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:
- October Stakeholder Engagement Sessions: Reading Language Arts Beginning-of-the-Year Frequently Asked Questions
- Celebrate Freedom Week: Week of September 17
- Hispanic Heritage Month
- Timely Topic: Speech Graduation Requirement
Topic: Reading Language Arts Beginning-of-the-Year Frequently Asked Questions
Target Audience: Reading Language Arts Stakeholders: Teachers, District Administrators, Campus Administrators, Education Service Center Specialists, Parents, Professional Organizations
Session Description: The TEA reading language arts team in the Curriculum Standards and Student Support Division will be providing answers to some of the most frequently asked questions received during the first semester of each school year. Additionally, there will be an opportunity for questions and discussion on topics related to reading language arts curriculum standards and requirements.
Dates and Times:
Wednesday, October 16 @ 10:00 a.m. Registration Link
Thursday, October 17 @ 2:00 p.m. Registration Link
Celebrate Freedom Week (TEC § 29.907) coincides with Constitution Week, established by the U.S. Congress (36 USC §106) to encourage all Americans to learn about the Constitution. Both Celebrate Freedom Week and Constitution Week focus on September 17, the date in 1787 when delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution.
During the Celebrate Freedom Week, Texas schools highlight the values and ideals on which the United States was founded as well as the sacrifices that were made for freedom in the founding of the country. Students learn about the intent, meaning, and importance of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, including the Bill of Rights. Students also examine the relationship between the ideas in these documents and subsequent American history.
The TEA Celebrate Freedom Week web page provides resources that include a variety of lessons, activities, and instructional materials for Celebrate Freedom Week and Constitution Day.
Each year, from September 15 to October 15, we celebrate the history and cultural contributions of Hispanic Americans in the United States. Students learn about the contributions in science, arts, literature, and culture of Hispanics throughout American history.
The TEA has created a web page focused on providing resources for Hispanic Heritage Month that include instructional materials, activities, and lessons that can be used to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and to support instruction in Mexican American Studies.
To support Texas reading language arts educators and stakeholders, our newsletter occasionally highlights a commonly asked question. This edition’s timely topic is below.
Question: How can students meet the speech graduation requirement?
Answer: As specified in §74.11(a)(3), to receive a high school diploma, a student must have demonstrated proficiency, in Grade 8 or higher, as determined by the district in which the student is enrolled, in delivering clear verbal messages; choosing effective nonverbal behaviors; listening for desired results; applying valid critical-thinking and problem-solving processes; and identifying, analyzing, developing, and evaluating communication skills needed for professional and social success in interpersonal situations, group interactions, and personal and professional presentations.
Each school district is responsible for ensuring that students demonstrate proficiency in these communication skills.
School districts can fulfill this responsibility by various means, such as requiring a specific communications course or embedding the skills in one or more other courses. Local districts also have flexibility to provide various means for students to demonstrate the skills. These are all local district decisions.
|
Thank you for your commitment to serving Texas students.
Reading Language Arts Team
Curriculum Standards and Student Support Division
(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.
|
