Special Education Updates
Child Find (SPPI-11, SPPI-12, SPPI-13) Clarifications for School Year 2022–2023
The State Performance Plan (SPP) clarifications period will be conducted by the Department of General Supervision and Monitoring at the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for Local Education Agencies (LEA). The SPP clarification period utilizes data submitted for SPPI 11a, SPPI 11b, and SPPI 12 to the TSDS Child Find collection and data submitted for SPPI 13 to the SPP application in the Texas Education Agency Login (TEAL) by the following deadlines:
- TSDS Child Find collection data submission (including SPPI 11a and SPPI 11b, and SPPI 12) due July 27, 2023, at 11:59 PM.
- SPPI-13 data submission due August 11, 2023, at 11:59 PM.
The compliance targeted for each SPP indicator is 100% (see FFYs 2020–2025 Part B SPP/APR Measurement Table). LEAs with less than 100% compliance will have the opportunity to make “corrections before findings of noncompliance” are issued after the SPP clarification process.
SPP Clarification Process
Local Education Agencies (LEA) will have the opportunity to submit updated data during the SPP clarifications period to address findings of noncompliance during August 28- September 12, 2023. LEAs may correct data entry errors and provide documentation of correction for noncompliance based on two criteria (see OSEP Memo 09–02):
- Prong 1: Correction of individual student level noncompliance
- Prong 2: Implementation of regulatory requirements for SPP complication indicators
The SPP clarification process includes four steps and applies to SPPI 11a, SPPI 11b, SPPI 12, and SPPI 13:
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Notification of Potential Noncompliance and Option to Participate in SPP Clarifications
- LEA notified of noncompliance finding(s)
- LEA selects one of the three following options:
- Do Nothing
- Verify Noncompliance
- Verify Correction
- Review and Support staff provides SPP clarification dates and guidance to submit clarifications documentation to the LEA
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LEA Submission of Clarification Data
- LEA submits Prong 2 clarification data to evidence systematic correction and prevent future noncompliance for SPPI 11a, SPPI 11b, SPPI 12, and SPPI 13 via the Ascend Texas Application via Texas Education Agency Login (TEAL)
- LEA submits Prong 2 clarification data to evidence systematic correction and prevent future noncompliance for SPPI 13 via the SPP application in TEAL
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Review of Clarifications Data Submission
- Prong 1 verification for both the TSDS Child Find collection (SPPI 11a, SPPI 11b, SPPI 12, and SPPI 13) and the SPP application in TEAL for SPPI 13.
- Prong 2 verification of documentation evidencing systemic correction to prevent future noncompliance submitted via the Ascend Texas Application via TEAL.
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Determination of Noncompliance and SPP Notification
- Prong 2 data submitted during the clarifications period reviewed and compliance determinations made for LEAs.
- LEAs with noncompliance findings for SPPI 11a, SPPI 11b, and SPPI 12 in the TSDS Child Find collection and SPPI 13 in the SPP application will receive notification of noncompliance requiring corrective action in mid-October.
SPP Clarifications Resources
The following resources provide guidance for the SPP data collection and measurement requirements:
Contact
For questions about the SPP clarifications process, please contact the Division of Review and Support by email at ReviewandSupport@tea.texas.gov.
For questions about the TSDS Child Find collection (SPPI-11 and SPPI-12), please contact your respective ESC TSDS Child Find Champion or TSDS Technical Champion (ESC 1-10 or 11-20). Support can also be obtained from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) by submitting a TSDS Incident Management System (TIMS) ticket within the TSDS Portal.
For questions about the SPPI-13 data collection in TEAL, please contact your respective ESC or email spp@tea.texas.gov.
