From the Support Team

SGS Network Applications: The SGS Network is expanding! The application for Texas districts interested in joining the SGS Network opened on Jan. 27, and is due Tuesday, Mar. 9. You can download the application here. To learn more, interested districts may sign up for a webinar on Feb. 5th, 12th, or 19th.  While all Texas districts interested in pursuing the SGS Strategy are eligible to apply to join the SGS Network, ideal candidates have over 7,500 students, 10 or more schools, and the desire to pursue system transformation in service of creating high-quality best fit schools. Please share this information with district leaders you think may be interested, and contact SGS@tea.texas.gov with questions.

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. A webinar hosted on Jan. 7th is available here to learn more. Applications for CRIMSI are open on a rolling basis through tomorrow, Jan. 29.

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 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 seeking to fund innovative public schools launching in fall 2022. The application deadline is next Friday, Feb. 5. NSVF hosted a webinar on Jan. 19; if you were not able to attend, you can view the webinar here or the slides here. Please email invent@newschools.org for more info.

Network News

Ector County Supt. Muri offered key Covid insights, from virtural instruction's beneficial effect on reading proficiency to school/family communication.

San Antonio ISD, in partnership with higher ed. and local industries, is launching 3 new P-TECH school programs.

Victoria ISD Supt. Shepherd published an op ed to think back to that time when we had an expansive future and keep our enthusiasm for it.

Longview ISD's Manufacturing Academy is offering a machine shop class for in-demand skills.

Ector County ISD also announced a PK partnership with YMCA and is not renewing a partnership with the Success Academy Network.

Lubbock ISD is now offering BBQ for lunch.

Garland ISD is hiring an Executive Innovation Officer.

MAYA is hiring a Senior Consultant.