Glossary of Acronyms
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The Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ uses many acronyms in its publications and rules. This glossary is a comprehensive list of TEA acronyms and their definitions. If an acronym is missing from this glossary, please contact us at WebPostings@tea.texas.gov and include the acronym and where you found it in the body of your email.Ìý
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A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P
Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A
AAR (Academic Achievement Record)
A transcript of academic achievement of students who have completed a minimum, recommended, advanced (distinguished) or foundation high school program. School districts are required to maintain these records.Ìý
ABE (Adult Basic Education)Ìý
Education programs that provide English language proficiency, basic academic and literacy functional skills, and high school equivalency for out-of-school youth and adults. ABE is for individuals who are beyond the age of compulsory school attendance and who function at less than a high school completion level.
ACES (Adult and Community Education System)Ìý
A historical data base used for federal reporting from 1999 to 2004. ACES is no longer active and has been replaced with TEAMS (Texas Educating Adults Management System). TEAMS is the current web-based management information system for adult education in Texas. The system is made up of data collected according to state and federal definitions, entered by local Adult Education providers who receive state and federal adult education funds. Adult education services are provided to persons beyond compulsory education (adults) who need adult basic education and do not have a high school diploma or need to learn to speak English. TEAMS produces adult education state and federal reports.
ACTÌý
A college entrance examination administered by ACT, Inc.
ADA (Average Daily Attendance)Ìý
The number of students attending school on an average day. School districts receive funding based on ADA calculations.Ìý
AED (Automated External Defibrillators)Ìý
A computerized medical device that can check a person’s heart rhythm and determine if it requires a shock. The AED uses voice prompts, lights and text messages to tell the rescuer the steps to take. (American Heart Association website)
AEIS (Academic Excellence Indicator System)Ìý
A system that pulls together a wide range of information on the performance of students in each school and district in Texas every year. This information is put into the annual AEIS reports, which are released each fall.
AMAO (Annual Measurable Achievement Objectives)Ìý
Objectives are used in holding Title III-funded local education agencies accountable for their English language learners’ development and attainment of English proficiency while meeting state academic content and achievement standards
AP (Advanced Placement)Ìý
A program, administered by the College Board, that offers students the opportunity to take one or more advanced level courses and examinations from six academic areas: arts, English, history and social sciences, mathematics and computer science, sciences and world languages
ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal)
An ARD committee makes an initial assessment about a student's eligibility for special education services and continues to make most of the major decisions about that student's individualized educational program. If an ARD committee is formed for your child, you will be a member of that committee.
ASF (Available School Fund)
A fund primarily made up of revenue generated by the state’s fuel tax and by the Permanent School Fund. Each Texas school district is entitled to receive payments from the ASF.
ASKTED (Texas Education Directory)
An interactive, web-based application that enables all Texas school districts to update district personnel contact data as well as district and campus organizational data. All of the data are publicly available for download, and a compilation of the information, known as the Texas School Directory, is published annually on the TEA website.
B
BTIM (Beginning Teacher Induction Mentoring program)
Programs designed to increase retention of beginning teachers. Under the Texas Education Code, public school districts and open enrollment charter schools may assign a qualified mentor teacher to each classroom teacher who has less than two years of teaching experience in a subject area or grade level.
C
CCLC (21stÌýCentury Community Learning Centers)
A federally funded out-of-school time initiative that serves as a supplementary programÌýÌýto complement regular academic programs. This program is designedÌýto enhance local reform efforts by assisting students in meeting academic standards in the core subjects. Also known as Texas Afterschool Centers on Education, or Texas ACE, the program serves students and their families by offering an array of academic assistance, enrichment, family and parental support services, and college and workforce readiness activities.ÌýÌý
CCSSO (Council of Chief State School Officers)
A nonpartisan, nationwide, nonprofit organization of public officials who head departments of elementary and secondary education in the states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and five U.S. extra-state jurisdictions.
