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STAAR to replace TAKS

Perhaps one of the biggest testing changes under HB 3 that will go into effect in 2011-12 (to coincide with the new requirements for students to pass end-of-course exams in order to graduate) is that the TAKS tests in grades 3-8 will be replaced with another state assessment, called STAAR - State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness. Read more...

AP: Obama would overhaul No Child Left Behind

President Barack Obama is proposing to overhaul the No Child Left Behind education law, replacing the school accountability system that has slapped a failing label on more than a third of schools, including many that made big gains but just missed their annual targets. Read more...

TEA explains additional certification test

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is now clarifying a "reinterpretation" issued by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) that requires elementary teachers (defined in Texas as EC-6) new to the profession when hired for the 2009-10 school year holding subject-specific certification and those holding EC-12 special education certification to take and pass an additional generalist certification exam. Read more...

Appointments to Select Committee on Public School Finance announced

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Texas House Speaker Joe Straus (San Antonio) announced appointments to the Select Committee on Public School Finance Weights, Allotments and Adjustments on Jan. 21, 2010. Gov. Rick Perry made his appointments to the same committee in October. Read more...

Teach math using an air traffic controller program

Get your students more involved in the classroom by teaching them TEKS math skills with an air traffic controller stimulation program designed by NASA the FAA. A free, easy-to-use website called "Smart Skies" provides the curriculum needed for students in the fifth through ninth grades.

National competition offers highest award for math and science teachers

Nominations and applications are now being accepted for the 2010 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) to honor outstanding certified math and science teachers (grades K-6) for innovative teaching methods. Read more...

TCTA supports Perry's decision to decline RTTT funds

TCTA supports the decision of Gov. Perry and Commissioner Scott to decline to seek funds under the federal Race to the Top program. From our perspective, seeking these grant funds would be a classic “be careful what you wish for” situation. Texas public schools would face significant policy shifts, concessions, and related costs if we were granted the limited, one-time funds available under the RTTT program. Read more...

Longtime TCTA member becomes president of TAHPERD

Mario Reyna, a TCTA member since 1980, is now the president of the Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (TAHPERD). Reyna is a coordinator for health and PE for an after school enrichment program with the McAllen Independent School District. He is the first one from the Rio Grande Valley to receive this honor.

Homeownership program for Texas educators

The Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) is pleased to announce the availability of up to $61 million for a mortgage loan program benefiting professional educators. Currently, the program offers a 30-year fixed rate mortgage loan at 5.25% plus downpayment and closing cost assistance (up to 3% of the mortgage loan amount) in the form of a grant to eligible homebuyers across Texas.

Updated: 03/04/10