policy or application meet TEA eligibility requirements deadline.

Grants & Resources

The following grant opportunities may help districts provide the schools that students and families want and need. For more details on state grants, see the TEA Grant Opportunities Page.

The New Tech Network is offering free opportunities to engage in their newly-launched School Design Studio. They are offering courses, proven resources, and Seminar Series. Please contact Kristin Cuilla for more information.

The 2021-23 T-STEM Grant allows students to earn a high school diploma with a STEM Endorsement, industry certifications, and an AA degree by leveraging industry and higher education partnerships. Applications are due Tuesday, Nov. 10.

The 2021-23 P-Tech Grant will help LEAs plan and implement the P-Tech program as one of the following models: whole campus, small stand-alone campus, school-in-a-school, or other innovative model. Applications are due Tuesday, Nov. 10.

The 2021-23 Early College High School (ECHS) Grant offers at-risk and low-income high school students an opportunity to receive both a diploma and either an AA degree or 60 credit hours toward a BA degree by leveraging higher education partnerships. Applications are due Tuesday, Nov. 10.

The 2021-2022 Teacher Leadership Grant is a two-year program which provides districts the opportunity to plan and implement teacher leadership models to further professionalize teaching and provide teachers leadership pathways within local school systems. A webinar is available here and applications are due Monday, Dec. 7.

Network News

Aldine ISD is hiring an SAF Program Manager.

Longview ISD is hiring a Coordinator of Policy & New Schools and a Director of School Success. See LISD's Employment Opportunities page for more information.

Victoria ISD Supt. Shepherd explains how VISD is applying ESF's continuous improvement process to remote instruction.

Longview ISD CIO Craig Coleman presented the news that LISD earned $2.4m in start-up grants to LISD's board.

Aldine, Midland, ETAA, and Victoria ISDs received the Blended Learning Program Grant to design, launch, scale, and sustain a high quality blended learning model in math throughout a K-8 feeder pattern.