CIRCLE (Center for Improving the Readiness of Children for Reading and Education)
A center actively involved in numerous research, community programs and training activities designed to promote quality learning environments for young children.ÌýIt is located at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHSC-H).
CIS (Communities In Schools)
A stay-in-school program sponsored by the Texas Legislature. CIS uses a case management model to prevent dropouts, help students stay in school, learn successfully, and prepare for life
CLEP (College-Level Examination Program)
A program, administered by the College Board, that gives students the opportunity to receive college credit for what they already know by earning qualifying scores on any of 34 examinations
CRT (Criterion Referenced Test)
Tests that determine whether examinees have achieved a predetermined level of mastery of a skill or knowledge of a specific content area
CSH (Coordinated School Health)
A systemic approach to advancing student academic performance by promoting, practicing and coordinating school health education and services. The approach is designed to help students establish healthy behaviors that will last their lifetime.
CSTS (Charter Schools Tracking System)
A computer application designed to collect and report information related to Charter Schools. TEA employees use the application to respond to inquiries, maintain and update information, generate accurate and up-to-date reports, and share information with other applications.Ìý
D
DAP (Distinguished Achievement Program)
A program that requires that, in addition to specific course requirements, students successfully complete any combination of four advanced measures that focus on demonstrated student performance at the college level or work equivalent to that done by professionals in the arts, sciences, business, industry or in community service
DGB (Data Governance Board)
A board that controls data usage. It conducts a sunset review each even-numbered year of all campus and district data collections required by TEA to determine whether the collections are still needed and to eliminate those that are not (TEC §7.060). Made up of staff from across the agency, the committee also reviews requests for new campus or district data collections. DGB ensures that multiple requests for the same data are not made of campuses and districts and that data collected from campuses and districts are required by state or federal statute or mandate. In addition, DGB reviews any new or amended rules proposed by the commissioner of education, State Board of Education, or State Board for Educator Certification for data implications.
DATE (District Awards for Teacher Excellence)
A program that allows school districts to create or continue a system of awards for educators who demonstrate success in student achievement
E
EDA (Existing Debt Allotment)
A program that provides funding to school districts for debt service payments on eligible bonded debt
EDIT+
A web-based software application that provides a resource for Texas school regions, districts and campuses to submit their PEIMS data via the Internet. EDIT+ offers an interface for users to transfer PEIMS data files to TEA, validate the data, then generate reports. TEA uses PEIMS data to determine funding and accountability for each campus, along with providing data to TEA’s Pre-Kindergarten-16 Public Education Information Resource Data Warehouse.Ìý
EEO (Equal Educational Opportunity)
An act thatÌýÌýprohibits specific discriminatory conduct, including segregating students on the basis of race, color or national origin, and discrimination against faculty and staff.ÌýThe Equal Educational Opportunity Act of 1974 also requires school districts to take action to overcome students' language barriers that impede equal participation in educational programs.ÌýÌý
EMAT (Educational Materials Online)
A multipurpose web-based application that automates many of the processes involving the ordering, shipping, warehousing, redistribution and payment for state-adopted instructional materials requisitioned online by school districts and charter schools. Major users include textbook coordinators at school districts and charter schools, agency instructional materials and accounts payable staff, publisher depositories, freight carriers and express delivery companies, Braille and large type textbook producers, and publishing company sales staff.
ER (Expenditure Reporting)
A web-based system for expenditure reporting. The Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ (TEA) uses this system for recipients of both formula and discretionary grants to submit requests for reimbursement. Users are able to access "real-time" information on the status of their payments and have access to comments TEA makes with regard to particular payments requests.ÌýÌý
ESEA (Elementary and Secondary Education Act)
A federal law passed in 1965 that funded primary and secondary education. The act was reauthorized by Congress multiple times after its enactment and in 2001 was renamed the No Child Left Behind Act. This major education law is now being referred to as ESEA once again.
