The Texas Education Agency recently announced the availability of optional end of year assessments that districts, educators and parents can use to monitor student progress for the remainder of the school year. In addition, TEA is working on optional diagnostic beginning of year assessments for use as the 2020–21 school year starts.
Both EOY and BOY assessments include formerly released STAAR test questions (from 2013-2019) that measure the TEKS and cover the same grades/subjects covered by STAAR. However, the student performance data from these assessments is not intended to be used for purposes such as accountability, staff performance, compensation measures or student placement decisions.Click here to read more.
Check out what's new in our COVID-19 FAQs
We continue to update our
FAQs about COVID-19 as new guidance emerges from TEA, the U.S. Department of Education, and state and federal officials. Here's what's new this week:
Keep in mind that our FAQ is not legal advice. Each school district will handle situations differently, so
we strongly encourage members who have specific questions or concerns to call us at 888-879-8282 so we can help. You also can submit general inquiries through our
Ask-a-Lawyer portal.
Sign up for free educator mindfulness classes
Everyone needs a little relaxation and self-care right now, and Mastermind Meditate is offering a series of free virtual mindfulness classes designed specifically for educators. Mindfulness for Educators will take place on Zoom every Monday at 7:30 p.m. CDT through May 25. To register, click here.
OTHER NEWS
Nominate teachers for prizes by Sunday night!
Want to win free groceries for a year from H-E-B or a brand-new home office setup? Nominate teachers at TeachersCan.org by Sunday, May 3,
and they’ll be entered into a drawing for these and other great prizes from Whataburger, Valero, Kendra Scott and more. Winners will be announced daily May 4-8 during Teacher Appreciation Week. Virtual events are also planned next week, so watch our Facebook page and Twitter feed for details and links.
Deadline extended to apply to review school resources
Safal Partners, a Houston-based education consulting firm, is recruiting educator experts to become quality reviewers for Prekindergarten, Foundational Literacy (ELAR K-2), and Math K-8 as part of TEA's Texas Resource Review. Selected reviewers will receive continuing professional education credit and a stipend between $2,500 and $3,500 for contribution to this statewide effort. The application deadline has been extended to May 31. Qualified applicants will be asked to complete a performance task and interview. For more information about the quality review position, click here. To submit an application, click here.
If you would like to nominate a colleague, friend, or other educator to become a reviewer, please fill out this form, and Safal Partners will reach out to them.