Child Find, Evaluation, and ARD Supports Beginning of School Resources
As staff prepares to return for the 23-24 school year, here are timely resources from TEA's Child Find, Evaluation, and ARD Supports Network for local education agencies (LEAs) to use:
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The Child Find Duty - Everyone's Responsibility 23-24 is a self-paced, online course that provides an overview of child find, a summary of LEAs’ responsibilities, and key points to remember. (1.5 credits)
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The Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee Manager Training is a self-paced, online course that provides information, guidance, and best practice for ARD committee managers. (12 credits)
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The Standards-Based Individualized Education Program (IEP) Process Training is a self-paced, online course that provides information about gathering student data, including the full and individual evaluation (FIE), writing the student’s present levels of academic achievement and functional performance (PLAAFP) statement, drafting measurable annual goals with short-term objectives/benchmarks, if appropriate, and creating a data collection system for monitoring progress of the annual goals. (12 credits)
Learning Ally Audiobook Solution
The TEA provides funding for LEAs to support their struggling readers with the Learning Ally Audiobook Solution. It features an expansive library of human-read audiobooks in a wide range of subjects and grade levels. It’s also packed with educator resources, student support features, and incentive programs that make it easier than ever to ensure all of your students are on the same page.
The Learning Ally Audiobook Solution can be used in any classroom. Any student who struggles with decoding, fluency, or reading comprehension is eligible. An IEP or 504 is not required. Learn more about determining eligibility HERE!
Health and Physical Education Updates
2022-2023 School Health Survey—Deadline Extended—Due August 30, 2023
The 2022-2023 School Health Survey is now available. Additional information regarding the survey and the link to participate are provided in the following TEA correspondence https://tea.texas.gov/about-tea/news-and-multimedia/correspondence/taa-letters/2022-2023-school-health-survey. Districts and open-enrollment charters must complete the 2022-2023 survey no later than 5:00 pm (CDT) on Wednesday, August 30, 2023.
Please note that a copy of the survey questions is attached to the bottom of the TEA correspondence and only one submission per district is required.
For questions related to the school health survey, please email healthandsafety@tea.texas.gov.
Upcoming Dates and Reminders for the 2023-2024 School Year
Please note that the deadline for the 2023-2024 school health survey will be May 24, 2024. If you have questions pertaining to the survey, please email healthandsafety@tea.texas.gov.
The deadline for the physical fitness assessment will be June 14, 2024. If you have questions about the physical fitness assessment, please email pfaiprogramsupport@tea.texas.gov.
The final submission date for 2023-2024 off-campus physical activity program requests is January 31, 2024.
Texas Schools Can Request Free Epi-Pens for Each Campus
Schools may request free epinephrine auto-injectors from the EpiPen 4 Schools Program. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that can be caused by food allergies, insect stings, latex allergies, medication, and exercise. Epinephrine is the emergency drug of choice for an anaphylactic reaction and must be given immediately. If not treated properly, anaphylaxis can be fatal. Visit this Texas Department of State Health Services School Health Program website to learn more about how to implement an epinephrine auto-injector program on school campuses.
Updated Guidelines for the Care of Students with Food Allergies
The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has revised and updated the Guidelines for the Care of Students with Food Allergies at Risk for Anaphylaxis. The Texas Education Code (TEC) §38.0151 requires the board of trustees of each school district and the governing body or an appropriate officer of each open-enrollment charter school to adopt and administer a policy for the care of students with diagnosed food allergies at risk for anaphylaxis. School districts and open-enrollment charter schools should review their policies to ensure consistency with the DSHS guidelines. Additional information can be found by visiting the DSHS School Health Programs Allergies and Anaphylaxis webpage.
Concussion Fact Sheets for School Nurses
Concussions can happen through a variety of activities such as playground time, school-based sports, and physical education classes. This fact sheet , released by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), provides an overview for school nurses to help protect students from concussions and other serious brain injuries. The fact sheet outlines signs and symptoms of concussions, ways to help students return to school, and prevention and preparation steps to ensure the best outcomes for students.
Strategies to Promote Healthy Teen Relationships
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has developed the Dating Matters: Strategies to Promote Healthy Teen Relationships model. This prevention model focuses on teaching youth about healthy relationships and reducing behaviors that increase the risk of dating violence. Dating Matters is for individuals, peers, families, schools, and neighborhoods that want to help youth between the ages of 11-14 to build healthy relationship skills. For specific questions about materials or the Dating Matters model, contact datingmatters@cdc.gov.
Essentials for Parenting Teens
Essentials for Parenting Teens is CDC’s newest resource for parents and caregivers of youth ranging between ages 11-17. Topics include understanding and adapting to teen years, coaching, recognizing, and managing emotions, encouraging independence, and praising teens.
