The TACES Midwinter Conference, Counselor Educators and Supervisors Bridging Divisions, will be held virtually on February 25-26, 2021.

Tuesday, January 12th marks the start of the 87th Texas Legislative Session which should continue through May 31, 2021. As Texas grapples with COVID-19 and threats of violent discord, it is likely to be a very different session. A new speaker, Dade Phelan (R-21, Beaumont), was elected with strong bi-partisan support, giving hope for opportunities for collaboration in the House. Not much change is expected in the Senate, where Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is still in charge. The fiscal forecast is still tough – at least $1 billion less than last session – but not as bad as originally thought. Redistricting is another hot topic – once the Census Bureau releases the data, which is not expected for months.

Masks are required to enter the Capitol. Negative COVID-19 tests are not required, although there will be free testing available M-F during the session. The rules governing committee meetings and public testimony will be better known later this week. Each Legislator will set the visitor rules for their office; some may require testing so check in advance.

Whether you plan to visit the Capitol or prefer to meet virtually, make appointments early. Virtual advocacy is likely the key to success. TCA strongly recommends you each reach out virtually to your State Representative and Senator now. Go to www.capitol.texas.gov to learn who represents you and set up your own personal bill tracking. Learn what bills your legislators have filed. Share your views with them. Be patient.

TCA will be launching Advocacy Hours throughout the session. Our weekly updates will begin mid-February, as committee work gets underway. Stay tuned. Answer the calls to action. Keep your phones powered up!

Reference Insurance helps TCA members access and navigate health and life insurance benefit plans. For TCA members who need help securing reasonably priced health and life insurance coverage, this may be your solution. Options include health plans, dental and vision plans, guaranteed issue term and whole life insurance, guaranteed issue critical illness, and short term disability coverage. There’s even a portal to enroll in marketplace plans or catastrophic plans if you are using a DPC.

Need CE hours? TCA recently updated its Online Learning Library to include new programs from the 2020 Professional Growth Virtual Conference. Check out this quick, easy way to earn CEs and expand your toolkit! 

Wear a mask. Wash your hands often. Avoid close contact with other people. Stay home when you don’t feel well. Monitor your health!

The TEA Highly Mobile and At-Risk Student Programs Division is hosting a free Zoom Webinar on Thursday, February 4th from 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm. Topics include supporting students in 2021, conducting home visits, student programs updates, upcoming training, and more.

The College Board Opportunity Scholarships program is now open to all juniors (class of 2022)! Since 2018, nearly one million students have joined this program, which provides students with a digital college planning guide and chances to earn $500 for each action they complete. When students complete all six steps, they earn a chance at a $40,000 scholarship. Students whose families earn less than $60,000 per year have double the chances to earn scholarships. High school juniors can visit cb.org/opportunity to join.

The Texas System of Care, Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health at the University of Texas at Austin, and Texas Health and Human Services Commission are holding their annual art contest. This year's theme is "Why does Mental Health matter to you?". Entries can include original artwork, writing, or photography. Winners in each age group and category will receive special prizes and have their work recognized in public galleries, including the Texas State Capitol, starting the month of May. The deadline to submit is March 1, 2021.

There are new requirements concerning human trafficking prevention and awareness added to policy that governs child abuse and neglect reporting, training, and related protocols (TAC § 61.1051), as well as new training requirements for School Boards of Trustees and Superintendents.

As a reminder, all educators are mandatory reporters who are required to report suspicions of child abuse and neglect, including trafficking of a child, within 48 hours. (Texas Family Code, § 261.101.) As districts navigate both remote and in-person learning environments, it is critical for teachers and school staff to remain vigilant in their identification and reporting of these concerns.

This evaluation instrument designed specifically for Texas school counselors, aligns with the four service delivery components established in the Texas Education Code, the Standards for School Counselors adopted by the State Board for Education Certification, and the 10 professional domains set forth in the Texas Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs. This resource is a must have for school counselors and those charged with evaluating their performance. Order yours today.

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DISCLAIMER ABOUT PAID ADVERTISEMENTS: Any reference to a product, service, activity, or program in this electronic communication does not imply endorsement by the Texas Counseling Association.