Texas State Board of Education News ~ 2018
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Click to view the State's
SBOE Webpage Highlights of the actions taken by the Texas State Board of Education Read minutes from all Committee Meetings here |
If you are unable to attend Public Hearings and want to submit your testimony,
please email your PDF to SBOESupport@tea.texas.gov / Phone: (512) 463-9007 / Fax: (512) 936-4319
please email your PDF to SBOESupport@tea.texas.gov / Phone: (512) 463-9007 / Fax: (512) 936-4319
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December 2018Texas Commission on Public School Finance - Final Report
 Click image to read/download
House Bill 21, 85th Texas Legislature, 1st Called Special Session (2017), established the Texas Commission on Public School Finance to develop and make recommendations for improvements to the current public school finance system or for new methods of financing public schools. Click here for more information. El Paso ISD's Council of PTA's Meeting 5 Dec 2018 - The EPISD CPTA meeting was organized to discuss the PTA's legislative priorities and how the offices of the area's state officials will advocate for them. State Level
Local Transformation Zone via SB1882; click here to view entire report 
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TXSBOE Meeting ~ November 2018
Click to review the November Agenda Online
Click to review the November Electronic Binder PDF
Click to review the November Agenda Online
Click to review the November Electronic Binder PDF
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TXSBOE Legislative Recommendations for the 86th Texas Legislature The Texas State Board of Education finalized its Legislative Priorities for the 86th Texas Legislature on 14 November 2018. Please click here to read the complete list and the list of additional public school advocates. |
While I support the priorities on our list, *with the exception of the TEA appropriations request of $3.5B fewer dollars for public education * these two are from my office:
My Legislative Priorities: #1
Create a New Dual Language Allotment -
To better incentivize and resource school districts to offer these effective programs, the Texas State Board of Education recommends that the state create an additional allotment at an additional 0.05 weight (for a total 0.15 weight) for dual language programs.
Create a New Dual Language Allotment -
To better incentivize and resource school districts to offer these effective programs, the Texas State Board of Education recommends that the state create an additional allotment at an additional 0.05 weight (for a total 0.15 weight) for dual language programs.
Fiscal Impact: Depending on the amount of participation, it is estimated that this weight would reflect an annual incremental cost to the state of between $15 and $50 million.
There are 1 million students in Texas who are English Learners (EL), this is 1 of every 5 Texas public schools students. While 120 languages are spoken in our schools, 90% of our EL students speak Spanish.
Compelling data prepared by Dr. Elena Izquierdo, University of Texas at El Paso, was presented to the School Finance Commission illustrating that dual language strategies are highly effective while bi-lingual or pullout strategies (ESL) are much less effective / not at all effective.
Currently, the school finance system reflects a single bilingual education weight of 0.1, which includes students in pullout, bi-lingual and dual language programs. The total annual cost to the state of this current weight is $570 million. However, this weight does not incent (nor provide sufficient funding) for school districts to offer dual language programs despite evidence of greater effectiveness.
Click on EDUCATION POLICY to review the Texas State Board of Education's entire list of Legislative Priorities.
There are 1 million students in Texas who are English Learners (EL), this is 1 of every 5 Texas public schools students. While 120 languages are spoken in our schools, 90% of our EL students speak Spanish.
Compelling data prepared by Dr. Elena Izquierdo, University of Texas at El Paso, was presented to the School Finance Commission illustrating that dual language strategies are highly effective while bi-lingual or pullout strategies (ESL) are much less effective / not at all effective.
Currently, the school finance system reflects a single bilingual education weight of 0.1, which includes students in pullout, bi-lingual and dual language programs. The total annual cost to the state of this current weight is $570 million. However, this weight does not incent (nor provide sufficient funding) for school districts to offer dual language programs despite evidence of greater effectiveness.
Click on EDUCATION POLICY to review the Texas State Board of Education's entire list of Legislative Priorities.
My Legislative Priorities: #2
Increase the textbook publishers TEKS alignment requirements -
Currently, publishers are only required to meet a TEKS threshold of 50%. I find this to be contradictory to the State's A-F Accountability system and antithetical to teaching and learning. Texas students, schools, and districts are expected to earn an “A” for accountability purposes, the same should be expected of textbook publishers.
