Welcome

This newsletter compiles the most up-to-date information concerning what EPPs need to know to best support their faculty/instructors, staff, and candidates. Please thoroughly read all the sections for reminders, upcoming events, To Dos, and FAQs. If you are not currently subscribed to the newsletter, please sign up at the link below.  

Educator Preparation Program Listserv Registration

Educator Preparation Program Support

Updates related to Educator Preparation Program Management 

New: Save the Date! Insight to Impact Data Dashboards Launch

Please mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 5, for a launch event for the Insight to Impact dashboards. This in-person event will feature demonstrations, technical support, and the launch of the Insight to Impact Academy – support materials for getting the most out of these dashboards. Please note that limited funding will be available to support EPP representatives in attending this event. More information can be found here. Please continue to watch this space for updates!

Educator Standards and Testing  

Updates related to Educator Standards and Certification Testing  

Reminder: Upcoming edTPA Supports
The registration link for the upcoming edTPA Handbook and Rubric Deep Dive scheduled for Thursday February 9, 2023, can be found here.

DID YOU KNOW? 
A Requesting Accommodations video is now available for candidates who need alternative testing arrangements. Visit the Pearson website for more information regarding accommodation requests

Educator Certification 

Updates related to Educator Certification 

Reminder: Remove Erroneous and Unused Applications in ECOS

EPP managers and advisors, we are seeking your support to ensure that our Educator Certification Online System (ECOS) functions as effectively and efficiently as possible for educators. As a reminder, please be certain to periodically check for erroneous applications in ECOS Entities and remove them promptly. To complete this task, you will need to access ECOS Entities, check the “Remove” button next to the application, then select “Remove Selected Recommendations” for any Standard, Probationary or Intern applications that have been submitted but you do not intend to recommend. Failure to remove such applications may lead to educator confusion and duplicate payments. We appreciate your support and your attention to this matter.

Updates about SBEC, Rules, and Legislation  

Updates related to actions by the State Board for Educator Certification, the State Board of Education, and the Legislature.  

New: The February SBEC meeting will be held this Friday, February 10th. More information about the SBEC meeting, including the meeting agenda and access to view the meeting virtually, can be found on the SBEC webpage.

FAQs

We take this space to highlight questions that we have heard from EPPs.

Q: Are the TOEFL iBT and a transcript evaluation required for applicants from Guam?

A: Guam is not a part of the US Pacific Trust listed in the Graphic as cited in 19 TAC §230.11(b)(5)(C): An undergraduate or graduate degree that was earned at an institution of higher education in a country outside of the United States listed in the figure provided in this subparagraph. Attached Graphic

As such, the TOEFL is required per 19 TAC §230.(b)(5)(B) with verification of minimum scaled scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) of 24 for speaking, 22 for listening, 22 for reading, and 21 for writing. An applicant to a university undergraduate program that leads to a bachelor's degree may satisfy the English language proficiency requirement by meeting the English language proficiency requirement of the accredited IHE at which the applicant is enrolled [19 TAC §227.10(a)(7)(B)]. A transcript evaluation is also required. The approved services are found toward the bottom of the Certification Based on Credentials from Another Country page.

Resources at a Glance...  

Lesson Study Gateway Resources	Practice based preparation resources for virtual field-based experience: Provides model lessons and video of instructional delivery.
Texas Teach Like a Champion (TLAC)     Texas TLAC One Pager for EPPs	Practice based preparation resources for virtual field-based experience: Provides content neutral pedagogical skill building through observing a model of and practicing the same high leverage skill.
PASL Videos	ETS and TEA have worked together to create instructional videos to orient faculty, staff, and candidates to the requirements of the PASL test. Video one provides a general overview of PASL, its content, and scoring/reporting procedures. Video two provides a more in-depth overview of the tasks associated with the assessment. Full requirements, descriptions, and resources may be found in the PASL Candidate and Educator handbook. PASL Video One: https://vimeo.com/user127014634/download/669946029/6aa375f585 PASL Video Two: https://vimeo.com/user127014634/download/669946067/750a97cbf9
TEA Dyslexia Training	TEALearn has a new dyslexia training, TEA Dyslexia, that has been made available (at no cost) to candidates who are seeking an initial certification for all certification classes. Information about the training and how to enroll can be found on the TEA Learn platform. NOTE: For candidates who have not yet been issued an intern, probationary, or standard certificate, please follow the steps noted on the webpage, Dyslexia Requirements for Educator Preparation Programs, to enroll in the course. If you need technical assistance please submit a TEALearn Help Desk ticket. For dyslexia course content questions, please send an email to specialeducation@tea.texas.gov.

For More Information...  

Information regarding educator certification testing can be accessed at the Texas Educator Certification Exam website.  

Information and updates regarding the Performance Assessment for School Leaders (PASL) can be accessed at the Important Updates link.  

Updated information related to the COVID-19 response can be accessed here.  

To view previous editions of the weekly newsletter, please see the Texas Educator Preparation Program Weekly Newsletter webpage. 

Information regarding the current Texas certification exams can be found on the 2021-2022 Required Test Chart for Texas Certification.

Educator account setup instructions can be found on the TEA’s Educator Certification Online System website.

EPP Points of Contact  

Your best source for information and support at the TEA.  

As an Educator Preparation Program, your main point of contact is your Education Specialist.  

View a list of EPPs and their associated Education Specialist.
For easiest assistance, file a HelpDesk Ticket.  
Or EPPs (and candidates) may call (512) 936-8400 and select Option #5: Educator Preparation Programs. If an Education Specialist is not available to answer the call at that time, please leave a voicemail. An Education Specialist will promptly return the call.

If EPPs (and candidates) would like to speak to a representative from another area(s), they may call (512) 936-8400 and select one of the options listed below.

Option 2: Educator Certification
Option 3: Fingerprinting
Option 6: Investigations
Option 8: General Office Information

The Teal Account Access team and Educator Testing team are available through the Help Desk.

The Texas Education Agency will improve outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.