Texas Education Agency News Feed

Commissioner Williams to attend first meeting of El Paso board of managers

Debbie — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 04:44:28 GMT

Commissioner of Education Michael L. Williams announced today that he will attend the first formal meeting of the El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) board of managers. The meeting, which will include an official swearing-in ceremony and selection of board officers, will take place on Tuesday, May 7, in El Paso.

Commissioner Williams visits West ISD

Debbie — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 05:28:18 GMT

Commissioner Michael L. Williams today met with administrators, educators and students in the West Independent School District to assess the district’s needs for the remainder of the school year. West ISD began classes this week following a tragic explosion that devastated the community on April 17.

Commissioner Williams announces 2013 accountability system

Debbie — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 03:37:51 GMT

Commissioner of Education Michael L. Williams today announced the four components that will be part of the new 2013 state accountability system for school districts, campuses and charters in Texas. The first ratings under this system will be issued by the Texas Education Agency on August 8, 2013.

Commissioner Williams commends West ISD staff

Debbie — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:40:48 GMT

Commissioner of Education Michael L. Williams issued the following statement today: “I commend the hard work of administrators, educators and staff at the West Independent School District in their effort to restart school today. The Texas Education Agency continues to stay in contact with Superintendent Marty Crawford to assure they have the support needed to provide for the educational needs of West ISD students through the end of the school year. That goal has been made easier thanks to the outpouring of assistance from school districts across the area and around the state. It is a testament to the people of West and to our state’s spirit of helping one another.”

SBOE gives preliminary approval to a plan providing more math and science options for students and supports anti-voucher resolution

Debbie — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 10:32:18 GMT

In an effort to provide greater flexibility in high school graduation plans, the State Board of Education today tentatively agreed to allow seven additional Career and Technical Education (CTE) or Technology Application courses to count for math or science credit.

Commissioner Williams issues statement about West explosion

Debbie — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 08:08:51 GMT

Commissioner of Education Michael L. Williams issued the following statement following the explosion in West, Texas.

“Our sympathies go out to our friends in the West Independent School District as they wrestle with the aftermath of Wednesday’s massive explosion. I’ve spoken to district leaders and told them TEA will provide as much flexibility and support as possible as they work to reassemble their schools and community. I’ve been very impressed with the strength and resolve these local leaders have shown as they work to bring normalcy back to the lives of their children. I also appreciate all the support the Region 12 Education Service Center in Waco and surrounding districts are providing West ISD.”

North Forest ISD challenge to closure, annexation denied

Debbie — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 06:55:36 GMT

Following a review requested by the North Forest Independent School District (NFISD), the district’s challenge to Commissioner Michael L. Williams’ recommendation to close the NFISD and annex it into the Houston Independent School District (HISD) has been denied.

Texas Senate confirms nomination of Education Commissioner Michael L. Williams

Debbie — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 08:30:04 GMT

The Texas Senate today voted unanimously to formally confirm the nomination of Michael L. Williams as the state’s Commissioner of Education. Named to the position by Governor Rick Perry in September 2012, Commissioner Williams’ appointment required
Senate confirmation.

Nominate businesses that support employee volunteerism in public schools

Debbie — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 04:36:25 GMT

Applications are now being accepted by the State Board of Education (SBOE) for the 2013 Employers for Education Excellence (EEE) Award. Texas employers who encourage and support employee participation in school activities are eligible to be nominated for the 2013 award.

Commissioner Williams accelerates release schedule for STAAR assessments

Debbie — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 05:46:50 GMT

Commissioner of Education Michael L. Williams today announced he is accelerating the scheduled release dates for State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR™), with all general assessments to be released in August following statewide administration of the tests this spring.