Heat Related Illness Resources
The National Weather Service (NWS) has resources dedicated to teaching the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses. These resources address the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke . The NWS “Heat Safety for You and Your Family” brochure, will help schools address heat-related concerns during summer months.
Grants Division Updates
2022-2025 School Safety Standards Formula Grant
On January 5, 2023, TEA announced the 2022-2025 School Safety Standards formula grant intended to help districts meet the School Safety Standards. To date, 1,060 LEAs have applied for the School Safety Standards Formula Grant, and 153 LEAs remain eligible to apply. LEAs that have applied do not need to take any additional action at this time. All other LEAs are highly encouraged to take advantage of this funding opportunity to ensure their district has the funding to help meet the School Safety Standards.
Application due date: 08/01/2023
Grant details are available on the TEA Grant Opportunities page, and in the School Safety Formula Grant Allowable Costs document.
Please see: Allocation Amount by LEA
Note: Future announcements will be made related to additional funding opportunities made available by House Bill 3. To apply for future school safety funding, LEAs must submit their 2022-2025 School Safety Standards Formula Grant application on or before August 1, 2023.
If you have any questions, please contact safeschools@tea.texas.gov.
2023-2024 Special Education Consolidated Grant Application (State)
The 2023-2024 Special Education Consolidated Grant Application (State) is now available in eGrants. Allocations for eligible applicants of State Deaf and IDEA-C ECI funds are available and can be viewed on the Entitlements page. Visit the TEA Grant Opportunities page for detailed information about this grant program. Search for 2023-2024 Special Education Consolidated Grant Application (State). Additional information on how to apply for a grant is available on the Applying for a Grant page.
SC5003 – Formula Grants Consolidated Schedule
Eligible applicants must first complete the SC5003 – Formula Grants Consolidated Schedule to access the ADC. To complete the SC5003, log into TEAL and select eGrants as the application. Once in eGrants, click on Special Collections on the menu bar.
Applicant Designation and Certification (ADC) Form
The ADC form must be submitted before the grant application is available in eGrants. To access the ADC, log into TEAL and select eGrants as the application. Once in eGrants, click on Grants on the menu bar.
Application Due Date
Eligible applicants must apply through the eGrants system by 5:00 p.m. Central Time, August 15, 2023.
Contact Information
For State Deaf and IDEA-C ECI program information, contact the Special Education Division at (512) 463-9414 or SpecialEducation@tea.texas.gov. For additional information on the ADC or grant application, contact your assigned negotiator listed on the Grants Administration Contacts page.
2021-2023 ESSER Supplemental (ESSER-SUPP) Federal Grant Program Updates
TEA has calculated and posted final allocations for the 2021–2023 ESSER Supplemental (ESSER-SUPP) Federal Grant Application on the TEA entitlements webpage under the “COVID-19 Funding” heading.
Statutory Requirements for ESSER-SUPP Allocations
Texas Education Code (TEC) Section 29.930, as added by House Bill 1525, 87th Legislature, Regular Session, requires TEA to use actual 2021–2022 and 2022–2023 enrollment data when calculating ESSER-SUPP allocations. The previous calculations published in April 2022, included projected 2022–2023 enrollment data. The final allocations now posted on the TEA entitlements webpage, include actual 2022–2023 enrollment data from October 2022 PEIMS fall snapshot. When Federal Fiscal Compliance and Reporting (FFCR) Division staff replaced projected 2022–2023 enrollment with actual 2022–2023 enrollment, it impacted the ESSER-SUPP allocations for every LEA. If an LEA’s actual 2022–2023 enrollment was lower than the enrollment projection used in the April 2022 ESSER-SUPP calculation, even if the LEA experienced an increase in enrollment in 2022–2023 compared to 2021–2022, the LEA’s ESSER-SUPP allocation decreased.
Next Steps
The 25% hold on LEA's NOGAs has been removed, and as a result, LEA's can now draw down their remaining funds, including expenditures during the grant period. No action is required by the grantee at this time. TEA staff have initiated and completed budget adjustments to incorporate the revised amounts. The grantee’s approved budget, on Schedule BS6001 – Program Budget Summary and Support, will be updated by TEA staff to reflect the revised amount. Once the adjustment process is completed, grantees will receive an email notification of the revisions to program budgets along with a revised Notice of Grant Award (NOGA) attached. TEA will not be able to complete budget adjustments on behalf of the LEAs and the LEAs will need to submit amendments. TEA will contact these LEAs with additional instructions.