ESY (Extended School Year)
Individualized instructional programs provided beyond the regular school year for eligible students with disabilities under IDEA.Ìý
ETAC (Education Technology Advisory Committee)
A committee established by the Texas Legislature that works to increase the equity, efficiency and effectiveness of student learning, instructional management, staff development and administration. The committee is charged with recommending state and federal legislation as well as strategies for implementation of the Long-Range Plan for Technology 2006-2020.Ìý
EVI (Education Material for the Visually Impaired)
ÌýThis is part of the online instructional materials ordering system known as EMAT. Districts are able to order Braille, large type or audio copies of adopted instructional material through this system.
F
FASRGÌý(Financial Accountability System Resource Guide)
An official Texas Education Publication that describes the rules for financial accounting for charter schools, education service centers, and school districts
FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)
A federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. Parents have a right of access to their children's education records. When a student turns 18 or enters college, the rights under FERPA transfer to the student.
FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas)
AnÌýaccountability rating for a school district. It is based on the district'sÌýoverall performance on certain financial measurements, ratios, and other indicators that are established by the commissioner of education.
(FSP) Foundation School Program
The state program that establishes the amount of state and local funding due to school districts under the Texas school finance law.
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)Ìý
This term refers to a full-time employee. When calculating the number of staff members employed by a district, for example, two half-time employees would equal one full-time equivalent employee.
G
GED (General Educational Development)
A high school equivalency program. Individuals who pass the exam earn a high school equivalency diploma. The GED tests cover five subjects: math, science, social studies, writing and reading.
GEEG (Governor’s Educator Excellence Grant)
A grant program that was federally and state funded. It provided three-year grants to schools to design and implement teacher performance pay plans from the 2005-06 to 2007-08 school years. GEEG was implemented in 99 high-poverty, high-performing Texas public schools.
I
IB (International Baccalaureate)
A nonprofit educational foundation that offers three programs for students aged 3 to 19 to help develop the intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills needed to live, learn and work in a rapidly globalizing worldÌý
IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
A law ensuring services to children with disabilities throughout the nation. IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services to eligible infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities.
IFA (Instructional Facilities Allotment)
An allotment that provides funding to school districts for payments on debt service for the purchase, construction, renovation and expansion of instructional facilities
IHE (Institute of Higher Education)
A college or university
ISP (Intensive Summer Program)
A program that provides intensive academic instruction during the summer semester to promote post-secondary success for middle school and high school students identified as being at risk of dropping out of school
L
LEA (Local Educational Agencies)
A public school district, open-enrollment charter school or regional education service center
Limited English Proficient (LEP) Student Success InitiativeÌý
An initiative that provides intensive programs of instruction for students with limited English proficiency. It also provides training materials and other resources to assist teachers in developing the expertise required to enable students of LEP to meet state performance standards.Ìý
LFA (Local Fund Assignment)
A portion of school districts' Tier I entitlement under the Foundation School Program, which the districts are responsible for funding. Tier I is made up of several allotments, including those for basic education, special education, career and technical education and other programs.Ìý
M
MIC (Mathematics Instructional Coaches Pilot Program)
A program that provides assistance in developing the content knowledge and instructional expertise of secondary mathematics teachers. To be eligible for the program, districts must have a high percent of students who are economically disadvantaged or a low percentage of students who meet standards on the mathematics Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills.
MOE (Maintenance of Effort)
A federal fiscal requirement applicable to grant programs funded according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the No Child Left Behind Act. These federal laws require local education agencies to maintain fiscal effort for general and special education.
MOU (Memorandum of Understanding)
A document that expresses mutual accord on an issue between two or more parties
MRT (Master Reading Teacher)
Reading teachers who mentor other teachers as they meet the diverse reading needs of their students
N
NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress)
A program of the U.S. Department of Education known as the "nation's report card." It provides information on state and national student achievement and achievement changes over time.
NACAC (National Association for College Admission Counseling)
An organization of more than 10,000 secondary school counselors, independent counselors, college admission and financial aid officers, enrollment managers and organizations who guide students through the secondary-to- higher-education transition process.ÌýThis organization was founded in 1937.
