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 Governor Perry, at microphone, holds a press conference following the signing of House Bill 5 (High School Curriculum, Testing Bill). The bill, by House Public Education Chairman Jimmie Don Aycock, R-Killeen, drops the number of state standardized tests high school students must take to graduate and changes the courses needed to earn a diploma. Pictured to the Governor's left,
Sen. Van de Putte, Rep. Deshotel, and to his right, Rep. Aycock, Sen. Patrick, Lt. Governor Dewhurst, TEA Commissioner Michael Williams, and Rep. Farney.
TCSA Webinar:
HB5: Changes to the Texas Public School Accountability and Graduation Programs
Monday, June 17, 2013; 12pm-1:30pm
Join us in this webinar to receive a break down of the changes to the Texas school accountability and graduation programs in HB5.  Perry Signs High School Curriculum, Testing Bill
As Perry signed HB 5 with Aycock and Senate Education Chairman Dan Patrick, R-Houston, by his side, the governor said the measure reflected an "appropriate balance between a need for rigorous academics and flexibility" and had "come a long way" to address the concerns of its critics, which include the Texas Association of Business and the Austin Chamber of Commerce. Read the article. |
Webinar Series: Updates to the Law View these webinars to receive a comprehensive update on the changes in charter school law following the conclusion of the 83rd Legislative Session.
83rd Legislature Public Education Budget Overview
Webinar recorded on June 5, 2013
The 83rd Legislature recently adopted the state budget that includes additional dollars for public education. SB 1 has been sent to the Governor for his consideration. This webinar will give an overview of the appropriations made for public education and will discuss the details of the Foundation School Program distribution of funds to schools. ACCESS THE RECORDING The Powerpoint used in this webinar is available in the resources section of the Quality Framework. For more information about accessing the resources in the Quality Framework, please email the Quality Framework Team.***New TEA State Aid Estimation Template to be released soon. Watch your FSP TEASE account for the release.***
Senate Bill 2 and Other Charter Related Legislation Webinar recorded on June 6, 2013 - Senate Bill 2 - break down of the language that passed and implications
- Other charter related legislation that was passed
- Key points for going forward and when expected changes will apply
The Powerpoint used in this webinar is available in the resources section of the Quality Framework. For more information about accessing the resources in the Quality Framework, please email the Quality Framework Team.
Calculating Your 2013 State Accountability Scores Webinar recorded on June 12, 2013 Learn how to calculate your school's index scores and get a head start in understanding where you will fall under the new system. Commissioner Williams released key chapters of the 2013 Accountability Manual on 5/24/13. This webinar will introduce participants to these chapters and prepare them to calculate their 2013 Index Scores. The Powerpoint used in this webinar is available in the resources section of the Quality Framework. For more information about accessing the resources in the Quality Framework, please email the Quality Framework Team.
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News from the Division of Grants Administration
Clarifying Guidance on Use of Federal Funds
On May 15, 2013, the US Department of Education (USDE) issued clarifying guidance on how federal grant funds may be used to pay for conferences and meetings. The guidance, in the form of frequently asked questions (FAQ), also includes information on food and travel costs. TEA published a "To the Administrator Addressed" letter concerning the clarifying guidance on June 13, 2013. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has updated the TEA Guidelines Related to Specific Costs to reflect USDE's clarifying guidance. Refer to the Allowable Cost Guidance section of the Grant Management Resources page for a link to the USDE guidance and to the updated TEA Guidelines Related to Specific Costs. With any questions related to the clarifying guidance, email the Division of Grants Administration at grants@tea.state.tx.us.
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Charter Grow and Own Facilities Workshops -
3 City Tour
$80 TCSA Member; $95 Non-Member; Group discounts available.
Earn up to 6 Commissioner Hours for Board Members and/or Officers!
Join us for this one day crash-course to move your facility development and maintenance plans closer to your mission and save a considerable amount of money while doing so. We will solve these growth issues for your organization:
- Tired of trying to get your MAKE-SHIFT facility to work/grow with you?