Increase the textbook publishers TEKS alignment requirements -
Currently, publishers are only required to meet a TEKS threshold of 50%. I find this to be contradictory to the State's A-F Accountability system and antithetical to teaching and learning. Texas students, schools, and districts are expected to earn an “A” for accountability purposes, the same should be expected of textbook publishers.
Read more about the TXSBOE Legislative Priorities at ATPE's bog, "Teach the Vote" - SBOE Tackles School Funding
*TEA's appropriations request call for $3.5B fewer dollars in public education. I absolutely do not support this.
*TEA's appropriations request call for $3.5B fewer dollars in public education. I absolutely do not support this.
Adoption of the Long-Range Plan for Public Education
The Texas State Board of Education approved the final draft of Texas' Long Range Plan for Public Education. Click here to review the final Plan, learn who served on the steering committee, and more...
Texas State Teachers Association on the SBOE Long-Range Plan - 15 Nov 2018
"The SBOE recommended its long-range plan for adoption on Friday following some edits. The most cogent comment was made by Gina Perez (El Paso), who questioned why TEA would be included with the entities encouraging high standards for teacher preparation when it allows charter districts and DOI districts to exempt themselves from those same standards. This was done primarily because the Commissioner writes some of the administrative rules and because the legislature passed the authority to set the passing rates on certification exams from SBEC to the Commissioner."
For additional details, click on the "Texas' Long-Range Plan" under the INITIATIVES tab, above.
Click to view
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Commissioner's Comments Each meeting, Education Commissioner Michael Morath presents the Texas State Board of Education with an update from the Texas Education Agency. Click the image to view the November 2018 update. "You also may notice that in his remarks before the board Education Commissioner Mike Morath tried to deny the fact that the school finance budget TEA has submitted to legislators would reduce state education funding by $3.5 billion during the next budget period. But that is exactly what the TEA budget request would do, unless lawmakers change the school finance law. If the law isn’t changed, local property taxpayers will have to make up that $3.5 billion." TSTA Education News - 15 Nov 2018 |
Social Studies Streamlining (Second Reading and Final Adoption)
Click here for details about the Social Studies Streamlining workgroups and recommendations
Click here for details about the Social Studies Streamlining workgroups and recommendations
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Reduction of Standards One of my goals in this Social Studies Streamlining effort is the reduction of standards - most importantly, in the 8th and 11th-grade courses - to relieve teachers and students of the unrealistic burden placed upon them since the last Social Studies review in 2010. These changes will be implemented in the 2019-2020 academic year. A full review of Social Studies TEKS is scheduled for 2023. |
Click to enlarge
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Social Studies Public Hearing
Our first testifiers shared the history of the WASPs - the Women Air Force Service Pilots - and the importance of keeping these heroic women in the 2nd-grade standards.
PBS: Establishing the Women's Air Force Service Pilots - It took the skills, stamina and ambition of two very different women -- one from an impoverished foster home in a Florida lumber mill town, the other from a wealthy family in Philadelphia -- to help create the first corps of female pilots to fly for the U.S. Army. The former, the record-breaking aviator Jackie Cochran, initially dreamed up the idea after hearing about the fall of Warsaw in the early weeks of World War II. She wrote a letter to First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt arguing that, in the eventuality of American involvement in the war, women pilots could fly military aircraft on support missions, releasing men for combat duty. Implicit in Cochran's letter was an offer to begin the planning for such a squadron. Read more
NPR: Female WWII Pilots: The Original Fly Girls - In 1942, the United States was faced with a severe shortage of pilots, and leaders gambled on an experimental program to help fill the void: Train women to fly military aircraft so male pilots could be released for combat duty overseas. Read more
Click to discover the National WASP WWII Museum in Avenger Field Sweetwater, Texas
NPR: Female WWII Pilots: The Original Fly Girls - In 1942, the United States was faced with a severe shortage of pilots, and leaders gambled on an experimental program to help fill the void: Train women to fly military aircraft so male pilots could be released for combat duty overseas. Read more
Click to discover the National WASP WWII Museum in Avenger Field Sweetwater, Texas
Helen Keller & Hillary Clinton
These historical figures will remain in the TEKS documents as "such as" statements - as they were in the original documents.
