The Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS) fulfills federal requirements for assessing the English language proficiency of English language learners (ELLs) in kindergarten through grade 12 in four language domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. TELPAS assesses students in alignment with the Texas English…

The Texas Education Agency's (TEA) approved instrument for evaluating teachers, the Professional Development and Appraisal System (PDAS), was the primary instrument used by 86 percent of local education agencies (LEAs) in the state and has been in place since 1997. In acknowledging the vital roles teachers play in student achievement, and based on…

"Building Institutional Capacity for Data-Informed Decision Making" is the third installment of the Cutting Edge series, which aims to help colleges engage faculty, scale successful interventions, and create a strong culture of evidence through use of data to strengthen their institutional change and student success efforts. Though the…

This manual represents the collective philosophy and procedures from Texas educators who are actively involved in the management of successful mentoring and induction programs. It is offered as a guideline for school districts, universities, education service centers, or individuals who are developing or enriching mentoring and induction programs.…

A recently developed and state-validated model of school evaluation and program development is now being used in 174 Texas school districts. The Learner-Based Accountability System (LBAS) is a model for school evaluation and program development geared toward the improvement of school practices. The 11 components of the system incorporate the…

This guide, based on the Texas Education Agency's "essential elements," presents a model for providing differentiated instruction for gifted high school students in any area of content and within any educational setting. The guide provides strategies for changing the following dimensions of the curriculum: (1) content or subject matter,…

This booklet on spelling instruction, developed in response to requests to incoporated spelling into an integrated language arts program, contains information related to the current thinking on effective and appropriate spelling instruction. Following an overview, the booklet discusses the developmental stages of the learner, effective spelling…

A manual has been designed to assist Texas Education Agency investigators in their attempt to take a state-wide inventory of elementary and secondary school facilities and educational technology. This manual examines data collection activities, data storage and maintenance, deliverables, and reporting. Every campus is expected to be inventoried…

The use of informal group settings such as kaffeekranzchen for the maintenance of German language and culture among adult speakers is reported. Regular bimonthly kaffeekranzchen were held by a native German speaker at the suggestion of several German-Texan women, ranging in age from 40 to 79, who were interested in polishing and maintaining their…

This teacher orientation manual has been developed as a comprehensive resource for teachers in Texas to facilitate a greater knowledge and understanding of the Texas Teacher Appraisal System (TTAS), designed as a developmental tool for the improvement of instruction, and the encouragement of professional growth. Through this system, teachers…

Containing four sections of materials for workshop presenters to teach phonics and word recognition, this guide assists early reading program educators (grades K-3) in enhancing the Reading and Language Arts knowledge and skills of Texas students. Section 1, an introduction, defines the purpose of the guide and outlines six goals. Section 2,…

Describes how a group of Texas teacher educators use story to examine their teaching decisions in the face of a test-driven curriculum. Notes that their stories reflect their responses to pressures to create curriculum that imitates the test rather than remaining learner-centered. (SG)

This guide provides Texas teachers and administrators with guidelines, goals, instructional strategies, and activities for teaching Spanish to secondary level native speakers. It is based on the principle that the Spanish speaking student is the strongest linguistic and cultural resource to Texas teachers of languages other than English, and one…

This document provides assistance to teachers who will present computer literacy courses established by the State Board of Education and required of all seventh and eight grade Texas students, beginning September 1, 1985, and to other educators responsible for teacher training. Designed to guide the teachers' training program, define the necessary…

Containing four sections of materials for workshop presenters to teach phonological awareness, this guide assists early reading program educators in enhancing the Reading and Language Arts knowledge and skills of Texas students. Section 1, an introduction, defines the purpose of the guide and outlines six goals. Section 2, Professional…