Amendments
If necessary, once it receives email notification of the revised budget and NOGA, an LEA may submit an amendment to revise the budget entered by TEA staff. Please refer to the When to Amend the Application guidance on the Grant Administration Division's Amending an Application webpage to determine whether an amendment is necessary. The amendment deadline has been revised to July 28, 2023.
For Further Information and Support
For questions related to the calculation of ESSER-SUPP allocations please contact FFCR staff at entitlements@tea.texas.gov. For questions regarding the amendment process for ESSER-SUPP, please contact your assigned ESSER negotiator listed on the Grants Administration Contacts page.
Support, Resources, and Technical Assistance
New and Updated Guidance from GCA
Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 and COVID-19 Relief Funds
On June 2, 2023, the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 was signed into law, suspending the federal debt limit. While the Act rescinded certain unobligated COVID-19 relief funds, the US Department of Education (USDE) has already fully obligated CARES, CRRSA, and ARP funds to the state. Some local educational agencies (LEAs) have expressed concern that ARP ESSER III allocations may be in jeopardy of being reduced by any unexpended amounts. TEA has been informed that this will not happen; LEAs will continue to have full access to their ARP ESSER III formula funds.
ESSER II Closeout
As we approach the end of the performance period for CRRSA ESSER II formula funds, these are the key upcoming milestones for subgrantees to keep in mind:
- 07/06/2023 – Amendment due date for CRRSA ESSER II funding application.
- 09/30/2023 – End of performance period for CRRSA ESSER II funds, last day to obligate funds.
- 01/02/2024 – Final Expenditure Report/Revised Final Expenditure Report due.
To prevent lapsing of ESSER II funds, LEAs who are not going to expend all CRRSA ESSER II formula funds within the timeline are strongly encouraged to reclassify expenditures (also known as documenting Expenditure Transfer Vouchers (ETVs)) from:
- previously coded ESSER III activities to ESSER II funds (see TEA’s ESSER Expenditure Team step-by-step video to assist LEAs with completing this process, or for further information, please contact ESSERexpenditures@tea.texas.gov); and/or
- previously coded state and/or local funds expenditures to ESSER II funds for allowable activities such as teacher salaries (moving these expenditures to ESSER II will free up local maintenance and operations funds that can be used after ESSER II funds are no longer available; please take note of the possible impact on federal maintenance of effort requirements if pursuing this option).
CRRSA ESSER II Liquidation Extension
On May 5, 2023, USDE released introductory information regarding the CRRSA Act funding Liquidation Period Extension being offered for ESSER II funding. TEA is required to gather data from LEAs needing the extension; the agency will submit one statewide aggregated request on behalf of those LEAs. This extension offered is only for ESSER II at this time.
All costs under ESSER II must have been fully obligated for allowable grant uses by Saturday, September 30, 2023. Certain obligated costs may continue to be received and paid during the liquidation period extension. However, the extension does not cover all types of costs (e.g., indirect costs, staff salary, or travel), due to the federal rules defining when an obligation was made. TEA may request the extension for up to 13 additional months after the standard liquidation period (until February 28, 2025) for LEAs. TEA has until December of 2023 to request the liquidation period extension.
More information will be forthcoming closer to the end of the performance period for CRRSA ESSER II (September 30, 2023) with more detailed information on how to request a liquidation extension.
Year Four ESSER Annual Performance Reporting
Year Four Annual Reporting to USDE will require additional data elements across all ESSER programs (CARES ESSER I, CRRSA ESSER II, and ARP ESSER III). TEA is currently working to incorporate these changes and will be releasing an instructional workbook for Year Four ESSER Annual Reporting in late summer.
ESSER III Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services (RIPICS) Plans and Maintenance of Equity (MOEquity)
The statutory end date of ARP ESSER III is September 30, 2023; however, there is a carryover period for one additional year that makes the end of the obligation period September 30, 2024. Due to the statutory end date of the ARP ESSER III program, bi-annual RIPICS plan reviews as well as MOEquity reporting are no longer required past September 30, 2023.