*This was never an issue.
These historical figures will remain in the TEKS documents as "such as" statements - as they were in the original documents.
*This was never an issue.
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This list reflects where historical figures: Cesar Chavez, Hillary Clinton, Dolores Huerta,
and Hellen Keller can be found in Texas History textbooks. Click to enlarge. |
Committee on Instruction (COI)
Ratification of the Texas Lesson Study (TLS)
The COI ratified (approved) the Texas Lesson Study and placed it on the Consent Agenda of the Full Committee of the Board where it was formally approved. The fiscal impact was reported as $0. That beig said, at best this is an excersize best used for beginner teachers and an even better excersize for pre-service teachers. While it provides an avenue to take a deep-dive into the TEKS, it is not practical. As with many things in education - on paper it looks great but when applied, teachers discover it is something already in use... That being said, it may be a great tool for individuals in charge of classrooms who have no teacher credentials.
For TEA's definition of the TLS please click here.
The COI ratified (approved) the Texas Lesson Study and placed it on the Consent Agenda of the Full Committee of the Board where it was formally approved. The fiscal impact was reported as $0. That beig said, at best this is an excersize best used for beginner teachers and an even better excersize for pre-service teachers. While it provides an avenue to take a deep-dive into the TEKS, it is not practical. As with many things in education - on paper it looks great but when applied, teachers discover it is something already in use... That being said, it may be a great tool for individuals in charge of classrooms who have no teacher credentials.
For TEA's definition of the TLS please click here.
Dyslexia Handbook
The State Board of Education (SBOE) on November 16, 2018, gave final approval to updates to The Dyslexia Handbook—2018 Update: Procedures Concerning Dyslexia and Related Disorders (Dyslexia Handbook). The updates address recent legislative changes and clarify processes regarding identification and services for students, including students with dysgraphia. The updated Dyslexia Handbook is effective immediately. Click here to dowload.
The State Board of Education (SBOE) on November 16, 2018, gave final approval to updates to The Dyslexia Handbook—2018 Update: Procedures Concerning Dyslexia and Related Disorders (Dyslexia Handbook). The updates address recent legislative changes and clarify processes regarding identification and services for students, including students with dysgraphia. The updated Dyslexia Handbook is effective immediately. Click here to dowload.
IB Film (First Reading and Filing Authorization)
The TXSBOE approved 2 credit for IB Film SL and IB Film HL - a preliminary vote. The final approval is scheduled for the January 2019 TXSBOE session. For additional IB information, click here.
The TXSBOE approved 2 credit for IB Film SL and IB Film HL - a preliminary vote. The final approval is scheduled for the January 2019 TXSBOE session. For additional IB information, click here.
Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency
The Committee of Instruction voted unanimously to extend the contracts of the three Texas approved providers of High School Equivalency exams:
GED Test Prep HiSET Test Prep Resources TASC Test Prep
For additional information on Texas-approved exams click Path2Diploma
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) Review & Adoption Process
I made two substantial revisions, both accepted, at the preliminary vote taken in November. These revisions are expected to pass unanimously in January:
I made two substantial revisions, both accepted, at the preliminary vote taken in November. These revisions are expected to pass unanimously in January:
- Additional training (and information) for the workgroups, detailing and explaining the how the TEKS documents are both teaching and testing tools. In other words, the TEKS documents provide the minimum information that teachers are required to teach AND what the state must test. For example, the reason that Social Studies Streamlining was a topic of discussion during two legislative sessions is because of the ridiculous amount of standards injected into the teacher workgroup recommendations (the 2010 TEKS), resulting in not only the teaching of double t triple the amount of standards (as compared to other contact tested courses) in Social Studies classrooms, the 2017, 11th-grade U.S. History test (graduation requirement) was 82 questions. *Additionally, an added value to the training will be definitions of verbs and how these are assessed. For example, how is "evaluate" taught in the classroom and how will it be assessed on the STAAR/EOC exams.
- Extending the TXSBOE meetings (by 1 additional day) when discussing TEKS review, revision, amendments, etc. The result of this is a Monday-Friday meeting rather than a Tuesday-Friday meeting. The goal is to take more time while reviewing these documents which live in Texas classrooms for 10+ years.
