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Come to Austin February 5-7 for TCTA 2009 Convention
More than 500 delegates are expected to attend the 2009 Annual Convention of the TCTA at the Sheraton Hotel in Austin on Feb. 5-7, 2009. The TCTA Representative Assembly will elect statewide officers and members of the Board of Directors, review and vote on the Association's 2009 legislative program and adopt policy positions on many current issues in education. Participants also will have an opportunity to earn continuing professional education units at numerous mini-conference sessions to be held on Friday, Feb. 6. Read more...
Convention Quick Links:
Hotel Information (reservation deadline Jan. 21, 2009)
Capitol Visit/Mini-Conference/Awards Luncheon Registration (deadline Jan. 23, 2009)
Uniform GPA revised rules issued for public comment
The Texas Higher Education Coordination Board has issued revised proposed rules on the Uniform High School Grade Point Average Calculation. After intense pressure from school districts and educators, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board issued revised rules for public comment that address many of the concerns raised about an earlier version of the proposed rules. Read more...
Clear Creek CTA member receives national recognition
Clear Creek CTA member Margaret Calagna has received the Milken Family Foundation's National Educator Award. The coveted recognition carries with it a $25,000 cash prize, which Margaret can spend as she wishes. A grade 2 teacher at Armand Bayou Elementary School, Margaret is one of about 80 educators nationwide being recognized this year with the Milken Educator Award, which is designed to honor and reward exemplary teachers. Read more...
TCTA comments positively impact new DAEP standards
The TEA has rewritten the rules for disciplinary alternative education programs (DAEPs), incorporating several positive changes suggested by TCTA. TCTA was the only teacher association to comment on the recently adopted rules providing standards for the operation of DAEPs required by House Bill 426, which passed during the 80th legislative session. HB 426 amended the Education Code, and required TEA to adopt rules for school districts with DAEPs to ensure a quality education for students enrolled in such programs. Read more...
Obama names Chicago superintendent as education secretary
President-elect Barack Obama announced Tuesday Arne Duncan, the chief executive officer of the Chicago Public Schools, as his education secretary. Obama said that Duncan, with over seven years of experience as head of Chicago's school system, was "the most hands-on of hands-on practitioners." Read more...
TEA needs assistance in nominating state review panelists
The Texas Education Agency is asking for your help in nominating Proclamation 2010 state review panelists. These members review instructional materials to determine coverage of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Read more…
Final regulations to help school officials in emergencies
School districts will soon have more flexibility when it comes to handling emergency situations. The U.S. Department of Education has released final regulations that will make it easier for officials to gain access to students’ education records when health or safety threats arise. These changes to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) will take effect Jan. 8, 2009. Read more...
Educators could benefit from new mortgage credit program
Professional educators are among the people eligible for a new program benefitting first-time homebuyers. Created by the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC), the Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) program is a tax credit that reduces tax liability. This reduction increases the amount of disposable income available to purchase a home. To qualify, homebuyers must meet the income and home purchase price limits. Read more...
Free booklets teach appropriate use of credit cards
The Center for Student Credit Card Education, Inc. (CSCCE) is offering its free credit card literacy program to TCTA members. "The ABCs of Credit Card Finance–Essential Facts for Students" program provides information on choosing and responsibly using a credit card. TCTA members have until Jan. 31 to order free copies of the booklet (one per student). Find out how to order…
Select Accountability Committee issues final report
A proposed new accountability system framework, which is likely to result in legislation in the upcoming session, has been issued in a final report by the Select Committee on Public School Accountability. Read more...
Texas education commissioner to make recommendations to president-elect
Texas Commissioner of Education Robert Scott has been selected to serve on a 10-member task force to develop education recommendations that could be carried out during the first 100 days of the Obama administration.
TCTA member named Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year
TCTA sends its congratulations to McAllen CTA member Dora Alicia Newell, a grade 3 teacher at Thigpen-Zavala Elementary School, who has been named Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year. Christine Gleason, an English teacher at Fabens High School, was named the Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year. Gleason will advance and represent Texas in the national competition. Read TEA's press release for more information.
SBOE considers science TEKS, graduation requirements and more in lengthy meeting
The State Board of Education held a four-day meeting (Nov. 18-21, 2008) to consider several controversial items, including whether new science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) should include evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the scientific theory of evolution and whether athletics should count as an academic elective under the state high school graduation programs. Read more...
Watch the TRS’ 2008 fall report card tour
The Teacher Retirement System concluded its series of "Report Card" meetings across the state with a Nov. 20 meeting in Richardson. For those who were unable to attend the meetings (which were held in Austin, Lubbock, Harlingen, Houston and Richardson in October and November), TRS videotaped the Houston event and has made it available online.
Businesses recognized for their support of education
The State Board of Education Friday honored 14 Texas businesses, organizations and governmental entities for encouraging employees to volunteer in the state's 8,000-plus public schools. Read TEA's press release for more information.
