UIL posts information on mandated drug-testing program

The University Interscholastic League (UIL) has developed procedures for the Senate-directed mandate to randomly test a significant number of student athletes in grades 9-12 at approximately 30% of UIL member high schools. The UIL has made available the information to allow interested parties the opportunity to become familiar with the way the banned substance testing will be conducted and to voice concerns and/or provide feedback. Read more…

13th check to be issued separately

TCTA has previously reported on the 13th check that retirees will be receiving in January. Though the initial word was that the 13th check would be sent or deposited at the same time as the regular January annuity check, TRS has now informed us that the check will not come at the same time, but will be provided within the first half of the month.

2007-08 designated subject-matter teacher shortage areas for Texas teacher loan forgiveness

The Texas Education Agency is required to annually inform chief administrative officers at all Texas elementary and secondary schools of the teaching shortage area designations, which are used to determine whether certain eligible teachers qualify for loan forgiveness, deferment or cancellation. Subject-matter shortage areas for the 2007-08 school year include mathematics, science, languages other than English, bilingual/ESL, special education and technology applications. Read more…

Eligible campuses for Master Teacher Program posted

The lists of eligible campuses for the 2007-08 Master Teacher Program (Reading and Math) have been posted on the TEA Web site. Read more…

Education plays varied role in interim charges for House committees

Speaker Tom Craddick has announced the interim charges for House committees, and the list of issues that touch education and school employees is long and varied. TCTA will be working with the committees throughout the upcoming months to ensure that the teacher voice is well-represented. Read more…

TEA releases school performance reports

State law requires TEA to annually prepare and distribute to each school district a report card for each campus. TEA has just released the 2006-07 School Report Cards. The report cards compare campus performance to previous campus and district performance, current district performance, state-established standards, and comparable campus group performance. Appropriate class size and student performance portions of campus report cards must be given to the parent/guardian of each student. On written request, the school district must provide a copy of a campus report card to any other party.

Clarification of revised graduation requirements

During its November meeting, the SBOE adopted rules clarifying the revised graduation requirements (additional math and science) as mandated by House Bill 1, passed in the 2006 special legislative session. Implementation of the new graduation requirements is required beginning with the 2007-08 school year, and is applicable to students entering ninth grade this year. The revised rules change the number of credits required for graduation under the Recommended High School Program and Distinguished Achievement Program from 24 to 26. Read more…

HS Completion and Success Initiative Council meets

The High School Completion and Success Initiative Council, formed as a result of a comprehensive high school reform bill (HB 2237) passed during the 2007 legislative session, held its first public meeting in early December. TCTA attended the meeting during which Council members discussed a strategic plan, which includes setting performance targets for various indicators of high school completion and success. For more information on the Council, including a TCTA analysis of the high school reform legislation prepared following the session, read more...

TEA announces campuses eligible for PEG program

TEA has identified the campuses for 2008-09 that are eligible for the state's PEG grant program, allowing students to transfer to another campus. To review the list and applicable criteria go to the TEA website.

Accolades

Peggy Arme, grade 4 teacher at Wichita Falls’ Ben Milam Elementary, won the State Excellence in Teaching award. Arme has been a TCTA member since 2001.

El Dorado High School (El Paso) calculus teacher Candelario Barragan received a National Educator Award and $25,000 in prize money from the Milken Family Foundation. Barragan has been a TCTA member since 1997.

Joan Linares, first-grade teacher at Harlem Elementary in the Goose Creek CISD, was recently honored as St. Jude Teacher of the Year. Linares has been a TCTA member for 25 years.

Extra Credit

New technology and youth violence

TCTA staff has noted numerous articles on bullying in past months and found information issued from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention particularly relevant as public interest about the issue has risen sharply. The agency has found an increasing number of adolescents succumbing to a new form of violence – cyberbullying. In 2006, the Centers convened a panel of experts to discuss issues related to the emerging public health problem of electronic aggression. Read more…

Great news from Six Flags!

Due to poor weather the weekends of Nov. 23-25 and Dec. 1-2, Six Flags front gates will honor tickets purchased for those weekends. You may use those tickets any time during Holiday in the Park which runs through Jan. 2.

Take stock of member benefits for the holidays!

Enjoy some well-deserved time off with family and friends. Don’t forget that among the many TCTA benefits, you have access to special pricing and discounts on rental cars, hotels, and car maintenance and tire services. Savor the time off as well as your money-saving benefits.

Happy Holidays from the TCTA Staff!

The TCTA staff wishes everyone a safe and joyous holiday season. Please note that TCTA Headquarters will be closed December 24, 2007, through January 1, 2008. TCTA wishes you a happy new year!