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.

Recap: House Higher Education Committee Interim Hearing

Notes on the Committee's May 5 Interim Hearing

The Texas House Committee on Higher Education met on Thursday, May 5.

Read our recap of this meeting, including video excerpts to easily re-watch key exchanges throughout the hearing.

Recap: State Board for Educator Certification

Notes on the SBEC April 29 Meeting

The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) met on Friday, April 29.

Read our recap of this meeting, including video excerpts to easily re-watch key exchanges throughout the hearing.

Recap: House Public Education Committee Interim Hearing

Notes on the Committee's April 26 Interim Hearing

The Texas House Committee on Public Education met on Tuesday, April 26.

Read our latest blog summarizing this meeting, including time stamps of the archived meeting video to easily re-watch key exchanges.

Recap: Texas Commission on Community College Finance

Notes on the Commission's April 6 Meeting

The Texas Commission on Community College Finance met on Wednesday, April 6 to hear updates on Commission work group discussions to date.

Read our latest blog summarizing this meeting, including time stamps of the archived meeting video to easily re-watch key exchanges between the Commission members.

Analysis: Texas Senate Interim Charges

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick recently announced interim charges for committees of the Texas Senate to study.

Our mission is to empower Texas philanthropy to engage in effective public and higher education policy and advocacy. We fulfill our mission, in part, by informing our members about current interim charges and ensure awareness of how interim charges provide a preview of what to expect in the upcoming 2023 legislative session.

Together we will ensure Texas policymakers have access to reliable information from Texas funders that address many of the Senate interim charges outlined by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.

Read an overview of key interim charges relevant to Philanthropy Advocates priorities.

Analysis: Texas House of Representatives Interim Charges

Speaker Dade Phelan recently announced interim charges for committees of the Texas House of Representatives to study.

Our mission is to empower Texas philanthropy to engage in effective public and higher education policy and advocacy. We fulfill our mission, in part, by informing our members about current interim charges and ensure awareness of how interim charges provide a preview of what to expect in the upcoming 2023 legislative session.

Together we will ensure Texas policymakers have access to reliable information from Texas funders that address many of the House interim charges outlined by Speaker Phelan.

Read an overview of key interim charges relevant to Philanthropy Advocates priorities.

Understanding the 2020 Census

Impacts on Texas Public and Higher Education

Philanthropy Advocates hosted our members and fellow partners with the Texas Student Success Council (TSSC) to hear from Dr. Lloyd Potter, the Texas State Demographer, about the impact of the 2020 Census on Texas public and higher education. Dr. Potter discussed population and demographic changes, as well as findings related to educational attainment and workforce demand.

The Importance of the Texas Commission on Community College Finance

Read a letter from Philanthropy Advocates and education advocates to state leaders regarding workforce solutions with the Texas Commission on Community College Finance.

Overview of the 2021 Third Special Session

The third special session of the Texas Legislature ended early in the morning on October 19^th. Despite the brevity of the session, lawmakers were keen to accomplish several goals outlined by Governor Abbott. Following the end of the special session, several legislators also announced plans for leaving the legislature.

Read for updates related to our work together within Philanthropy Advocates.

Educator Preparation Program Requirements at October SBEC Meeting

Philanthropy Advocates, a collaboration with Educate Texas, follows the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) meetings as that board plays a significant role in setting effective teaching policy, a key priority for Philanthropy Advocates and members. The SBEC met on October 1^st and discussed key issues, including quality frameworks pertaining to educator preparation programs (EPPs), virtual observation of teacher candidates, the edTPA educator assessment, and EPP accountability.

Read for an overview of this meeting.

A Look at the State of Early Childhood Education, Higher Education, and the Texas Workforce – Texas Legislative Panel

Key legislators, whose committees span early childhood through the workforce, joined Philanthropy Advocates members to share their reflections from the 87th Texas Legislature during the Educate Texas Fall Policy Convening.

Read the key takeaways from this panel discussion.

Inside Texas Higher Education

An Interview of Commissioner Harrison Keller (THECB) by Evan Smith (Texas Tribune)

Philanthropy Advocates had the privilege of hosting our members during our Educate Texas Fall Policy Convening as Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Commissioner, Dr. Harrison Keller, sat down with Texas Tribune CEO, Evan Smith to discuss the 87^th Legislative Session and the current state of Higher Education.

Read the key takeaways from this conversation.

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