Permanent School Fund
Details can be found on pages 14-17, in the electronic binder (see above)
Details can be found on pages 14-17, in the electronic binder (see above)
Details of the Committee on School Initiatives
- Charter School Open-Enrollment Application Update (presentation)
- Educator Preparation Program Requirements
- Principal Certification
- Charter School Open-Enrollment Application Update (presentation)
- Educator Preparation Program Requirements
- Principal Certification
Read minutes from all Committee Meetings here
September 2018
Click to review the September 2018 Agenda
Cosmetology Courses
I have received many emails and phone calls from concerned Texans across the state about our cosmetology courses. Here is the most accurate and up-to-date information:
What is happening?
The Texas State Board of Education is not currently considering eliminating these courses. It is the federal Perkins Grant funding that is in limbo. Information provided to us is that federal grant money is only a small percentage of the funds a district receives for offering these courses.
I have received many emails and phone calls from concerned Texans across the state about our cosmetology courses. Here is the most accurate and up-to-date information:
- The authority to delete a course rests solely with the TXSBOE.
- The authority to place a course within the CTE Chapter 130 rests solely with the TXSBOE.
- The TXSBOE has made no plans to either delete cosmetology or to take those classes out of the CTE chapter.
What is happening?
- TEA is working to determine if the cosmetology courses meet the criteria for the new Perkins V definition of “program of study”.
- If TEA can’t determine that the cosmetology classes meet the federal Perkins guidelines for “programs of study”, then it is possible that districts would not be eligible for Perkins Grant Funding for these courses.
The Texas State Board of Education is not currently considering eliminating these courses. It is the federal Perkins Grant funding that is in limbo. Information provided to us is that federal grant money is only a small percentage of the funds a district receives for offering these courses.
Mexican American Studies
After more than a decade of work prior to my duties on the Texas State Board of Education and almost 2 years to get this course approved, on Friday 14 September 2018, the Texas State Board of Education officially passed the Mexican American Studies course. This historic vote makes Texas the only state in the nation to offer Mexican American Studies to all high school students.
There's more! In addition to the amazing course written by Dr. Torres-Edwards of Houston ISD, we were able to add 7 Mexican-American women to the Civil Rights Movement standard, the case of Salvatierra v Del Rio ISD, environmental scientists to the STEM standard, and a soon-to-be developed Mexican American Literature reference list were all new additions to the course.
Read my motions Read the minutes of the vote
After more than a decade of work prior to my duties on the Texas State Board of Education and almost 2 years to get this course approved, on Friday 14 September 2018, the Texas State Board of Education officially passed the Mexican American Studies course. This historic vote makes Texas the only state in the nation to offer Mexican American Studies to all high school students.
There's more! In addition to the amazing course written by Dr. Torres-Edwards of Houston ISD, we were able to add 7 Mexican-American women to the Civil Rights Movement standard, the case of Salvatierra v Del Rio ISD, environmental scientists to the STEM standard, and a soon-to-be developed Mexican American Literature reference list were all new additions to the course.
Read my motions Read the minutes of the vote
Social Studies Streamlining
After receiving several emails and phone call regarding the term "hero" and the Alamo defenders, the TXSBOE voted unanimously to continue to define these individuals as heroes, in addition to the 10 additional references to heroes in the K-12 Social Studies courses. Read my motions. Here is my statement on the issue:
After receiving several emails and phone call regarding the term "hero" and the Alamo defenders, the TXSBOE voted unanimously to continue to define these individuals as heroes, in addition to the 10 additional references to heroes in the K-12 Social Studies courses. Read my motions. Here is my statement on the issue:
San Elizario Mission, San Elizario, Texas (El Paso County)
"Wars and military conflict often represent the failure of diplomacy, whether it be our own American Revolution, Civil War, and Texas War for Independence, or global conflicts like the first and second World War. Independent of the politics of the wars, the heroism that we honor and teach our students is a result of their deeds, not the politics surrounding the conflict. Removing the word “hero” would unnecessarily rob students the opportunity to learn about historical figures whose actions are such that they should be taught in Texas classrooms.
Representing a largely Latino community, and communities like San Elizario, Texas that had the highest number of community members serve in the second world war per capita of any community in the country, protecting the distinction of hero is of particular importance. Especially when one considers the historical fact that Latinos have been recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor more than any other minority group. At least 60 recipients of the Medal of Honor were or are Latino, several of whom are Texans."
