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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:
For assistance
completing the application:
Site Visits
Current
T-STEM Academies act as demonstration sites for the T-STEM Initiative.
Applicants may register to attend a site visit.
Sincerely,
Lizzette
Reynolds
Deputy
Commissioner, Statewide Policy and Programs
Texas
Education Agency
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