February 22, 2024: Texas Educator Preparation Programs Newsletter

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Texas Education Agency

February 22, 2024

Texas Educator Preparation Programs Newsletter

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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


Upcoming Deadlines

Topic

Action Item

Due Date

Reading Academies Authorized Provider Application 

This opportunity is open to Texas Educator Preparation Programs interested in becoming Authorized Providers, and the application is now available. 

Additional information about Texas Reading Academies can be found on the Reading Academies website. For questions regarding Reading Academies or the opportunity to become an Authorized Provider you may submit questions or request additional information using the Zendesk at TEALearn Help Center.

Submission due by: February 23, 2024 

EPP Y5 Qualtrics Application   

Preview of Qualtrics Application


Educator Preparation Program Support

Updates related to Educator Preparation Program Management 

New: EPP Accreditation Statuses
The Accountability System for Educator Preparation dashboard has now been updated to reflect accreditation statuses and indicator results from the 2022-2023 school year. 

New: Commendations Celebrations
We extend congratulations to all programs awarded commendations during the February SBEC meeting. Every year, the SBEC recognizes EPPs with commendations in four categories: Rigorous and Robust Preparation, Preparing the Educators Texas Needs, Preparing Educators for Long Term Success, and Innovative Educator Preparation. For more information about commendations and the full list of programs that received commendations, please visit the Program Provider Commendations Page.. 

For the Innovative Educator Preparation commendation, the SBEC recognized EPPs that engaged in innovative development of EPP faculty and staff, field supervisors, and/or cooperating and mentor teachers, in alignment with current research and best practices.  Both Dallas College and Tarleton State University received commendations in this area. 

For the full list of programs that received commendations, please visit the Program Provider Commendations Page. 


Updates about SBEC, Rules, and Legislation 

Updates related to actions by the State Board for Educator Certification, the State Board of Education, and the Legislature.  

Reminder: The February SBEC meeting was held on Friday, February 16th. More information about the SBEC meeting, including the meeting agenda and access to view the meeting recording, can be found on the SBEC webpage. 


FAQs

We take this space to highlight questions that we have heard from EPPs.

Q: Is there a requirement for more than one screen to determine if a Principal or Superintendent applicant has the knowledge, experience, skills, and aptitude for the certificate sought? 

A: Yes, the EPP must implement more than one screen when admitting applicants into a Principal or Superintendent program. This requirement is found in 19 TAC §241.5 and 19 TAC §242.5(c) respectively and identifies that the educator preparation program shall implement procedures that include screening activities to determine the candidate's appropriateness for the Superintendent Certificate as identified in 19 TAC §227.10(a)(8). 

Q: Would an essay meet the requirement as a screening instrument to determine if the EPP applicant's knowledge, experience, skills, and aptitude are appropriate for the certification sought? 

A: An essay with a rubric may be used as a screening instrument. The essay and rubric must be designed to measure the knowledge, experience, skills, and aptitude of the applicant. The essay with the aligned rubric enables the EPP to determine a cut score and objectively decide who is admitted to the EPP. The requirement is found in 19 TAC §227.10(a)(8). 


EPP Points of Contact

Your best source for information and support at the TEA.   

  • As an Educator Preparation Program, your main point of contact is your Education Specialist.   

    • View a list of EPPs and their assigned Education Specialist. 
    • For most efficient assistance, please submit a Help Desk ticket to Preparation Programs.   
    • EPPs may contact their assigned Education Specialist directly via phone or email. 
    • Candidates may call (512) 936-8400 and select Option #2: Educator Preparation and Certification for assistance.  
    • 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. 
    • Option 2: Educator Preparation and Certification  
    • Option 3: Fingerprinting  
    • Option 6: Investigations 

    The Teal Account Access team and Educator Testing team are available through the Help Desk. Links to both teams are below. 

Help Desk Link