- Busting at the SEAMS? Need more effective space?
- Are you reacting to your growth or managing your growth?
- Do you have a 5 Year and 10 Year Growth Plan?
- Wondering where to START?
- Who should I hire? How much can we afford? What do I do first?
Who should attend: Charter School Executives, Board Members, Central Administrative Officers, Administrators, and Business Managers
Limited to 30 seats in each city - register early to guarantee your space!
 On-demand TCSA e-Learning Video Series
Charter School Board Members and Administrators now have the flexibility to log in and complete annual training requirement at anytime from the comfort of their home or office. The E-Learning Series is designed to provide TEA required training to charter school administrators and board members in a simple, effective on-line platform. Individuals can access training 24/7 at their convenience. Certificates will be available for download at the completion of the training.
AVAILABLE NOW!
All courses cost $75 and are 60 minutes unless otherwise noted.
2012 PBMAS Update
Understanding the Creation of the New State Accountability System (75 minutes)
2012 Federal Accountability Update
Introduction to Charter School Open Meetings
The Business of Human Resources
Charter FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas)
The ABC's of the Charter: Understanding Charter School Audits and Reviews
Avoiding the Pitfalls of At Will Employment (75 minutes)
Don't Fight the Law - Essential Board Policies (75 minutes)
Introduction to Charter School Law
FREE Webinar: Setting Up Your Business Framework - Starting a Charter SchoolJuly 16, 2013; 10am-11:15am - How to complete the Form 1023 for tax exempt status correctly to prevent delays
- Drafting By Laws
- Tax issues that sponsoring entities must be aware of ahead of time
FREE Webinar: Applying for a Charter School in Texas
August 16, 2013
10am-11:15am
Ideal for persons seeking general information about the Texas Charter School movement and for persons preparing a Generation 19 application to the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE). If a Generation 19 application cycle is approved by the SBOE, then the deadline for applications likely will be late February 2014. REGISTER
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The Conference at a Glance Schedule has been posted to the website. Start planning your travel and register today! Call for Presentations Help us "Blaze a Trail to Quality and Innovation!" As the State of Texas' premier source for charter school training and professional development, the Texas Charter Schools Association (TCSA) is searching for our highest quality charter leaders, supporters and entrepreneurs to present at the 2013 Texas Charter Schools Conference. Submit a proposal before the June 30th deadline. TCSA is looking for engaging presenters and session topics that focus on quality practices in education and that engage attendees in dialogue about cutting-edge trends, issues and solutions. Participation as a presenter will help attendees increase their leadership skills and professional competence, provide for an exchange of ideas and solutions, and help attendees address the issues and challenges facing the Texas charter school community. This is YOUR chance to share and discuss best practices, professional development strategies, and Texas' focus on student academic achievement.
National Charter Schools Conference REGISTER The Texas Charter Schools Association invites you to our cocktail reception for National Charter Schools Conference attendees from Texas hosted by Compass Learning on Monday, July 1, 2013 from 5:30pm - 7:30pm at Brasserie Beck. REGISTER for the cocktail reception.
Texas Charter School Coaches ConferenceAustin, Texas; August 19-20 REGISTER Collins Writing Program Introductory InstituteSan Antonio, Texas; August 20 REGISTER
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 Two Grant Competitions for Charter Schools Accepting Applications The U.S. Department of Education's Charter Schools Program (CSP) has just announced two new Non-State Educational Agency (Non-SEA) grant competitions, with an application deadline of July 12, 2013. The CSP's Non-SEA Planning, Program Design, and Implementation competition (84.282B) provides grants directly to charter school developers so they can plan, design, and complete the initial implementation of their school. The Non-SEA Dissemination competition (84.282C) provides grants directly to existing public charter schools, which they can use to assist other schools in adapting the charter school program (or certain aspects of the charter schools' program) or to disseminate information about the charter school.