TCTA opposes TRS defined contribution system proposal
The Senate State Affairs Committee met Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008, to consider issues relating to the Teacher Retirement System and other public pension funds. A specific topic that raised alarms for the education community, and that was included in the committee’s list of interim charges, was that of converting the state retirement systems to "defined contribution" plans for future employees. Read more...
TCTA critical of move requiring pre-K expansion grant partnerships
TCTA is concerned about new rules proposed by the Commissioner of Education that would require public schools to share use of an existing Head Start or child care program site as a prekindergarten site in order to participate in the prekindergarten expansion grant program. Read more...
TRS Board considers latest valuation, replaces new fiduciary counsel
The TRS Board of Trustees received information about the fund’s financial health for the 2007-08 fiscal year at its meeting on Nov. 14, 2008. The market value of the fund on Aug. 31, 2008 was down $7.2 billion from the 2007 valuation, but of greater concern is the $20 billion drop since August. Read more...
You win some, you lose some...
Both political parties in Texas had reason to celebrate and mourn when the dust cleared Wednesday morning after an extraordinary election season. While Democrats gained strength at the national level with the historic election of Barack Obama to the presidency and gains in the U.S. Senate and House, the Texas results were mixed. Read the highlights of Election Day in Texas.
Revised federal regulations make major changes in key areas of No Child Left Behind
With not much chance that the federal No Child Left Behind Act will be reauthorized by Congress any time soon, the current presidential administration used the last months in office to take matters into its own hands. Some of the changes made were in response to a growing chorus of protests from states and educators about troublesome aspects of the current NCLB, such as the lack of provisions for counting student growth as a means of meeting Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). Some 400 stakeholders, including TCTA, made their opinions known on proposed regulations issued this spring. Following is an analysis of the final regulations released in late October by the U.S. Secretary of Education, as well as the status of TCTA’s input. Read more...
March deadline for NASA summer workshops
Texas middle school teachers are invited to apply for one of three summer workshops, during which they will learn about available NASA education resources for use in their classrooms. Administered by NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) and funded by the State of Texas, the Middle School Aerospace Scholars (MAS) program provides teachers an opportunity to experience a one-week summer workshop at JSC and participate in NASA distance learning events throughout the school year with their students. Teachers will work in teams, either from their own school, or with other educators from across the state, to develop an interdisciplinary curriculum plan for the following school year using NASA instructional materials and resources. Participants will attend scientist and engineer briefings as well as JSC behind-the-scenes tours. Some transportation, lodging, meals, and related activities are funded through MAS. To apply, visit the Middle School Aerospace Scholars website and complete the online application (March 17, 2009 deadline). For questions or more information, please contact Deborah Hutchings by phone at (281) 483-8623 or by e-mail.
New RTI websites provide practical assistance
Although few could argue with the theory behind RTI, the practical implications of its effect on how schools and educators operate are far from realized, given its relatively new appearance on the education scene. Read more...
H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2009 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards. The deadline for the school district nominations is Friday, Jan. 2, 2009. Read more...
TCTA provides input on TEA growth model
TCTA submitted comments on the preliminary growth model TEA submitted to the United States Department of Education for the purpose of including a student growth measure in calculations of Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in 2009. Read more...
Senator concerned about TRS divestiture
The Senate Government Organization Committee discussed TRS investments at its Oct. 27, 2008, meeting, focusing on the legislative mandate for TRS to divest from companies doing business in Sudan (and a subsequent request from Gov. Rick Perry to divest from companies in Iran). Sudan divestiture was the subject of Senate Bill 247, which passed the legislature and was signed into law in 2007. Read more...
Texas Governor's Mansion Restoration Fund
The Texas Governor's Mansion suffered significant damage this summer from arson. State elected leaders, concerned citizens, preservationists, and Texans from all walks of life were horrified and saddened by the damage to the historic Texas Governor's Mansion. Read more...
Final 2008 state accountability ratings and Gold Performance Acknowledgments posted
Accountability appeals boosted the ratings of six school districts and 27 campuses, final results show. Read more....
Senate Ed holds last interim charge meeting
The Senate Education Committee held its last interim committee hearing this week to review its remaining interim charges. The first part of the hearing was devoted to the issue of dropout prevention and recovery practices. Additionally, the committee reviewed an interim charge related to Career and Technology education in schools. Read more…
Senate committees discuss school finance / teacher salaries
The Senate Education Committee held a joint meeting Oct. 14 with the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Property Appraisal and Revenue Caps to consider interim charges relating to property tax rates and school funding issues. Read more...
Brownsville ISD wins country's largest education prize
The Brownsville Independent School District has won the 2008 Broad Prize for Urban Education, the largest education prize in the country awarded annually to the most improved school district. Bestowed by the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, the $2 million award honors urban school districts demonstrating the strongest student achievement and improvement in America while narrowing achievement gaps between income and ethnic groups. Brownsville CTA President John Clark traveled to New York City as a representative of the school district when the five finalists were interviewed. The Brownsville ISD will receive $1 million in college scholarships for graduating seniors next spring, while the four finalists including Aldine ISD, will each receive $250,000 in college scholarships. Read more…
Three out of every four Texas schools meet Adequate Yearly Progress
The Texas Education Agency reports that 75 percent of Texas schools and 66 percent of school districts met federal Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) standards in 2008. The increased number of students with disabilities now being assessed at grade level under the TAKS Accommodated and TAKS-M assessments caused fewer schools to earn a "Meets AYP" label for 2008. Read more...
