 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
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. We strongly encourage those faculty or staff who
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Topic
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Description
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Event Date & Time
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Special Education Specialist EC-12 (186) Framework Overview and Application Process Webinars
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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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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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New: Core Subjects EC-6 Exam Frameworks
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Public comments are being requested through December 16, 2024, on the draft Core Subjects EC–6 content frameworks. The frameworks will help guide the test development process for the new Core Subjects EC–6 exams and the optional fifth subtests. Visit the TEA website to review the available exam frameworks. Comments may be sent to Kaye Jernigan.
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Monday, December 16, 2024
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Updates related to Educator Preparation Program Management
Reminder: TPI-US + TEA CAR Reviewer Interest Form
TPI–US, under the direction of TEA and SBEC, is currently in the process of redesigning the five-year continuing approval review process for EPPs. The goal of the redesign is to provide substantive feedback to programs on areas of strength and opportunities for growth. As we work to ensure that our process reflects practices that are aligned with the EPF and built for the field and by the field, we are also working to recruit Texas content experts from Texas to be part of the review team. If you are interested in potentially becoming a reviewer with TPI-US for Texas reviews, please take a moment to provide the requested information on this form by Friday, November 22nd.
An in-person training will be held December 16-18, 2024, in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
Updates related to Educator Standards and Certification Testing
New: Feedback for the Draft Core Subjects EC-6 Exam Framework
Public comments are being requested through December 16, 2024, on the draft Core Subjects EC-6 exam framework. The framework will help guide the test development process for the new Core Subjects EC–6 individual sub-tests. Information on how to submit your comments can be found on the Educator Standards and Test Frameworks page.
Updates related to agency initiatives and opportunities
New: 25-27 Texas Strategic Staffing Grant to LEAs
TEA announced and posted a new competitive grant opportunity for LEAs, the 2025-2027 Texas Strategic Staffing Grant for Sustainable, Paid Teacher Residency Program, on November 18th. The grant provides funding and technical assistance for LEAs to develop paid residency programs in partnership with an EPP. Although this is a grant to LEAs, in order to be eligible for the award the LEA must partner with an EPP that plans to offer the Residency Preparation Route. Additionally, grant guidelines require the LEA to budget at least $10,000 of the grant award for contracted services with their partner EPP to help fund field supervisor work in the Implementation Year of the grant, 2026-2027.
To be eligible to apply, the LEA’s partner EPP must have been approved, received notification of recommendation, or have applied to offer the residency preparation route by the final 2024 deadline (December 9th). EPPs are encouraged to review the grant’s program guidelines posted on the TEA Grant Opportunities page and register for the introductory webinar taking place this Friday, November 22nd at 9:00 am. Although TEA is unable to answer grant-related questions individually, questions submitted to the grant contact (william.sea@tea.texas.gov) will be added to a FAQ.
New: Thanksgiving Break Update
The EPP newsletter will not be issued next week in observance of the holiday. Publication will resume on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.
We take this space to highlight questions that we have heard from .
Q: Can an EPP become an approved provider for Dyslexia Training?
A: No, an EPP cannot provide the required Dyslexia Training. The only approved provider for Dyslexia Training is the one accessed from the Program Provider Resources page. From that page, you will find the Dyslexia Requirements for EPPs page. You can access the TEALearn TEA Dyslexia Training from the website. The TEALearn dyslexia course meets the requirements in TEC §21.044(c), and the purpose of the course is to empower educators to serve and advocate for students with or at risk for dyslexia. All candidates completing an EPP, seeking initial certification in any certification class, must receive instruction in the detection and education of students with dyslexia as required in the Texas Education Code [TEC §21.044(b)] and the Texas Administrative Code [reference 19 TAC §228.57(c)(2)].
Q: Must all candidates seeking initial certification receive instruction in the framework for teacher and principal evaluation?
A: Yes, all candidates must receive instruction in the framework for teacher and principal evaluation. This includes candidates seeking initial Teacher, Principal, Superintendent, School Counselor, Reading Specialist, Educational Diagnostician, and School Librarian certification. All candidates seeking initial certification in any class must have a basic understanding of the frameworks for evaluation. Reference 19 TAC §228.57(c)(6)
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 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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