The Department of State Initiatives provides policy guidance and program support for statewide activities from pre-kindergarten to college and career readiness. The focus is on efforts that support the academic achievement of all students. Programs in State Initiatives are grouped by these categories:
In the Spotlight:
State Initiatives News:
House Bill 2237 Report to the Legislature
In compliance with House Bill 2237, Section 39.365(b), the Texas Education Agency has prepared the attached report on the implementation of various components of HB 2237, an act relating to grants and programs for dropout prevention, high school success, and college and workforce readiness in public schools.
September 1, 2009, HB 2237 Update
Texas Early College High Schools
Texas’ rapidly growing Early College High School (ECHS) program expands to 41 campuses this fall, up from 29 schools last year. This innovative high school model,developed by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, targets first-generation college goers, low-income students, minority students and English language learners. It allows students to earn a high school diploma and two years of college credit free of charge while in high school. Texas quickly embraced the concept and has emerged as a national leader in this reform effort.
In September, the Texas Education Agency will make approximately $3.6 million available for funding additional schools through the ECHS Cycle 4 grants. The grant, which runs from Jan. 1, 2010 to May 31, 2012, will support the planning and implementation of approximately eight additional schools.
In order to help explain the ECHS Model, the Texas Education Agency will host presentations in five different parts of the state entitled, Understanding the ECHS Model. Experts in ECHS design in Texas will explain how the model works and why it is so promising. Attendees will learn about the difference between an ECHS and dual credit program and how ECHSs enable at-risk students to graduate from high school and earn 60 college credit hours. Anyone who is interested in learning more about ECHS is welcome to RSVP and attend.
The location of presentation you plan to attend
(Austin, Fort Worth, Abilene, WEBINAR),
Name
Title
Email
Phone number
Presentations will be held in the following locations:
Austin: Sept. 10, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Region 13 Education Service Center, Barton Springs Room, 3rd Floor
5701 Springdale Road, Austin, TX 78723
512-919-5313
Fort Worth: Sept. 14, 10 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
Tarrant County College Northwest, Michael Saenz Conference Center, WACB 1123
1500 Houston Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102
817-515-8223
Abilene: Sept. 15, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Region 14 Education Service Center
1850 Highway 351, Abilene, TX 79601
325-675-8600
Webinar: Sept. 30, 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Online, RSVP in order to receive webinar instructions
P-16 Council
The P-16 Council meeting date has changed. The next meeting is:
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
2:00 PM
Stephen F. Austin Bldg., Assembly Room #170
1700 N. Congress Ave. (directly across from the TEA Building)
Austin, TX 78701
State Initiatives Listserv
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Department of State Initiatives
StateInitiatives@tea.state.tx.us