This report covers TEA’s second video on reading practices under HB 3. The video recaps HB 3 reading academy models, details regarding Authorized Providers, and a new method for implementation. Additionally, a calendar of further communication is outlined. The video can be found here.
This report is intended to give you an overview and highlight of the discussions on the various topics the committee took up. It is not a verbatim transcript of the hearing, but is based upon what was audible or understandable to the observer and the desire to get details out as quickly as possible with few errors or omissions.
Forthcoming Communications
- December-
Application opens for Authorized Providers
- Provide additional resources for implementation
- Issue formal call for pilot participants
- Publish Reading Practices survey
- January-
Share initial scope and sequence for feedback.
- Release screening process for Cohort Leaders.
- February-
Announce Authorized Providers
- Share updated content and scope and sequence updated after feedback
- March- Host Authorized Provider training in Austin.
HB 3 Reading Practices Recap
- The presentation outlines why reading academy models matter.
- HB 3 requires each teacher and principle in grades K-3 to attend Reading Academies by 2021-2022. Districts are responsible for ensuring this.
- An Authorized Provider is an entity- ESC, LEA, IHEs, or non-profit- that is formally approved by TEA to provide Reading Academies.
- The presentation defines blended facilitators, comprehensive coaches and cohort leaders.
Proposed Rulemaking Updates
- Enrollment in the Reading Academies by the summer of 2022 adheres to the requirement.
- Special Area Teacher are to be exempted form HB 3 Reading Academies (Art, Music, and Physical Education).
Reading Academy Models
- There are two models that meet the requirement in statute.
- Blended cohorts can include no more than 100 participants, 12 hours of work per week and facilitators can lead up to 3 cohorts at a time.
- Comprehensive cohorts can include no more than 60 participants, 40 hours of work per week and coachers can lead up to 1 cohort at a time.
- Both
plans require districts to evaluate artifacts and provide feedback, provide 3
hours of virtual office hours per cohort and to check-in with Authorized
Provider every two weeks via survey.
- The comprehensive plan is required to provide an additional 10 days of in-person training and 4 personal, 1-hour coaching sessions. 1 coaching session per participant can be virtual.
Authorized Providers Requirements
- All Authorized Providers must be approved by TEA and an entity must agree to a list of requirements by TEA including upfront funding on the part of the provider.
- They must provide and facilitate HB 3 Reading Academies.
- Follow and implement HB 3 Reading Academies content as designed by TEA.
- Ensure all Cohort Leaders pass a mandatory centralized hiring screen before leading sessions.
- Attend mandatory training as determined by TEA.
- Coordinate and fund travel for all Cohort Leaders.
- Conduct program evaluation as determined by TEA.
- Communicated and respond to TEA information requests.
- Conduct outreach to publicize HB 3 Reading Academies.
New Implementation Choice
- Districts who implement the Reading Academies locally will sign an MOU with an Authorized Provider to pay a flat fee per Cohort Leader versus per participant.
Authorized Provider Fees
- The Blended Model is $400 per participant.
- The comprehensive model is $3,000 per participant.
Local Implementation Fees
- The Blended Model is a $10,000 flat fee per facilitator and the Comprehensive Model is a $12,000 flat fee per coach.
Options for LEA Implementation
- Serve as an Authorized Provider, implement locally, or utilize an Authorized Provider.
- Districts may work with other districts to form consortia.
Further Considerations
- LEAs should consider which implementation option works best and which staff members would benefit from which models of training.
- The
presentation offers LEA examples on how to structure implementation and
attendance.
- Participants will have 11 months to complete the HB 3 Reading Academies course.
- Districts
can select both HB 3 Reading Academy models in order to meet the needs of their
staff.
- Participants who do not demonstrate proficiency on the HB 3 Reading Academies may re-enroll in a new cohort.
Authorized Provider Next Steps
- December 2019- AP applications available
- January 2020- AP applications due
- February 2020- APs notified
- March 2020- APs attend initial training in Austin on March 2-4, 2020.
Cohort Leaders
- The application for Cohort Leaders opens March 9, 2020 with all candidate to be notified by April 15, 2020.
- Cohort leaders must demonstrate proficiency on screening
- Have
served as a teacher in grades K-5 for three or more non-consecutive years
across career.
- Graduate level training and coursework may be substituted for K-5 experience.
- Prospective Cohort Leaders can review screening information on TEA’s website.
Ensuring Reading Academy Success
- Select
a point person for the LEA to support an effective roll-out of the HB 3 Reading
Academies.
- If the district has already finalized their PD calendar for the 2020-2021 school year, they should plan to begin offering Reading Academies in 2021-2022.
Forthcoming Reading Practices Survey
- TEA
will issue a survey in December to collect data regarding current Reading
Practices on:
- Phonics curriculum using systematic direct instruction in grades K-3
- Prioritization of placing highly effective teachers in K-2
- Integrated reading instruments to support Pre-K to grade 3 students.
- TEA will provide guidance in the future to improve these practices.
Reading Advisory Committee
- A 16-member diverse committee was selected.
Other Reading Practices Component in HB 3
- More information can be found at tea.texas.gov/reading
Next Steps
- Evaluate potential sources of funding for Reading Academies.
- Determine which implementation model to use.
- Determine which teachers will attend in what years.
- Evaluate how Reading Academies fit into PD schedules.