tcta.org |
February 08, 2008 |
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SBEC issues update on fingerprinting process |
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The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) has issued a status report to districts highlighting concerns and issues regarding the fingerprinting process currently under way. Of particular concern is SBEC's statement that some e-mail notifications sent to educators were returned as “undeliverable messages” due to district filters. Affected educators should ensure that the district has a valid e-mail address so necessary notifications will be received. SBEC has also provided a fingerprinting helpline (1-888-863-5880, Option #3 or e-mail at SB9@tea.state.tx.us) to answer any additional questions with regard to SB 9. Read more… |
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TEA launches best practices clearinghouse |
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TEA’s new Best Practices Clearinghouse gives educators information about best practices in classroom instruction, dropout prevention, district business, resource allocation and financial issues. TEA has outlined the eligibility requirements and process for those wishing to submit a best practice for inclusion. |
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National budget plan cuts education programs; expands vouchers |
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President Bush announced his proposed federal budget plan, which includes numerous cuts to educational programs and an expansion of the President's public school voucher agenda. Of particular concern in the proposal is a $300 million Pell Grants for Kids program, which would allow low-income students (grades K-12) attending schools subject to restructuring or that have high drop-out rates to transfer to local private schools or out-of-district public schools. Additionally, the proposal expands the Teacher Incentive Fund, which encourages teacher performance pay, and cuts funding for Career and Technology. TCTA has highlighted areas of concern in a Department of Education news release and a TexasISD.com compilation of news articles. |
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Educator input sought for Disciplinary Alternative Education Program standards |
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TEA has released dates, times and locations for stakeholder meetings to be held to discuss proposed standards for the state’s Disciplinary Alternative Education Programs. Educators are being asked to provide feedback on the development, implementation and monitoring of DAEPs. The standards to be developed were outlined in HB 426, and the TEA details are here. |
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| TRS discusses new investment strategy/health insurance rates | ||
The Teacher Retirement System Board of Directors met Thursday and Friday, Feb. 7-8. Thursday’s agenda was devoted to an extensive discussion of the fund’s new investment strategy which, according to TRS staff, has already saved the fund over $1 billion since its initial implementation in 2007. On Friday, the Board is considering health insurance premium rates for the 2008-09 plan year. Staff is recommending no increase in premiums for either TRS-Care (retiree health insurance) or TRS-ActiveCare (active member health insurance); however, there may be an increase in premiums for employees enrolled in one of the state-approved HMOs. The recommended HMO premium increases range from 5 to 10 %. TCTA will update our website with details after the Board takes final action on Friday. |
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A Funny Thing Happened... |
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TCTA hopes to highlight humorous anecdotes from the classroom in The Classroom Teacher magazine, and we want to hear from you. Share your most amusing classroom experiences by sending an e-mail to communications@tcta.org. |
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| Copyright © 2008 Texas Classroom Teachers Association®. All rights reserved. The Texas Classroom Teachers Association is an independent association for Texas teaching professionals, which was founded in 1927 and has over 50,000 members across the state. TCTA is based in Austin and is the only statewide teacher association that limits Active membership to those directly involved in classroom teaching or teaching support. For more information about TCTA, please visit our Web
site at www.tcta.org. |
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