NBPTS (National Board of Professional Teaching Standards)
A nonprofit, nongovernmental organization whose mission is to improve the quality of teaching and learning. NBPTS is designed for teachers seeking a national certification.
NCLB (No Child Left Behind)
A program passed in 2001 that supports standards-based education reform. The act requires states to develop assessments in basic skills to be given to all students in certain grades, if those states are to receive federal funding for schools. The act does not assert a national achievement standard; standards are set by each individual state. Ìý
NHR (National Honor Roll)
An organization that recognizes high school and middle school students for exceptional academic success. To be included, students must provide the National Honor Roll with detailed information about their accomplishments and extracurricular activities.
NHS (National Honor Society), NJHS (National Junior Honor Society)
National organizations established to recognize academic achievement, leadership, service and character in high school and middle level students
NIFA (New Instructional Facility Allotment)
An allotment that provides operational expenses associated with the opening of a new instructional facility
NMSC (National Merit Scholarship Corporation)
An independent, not-for-profit organization that conducts the National Merit® Scholarship Program and the National Achievement® Scholarship Program - annual competitions for recognition and college undergraduate scholarships.ÌýThis organization was established in 1955.
O
OCR (Office for Civil Rights)
A USDE agency that works to ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence throughout the nation through enforcement of civil rights
OEYP (Optional Extended Year Program)
A program that provides extended-day, extended-week or extended-year grants for students at risk of not being promoted to the next grade or at risk of not graduating from high school. OEYP works to increase academic skills and reduce student grade level retention.
P
PDF (Portable Document Format)
A format for documents that lets users capture and view information from almost any application and on any computer system.ÌýThis format was invented by Adobe Systems.
PEIMS (Public Education Information Management System)
An application that encompasses all data requested and received by TEA about public education, including student demographic and academic performance, personnel, financial, and organizational information
PGA (Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Grant Application)
A federal grant administered by the Division of Formula Funding per the Perkins Act of 2006: PL 109-270. All districts are eligible to apply for these funds to support Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.
PEG (Public Education Grant)
A program that permits parents whose children attend under-performing schools to request a transfer of their children to schools in other districts. A list of PEG-designated schools is provided to districts annually. By February 1, districts must notify each parent of a student in the district assigned to attend a school on the PEG list. Based on the February list, parents may request a transfer for the following school year.
PIA (Public Information Act)
A Texas state law that gives the public access to government records. All government information, with certain exceptions, is presumed to be available to the public.
PID (Person Identification Database)
A system used by TEA to manage and store identifying information on students and teachers in the Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS). The purpose of the PID system is to ensure that each time data are collected for the same individual, certain pieces of basic identifying information match.
PKESÌý(Prekindergarten Early Start Grant)
A grant that provides funds to school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to prepare students to enter kindergarten on or above grade level
PKG (Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines)Ìý
Guidelines developed to help educators provide all preschool children with the proper foundations for school success
PSF (Permanent School Fund)
A fund created with a $2 million appropriation by the Texas Legislature in 1854 expressly for the benefit of the public schools of Texas. The Constitution of 1876 stipulated that certain lands and all proceeds from the sale of these lands should also constitute the PSF.
R
RDA (Results Driven Accountability)
An automated data system that reports annually on the performance of local education agencies (LEAs)Ìýin selected program areas (bilingual education/English as a second language, career and technical education,Ìýcertain federal Title programs, and special education).
RFP (Request for Proposals)
A competitive solicitation method used for highly technical or specialized services. It is generally used when there is no direct legal authority to acquire services exceeding $25,000.
RFQ (Request for Qualifications)
A competitive solicitation document requesting submission of qualifications or specialized expertise in response to the scope of services required
RFO (Request for Offer)
A solicitation for computer-related products or services exceeding $5,000 requesting the submission of an offer in response to the required scope of services, including a cost proposal
RFI (Request for Information)
A general invitation to contractors requesting information for a potential future agency solicitation. The RFI is typically used as a research and information-gathering tool for preparation of a solicitation.
