The purpose of this letter is to inform school districts and open-enrollment charter schools of an upcoming opportunity to apply to participate in the college and career readiness model: T-STEM Academy Designation. Information regarding T-STEM Designation and timelines for application are provided below.

T-STEM Designation
Under the authority of Texas Education Code (TEC) §39.235 and Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §102.1093, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) has developed a designation process for T-STEM Academies. The designation process will ensure that districts operating T-STEM Academies maintain the integrity of the model, which was designed to improve instruction and academic performance in science and mathematics-related subjects at secondary schools.

In accordance with TAC §102.1093, the designation process is required for all existing and proposed T-STEM Academies. Schools that receive the T-STEM designation will receive a number of benefits, including:

1) Recognition as an Approved T-STEM Academy:
Schools designated by TEA as state-approved T-STEM Academies will receive various forms of media recognition including, but not limited to: identification on TEA’s website as a state-approved T-STEM Academy, inclusion on the Educate Texas (formerly Texas High School Project-THSP) T-STEM Network website http://www.edtx.org, and recognition in press releases.

2) Participation in T-STEM Convenings:
Special events hosted by TEA and Educate Texas for T-STEM Academy administrators and principals to provide input on policies and procedures that impact T-STEM Academies.

3) Membership in the T-STEM Network:
TEA, Educate Texas, and the Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) periodically provide opportunities for principals, teachers, and students in designated T-STEM Academies through the T-STEM network to share best practices through conferences and technical assistance sessions. Membership in the T-STEM Network allows T-STEM Academies to access online exemplars, professional development, and webinars.

4) Access to Professional Development and Technical Assistance:
Designated T-STEM academies will have access to high-quality professional development and technical assistance including:

a. Advice and information from a Leadership Coach who has successfully facilitated the design and implementation of the majority of T-STEM Academies operating in Texas.
b. Opportunities to attend high-quality, effective professional development and training provided by the T-STEM technical assistance provider, Educate Texas, and the T-STEM Centers. The training provided by these organizations, which is currently only available to T-STEM Academy grantees, may be offered to designated Academies for free or at a reduced cost.
5) Strength of T-STEM Model:
a. Through the designation process, TEA and Educate Texas will recognize those T-STEM Academies that effectively incorporate T-STEM Design Blueprint elements. The designation process will enable districts and their partners to engage in the research and planning necessary to ensure that their T-STEM Academies are set up in the most effective way possible.
b. The T-STEM Blueprint provides a framework for T-STEM Academies to access college and career opportunities that support post secondary success.

To Apply for T-STEM Designation:

• Applications are available online at http://thetrc.org/tstem

• Applications must be submitted to TEA through the online application interface on or before April 2, 2013 in order to open a campus as a designated T-STEM Academy during the 2013-2014 school year. The TEA will notify each applicant of its approval status to operate a designated T-STEM Academy by June 2013.

• Districts must complete this application each year in order to renew T-STEM Academy Designation.

Technical Assistance:
• The T-STEM designation application for 2013-2014 is an online, web-based application. Previous designation cycles completed a Word version.
• The technical assistance webinar is not required, however attendance is strongly encouraged and will provide potential applicants the ability to learn how to access and navigate the online, web-based application system.

Date/Time

Description

February 28, 2013
10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Webinar Registration
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/346268010

Attend the 2/28/13 webinar
or
the 3/6/13 webinar

T-STEM Academy Designation Overview
and Technical Assistance

An opportunity to learn about the T-STEM Academy designation requirements including benefits and application requirements. Overview of the online designation system will be provided.

Who Should Attend

Designated T-STEM Academies

Districts and charter schools planning on applying for T-STEM designation.

March 6, 2013
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Webinar Registration
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/686278930

Attend the 2/28/13 webinar
or
the 3/6/13 webinar

T-STEM Academy Designation Overview
and Technical Assistance

An opportunity to learn about the T-STEM Academy designation requirements including benefits and application requirements. Overview of the online designation system will be provided.

Who Should Attend

Designated T-STEM Academies

Districts and Charter schools planning on applying for T-STEM Designation.

For assistance completing the application:
• The current 65 designated T-STEM Academies may contact their T-STEM coach and should incorporate information from the self-assessment conducted in 2013.

• New applicants may contact Stacy Avery, T-STEM Program Manager at tstem@tea.state.tx.us.

Sincerely,

Anita Givens
Associate Commissioner
Standards and Programs

Page last modified on 2/19/2013 12:00:00 AM.