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.
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Educator Preparation Program Listserv Registration
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Topic
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Description
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Event Date & Time
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The 186 Special Education Specialist EC-12 Framework Overview and Application Process Webinar will guide programs through an overview of the updated Special Education Specialist EC-12 exam framework, closely examine program application requirements and timeline, and provide programs an opportunity to exchange resources and discuss course/curriculum problems of practice. TEA staff will facilitate this webinar several times throughout the Fall semester. Programs are encouraged to attend the webinar that best suits their availability.
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Thursday,
October 24, 2024
2:30-5:00 pm CST
via Zoom
Friday,
November 22, 2024
9:00-11:30 am CST
via Zoom
Wednesday,
December 11, 2024
2:30-5:00 pm CST
via Zoom
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Deafblind EC-12 (185) Framework Overview and Application Process Webinar
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The 185 Deafblind EC-12 Framework Overview and Application Process Webinar will guide programs through an overview of the new Deafblind EC-12 exam framework, closely examine program application requirements and timeline, as well as provide programs an opportunity to connect with an optional, half-hour ‘unconference’.
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Wednesday,
October 16th, 2024
9:00-11:00 am CST
via Zoom
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Topic
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Action Item
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Due Date
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Please upload your data to ECOS and view your report. Submit a Help Desk Ticket as confirmation of task completion.
Note: This is only for public colleges and universities.
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10/10/2024
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Updates related to Educator Preparation Program Management
New: ECOS Pass Rates Program
Last week, an EPP alerted us to an issue with the ECOS pass rates screen. We conducted research and discovered that a recent update was not properly loading the counts of tests taken and passed properly. We have reverted to the previous methods and the issue should be fixed as of 10/4/2024. We intend to fix and implement the updated programming this year and encourage EPPs to contact us through the Helpdesk if you notice anything unexpected.
New: EPP ASEP Fee Invoices
On Tuesday, 10/22, TEA will be distributing invoices for the ASEP Technology Fee for 2023-2024 to EPPs. This fee is assessed for each candidate who was admitted to your educator preparation program during the 2023-2024 academic year. The number of candidates is taken from the number of individuals reported as admitted by your educator preparation program in ECOS. Additionally, as was the case last year, admissions for the prior year who were added this year via a data fix will be included in the count. This is because they were not included in the prior year’s invoice.
The invoice will have payment information, including information about how to pay using ACH and how to submit a payment by mail. Credit cards are not accepted. Please note that ACH payment is encouraged.
TEA will send invoices to the EPP Legal Authority. We will also send notification to Backup Legal Authorities and Certification Officers, to the extent that they are listed in our Contact List. Payment is due 30 days after receipt. Additional information about the ASEP Technology Fee is located in the Texas Administrative Code at 19 TAC §229.9.
Reminder: Insight to Impact Account Deactivation
Recently, several users received an automated email about their Insight to Impact Dashboards account being deactivated. This email is automatically generated when users have not logged in within the last 18 months. If you received this email and would like to retain access to the Insight to Impact application within TEAL, simply log in to TEAL and access the Insight to Impact Dashboards.
Updates related to Educator Standards and Certification Testing
Reminder: TX185 Deafblind EC-12 Framework Overview and Application Process Webinar
As we approach the September 2025 launch of the updated 185 Deafblind EC-12 certificate and aligned certification exam, we are excited to announce an upcoming webinar to guide programs through an overview of the exam framework as well as review application requirements to offer this new certification. All programs planning to offer the new 185 Deafblind EC-12 certificate beginning 9/1/2025 are highly encouraged to attend the upcoming TX185 Deafblind EC-12 Framework Overview and Application Process Webinar.
Please review the additional information below and reach out to your assigned Education Specialist with any questions.
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What?
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The TX185 Deafblind EC-12 Framework Overview and Application Process Webinar will guide programs through an overview of the new Deafblind EC-12 exam framework, closely examine program application requirements and timeline, as well as provide programs an opportunity to connect with an optional, half-hour ‘unconference’.
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When?
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Wednesday, October 16th, 2024, from 9:00-11:00 am CT via Zoom
We take this space to highlight questions that we have heard from .
Q: I can see an option for “Residency” in various places in ECOS Entities, including “750 Hours (SBEC Approved Residency)” listed as a Clinical Teaching Model in the Clinical Experience Records (CER). If my EPP currently offers a full-year residency, should I use those options?
A: No, EPPs should not use the Residency route options at this time. The Residency options in ECOS Entities interfaces are only to be used by those EPPs who have SBEC-approved residencies as detailed in 19 TAC §228.15(b). There are currently no EPPs with SBEC-approved residency programs. When creating Clinical Experience Records for a current full-year residency, use the “28 weeks half-day” model, which is also the model for clinical teaching that extends past one semester. If you have questions about the Residency model, please contact TEAteacherresidency@tea.texas.gov.
Q: My EPP has candidates who began the internship at the end of August 2024. We did not create the Clinical Experience Records (CER) at the time they began. Is it too late to do so now?
A: It is not too late to add CER. If you find that candidates who began the clinical experience in August 2024 do not have a CER yet, you can add it. Go to the Clinical Experience Records tab on your green screen. Search by TEA ID and click the Add Record button to get the CER started. You have the option to select the Record Type as either “Clinical Teaching,” “Non-teacher,” or “Teacher Internship.” Select the type of CER the candidate will be completing and then enter the required Clinical Teaching Experience information. You also have the option to upload CER in bulk. The 2024-2025 Technical Manual posted on the Program Provider Resources page under Forms and Documents will provide you with step-by-step instructions for creating CER for all candidates in your EPP.
Your best source for information and support at the TEA.
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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 assigned Education Specialist.
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For most efficient assistance, please submit a Help Desk ticket to Preparation Programs.
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EPPs may contact their assigned Education Specialist directly via phone or email.
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Candidates may call (512) 936-8400 and select Option #2: Educator Preparation and Certification for assistance.
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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 Preparation and Certification
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Option 3: Fingerprinting
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Option 6: Investigations
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