Rather than cutting Gus Garcia and his landmark Supreme Court case, Hernandez v. Texas, students will learn about the historic constitutional issue and the impact on American society. Read more about Gus Garcia from the Texas State Historical Association here.
As the first Mexican American to argue at the Supreme Court of the United State, Gus Garcia was the lead attorney arguing Hernandez v Texas at the Supreme Court of the United States. The result of Garcia’s victory - after receiving an additional 16 minutes to argue his case - Mexican Americans were granted the status of a Protected Class under the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution.
Source: “Colored Men and Hombres Aquí: Hernandez V. Texas and the Emergence of Mexican American Lawyering”
by Michael A. Olivas
Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, Raul "Roy" Benavidez will be addressed appropriately as Army Master Sergeant Raul "Roy" Perez Benavidez, as will all CMOH recipients.
Master Sergeant Benavidez was a native Texan. When we think of words like “hero,” which have received a lot of attention lately, we should think of people like Sergeant Benavidez. He is the personification of words like hero, bravery, and patriot. Sergeant Benavidez selflessly put himself in harms way in order to try to save his fellow soldiers. After suffering more than 30 wounds, he was able to save 8 fellow special forces team mates. MSG Benavidez is the type of Texan and Latino we want our students to never forget.
Benavidez, Raul Perez, MSG ( US Army website)
https://army.togetherweserved.com/army/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=14410
LEGEND: Green Beret Roy Benavidez Wounded 30 times, Saved 8 Troops
https://www.sofmag.com/legend-green-beret-roy-benavidez-was-wounded-30-times-saved-8-men/
As the first Mexican American to argue at the Supreme Court of the United State, Gus Garcia was the lead attorney arguing Hernandez v Texas at the Supreme Court of the United States. The result of Garcia’s victory - after receiving an additional 16 minutes to argue his case - Mexican Americans were granted the status of a Protected Class under the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution.
Source: “Colored Men and Hombres Aquí: Hernandez V. Texas and the Emergence of Mexican American Lawyering”
by Michael A. Olivas
Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, Raul "Roy" Benavidez will be addressed appropriately as Army Master Sergeant Raul "Roy" Perez Benavidez, as will all CMOH recipients.
Master Sergeant Benavidez was a native Texan. When we think of words like “hero,” which have received a lot of attention lately, we should think of people like Sergeant Benavidez. He is the personification of words like hero, bravery, and patriot. Sergeant Benavidez selflessly put himself in harms way in order to try to save his fellow soldiers. After suffering more than 30 wounds, he was able to save 8 fellow special forces team mates. MSG Benavidez is the type of Texan and Latino we want our students to never forget.
Benavidez, Raul Perez, MSG ( US Army website)
https://army.togetherweserved.com/army/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=14410
LEGEND: Green Beret Roy Benavidez Wounded 30 times, Saved 8 Troops
https://www.sofmag.com/legend-green-beret-roy-benavidez-was-wounded-30-times-saved-8-men/
Long-Range Plan - Final Report
We pushed the final approval of the report to November in order to allow for public comment on the revisions made during the September meeting.
One of the more substantive revisions is formula funded, full-day Pre-K. The TXSBOE Members who sit on the LRP Steering Committee - myself included - unanimously support this revision. The draft will be available soon for public comment. I will share the link as soon as it becomes available, on this page and my social media accounts. More information
Approved Innovative Courses
The Committee on Instruction approved a High School Elective in the IB Programme:
Theory of knowledge (TOK) is a course about critical thinking and inquiring into the process of knowing, rather than about learning a specific body of knowledge. TOK plays a special role in the IB Diploma Programme by providing an opportunity for students to reflect on the nature of knowledge, to make connections between areas of knowledge and to become aware of their own perspectives and those of the various groups whose knowledge they share. The overall objective of TOK is to encourage students to formulate answers to the question “how do you know?” in a variety of contexts, and to see the value of that question. This allows students to develop an enduring fascination with the richness of knowledge. Review the course
The Committee on Instruction approved a High School Elective in the IB Programme:
Theory of knowledge (TOK) is a course about critical thinking and inquiring into the process of knowing, rather than about learning a specific body of knowledge. TOK plays a special role in the IB Diploma Programme by providing an opportunity for students to reflect on the nature of knowledge, to make connections between areas of knowledge and to become aware of their own perspectives and those of the various groups whose knowledge they share. The overall objective of TOK is to encourage students to formulate answers to the question “how do you know?” in a variety of contexts, and to see the value of that question. This allows students to develop an enduring fascination with the richness of knowledge. Review the course
June 2018
Click here to review the June 2018 Agenda
Ethnic Studies: Mexican American Studies
Again, the TXSBOE voted unanimously to change the name back to its original and correct title of "Mexican American Studies" (read my motion) and send the Houston ISD course to 2nd Reading & Final Adoption in September. There were minimal revisions made to the TEKS:
The Public Comment Period will open in July. You can send your comments to any TXSBOE Member. Who represents me?
