As a practical principal and instructional leader, you’re consistently reflecting on the successes of your campus and determining the next steps to...
All Blog Posts
3 Key Areas of Change to the Science TEKS
Did you know Texas has brand new Science standards? The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for grades Kindergarten through 12th have been...
In the realm of educational leadership, the role of a principal is multifaceted and demanding. Principals are not just administrators; they are...
In episodes 3 and 4 of Drinking from the Firehose, Mera Dougherty, a central Texas principal, delves into culturally responsive schools, shedding...
Summer Johnson, a student with a visual impairment in Region 13, shares some common misconceptions she has encountered through personal experience...
Strategies for an Effective Individualized Education Program (IEP) Meeting
Preparation is the foundation of an effective Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting. The special education process consists of three main...
Self-regulation is a person’s ability to attain, sustain, and change alertness that is appropriate to the situation. In other words, self-regulation...
The 5 Strands of Mathematical Proficiency
What is Mathematical Proficiency? How do you define mathematical proficiency? Had I been asked this question early in my teaching career, I might...
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires state education agencies to determine low-performing schools. These low-performing schools are...
Uncovering the Link Between Literacy and Social Studies
Elementary teachers lay the foundation for instilling a lifelong love of learning and a deep understanding of foundational skills about the...
As a school leader, you are in full swing, where you’re likely supporting teachers with finding success in their classrooms. This comes in the form...
The role of a school superintendent is pivotal in shaping the educational landscape of a school district. They drive decision-making, policy...
Five Key Action Items to Help You Prepare for TELPAS.
The Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment, known as TELPAS, plays a major role in evaluating the English language proficiency of emergent...
Current research suggests that high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) together with an understanding of research-based instructional strategies...
The Texas Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program is designed to reward effective teachers. Any teacher in an 087 role can receive an allotment...
Within the previous structure of the Texas school accountability system, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) reports that about 30% of district ratings...
Creating a culturally responsive school takes work⏤from disrupting traditional leadership pipelines to building equity in student resources. In...
In educational leadership, aspiring principals in Texas undergo rigorous assessments to prove their readiness for the pivotal role they would like to...
Hello, I am Paula Freeman with ESC Region 13 and this is On the Plus Side, a podcast dedicated to educators who are authentically finding wisdom...
Being a new teacher has its own challenges in the classroom. Add coaching responsibilities to the plate, and you have a recipe for exhaustion...
While every issue a student might describe as “bullying” does not equate to the standard definition, all reports should be taken...
During the A-F Reset made necessary by SB 1365, Domain 3: Closing the Gaps underwent the most significant changes out of all the domains. These...
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), enacted in 2015, builds upon the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965. Above all...
Embarking on learning English as a Newcomer in the United States presents many challenges, especially when adjusting to a new school environment...
The education system has countless unrecognized champions who dedicate themselves to the pursuit of student success. These unsung heroes include...
According to an Education Advisory Board (EAB) survey, since 2018, educators have reported a significant jump in opposition and emotional...
Everyone wants to do what’s best for students. It can feel overwhelming to meet the training requirements for the gifted and talented program...
Transitioning from a focus on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) to Leadership and Character Development (LCD) entails a broader perspective...
Congratulations on your new role as a Multilingual Director/Coordinator! Your dedication to supporting Emergent Bilingual (EB) students has paid off...
In an effort to align Individual Graduation Committees (IBCs) and Programs of Study, while also phasing out sunsetting IBCs, the Texas Education...
The public education system in Texas plays a critical role in shaping our children’s future. Dedicated, hardworking teachers are the backbone...
By introducing the A-F system, TEA committed to keeping the same calculations and cut scores for up to five consecutive years. This allows for...
Nurturing a Growth Mindset in Math
Some of the consistent difficulties that ALL educators are confronted with include challenging behaviors and decreased motivation. It can be...
Summer Johnson, a high school student in Region 13, shares her perspective on navigating life with a visual impairment. She shares some dos and...
Do You Know Your Gifted and Talented Program Goals?
Gifted and Talented (GT) Programs vary across campuses, districts, and the state. Do you know your gifted and talented program goals? Are you...
2024 Regional Teacher of the Year awards to Austin ISD’s Megan Vasquez and Samantha Marion
Megan Vasquez, the Elementary Teacher of the Year, and Samantha Marion, the Secondary Teacher of the Year, both representing Austin Independent...
Welcome to your first year as a Secondary Reading Language Arts teacher! Whether you just graduated from college with an education degree or you...
Behavior coaches are educational professionals who work with students, teachers, and administrators to help improve school climate and reduce problem...
In Texas, the accountability system serves as a vital tool for continuously improving student performance and eliminating achievement gaps based on...
As the backbone of any educational institution, school principals play a crucial role in shaping the future of students, teachers, and the school...
With the influx of technology into schools over the last three years, it is more important than ever to consider how and why we use technology in the...
When filling vacancies in your district, navigating the variety of teacher certification options and requirements can be challenging. Our Educator...
In an effort to enhance accountability and support dropout recovery schools (DRS), the Texas Education Agency (TEA) has proposed a separate...
Refine Systems to Regain Time for Instructional Leadership
You’ve received your student achievement results from the past school year. Your leadership team and you reflected on the data and are in the process...
No matter which classroom management system you choose to implement in your classroom, they all include these five key variables: Structure and...
Darren Webb Darren Webb, superintendent of Lago Vista ISD, has been named the 2023 Regional Superintendent of the Year by Education Service...
Academic Growth calculation is one of the big changes in the refreshed A-F Accountability System. TEA continues to evaluate growth in multiple ways...
The school year has ended; your teachers and students have left the building, and you’re closing out the year. As a proactive school principal, you...
Top Apps for Dyslexic Students to Enhance Literacy Skills this Summer
Harnessing Technology to Empower Dyslexic Learners During the Summer Summer break is an ideal time for students to relax, rejuvenate, and engage in...
How the changes affect Consecutive Years and D Ratings The education system in Texas is constantly evolving to better serve its students. One change...