TALE Community,

I just wanted to give an update on the testimony given yesterday to the SBOE regarding the next revisions to the ELAR TEKS.  Robbie and I were both present.

First, this was a wonderful joint effort by the other literacy organizations in Texas. We put in a lot of man hours to craft what standards in Texas would look like to be interconnected 21st century literacies, less burdensome for teachers, prepare students to be college and career readiness, and align better with assessments...but I feel we hit the nail right on the head! The suggested framework was very well received by the members of the board. They all agreed that it would be sent to the Expert Reviewers. What will be decided on Friday will be whether it stays as just a resource for the writing committees or if it will actually be used as THE framework for the TEKS.  Wow, WOW! I am still riding my happy wave that we have been able to make such an impact on these revisions. Even some of the most steadfast members of the board were complementary of the framework and its potential influence on the changes to literacy in Texas. The coalition was also asked to be available during the review to offer suggestions along the way.

I have attached three documents for you to look over.  You will find the Framework, the Joint Letter of Agreement from the coalition members, and the transcript of the testimony given by us. We had asked to be able to speak one after each other so we could build our case.

Here is a link to watch the testimony. I know you are busy but it is really unbelievable! Especially during the question/answer part after the four of us presented. http://streaming.aanet.org/ramgen/tea/TEA_FB071515-3.rm

September will be the next board meeting, and I will keep you updated as well at that time.

Kind regards,

Tricia

Attachments:

Framework
Joint Statement
Collective Speeches

Click the link below to download:

The 84th Legislature: Policy Changes Affecting Public Schools
UT/TASA Summer Conference
June 2015

TALE Members,

Sunday,  June 21, 2015, was the last day for Governor Greg Abbott to veto or sign bills into law that had passed during the regular legislative session. The following is a final updated list of bills that related to literacy education:

HB 1164
Relating to requiring the Texas Education Agency to conduct a study to develop a writing assessment method for public school students and establish a pilot program to administer the assessment method developed.
Effective 9-1-2015

HB 743
Relating to the essential knowledge and skills of the required public school curriculum and to certain assessment instruments for public school students.
Effective immediately

SB 925
Relating to providing training academies for public school teachers who provide reading instruction to students in kindergarten through grade three.
Effective immediately

SB 935
Relating to the establishment of a reading excellence team pilot program.
Effective immediately

SB 972
Relating to training academies for public school teachers who provide reading comprehension instruction to students in grades four and five.
Effective immediately


HB 4
Relating to prekindergarten, including a high quality prekindergarten grant program provided by public school districts.
Effective immediately

Please note that Governor Abbott vetoed SB 313, which provided for (a) a review of the TEKS and (b) more flexibility for school districts in purchasing instructional materials. Governor Abbott issued the following statement:

Pursuant to Article IV, Section 14, of the Texas Constitution, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, do hereby disapprove of and veto Senate Bill No. 313 as passed by the Eighty-Fourth Texas Legislature, Regular Session, because of the following objections:

While Senate Bill 313 is intended to provide additional flexibility to school districts when purchasing classroom instructional materials, the bill potentially restricts the ability of the State Board of Education to address the needs of Texas classrooms. Portions of Senate Bill 313 may have merit, but serious concerns were raised about other parts of the bill. I look forward to working with the Legislature and other stakeholders to ensure this issue is vigorously evaluated before next Session.

Since the Eighty-Fourth Texas Legislature, Regular Session, by its adjournment has prevented the return of this bill, I am filing these objections in the office of the Secretary of State and giving notice thereof by this public proclamation according to the aforementioned constitutional provision.


Additional information related to all bills from this legislative session may accessed at: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/MnuLegislation.aspx

 

Thank you in advance for your advocacy efforts TALE members! TALE's Advocacy Committee is documenting all advocacy efforts, so we encourage you to submit any advocacy communications you send or receive to: [email protected]