For information and guidance on information pertained in this letter, please contact Nick Davis (nick.davis@tea.texas.gov) in the Department of Grant Compliance and Administration.
TX K-12 Cybersecurity Initiative
To counter the rising surge of ransomware and malicious activity affecting local education agencies (LEAs) around the state, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) submitted an exceptional item request for funding to the Texas Legislature to provide cybersecurity resources to LEAs. We are pleased to announce that our request has been approved, and we will be able to distribute in kind services with these funds between September 1, 2023 and August 31, 2025.
From the legislative entry into the budget:
It is the intent of the Legislature that the Texas Education Agency enter into an interagency agreement with the Department of Information Resources (DIR) to provide cybersecurity services for LEAs in accordance with DIR Strategy C.1.2, Security Services. Cybersecurity services to be provided by DIR may include, but are not limited to, cybersecurity assessments, end point detection response, and network detection response.
Purpose and Scope of Initiative
The purpose of this initiative is to provide immediate solutions to protect LEAs from major cyber incidents, such as ransomware. Priority will be given to rural LEAs, and cybersecurity practitioners will be available at your regional education service center to assist with implementation of cybersecurity controls that fall within scope of this initiative. The following cybersecurity controls are highly encouraged for all LEAs to implement between September 1, 2023 and August 31, 2025 and fall within the scope of this initiative: • Implement fully managed Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) on LEA servers and applicable staff devices. TEA will fully fund licenses with limited distribution. See details below. • Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on staff email systems. More details to come. • Implement email protocol security configurations. More details to come. • Restrict local admin access. More details to come. The following cybersecurity controls are funded on a first come first served basis by TEA through DIR’s Shared Technology Services (STS) program and are recommended to mature LEA cybersecurity posture. These controls fall within scope of this initiative: • Complete a third party K-12 Cybersecurity Assessment to get a baseline of your cybersecurity maturity and action plan for improving cybersecurity posture. Application to open in September. • Implement Network Detection and Response (NDR), especially for schools with cameras and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Application to open in September.
Inter-local Agreement with DIR Shared Technology System Required
LEAs will need to sign DIR’s inter-local agreement to receive the in scope services from DIR’s Shared Technology Services (STS), Managed Security Services (MSS) program. Our goal is to have all eligible LEAs onboarded with a signed inter-local agreement by September 1, 2023, so the services can be distributed as soon as possible. After the inter-local agreement is in place, eligible LEAs may then request in scope services through the STS program, which will be paid for by TEA starting September 1, 2023 through August 31, 2025. The MSS vendor, AT&T, or your regional education service center may reach out to your LEA to help facilitate this process. Details about this process were discussed in the April Cybersecurity Coordinator call, and a recording can be accessed here, which includes additional resources with instructions and scope: https://tea.texas.gov/academics/learning-support-and-programs/technology-planning/k-12-cybersecurity-initiative
You may register for the Cybersecurity Coordinator Forum series at this URL using your LEA email address: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8234183618339320587
The next scheduled webinar is scheduled for June 28th @ 11am CDT.
Limited Distribution of EDR Per LEA Enrollment
It is TEA’s intention to focus on small and rural LEAs for the distribution of Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) services through DIR’s Managed Security Services (MSS). The EDR provided, which replaces traditional anti-virus software and incorporates threat intelligence along with malicious behavior characteristics on endpoints, will be fully managed to eliminate additional LEA overhead and is one of the best solutions to prevent ransomware and secure devices. The current vendors under the MSS contract for EDR are CrowdStrike and SentinelOne. To provide a scope that we can reasonably accommodate with the funding provided, TEA will limit the distribution for LEAs with a total enrollment of 15,000 and below, with a range from 30 licenses up to licenses equal to 10% of student enrollment, whichever is larger. It is TEA’s intent to focus on high-risk and impact devices, so initial distribution should focus on servers and central office staff with any remaining licenses distributed to other staff devices that have access to sensitive data.
Security Assessments Based on Sampling of LEAs By Size
Security assessments will also be available to LEAs as part of this initiative and will also be provided by AT&T through DIR’s services catalog. The intent of these assessments is to provide a high-level look at the overall state of cybersecurity in Texas’ K-12 public entities. TEA will not receive detailed copies of reports for any individual LEA. Scope of and availability of the assessments will be based on a sampling of LEAs by size. Once those assessments are set up in the STS program, we will provide guidance to interested parties on how to request those assessments through the STS program.
