Welcome
This newsletter compiles the most up-to-date information concerning what EPPs need to know to best support their faculty/instructors, staff, and candidates. Please thoroughly read all the sections for reminders, upcoming events, To Dos, and FAQs.
If you are not currently subscribed to the newsletter, please sign up at the link below.
Educator Preparation Program Listserv Registration
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New Certification Officer Training
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This training will provide information to Certification Officers related to requirements and processes for EPPs including the use of the various functions within ECOS for Entities. Please register to attend virtually. You do not have to be a new Certification Officer to attend. Note: This notice will be in the newsletter for 2 weeks as a preview for planning purposes. We will publish this training information again 2 weeks prior to the event.
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Tuesday, November 7, 2023, from 9:00 AM-3:30 PM
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TIER Information Sessions for EPPs
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The TEA initiative, Tiered Interventions using Evidence-based Research (TIER) provides training, resources, and supports on best practices for multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS). These sessions will share information about all the free resources available for EPPs.
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Topic
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Action Item
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Due Date
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Qualified applicants may submit proposals through the Region 13 bidding website
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Deadline Extended Tuesday, November 28, 2023
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Updates related to Educator Preparation Program Management
New: Updated data in Insight to Impact Dashboards
As you might have seen, the Insight to Impact Dashboards have been updated with new data related to candidate employment. In addition, Student Growth data for the 2021-2022 school year has been added. If you have any questions or concerns about the data, please submit a ticket to the Insight to Impact Help Desk.
Updates related to Educator Standards and Certification Testing
Deadline Extended: Texas-specific Teacher Performance Assessment Request for Proposal
The Request for Proposal (RFP) for the development of the Texas-specific Teacher Performance Assessment (TPA) is now posted on the Region 13 bidding website. Qualified applicants from Texas institutions of higher education are encouraged to submit a proposal to complete all development activities and create all aligned statewide implementation resources for a Texas-specific teacher performance assessment. The deadline for proposals has been extended to November 28, 2023.
Reminder: TX186 Special Education Specialist EC-12 Pilot Test Opportunity
Pearson is conducting pilot testing for the updated 186 Special Education Specialist exam. Pilot testing is intended to collect information on the performance of exam questions to be used at future exam administrations. Pilot testing will be available at Pearson VUE test centers throughout Texas from October 17, 2023, through November 13, 2023. Registration information can be found here. Please note that participation in a pilot test does not satisfy certification requirements or count against a candidate’s test attempts. Participants and educator preparation programs do not receive a Pass/Fail status or a score report. If you have questions or need further information, please contact the Texas Educator Certification Examination Program at estexas@pearson.com.
We take this space to highlight questions that we have heard from EPPs.
Q: How can my EPP verify that each cooperating teacher, mentor, and site supervisor assigned to a candidate is qualified?
A: Each cooperating teacher, mentor, and site supervisor must meet the qualification requirements of 1) certification; 2) experience; and 3) accomplishment as an educator (as shown by student learning) per 19 TAC §228.2(14), §228.2(26), and §228.2(33) respectively. Evidence of qualifications may include valid educator certificates, official service records, campus report cards, letters of recommendation, resumes, or cooperating teacher/mentor/site supervisor agreements signed by campus or district personnel, as applicable to the qualification being verified. The EPP must retain evidence of qualifications in each candidate file per records retention requirements in 19 TAC §228.40(f).
Q: What if the cooperating teacher, mentor, or site supervisor does not meet the requirements for qualification as such?
A: If a cooperating teacher, mentor, or site supervisor that meets the certification and/or experience requirement is not available, the EPP shall collaborate with the campus or district administrator to assign an individual who most closely meets the criteria and document the reason for selecting the individual who does not meet the criteria per 19 TAC §228.35(f). The EPP must retain evidence in each candidate file per records retention requirements in 19 TAC §228.40(f) for why the individual was selected.
Your best source for information and support at the TEA.
As an Educator Preparation Program, your main point of contact is your Education Specialist.
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View a list of EPPs and their associated Education Specialist.
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For easiest assistance, please submit a Help Desk ticket to Preparation Programs.
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Or EPPs (and candidates) may call (512) 936-8400 and select Option #5: Educator Preparation Programs. If an Education Specialist is not available to answer the call at that time, please leave a voicemail. An Education Specialist will promptly return the call.
Updated: If EPPs (and candidates) would like to speak to a representative from another area(s), they may call (512) 936-8400 and select one of the options listed below.
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Option 2: Educator Certification
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Option 3: Fingerprinting
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Option 6: Investigations
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Option 8: General Office Information
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