TEA’s updated pre-K guidelines go into effect this fall

The Texas Education Agency has released its 2022 Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines. Implementation of the guidelines begins in August, with the start of the 2023-24 school year. The published documents (available at tinyurl. com/4n8955k4) include streamlined and comprehensive guides for PK3 and PK4 in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.

To help early childhood educators prepare for the new guidelines, TEA has planned webinars and designated office hours to review changes and answer questions. See the schedule or watch replays at tinyurl.com/4n8955k4.

For additional questions regarding the prekindergarten guidelines, please contact lauren.gomez@tea.texas.gov or contact TEA’s ECE Support Portal.

TEA updates standards to prevent bullying

The Texas Education Agency recently updated its minimum standards for bullying prevention in schools. Along with the revised standards, TEA has updated resources to help districts implement the changes, including the Texas School Safety Center’s bullying checklist and a video for use in classroom discussions about bullying. Explore the resources at tinyurl. com/3uv42rnx.

Nominate outstanding school volunteers

The State Board of Education is accepting nominations for the 2023 Heroes for Children Award through July 14. The award recognizes volunteers whose acts of service have significantly contributed to the betterment of Texas public schools and students. For nominating criteria and forms, go to tinyurl.com/ mwx8fs7p

TEA seeks feedback from first-year teachers

On April 3, the Texas Education Agency emailed eligible firstyear teachers a link to a survey to get feedback about their preparation for teaching and earning a standard certificate. The information provided will assist in improving the preparation of teacher candidates.

Surveys must be completed by June 15. For questions regarding the EPP evaluation, email EPPevaluationbyTeachers@tea.texas.gov.