A Microsoft Word version of this letter is available for download and PRINTING.

INFORMATION ONLY

August 16, 2010

TO THE ADMINISTRATOR ADDRESSED:

SUBJECT: Title III, Part A, Annual Measureable Achievement Objectives

Under Title III, Part A, Section 3122(a) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the Texas Education Agency (TEA) is required to develop three Annual Measurable Achievement Objectives (AMAOs) which are used in holding Title III-funded LEAs accountable for their English language learners’ (ELLs) development and attainment of English proficiency while meeting State academic content and achievement standards.

However, as per the U.S. Department of Education’s Title III Notice of Final Interpretations, released in October 2008, and a letter of clarification released to Chief State School Officers in December 2009, the TEA was required to implement changes to how AMAO results are calculated, beginning with results based on the annual English language proficiency assessment administered in the 2009-2010 school year. 

In July 2010, the TEA concluded a process implemented for gathering stakeholder input and recommendations, as required under Title III, Part A, Section 3113(b)(3)(A), before determining the final calculation methods and standards to be used.  The Title III AMAO standards for 2010 and 2011 are as follows:

The standards for AMAOs 1 and 2 will apply to the results of the spring 2010 administration of the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS).  AMAO 3 LEP AYP outcomes are determined through the TEA Division of Performance Reporting.  For information on 2010 AYP, see the AYP website (http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/ayp), including the 2010 AYP timeline.  The 2010 Title III AMAO results for all Title III-funded LEAs will be reported through the Division of NCLB Program Coordination as follows:

2010 Title III AMAOs Timeline
September 10, 2010	AMAO Results Released Notification Letter Sent to Title III-funded LEAs Not Meeting AMAOs
October 11, 2010	Deadline for Providing Parental Notification (required for Title III-funded LEAs not meeting AMAOs)

If you have questions regarding the Title III AMAOs, please contact Ms. Elizabeth Minjárez, in the Division of NCLB Program Coordination, at (512) 463-9696 or via email at Elizabeth.Minjarez@tea.state.tx.us. If you have other related questions, please contact the appropriate TEA division for further assistance.

• Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) – Division of Performance Reporting

(512) 463-9704, performance.reporting@tea.state.tx.us

• Identification and Instruction of ELLs – Bilingual/ESL Unit, Curriculum Division

(512) 463-9581, curriculum@tea.state.tx.us

• TELPAS – ELL Assessments, Student Assessment Division

(512) 463-9536, studenta@tea.state.tx.us

Sincerely,

Ann Smisko, Ph.D.
Associate Commissioner
School Improvement and Support