Dorkbot Service
Finally all LEAs will be signed up with the Dorkbot web application vulnerability notification service. Dorkbot is an automated system run by the University of Texas – Austin, that uses publicly available information to identify vulnerable public facing systems on K-12 networks. Currently designated cybersecurity coordinators for each LEA will be the point of contact for any findings the service uncovers, so please ensure those designations are up to date in AskTED. Please email charteraskted@tea.texas.gov if you need assistance with updating AskTED.
The Dorkbot service for LEAs will begin July 1, 2023.
More information about the Dorkbot service can be found at: https://security.utexas.edu/dorkbot
Any LEA wishing to opt-out of the free service, can do so by emailing cybersecurity@tea.texas.gov.
Instructional Materials Information
House Bill 1605 Implementation Information Session for Publishers
The Texas Education Agency is hosting an information session for instructional materials publishers to review House Bill (HB) 1605, 88th Texas Legislature, Regular Session. The bill addresses instructional materials and technology review and approval as well as the extension of additional state aid to school districts for the provision of certain instructional materials. This information session provides the opportunity for interested publishers to hear an overview of HB 1605 and to begin discussing implementation.
Title: House Bill 1605 Implementation Information Session for Publishers
Date: Tuesday, August 1, 2023
Time: 2 PM to 5 PM CST
Location: William B. Travis Building
1701 N. Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas
Please register to attend.
If you have any questions, please contact instructional.materials@tea.texas.gov.
2023–2027 Commissioner’s List of Approved Grade 7 Reading Instruments
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has posted a new Commissioner’s List of Approved Grade 7 Reading Instruments for use during the 2023–2024 through 2026–2027 school years in accordance with Texas Education Code (TEC), §28.006(c-1).
In accordance with TEC, §28.006(c-1), each school district and open-enrollment charter school is required to administer at the beginning of Grade 7, a reading instrument adopted by the commissioner to each student whose performance on the Grade 6 STAAR Reading assessment did not demonstrate reading proficiency. Districts and charter school must administer the reading instrument in accordance with the commissioner’s recommendations under TEC, §28.006(a)(1).
The Commissioner’s List of Approved Grade 7 Reading Instruments ensures school districts and charter schools select instruments that are based on valid and reliable scientific research, thoroughly measure each domain of development, and are user friendly. The following three domains of development are assessed using the instruments on the list
- Text Comprehension (Reading)
- Word Analysis
- Fluency
The instruments listed below may be accessed on the Grade 7 Reading Instruments page on the TEA website.
2023–2027 Commissioner’s List of Approved Grade 7 Reading Instruments:
- i-Ready Assessment for Reading (Curriculum Associates, LLC)
- Istation’s Indicators of Progress (ISIP) (Istation)
- LION for Reading (Liberty Source)
- Map Suite (MAP Growth TM Reading and MAP Reading Fluency TM) (NWEA)
- MindPlay Literacy (MindPlay Education LLC)
- STAR Reading (Renaissance Learning, Inc)
- Texas Middle School Fluency Assessment (TMSFA)
The Texas Middle School Fluency Assessment (TMSFA) option will continue to be available to school districts and open-enrollment charter schools free of charge.
Should you have questions, please contact the Reading Language Arts and Social Studies Team in the Curriculum Standards and Student Support Division by completing a Curriculum Request Form.
Implementation of Senate Bill 2124 - Advanced Mathematics Instruction
Senate Bill (SB) 2124, passed by the 88th Texas Legislature, requires each school district and open-enrollment charter school to develop an advanced mathematics program for middle school students that is designed to enable those students to enroll in Algebra I in eighth grade.
Under the program, a school district or open-enrollment charter school must automatically enroll in an advanced mathematics course each sixth grade student who performed in the top 40 percent on the fifth grade State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR®) mathematics assessment, or a local measure that includes either the student’s fifth grade class ranking or demonstrated proficiency in the student’s fifth grade mathematics coursework.
SB 2124 requires each school district or open-enrollment charter school to develop the middle school advanced mathematics program as soon as practicable after the bill’s effective date of May 27, 2023.
