From the Support Team

CIO Workshop: We're looking forward to the 3rd CIO Workshop next week! The Workshop will be on Tuesday, Jan. 19 and Thursday, Jan. 21 from noon – 4:00 p.m.

On day one, School Action Fund technical advisors will explain each school action, the “why” behind it, and learn how the action has been used in Texas districts to date. On day two, CIOs will break into groups according to Roadmap rubric rating and engage in a facilitated discussion of next steps in developing a strong portfolio plan.

Staffing Remote & On-Campus Instruction: Are your teachers supporting students who are remote and on-campus in the same class period at the same time? There are alternatives: Split Scheduling, Split Staffing, and Virtual Academy. The TEA's Resilient Schools Strategy team are offering a webinar series on how to stand up these models; recordings are posted to the Strong Start Page. They are also providing additional sessions for anyone who missed the first webinars. Registration links are in the Dates & Deadlines section, below. Email Megha Kansra for more information.

Updates & Opportunities

Texas Partnerships: Proposed or potential operating partners (OPs) of districts that intend to submit a Texas Partnerships Benefits Application Package must each attend a mandatory training webinar. You can register here:

• Jan 22: Proposed or Potential OP Training #1
• Jan 29: Proposed or Potential OP Training #2
• Feb. 5: Performance Contract Training #1
• Feb. 12: Performance Contract Training #2

TEA will not accept a Texas Partnerships Benefits application from a district unless a board member or full-time employee their proposed or potential operating partner has attended one webinar for proposed or potential operating partners and one webinar on performance contracts.

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 School Venture Fund (NSVF) is accepting applications! NSVF is looking for educators who are designing new, innovative public schools launching in fall 2022. Through this annual funding opportunity, NSVF helps early-stage charter organizations launch their first and / or second school in a new network, and support new district schools with the autonomy to develop and implement innovative instructional designs. The application deadline is Feb. 5. Interested applicants can join NSVF for a webinar on Jan. 19, at 1:30 p.m. CDT. You may also email invent@newschools.org.

COVID Recovery Instructional Materials Support Initiative, or CRIMSI for short, is for districts or individual schools interested in piloting Texas Home Learning instructional materials during spring 2021 with any combination of schools, grades, teachers, subjects, and units based on local need. Participating educators receive additional onboarding PD, ongoing coaching, printed materials, and stipends. Districts, schools, or groups of participating teachers can design the pilot that is right for them. Applications for CRIMSI are open on a rolling basis through Jan. 29.

Network News

Longview ISD Supt. Wilcox reflected on 2020 and summarized lessons learned.

Ector County ISD's choice schools application is coming to a close on Sunday, Jan. 17.

Lubbock ISD Supt. Rollo explains how the district has begun to vaccinate staff.

Victoria ISD Supt. Shepherd published an op ed calling the community to reflect on our cultural priorities.

Ector County Supt. Muri shared a McKinsey study summarizing Covid's effects on learning and methods to curb losses and accelerate learning.

CRPE Director Robin Lake summarizes eight principles for emerging from the pandemic with more equitable, just, and resilient school systems.

Garland ISD is hiring an Executive Innovation Officer.