This page last updated June 23, 2009

This is an exciting opportunity for districts, teachers and communities to mobilize around a common agenda – improving instructional quality and teacher efficency to increase student achievement.  In May 2006, the 79th Legislature passed House Bill One, which included the District Awards for Teacher Excellence, commonly referred to as D.A.T.E.  The purpose of D.A.T.E. is to allow districts to create or continue a system of awards for educators who demonstrate success in improving student achievement. The grant program allows districts the opportunity to create a local award plan or to implement TAP.

D.A.T.E. is a non-competitive grant available to all school districts that complete the required notice of intent to apply, participate in technical assistance, comply with program timelines and activities, and submit a completed grant application.  Funds will be awarded based on the average daily attendance (ADA) of the participating districts.

At least 60% of the grant funds will be used to reward teachers and principals who positively impact student academic improvement, growth, and/or achievement.  The remaining percent of funds may be used for other allowable activities including stipends and awards for identified teachers, principals, mentors, instructional coaches, and master teachers. In addition, these funds may be used for professional development, increasing local data capabilities to support instruction and accountability, and implementing elements of the Teacher Advancement Program (TAP).

We look forward to your participation in this exciting program to help our school districts to attract, retain, and develop quality teachers while improving student performance and narrowing the achievement gap.

2009 Notice of Intent to Apply for District Awards for Teacher Excellence (DATE) Cycle 1, Year 2 - CLOSED

For D.A.T.E. information and updates please visit D.A.T.E. Technical Assistance at http://www.txeducatorawards.org/index.html