The agency will adopt administrative rules in the coming months to provide additional guidance related to this new requirement. Because rules have not yet been adopted and given the anticipated release of STAAR scores in August, it may not be practicable for school districts and charter schools to place students in advanced mathematics courses for the 2023-2024 school year. As a result, districts and charter schools may choose to develop their programs in the 2023-2024 school year for placement of students in a program beginning in the 2024-2025 school year.
Performance Reporting Updates
What’s New in Performance Reporting A–F Accountability
For questions or assistance regarding the information in this section, call the Performance Reporting Division at 512-463-9704 or email to performance.reporting@tea.texas.gov. Removal of 2022 Accountability Reports and Student Listings in TEAL (August 4)
In order to facilitate the posting of 2023 accountability reports, all 2022 accountability reports and student listings for all campuses and districts will be removed from the TEAL Accountability application on Friday, August 4th, 2023 (What If reports will remain available in TEAL). Once removed, the data contained in each report and student listing will be unavailable. Please ensure that your district downloads and maintains a copy of these reports and data for your records.
Accountability reports consist of accountability summaries, calculations, and data tables for each domain. Accountability student listings include data that was used to calculate the STAAR performance; College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR); and English Language Proficiency components for 2022 accountability.
2023 General Accelerated Instruction STAAR EOC Raw Scores for Science and Social Studies
The STAAR EOC raw scores and scale scores associated with High and Low Did Not Meet for Science and Social Studies is available on the 2023 Accountability Development Materials page under Preliminary 2023 Academic Accountability System Resources. This document will be updated as more data becomes available. June TAAG Meeting Notes and Presentation
The June TAAG meeting notes and presentation has been posted to the 2023 Accountability Development Materials | Texas Education Agency
CCMR Verifier Final Listing coming soon (late July)
The Final 2023 College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) Student Listing will be released within TEAL Accountability application late July. This data download will contain the 2023 CCMR data for 2021 – 22 annual graduates and 2021 – 22 non-graduating 12th graders, including applicable corrections submitted and approved through the 2023 CCMR Verifier. This data will be used to calculate the College, Career, and Military Readiness components for 2023 accountability ratings.
CCMR Tracker Release: Stage 2B coming soon (August 4)
The College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) Tracker Stage 2B will include the type of Industry Based Certification (IBC) a student has earned and if the IBC is on the sunsetting list. The sunsetting limit is applied within Student Achievement and School Progress, Part B: Relative Performance Domains in 2023 accountability.
A Sunsetting IBC did not meet one or more criteria listed in 19 TAC §74.1003. Sunsetting IBCs will continue to generate CCMR credit but a per campus limit will be applied based on students who only qualify for CCMR credit via a sunsetting IBC. The limit ensures that districts offer their students paths for postsecondary success and is set at five graduates, or 20 percent of graduates, whichever is higher. More information on IBCs can be found on the Industry-Based Certifications webpage and on the IBC Frequently Asked Questions document.
Notice of February 2024 STAAR Stand-Alone Field Test
February 2024 Administration
The stand-alone field test is scheduled for February 5–9, 2024. It will be administered online only and will include the following grades/subjects and courses:
- Reading Language Arts (RLA) grades 3–8
- English I and English II
- Spanish RLA grades 3–5
All students at a selected campus who are enrolled in an assigned grade or course and who are scheduled to take the corresponding STAAR assessment in spring 2024 should participate in the stand-alone field test. This includes emergent bilingual students and students who receive special education services, unless a student requires an accommodation that is not available for the field test. (Most online accommodations—including content and language supports, text-to-speech, and speech-to-text—will be available for students who need them, but American Sign Language and Braille versions will not be available for the stand-alone field test.) Updating a student’s required documentation is not necessary for participation in the field test or for accommodations used during the field test.
(LEAs may administer the field test at any time during the testing window. TEA will provide test administration instructions online. No paper test booklets, answer documents, or other print materials will be sent to LEAs, nor will LEAs receive field-test data from this administration.
LEA Requirements
LEAs will be notified of their selection to participate in the February 2024 STAAR Stand-Alone Field Test by August 7, 2023. The design of the sampling plan minimizes the assignments for each selected campus. When identifying the field-test sample, the sampling plan excludes certain campuses (for example, campuses selected to administer the National Assessment of Education Progress in 2024).