Or, you can email your comments to Georgina.Perez@tea.texas.gov
Again, the TXSBOE voted unanimously to change the name back to its original and correct title of "Mexican American Studies" (read my motion) and send the Houston ISD course to 2nd Reading & Final Adoption in September. There were minimal revisions made to the TEKS:
- (5) Patriotism and the Free Enterprise System, required by law (TEC), 28.002(h);
- "Celebrate Freedom Week" which is a set of standards required by law TEC, 29.907;
- (9) Citizenship: clarification standards which were written by Dr. Torres of Houston ISD, the author of the original course.
The Public Comment Period will open in July. You can send your comments to any TXSBOE Member. Who represents me?
Or, you can email your comments to Georgina.Perez@tea.texas.gov
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Commissioner's Comments
Each meeting, Commissioner Michael Morath presents the Texas State Board of Education with an update from the Texas Education Agency. Click the image to view the September 2018 update. |
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Texas Lesson Study
The Committee on Instruction was introduced to Texas Lesson Study (view presentation) and charged with vetting the lessons available. The purpose of the Study is to assist teacher groups in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to take a deep-dive into the TEKS and develop research-based lessons. The goal = Improved Student Outcomes. Lessons can be viewed on the Texas Gateway, here. More info from TEA, here.
The Committee on Instruction was introduced to Texas Lesson Study (view presentation) and charged with vetting the lessons available. The purpose of the Study is to assist teacher groups in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to take a deep-dive into the TEKS and develop research-based lessons. The goal = Improved Student Outcomes. Lessons can be viewed on the Texas Gateway, here. More info from TEA, here.
April 2018
Click here to review the April 2018 Agenda
Ethnic Studies: It took many years, elections, and new Members to reach the goal. And we did it! Texas is now the only State in the Nation to offer a state-wide course on Mexican American Studies, available for all high school students. In addition to this course, we were able to create a framework for additional Ethnic Studies courses: Native American Studies, Latino Studies, African American Studies, and Asian Pacific Islander Studies. Both Motions passed with UNANIMOUS SUPPORT!
Read the TXSBOE Press Release: TXSBOE approves ethnic studies course
View / Download the Houston ISD MAS Innovative Course
Click here to review the April 2018 Agenda
Ethnic Studies: It took many years, elections, and new Members to reach the goal. And we did it! Texas is now the only State in the Nation to offer a state-wide course on Mexican American Studies, available for all high school students. In addition to this course, we were able to create a framework for additional Ethnic Studies courses: Native American Studies, Latino Studies, African American Studies, and Asian Pacific Islander Studies. Both Motions passed with UNANIMOUS SUPPORT!
- Read the Motion: Mexican American Studies Course
- Read the Motion: Ethnic Studies Fast-Track
Read the TXSBOE Press Release: TXSBOE approves ethnic studies course
View / Download the Houston ISD MAS Innovative Course
Math, Science, & Computer Science
In an effort to provide additional options to students, we finalized Rules which grant an advanced mathematics credit or an advanced science credit by successfully completing an advanced computer science course
In an effort to provide additional options to students, we finalized Rules which grant an advanced mathematics credit or an advanced science credit by successfully completing an advanced computer science course
Language Other Than English
We also created Rules which allow students to comply with the curriculum requirements for two credits in a language other than English by substituting two credits in computer programming languages, including Computer Coding.
