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TEA Correspondence

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

 

April 26, 2011

 

To the Administrator Addressed:

 

Re: T-STEM Designation Application

 

Under the authority of Texas Education Code §39.235 and proposed new Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §102.1093, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) has developed a designation process for Texas – Science Technology Engineering and Math (T-STEM) Academies. The designation process will ensure that districts operating T-STEM Academies maintain the integrity of the model, which was designed to improve instruction and academic performance in science and mathematics-related subjects at secondary schools.

 

In accordance with TEC §39.235, the designation process is required for all existing and proposed T-STEM Academies. Schools that receive the T-STEM designation will receive a number of benefits including:

 

1)      Recognition as an Approved T-STEM Academy:

Schools designated by TEA as state-approved T-STEM Academies will receive various forms of media recognition including, but not limited to: identification on TEA’s website as a state-approved T-STEM Academy, inclusion on the Texas High School Project’s (THSP) T-STEM Network website (http://www.thsp.org/), and recognition in press releases.  

  

2)      Participation in T-STEM Convenings:

Special events hosted by TEA and the Texas High School Project for T-STEM Academy administrators and principals to provide input on policies and procedures that impact T-STEM Academies.    

 

3)      Membership in the T-STEM Network:

TEA, THSP, and the Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) periodically provide opportunities for principals, teachers, and students in designated T-STEM Academies through the T-STEM network to share best practices through conferences and technical assistance sessions. Membership in the T-STEM Network allows T-STEM Academies to access online exemplars, professional development, and webinars. 

 

4)      Access to Professional Development and Technical Assistance:

Designated T-STEM academies will have access to high-quality professional development and technical assistance including:

 

a.       Advice and information from a Leadership Coach who has successfully facilitated the design and implementation of the majority of T-STEM Academies operating in Texas.

b.      Opportunities to attend high-quality, effective professional development and training provided by the T-STEM technical assistance provider, THSP and the T-STEM Centers. The training provided by these organizations, which is currently only available to T-STEM Academy grantees, may be offered to designated Academies for free or at a reduced cost.   

5)      Strength of T-STEM Model:

a)      Through the designation process, TEA and THSP will recognize those T-STEM Academies that effectively incorporate T-STEM Design Blueprint. The designation process will enable districts and their partners to engage in the research and planning necessary to ensure that their T-STEM Academies are set up in the most effective way possible.  

b)      The T-STEM Blueprint provides a framework for T-STEM Academies to access college and career opportunities that support postsecondary success.

To Apply for T-STEM Designation:

 

·    Request an application by e-mailing tstem@tea.state.tx.us  or calling Stacy Avery, T-STEM Program Manager at 512-463-8211.

 

·    Applications are due to TEA on or before May 31, 2011 in order to open a campus as a designated T-STEM Academy during the 2011-2012 school year. The TEA will notify each applicant of its approval status to operate a designated T-STEM Academy by June 30, 2011.

 

·    Districts must complete this application each year in order to renew T-STEM Academy Designation.

 

Technical Assistance:

 

Date/Time

Description

May 5, 2011
10:00 am – 11:30 am

Webinar Registration
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/756652178

Attend the 5/5/11 webinar or the 5/12/11 webinar both are not required

T-STEM Academy Designation Overview
and Technical Assistance

An opportunity to learn about the T-STEM Academy designation requirements including benefits and application requirements.

Who Should Attend

·         Existing T-STEM Academies

·         Districts and charter schools planning on applying for T-STEM designation.

May 12, 2011
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Webinar Registration
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/632014339

Attend the 5/5/11 webinar or the 5/12/11 webinar both are not required

T-STEM Academy Designation Overview
and Technical Assistance

An opportunity to learn about the T-STEM Academy designation requirements including benefits and application requirements.

Who Should Attend

·         Existing T-STEM Academies

·         Districts and Charter schools planning on applying for T-STEM Designation.

 

For assistance completing the application:

  • The current 51T-STEM Academies may contact their T-STEM coach.

 

  • New applicants may contact Stacy Avery, T-STEM Program Manager at tstem@tea.state.tx.us or by phone at 512-463-8211.

 

Site Visits

Current T-STEM Academies act as demonstration sites for the T-STEM Initiative. Applicants may register to attend a site visit.

 

Site Visit

Description

May 16, 2011
9:30 – 12:30

Toltech T-STEM Academy

Memorial High School

1227 Memorial Drive

San Antonio, TX

78237

 

To register, email:
tstem@tea.state.tx.us

 

 

T-STEM Academy Site Visit

An opportunity to learn about the T-STEM Initiative through Academy demonstration.

Who Should Attend

·         Existing T-STEM Academies

·         Districts and charter schools planning on applying for T-STEM designation.

May 18, 2011
9:30 – 12:30

New Deal High School

209 S Auburn Ave

New Deal, TX

 79350

 

To register, email:

tstem@tea.state.tx.us

T-STEM Academy Site Visit

An opportunity to learn about the T-STEM Initiative through Academy demonstration.

Who Should Attend

·         Existing T-STEM Academies

·         Districts and Charter schools planning on applying for T-STEM Designation.

 

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Lizzette Reynolds

Deputy Commissioner, Statewide Policy and Programs

Texas Education Agency

 

 

 

 

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