As required by Texas Education Code, Section 39.035, administering the February 2024 STAAR Stand-Alone Field Test is mandatory for those campuses that are selected. Field-test data from a sample of students who are representative of the state are critical to the state’s ability to build high-quality assessments, and TEA recognizes the challenges campuses face regarding time and personnel resources when they are selected to participate in mandatory state testing activities. Your continued support of these crucial activities is greatly appreciated.
Campuses that were not selected to participate in the stand-alone field test may also volunteer to administer it. To do so, district testing coordinators should submit the name of the district and campuses and the grades and courses for which they wish to volunteer to Texas Testing Support at 833-601-8821, TexasTestingSupport@cambiumassessment.com, or TexasAssessment.gov via live chat. The deadline to volunteer for the stand-alone field test is November 30, 2023.
For more information regarding the STAAR redesign, refer to the STAAR Redesign webpage on the TEA website. If you have any questions about the stand-alone field test, please submit them to TEA using the Student Assessment Help Desk.
Assessment Scoring and Reporting
For questions or assistance regarding the information in this communication, contact Texas Testing Support at 833-601-8821, TexasTestingSupport@cambiumassessment.com, or TexasAssessment.gov via live chat. Dates available in the Calendar of Events.
June STAAR Administration
June 2023 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR®) early student results with performance level information will be available in the Central Reporting System (CRS) beginning July 19, 2023, for district testing coordinators. Early data files will be posted to district coordinators’ secure inboxes in the Test Information Distribution Engine (TIDE) on the same date. Early results from CRS are in a custom data file format available on the Technology Resources page of the Texas Assessment website. Early student results from this administration will be available in CRS for other authorized users beginning July 24.
STAAR ALTERNATE 2 Administration
The STAAR Alternate 2 grades 3–8 student results with performance levels will be available in CRS beginning July 17, 2023. Raw score conversions tables will be available on the Texas Education Agency Student Assessment website on July 18.
2023–2024 Minimum System Requirements
Minimum System Requirements for the 2023–2024 school year are now available in the Technology Resources section of the District and Campus Coordinator Resources. The updated desktop secure browser version 16 for supporting versions of macOS, Windows, and Linux is now available on the Texas Assessment website. District personnel must update desktop secure browsers to version 16 for the new school year. Additionally, the URLs for the Test Delivery System (TDS) will be updated for the 2023–2024 school year.
TFAR Update
The Texas Formative Assessment Resource (TFAR) user interface has been redesigned to streamline user interactions in the system. Users can gain assistance by clicking the help button at the top right corner within the Authoring User Interface. More resources will be available soon.
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Preliminary 2022 - 2023 Performance Reporting Calendar
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May 19
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Preliminary 2023 Accountability Manual Release and Public Comment Period Opened
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May 24
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CCMR Verifier (2022 Graduates) Corrections Window Opened
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May 31
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What If Report (TEAL) Release; A–F Refresh Communications Resources Posted
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June 9
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2023 A–F Estimator (TEAL) Release
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June 20
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Preliminary 2023 Accountability Manual Public Comment Period Closes
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June 21
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CCMR Verifier (2022 Graduates) Correction Window Closes
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June 30
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CCMR Tracker, Part 2A (TEAL) Release (2022-23 grade 9-12 students) Campus Comparison Groups (TEAL) Release
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Late July
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CCMR Final Listing (2022 Graduates)
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August 4
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CCMR Tracker, Part 2B (TEAL) Release: Inclusion of sunsetting IBCs
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Summer 2023
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2023 A–F Refresh Parent Resources; Explanatory Materials; Videos Released
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Early September 2023
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Final 2023 Accountability Manual (All Chapters and Appendices) Released
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Fall 2023
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Results Driven Accountability (RDA) Integration Taskforce Meeting (Taskforce members to be selected and notified in mid-July)
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September 26
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2023 Accountability Ratings Published (TEAL) Accountability Appeals Registration Window Opens
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September 28
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2022 What If Ratings Public Publication and 2023 Accountability Ratings Published (TXschools.gov)
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Late September
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PEG List Posted
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January 2024
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Appeals Resolved; Final Ratings; TAPR; School Report Card; and Federal Report Card Posted
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