STAAR to replace TAKS
Perhaps one of the biggest testing changes under HB 3 that will go into effect in 2011-12 (to coincide with the new requirements for students to pass end-of-course exams in order to graduate) is that the TAKS tests in grades 3-8 will be replaced with another state assessment, called STAAR - State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness. Read more...
AP: Obama would overhaul No Child Left Behind
President Barack Obama is proposing to overhaul the No Child Left Behind education law, replacing the school accountability system that has slapped a failing label on more than a third of schools, including many that made big gains but just missed their annual targets. Read more...
SBOE adopts final graduation requirements; delays vote on social studies TEKS
In their January 2010 meeting, members of the State Board of Education received numerous public testimonies on proposed controversial revisions to the K-12 social studies TEKS. They then spent a good number of hours painstakingly offering amendments to each grade level. Read more...
TEA explains additional certification test
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is now clarifying a "reinterpretation" issued by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) that requires elementary teachers (defined in Texas as EC-6) new to the profession when hired for the 2009-10 school year holding subject-specific certification and those holding EC-12 special education certification to take and pass an additional generalist certification exam. Read more...
Nominate teachers for USDE Teaching Ambassador Fellowships
The U.S. Department of Education is now accepting applications for the 2010-2011 Teaching Ambassador Fellowship (TAF) program at the USDE. Applications for 2010-11 will be accepted through March 2, 2010. Read more...
Follow TCTA on Facebook and Twitter!
Be a giver and share TCTA’s invaluable information regarding the legislature’s recent pay raise with your teaching friends and colleagues! As a special offer to those who follow us on Facebook and Twitter, TCTA is making our new pay raise video available to everyone! Your colleagues can see for themselves just one of the many reasons why you are a member of the best teacher association in Texas!
Early voting begins Feb. 16 for the March primary
Because many legislative and State Board of Education districts are predominantly Republican or Democrat, the "real" battle often takes place at the March primary. The governor's race is hotly contested in both parties, and down-ballot races can have a significant effect on education policy in Texas. Read more...
Appointments to Select Committee on Public School Finance announced
Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Texas House Speaker Joe Straus (San Antonio) announced appointments to the Select Committee on Public School Finance Weights, Allotments and Adjustments on Jan. 21, 2010. Gov. Rick Perry made his appointments to the same committee in October. Read more...
Teach math using an air traffic controller program
Get your students more involved in the classroom by teaching them TEKS math skills with an air traffic controller stimulation program designed by NASA the FAA. A free, easy-to-use website called "Smart Skies" provides the curriculum needed for students in the fifth through ninth grades.
More news items of interest
Updated: 02/03/10
