Educate Texas - Philanthropy Advocates

Philanthropy Advocates was formerly known as the Texas Education Grantmakers Advocacy Consortium (TEGAC) until August 2020. Previously-created resources, documents and blog posts mentioning TEGAC are still provided on this website for your reference.

HB 8 and SB 2539 - Community College Finance is Transformative for Texans

HB 8 and SB 2539 will increase economic mobility for families by increasing affordable postsecondary options as early as high school through its efforts to enhance dual credit options. It will also invest in re-skilling and up-skilling efforts that are often necessary for mid-career professionals to advance and increase their household earnings potential. We know that education can transform lives and we look forward to our state leaders working to ensure this mission is supported for decades to come.

Research: Exploring Systems for College Readiness in Texas

Research by Texas Tech University, commissioned by Philanthropy Advocates, on Texas policies defining student coursework patterns and college readiness standards

This report is intended to provide legislative staff simple information that outlines the effect of policies on student transitions from preK-12 into postsecondary education - overviewing college readiness incentives and accountability standards established by the state and analyzing trends in student course taking through the lens of HB 5 (2013).

College readiness is defined in state statute in one way, but there are multiple college readiness standards that are not fully aligned between preK-12 and higher education. This misalignment, coupled with an analysis of HB 5, indicates challenges in student transition between preK-12 to postsecondary education is largely a systems issue rather than that of individual students making poor choices. To achieve the goals of the Building a Talent Strong Texas strategic plan, the state should do more to further align education systems to reduce the burden on individual students and families navigating their postsecondary and career pathways.

Philanthropy Advocates applauds the Texas Senate’s efforts in their current budget proposal

Looks forward to policy advancements to improve access to high quality early learning, funding for community colleges, and prioritizing teacher retention

This week, the Senate Finance Committee will be discussing Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), the Senate’s budget proposal for the 2023 legislative session. We thank Senate budget authors for their initial and ongoing work to invest in Texas education to advance and current and future workforce.

Public Comment to TEA - Algebra 1 in 8th Grade

Public Comment to TEA - Algebra 1 in 8th Grade

Philanthropy Advocates has provided public comment to the Texas Education Agency for consideration as the agency continues to reimagine the state’s public education accountability system. Our public comment aims to increase student access to Algebra 1 in 8^th grade as we continue to pursue systems in Texas education that increase students’ opportunities in their academic and career pursuits.

It's Time to Invest in High-Quality Teacher Preparation

Co-authored by Philanthropy Advocates, Educate Texas, the Commit Partnership, Teach Plus, and The Education Trust.

Today’s teachers are responsible for preparing the workforce of tomorrow. We urge our state leaders to consider investing in rigorous, affordable, high-quality education preparation pathways this legislative session as the solution to our staffing challenges.

Recap: State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) Meeting

Notes on the December 9 SBEC Meeting

The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) met on Friday, December 9. Board members met for the final agenda of the year receiving updates from TEA staff regarding Texas Teachers of Tomorrow and edTPA.

Research: Exploring Impact of Teacher Certification Policy on Educator Workforce

Research by University of Houston, commissioned by Philanthropy Advocates, on Texas teacher certification policies

This report is intended to provide legislative staff simple information that outlines pathways for adults to become a classroom teacher – overviewing teacher certification policies and trends in hiring uncertified educators.
Through both preparation routes and policies permitting uncertified teachers to serve as classroom teachers, there are many routes to prepare teachers to meet workforce demand.

In the face of staffing challenges, flexibility is available for school districts to hire uncertified teachers. We aimed to understand the impact of this practice on students and the overall teacher workforce pipeline.

Recap: State Board of Education (SBOE) Meeting

Notes on the November 18 SBOE Meeting

The SBOE (State Board of Education) met on Friday, November 18. Board Chairman, Kevin Ellis, welcomed members and outlined the meeting’s discussion around STAAR redesign, school safety standards, and recommendations from the board for the upcoming 88^th Legislative Session.

Recap: Texas Early Learning Council (TELC) Quarterly Meeting

Notes on the Council's October 21 Meeting

The Texas Early Learning Council (TELC) met on Friday, October 21. Reagan Miller, Chair of the Council and Director of the Child Care and Early Learning Division with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), outlined the meeting’s discussion around the work of the Council’s data roadmap work group and funding updates regarding child care ahead of the 88^th Legislative Session.

Recap: The Texas Commission on Community College Finance (TxCCCF) Meeting

Finalized recommendations from the Texas Commission on Community College Finance

The Texas Commission on Community College Finance met on Tuesday, October 18, to finalize their set of recommendations to the Texas Legislature.

Recap: State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) Meeting

Notes on the September 29 SBEC Meeting

The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) met on Thursday, September 29 for a work session, and again on Friday, September 30 for their regular meeting. Thursday’s session was focused around edTPA and teacher performance assessment options. With State Board of Education’s (SBOE) rejection of edTPA in July, SBOE will discuss next steps for moving forward with edTPA.

Recap: Joint Public and Higher Education Committee Interim Hearing

Notes on the Joint Committee’s September 20 Interim Hearing

The Texas House Public Education Committee and Higher Education Committee met in a Joint Hearing on Tuesday, September 20. Committee chairs framed the discussion on improving the climate for teachers in the state and stated that the day’s testimony would lead to written legislation for the upcoming 88^th Legislative Session.

Blog

HB 8 and SB 2539 - Community College Finance is Transformative for Texans

Research: Exploring Systems for College Readiness in Texas

Philanthropy Advocates applauds the Texas Senate’s efforts in their current budget proposal

Public Comment to TEA - Algebra 1 in 8th Grade

It's Time to Invest in High-Quality Teacher Preparation

Recap: State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) Meeting

Research: Exploring Impact of Teacher Certification Policy on Educator Workforce

Recap: State Board of Education (SBOE) Meeting

Recap: Texas Early Learning Council (TELC) Quarterly Meeting

Recap: The Texas Commission on Community College Finance (TxCCCF) Meeting

Recap: State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) Meeting

Recap: Joint Public and Higher Education Committee Interim Hearing

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