 FREE Webinar: Overcoming the Odds: Getting Every Student to College Content provided by the Broad Foundation.
YES Prep Public Schools, winner of the 2012 Broad Prize for Public Charter Schools, has an enviable academic track record: They've eliminated achievement gaps, achieved a 100 percent graduation rate with all students accepted into 4-year colleges-plus they partner with local traditional public schools. Join us as YES Prep president Jason Bernal, Aldine Independent School District Superintendent Wanda Bamberg and national education researcher Shelley Billig discuss YES Prep's success and the strategies behind their new partnership with Aldine Independent School District.
 TEACHING IMMIGRATION ACROSS THE CURRICULUM July 9-11, 2013; 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. REGISTER Learn about the immigrant students in your classrooms through interactive presentations and panel discussions. Interact with other teachers through group chats and webinars. Get sample lessons, teaching ideas and state-specific resources. Integrate immigration topics into your teaching. Modules include: - Integration and Assimilation in the Classroom
- Strategies for Student Success
- The Sociology of Immigration
- Uncovering Cultural Assumptions
- Update on Comprehensive Immigration Reform
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 Austin Can Academy proving dreams can come true by TERRI GRUCA / KVUE News and photojournalist J.P. HARRINGTON; June 9, 2013
... The Austin charter school is designed to help at-risk students who've struggled in a traditional high school setting. Class sizes are small, and they receive guidance to develop a plan for the future ... Since 1987, 12,000 students have graduated from the 10 Texas Can Academies. Read the article/Watch the video.
20 students walk stage as part of Pineywoods Community Academy's first graduating class
By MELISSA HEARD/The Lufkin News; June 8, 2013
The first-ever group of PARAMUS Early College High School graduates crossed the stage Friday evening at Pineywoods Community Academy's Naranjo Auditorium. Read the article.
 For North Texas High Schoolers, There's No Business Like Show Business by COURTNEY COLLINS/Art and Seek; June 7, 2013 The curtain goes up on the Tony Awards Sunday evening, but back in North Texas, high-schoolers just wrapped their own season of musical theater honors. Teens dubbed best-of-the-best will head to New York this summer to battle for a national theater title. But for these aspiring pros, that's just a warm-up. Read the article/Listen.
 by PEGGY FIKAC and LINDSAY KASTNER/San Antonio Express-News; June 10, 2013 San Antonio student Cristina Salais, 16, missed her first day of an internship with the city of San Antonio to introduce Gov. Rick Perry when he signed state testing reforms into law Monday. The wide-ranging House bill 5 will overhaul high school graduation requirements... Continue reading here.
In Other Charter News
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FINE ARTS TEACHER, SAN ANTONIO, TX Southwest Preparatory School San Antonio, Texas Job ID: 338582 Application Deadline: Posted until Filled Posted: June 11, 2013 Starting Date: Austin 15, 2013
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WEBSITE NOW LIVE! TEA, ESC Region XI, and TCSA's collaborative efforts to support charters in all stages of development can now conveniently
be accessed online. To see how we can help you and your school:
 2013 Member Council Meeting
SAVE THE DATE
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
214 E. Ashby
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TCSA Charter Bills Passed During the 83rd Legislative SessionSB 2 - Senator Dan Patrick, Representative Jimmie Don Aycock EXPAND & STRENGTHEN QUALITY CHARTER SCHOOLS FOR TEXAS STUDENTS Read the Press Release.SB 1538 - Senators Leticia Van de Putte and Eddie Lucio, Representative Marsha Farney
DROP OUT RECOVERY SCHOOL DESIGNATION FOR
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TEA announces initial assessment requirements under HB5 Read the letter. Overview of process related to A-133 single audits Read the letter. 2013 - 2014 Title I, Part C, Carl D. Perkins Formula Grant Application Read the letter. Dyslexia Technology Plan Read the letter. | |
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