 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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EPP Support Webinar: Revised Classroom Teacher Pedagogy Standards
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EPPS have the opportunity to learn about the revised Classroom Teacher Pedagogy Standards currently being considered
by the SBEC.
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New: Webinar Alert for Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs): Understanding Research-Based Instructional Strategies (RBIS)
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Join TEA for an engaging webinar designed specifically for Educator Preparation Programs! This session will focus on Research-Based Instructional Strategies (RBIS) and their critical role in ensuring equitable, on-grade-level instructional opportunities for all students across Texas classrooms. This webinar is an excellent opportunity for all EPP staff to gain a high-level understanding of RBIS and their synergy with High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM).
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Wednesday,
January 22, 2025
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Updates related to Educator Preparation Program Management
New: Updated 2024-2025 Technical Manual Now Posted
The 2024-2025 Technical Manual was updated on 12/12/2024 to reflect information and guidance related to the Residency route to certification. The updated 2024-2025 Technical Manual is posted on the Program Provider Resources page under Forms and Documents.
New: TEA Closure and Happy Holidays
TEA will be closed for the holidays starting December 23, 2024, and will reopen on January 2, 2025. The EPP Newsletter will resume on January 8, 2024. We hope that you and those you hold dear enjoy a relaxing and peaceful time of reflection and celebration. We look forward to working with all of you in the new year. Happy Holidays!
Updates related to Educator Standards and Certification Testing
Reminder: EPP Support Webinar: Revised Classroom Teacher Pedagogy Standards
This webinar, scheduled for January 13 from 2:00–3:30, is open to all EPPS to learn about the revised Classroom Teacher Pedagogy Standards currently being considered by the SBEC. The standards outline the training requirements for pre-service teachers and aim to ensure that newly certified teachers are well-prepared to meet the needs of their districts. EPPs will learn how the standards support the effective preparation of teachers and hear from district representatives about how to leverage strong district-EPP partnerships to support the implementation of key standards-aligned practices.
Updates related to actions by the State Board for Educator Certification, the State Board of Education, and the Legislature.
Reminder: SBEC Approved 15 Educator Preparation Programs for the Texas Teacher Residency Preparation Route (TTPRP)
Congratulations to the following 15 EPPs who are now SBEC approved to offer the TTRPR. They may begin to offer the TTPRP to their candidates as soon as this Spring term with completers at the end of the Fall 25 term who are able to earn the enhanced standard certification.
- Angelo State University
- Austin Community College
- Concordia University
- Lamar University
- Region 1 ESC
- Region 19 ESC
- Tarleton University
- Texas A&M University Central
- Texas A&M University International
- Texas Christian University
- Texas Wesleyan University
- University of Houston Main
- University of Houston-Victoria
- University of Texas El Paso
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Reminder: December SBEC Meeting
An SBEC meeting was held on Friday, December 6, 2024. Please , including approval of the 15 EPPs to offer the TTRPR referenced above, adoption of Chapter 228 second round of updates, proposed requirements for special education-related personnel assignments, and discussion of the bilingual special education standards. More information about the SBEC meeting, including the meeting agenda and access to view the meeting virtually, can be found on the SBEC webpage.
We take this space to highlight questions that we have heard from .
Q: Why is my EPP not able to use the “Add Field Supervisor “link to add a new field supervisor?
A: There is a current problem in ECOS related to manually adding Field Supervisors. TEA Staff are aware of the problem, and it should be resolved soon. However, you can still add Field Supervisors via CSV upload on the "Upload Observations" screen in ECOS for Entities. Please see the Guide for Uploading Field Supervisors in ECOS for Entities located on the Program Provider Resources page under Forms and Documents on the TEA website for additional guidance.
Q: We have a field supervisor who is no longer employed with our EPP. How do we remove that field supervisor from our ECOS for Entities field supervisor database?
A: A field supervisor cannot be removed from your ECOS for Entities field supervisor database if you have reported candidate observations conducted by that field supervisor. The field supervisor list is meant to retain records of all field supervisors who have conducted observations for an EPP, rather than just a list of active field supervisors.
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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