Conference call with TRS executive director and new fiduciary counsel
A second member-wide conference call with TRS officials took place Monday, Oct. 6, 2008. The topic was the current national financial crisis and how it might affect TRS and school employee retirement; it was hosted by TRS Communications Director Howard Goldman and featured TRS Executive Director Ronnie Jung and fiduciary counsel Roel Campos. Read more about the call and how you can access the recording.
Dallas ISD layoffs approved, important information for TCTA members
The financial situation in the Dallas ISD has been a major concern for teachers and other district personnel due to a combination of bad facts and much uncertainty. The DISD budget shortfall seems to be increasing. While the Board has continued to seek all solutions short of personnel terminations, a reduction in force (RIF) may well happen and involve large numbers of employees. Because of this uncertainty, TCTA members in DISD should be aware of their rights if affected by a RIF. (PLEASE NOTE: TCTA had suggested to district trustees that some layoffs could potentially be averted by redirecting performance pay funds to retain jobs, but trustees approved the staff reductions by a 5 - 2 vote, with one abstention. Information regarding how to respond to notification has been e-mailed to Dallas CTA members, and TCTA stands ready to assist current members who may be targeted.) Read more about your rights.
New Grade Point Average (GPA) calculation rules proposed
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) has proposed rules requiring schools to use a uniform calculation when computing a student’s high school grade point average (GPA) for purposes of admission to institutions of higher education, including in top 10 and top 25 percent admissions. The THECB was directed to develop the standard method as a result of legislation passed in 2007. The rules provide, among other things, that only "academic" courses in certain subject areas shall be used in calculating the Uniform Grade Point Average, regardless of when the course was taken. It is unclear which courses in the specified subject areas would be considered "academic." Read more…
TEA releases information on state performance pay programs
TEA, along with the Institute for Public School Initiatives at the University of Texas System, is hosting regional implementation workshops related to the District Awards for Teacher Excellence (D.A.T.E.) and Texas Educator Excellence Grant (TEEG) programs. The workshops are designed to allow an exchange of information between districts on the plans submitted to participate in the programs. Also, the two organizations plan to hold a series of audio conferences for those districts that did not apply for the D.A.T.E. or TEEG.
TRS Board of Trustees fills controversial deputy director position
Though TCTA urged the TRS Board of Trustees to postpone major and controversial decisions such as the hiring of a deputy director, the Board selected Brian Guthrie, a budget expert from Gov. Rick Perry's office, to that position by a 5-4 vote on Sept. 19, 2008. Read more...
TCTA testifies on TEA's Legislative Appropriations request
It is customary before every legislative session for state agencies to present their proposed budgets to the state leadership under the auspices of the Legislative Budget Board. At the hearing for the TEA budget, TCTA testified that despite our support for many of the programs for which TEA was requesting additional funding (called "exceptional item requests," our support was very much contingent because of TEA’s misplaced priority on expanding funding for the state teacher incentive programs. TCTA called for any funds for state teacher incentive programs to instead be used for an across the board salary increase for educators on the state minimum salary schedule, pointing out that average teacher salaries in Texas have not increased as much as state and local funding for operating expenditures per student.
Commissioner addresses administration of local assessments
Texas Education Commissioner Robert Scott has sent a letter to district administrators clarifying the "administration of local assessment instruments in certain subject areas." Read more…
Lehman Brothers bankruptcy has TRS implications
TCTA members who follow the investment side of TRS activities may be alarmed about the recent turn of events on Wall Street, particularly the bankruptcy filing of Lehman Brothers on Monday morning (Sept. 15, 2008). Lehman Brothers is one of four investment firms each handling $1 billion for TRS under a "strategic partnership" arrangement. Read more...
Accolades
TCTA member JoLisa Hoover of Leander is one of 25 U.S. teachers recently selected for a Teaching Ambassador Fellowship position with the U.S. Department of Education. A 4th grade teacher at Grandview Hills Elementary School, JoLisa will serve as a Classroom Fellow for 2008-09, remaining in her classroom and participating in the program through part-time projects. Throughout the year, she will engage in education policy discussions, work with USDE officials in various program offices, and participate in a variety of education programs.
TCTA comments on proposed DAEP administrative rules
TCTA offered comments on the Texas Education Agency (TEA) proposed rules for setting out standards for the operation of school district disciplinary alternative education programs (DAEPs). These standards were required due to the passage of House Bill 426 during the 80th Texas Legislature. House Bill 426 required school districts with DAEPs to adopt specific minimum standards to ensure a quality education for students enrolled in such programs.
More current news items of interest
Updated: 12/17/08
