English Language Arts Newsletter
Thank you for subscribing to the TEA English language arts newsletter.
Today's newsletter provides information related to the following topics:
- English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS) Review
- English Language Arts Timely Topic
- TEA English Language Arts Newsletter Survey
- Texas SPED Support Website
- New Technology Applications Newsletter
- The Texas Virtual School Network (TXVSN) Can Help Meet Students’ English Language Arts Course Needs
- Apply for Texas Assessment Educator Committees
The State Board of Education (SBOE) has the authority for the review and adoption of the state curriculum standards, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), and the English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS).
TEA began convening work groups to develop recommendations for revisions to the ELPS in 2019. The ELPS review was temporarily postponed in 2020. The process was resumed in 2023.
Updates regarding the ELPS review and opportunities to submit feedback will be provided on the TEA ELPS Review and Revision web page.
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To support Texas reading language arts educators and stakeholders, the reading language arts newsletter will highlight a commonly asked question and response focused on a timely reading language arts topic. This edition’s timely topic question is below.
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Question: Can Advanced Placement (AP) Seminar or AP Research substitute for English III or be used to meet any of the four English language arts credits required for high school graduation?
Answer: No, AP Seminar and AP Research cannot substitute for English III or be used to meet high school graduation requirements for reading language arts. Both of these AP courses are state-approved innovative courses. With the approval of the local board of trustees, school districts and open-enrollment charters may offer any state-approved innovative course for state elective credit only. Innovative courses may not meet any other specific graduation requirement.
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The reading language arts team at TEA would like to invite stakeholders to provide input regarding what information would be valuable to see in future editions of this newsletter. |
Interested stakeholders are encouraged to provide their input and have their voices heard by completing this survey.
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The Texas SPED Support website is a one-stop-shop for educators and administrators who support students served by special education. The website houses special education resources such as online courses, printable tools and templates, guidebooks, and a robust video library. Sign up for a Texas SPED Support account today to follow topics related to your specific needs. |
For questions regarding any of the special education technical assistance resources housed on Texas SPED Support, please contact sped@tea.texas.gov.
Additionally, you can follow Texas SPED Support on social media for real-time updates.
Follow on Facebook, Instagram, & Threads: @TexasSPEDSupport
Follow on Twitter: @TXSPEDSupport
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Based on input from educators and stakeholders, TEA has begun publication of a new technology applications newsletter. Readers may find a variety of technology applications-specific information that will be addressed throughout the year, such as
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- the revised Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for technology applications;
- timely topics with frequently asked questions (FAQs);
- relevant information and useful information from external technology applications organizations; and
- other news related to technology applications.
To sign up for the new technology applications newsletter, please complete the following steps:
- Go to https://tea.texas.gov/
- Click on “Sign Up for Updates” near the top of the page.
- Enter your email address and click “Submit.”
- Select “Technology Applications” under the Academics tab.
- Click “Submit” at the bottom of the page.
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Need help meeting a student’s course needs?
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The Texas Virtual School Network (TXVSN) can help meet students’ needs through TEA-approved online courses. The TXVSN statewide course catalog provides schools and students access to high school, Advanced Placement, career and technical education, and dual credit courses for initial credit or credit recovery. The course catalog provides all the required English language arts courses needed to meet a student's graduation requirement.
The TXVSN courses are aligned to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and taught by Texas-certified teachers trained in best practices in online instruction. Schools can use the TXVSN courses to create flexibility in a student’s schedule, allow a student to accelerate their learning, or address local teacher shortages. Students enrolled in a TXVSN course can generate funding regardless of whether the student is physically present at school while participating in the course. For more information about the courses offered through the TXVSN, please visit the TXVSN website or contact the TXVSN Help Desk.
Each year the Texas Education Agency (TEA) invites Texas educators to provide feedback on the development of state assessments (STAAR, STAAR Alternate 2, and TELPAS) through educator committees across all assessed grades and content areas. Developing high-quality, aligned questions relies on the expertise and experience of Texas educators. Participants collaborate with other educators from across the state to review, edit, and approve each potential question for state assessments. TEA is specifically looking for educators from your region!
The commitment is generally two to three days in Austin with all travel, accommodations, and substitute coverage paid for by TEA. All participants will earn Continuing Professional Education credits. If you are interested or know other educators who would like to participate in a committee, fill out the application form on the TEA Texas Educator Committees webpage.
For assistance with your questions about any Texas assessment program, please submit an inquiry or a request for assistance to the Student Assessment Help Desk or by phone: 512-463-9536
Thank you for your commitment to serving Texas students.
Reading Language Arts Team
Curriculum Standards and Student Support Division
curriculum@tea.texas.gov
(512) 463-9581
For questions or additional information, please visit the English language arts and reading webpage or submit a Curriculum Request Form through the TEA Help Desk.
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