We also created Rules which allow students to comply with the curriculum requirements for two credits in a language other than English by substituting two credits in computer programming languages, including Computer Coding.
January 2018
Click here to review the Janurary 2018 Agenda
Ethnic Studies
We are at the goal line! Throughout the conversations during TXSBOE Public Hearings over the past 5 years, several Members asked, "What would/could a Latino Studies Course look like?" My office created a teacher workgroup to develope a snapshot of a Latino Studies TEKS based course - using the Houston ISD Mexican American Studies course as the foundation, approved via Innovative Courses, 2014. Click here to review
The Board has agreed to move forward with Ethnic Studies, using the Houston ISD course as the foundation. The final vote will occur during the April session.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Courses
We voted to allow 2 credits on transcripts due to the amount of hours students are required to complete to master the content. These credits will now be reflected accurately on transcripts, providing clear coding instructions for districts. I hope to see more IB campuses now that the coding and transcript issues have been resolved.
Social Studies TEKS Streamlining
The State is now contacting individuals who were nominated and approved by TXSBOE. We are currently in need of Elementary and Geography teachers. Apply here
Language Arts
English & Spanish PD will roll-out slowly, completion expected in Spring 2020. Read more: English, Spanish, & English as a Second Language
Reading & Math Academies
All student-facing materials will be available in English and Spanish. Read more
Dyslexia
We voted to review and update (where necessary) our Dyslexia Handbook. Review handbook in English & Spanish
Read HB 1886, requiring Dyslexia screening for all Kindergarten and 1st Grade students.
Twice Exceptional Students
We will hold public hearings during the April session. Click for additional information, scroll down, under Dyslexia Information on the TEA website.
Dual Language / Language Learners
A student who successfully completes 5 years of Language Learning courses can receive a High School LOTE (Language other than English) credit. Read SB 671
Student Hero Award
The Student Heroes program recognizes Texas public school students in prekindergarten through high school who do outstanding works of service to benefit their fellow students, schools, and their communities. Send in your District 1 nominations now through March 9th. Details
Ethnic Studies
We are at the goal line! Throughout the conversations during TXSBOE Public Hearings over the past 5 years, several Members asked, "What would/could a Latino Studies Course look like?" My office created a teacher workgroup to develope a snapshot of a Latino Studies TEKS based course - using the Houston ISD Mexican American Studies course as the foundation, approved via Innovative Courses, 2014. Click here to review
The Board has agreed to move forward with Ethnic Studies, using the Houston ISD course as the foundation. The final vote will occur during the April session.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Courses
We voted to allow 2 credits on transcripts due to the amount of hours students are required to complete to master the content. These credits will now be reflected accurately on transcripts, providing clear coding instructions for districts. I hope to see more IB campuses now that the coding and transcript issues have been resolved.
Social Studies TEKS Streamlining
The State is now contacting individuals who were nominated and approved by TXSBOE. We are currently in need of Elementary and Geography teachers. Apply here
Language Arts
English & Spanish PD will roll-out slowly, completion expected in Spring 2020. Read more: English, Spanish, & English as a Second Language
Reading & Math Academies
All student-facing materials will be available in English and Spanish. Read more
Dyslexia
We voted to review and update (where necessary) our Dyslexia Handbook. Review handbook in English & Spanish
Read HB 1886, requiring Dyslexia screening for all Kindergarten and 1st Grade students.
- I am pushing for language in TXSBOE Rules, strongly suggesting Dyslexia screening during a student's first year in Texas public schools - as not all students begin in Kinder or 1st grades.
- I am pushing for a Dyslexia screening tool specifically for Language Learners, to be included in the TXSOE Rules
Twice Exceptional Students
We will hold public hearings during the April session. Click for additional information, scroll down, under Dyslexia Information on the TEA website.
Dual Language / Language Learners
A student who successfully completes 5 years of Language Learning courses can receive a High School LOTE (Language other than English) credit. Read SB 671
Student Hero Award
The Student Heroes program recognizes Texas public school students in prekindergarten through high school who do outstanding works of service to benefit their fellow students, schools, and their communities. Send in your District 1 nominations now through March 9th. Details
TXSBOE 2018 Photo Album
