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
Reminder: 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.
Updates related to Educator Preparation and Certification
NEW: 2023-24 Updated Vetted Teacher Residency Program List
The 2023-24 Vetted Teacher Residency Program List includes Texas EPPs that offer high-quality teacher residency programs. The 37 EPPs who have been designated as vetted teacher residency programs for 2023-24 are eligible to partner with districts awarded with residency supports incentives, including:
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Texas Covid Learning Acceleration Support (TCLAS) Decision 5: Residency Program Support Grant
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2023-2025 Texas Strategic Staffing Grant
We take this space to highlight questions that we have heard from EPPs.
Q: Should our EPP field supervisors sign the Educator Code of Ethics before working with our candidates?
A: Yes. Per 19 TAC §228.50, the educator preparation program shall ensure that the individuals preparing candidates and the candidates themselves understand and adhere to Chapter 247 (relating to the Educator Code of Ethics (ECOE)). This requirement includes field supervisors. The best way for the EPP to ensure that the requirement is met is to require everyone to provide a signed, dated ECOE that states that they “understand and will adhere” to the ECOE.
Q: What is my EPPs responsibility as it relates to complaints?
A: The EPP must ensure that prospective & current candidates and EPP staff know how to file a complaint with your EPP and TEA. Per 19 TAC §228.70(b)(1-4), each EPP is required to:
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Adopt and send to TEA staff, for inclusion in the EPP’s records, a complaint procedure that requires the EPP to attempt to resolve complaints at the EPP level in a timely manner before a complaint is filed with TEA staff.
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Post on its website a link to the TEA complaints website along with information regarding how to file a complaint under the EPP’s policy.
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Post a notification at all physical site(s) used by employees and candidates, in a conspicuous location, that includes information regarding filing a complaint with TEA staff.
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Upon the request of an individual, the EPP shall provide information in writing regarding filing a complaint under the EPP’s complaint policy and the procedures to submit a complaint to TEA staff.
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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