The P-16 Council, authorized in 2003 under Texas Education Code §61.076, is responsible for ensuring that long-range plans and educational programs for the state complement the functioning of the entire system of public education, extending from early childhood education through postgraduate study.
In Texas, the P-16 collaborative began in 1998 as an informal network called the Public Education/Higher Education Coordinating Group. That group was formed by the Commissioners of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), along with the executive director of the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC). Representatives from the legislature, the Governor's office, university systems and other state agencies, as well as education associations and business coalitions were invited to the meetings. It was important for the stakeholders and strategic partners to have a structure, however informal, to present ideas and discuss issues of mutual concern and interest such as the Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate (AP/IB) Incentive Program, college readiness projects, role of community colleges, teacher recruitment and retention, dual/concurrent enrollment, minority enrollment and assessment.
In 2003, the Texas Legislature formalized the system by passing Senate Bill 286 which created the P-16 Council as defined in Sections 61.076 and 61.077 of the Education Code. In 2005, the Legislature modified and strengthened the P-16 statute by passing House Bill 2808, which amends Section 61.076 and repeals Section 61.077 of the Education Code. Section 61.076 outlines Council membership.
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In 2005, the 79th Regular Texas Legislature established the statutory members of the P-16 Council in House Bill 2808. Council members represent 5 Texas state agencies: the Texas Education Agency (TEA), the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), Texas Department of Health Services (TDHS), and the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). The State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) remains a statutory member; however, subsequent legislation moved SBEC's responsibilities under the purview of TEA. In 2007, the Council co-chairs used their statutory authority to appoint three additional members to represent education professionals, agencies, business or other members of the community. In 2011, HB 2909 of the 82nd Texas Legislature allowed the Council co-chairs to appoint additional members who are education professionals, agency representatives, business representatives, or other members of the community.
- Robert Scott (Council Co-Chair), Commissioner of Education, Texas Education Agency
- Dr. Raymund Paredes (Council Co-Chair), Commissioner of Higher Education, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
- Larry Temple, Executive Director, Texas Workforce Commission
- Debra Wanser, Commissioner, Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services
- Phyllis Snodgrass, Business Representative, Vice President of Chamber Relations, Texas Association of Business
- Dr. Gregg Williams, Higher Education Representative (2007-2009), President, Odessa College
- John Fitzpatrick, Executive Director, Texas High School Project
- Dr. Daniel King, Superintendent, Pharr San Juan Alamo ISD
- Dr. William Flores, President, University of Houston-Downtown
- Dr. Beverly Mitchell-Brooks, President, Greater Dallas and North Central Texas Urban League
- Dr. David Lakey, Commissioner, Texas Department of Health Services
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P-16 Council Meetings, 2012
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, 1200 East Anderson Lane, Austin, TX 78752, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
- Meeting Materials
- Presentations
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, 1200 East Anderson Lane, Austin, TX 78752, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
- Meeting Materials
- Presentations
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, 1200 East Anderson Lane, Austin, TX 78752, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
- Meeting Materials
- Presentations
October 10, 2012
P-16 Council Meetings, 2011
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, 1200 East Anderson Lane, Austin TX 78752, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, 1200 East Anderson Lane, Austin TX 78752, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, 1200 East Anderson Lane, Austin TX 78752, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, 1200 East Anderson Lane, Austin TX 78752, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
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P-16 Council Meetings, 2010
2:00 PM; Texas Education Agency, Room 1-104
2:00 PM, Texas Education Agency, Room 1-104
2:00 PM; Texas Education Agency, Room 1-104
2:00 PM; Texas Education Agency, Room 1-104
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2:00 - 5:00 PM; Texas Education Agency, Room 1-111
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.; Texas Education Agency, Room 1-104
2:00 - 5:00 p.m.; Stephen F. Austin Bldg. Assembly Room #170
2:00 - 5:00 p.m.; Texas Education Agency, Room 1-100
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Federal & State Education Policies
Standards and Programs
P-16 Initiatives
512/936-6060