RFA (Request for Application)
An application for a grant. It is used usually used for school districts or open-enrollment charter school grants.
RTI (Response to Intervention)
ÌýThe practice of meeting the academic and behavioral needs of all students through high-quality instruction and scientific research-based tiered interventions, frequent monitoring of student progress, and application of student response data.
S
SAI (Special Accreditation Investigation)
An accreditation investigation in response to conflict between members of the board of trustees or between the board and district administration that may be authorized by the commissioner of education if it appears the conflict involves a violation of the statutory duties of the board members or the administration. The investigation involves agency staff reviewing a district’s or charter’s accountability and performance measures.ÌýThis investigation is authorized under Texas state law.Ìý
SAT
A college entrance examination administered by the College BoardÌý
SBEC (State Board for Educator Certification)
A state board that provides certification testing for educators, investigates allegations of educator misconduct, assists colleges, universities and alternative programs in developing and implementing teacher certification training programs, and ensures the quality of these programs
SBOE (State Board of Education)
A state board comprising 15 elected members from districts throughout the state that establishes policy and provides leadership for the Texas public school system. The board sets curriculum standards, determines passing scores for state-mandated assessment tests, and oversees the investment of the Permanent School Fund.
SCE (State Compensatory Education)
Programs and/or services designed to supplement the regular education program for students identified as at risk of dropping out of school
SENS (Statewide Education Notification System)
An information delivery system that provides critical and time-sensitive information from TEA to ESCs, school districts, charter schools and other organizations through email, phone, voice mail, and pagers.
SES (Supplemental Educational Services)
Additional academic instruction designed to increase the academic achievement of students in campuses needing improvement. These services may include tutoring, remediation and other educational interventions.
SHARS (School Health & Related Services)
A Medicaid financing program that is a joint effort of TEA and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). SHARS allows local school districts and shared services arrangements to obtain Medicaid reimbursement for certain health-related services provided to students in special education.Ìý
SIP (School Improvement Program)
A program that provides supplemental funds to Title I campuses that fail to make adequate yearly progress (AYP) for two or more consecutive years. Funds are used to improve student achievement.
SRCS (School Readiness Certification System)
A system used to determine the effectiveness of prekindergarten, Head Start, and community-based child care programs in preparing children for kindergarten
A series of state-mandated standardized tests given to Texas public school students in grades 3-8 and those enrolled in five specific high school courses. First given in spring 2012, STAAR is based on the state's curriculum standards called the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).
T
TAAS (Texas Assessment of Academic Skills)
The student assessment system from 1990-2002. It was replaced by the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS).
TAC (Texas Administrative Code)
A compilation of all state agency rules in Texas. These rules are collected and published by the Office of the Secretary of State. There are 16 titles in the TAC. Each title represents a subject category, and related agencies are assigned to the appropriate title. State Board of Education and Commissioner of Education Rules are codified in the TAC under Title 19, Education, Part 2, Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ. State Board for Educator Certification Rules are codified in the TAC under Title 19, Education, Part 7, State Board for Educator Certification.
TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills)
Criterion-referenced achievement tests designed to measure the extent to which a student has learned and is able to apply the defined knowledge and skills at each tested grade level.ÌýThe TAKS program was launched in 2003 and was replaced by the STAAR (State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness) program beginning in 2012.
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
A federal program that provides financial and medical assistance to needy dependent children and the parents or relatives with whom they are living
TAP (Teacher Advancement Program)
A comprehensive strategy to attract, develop, motivate and retain high-quality teachers by providing multiple career options for classroom teachers. The program provides ongoing training, instructionally focused accountability, salary increases based on teacher’s duties, and bonuses to teachers based on teacher and student performance.
TAPR (Texas Academic Performance Reports)
ÌýAn annual statistical report produced each fall that contains a wide range of information about student performance, school and district staffing, programs, and student demographics. TAPR replaced the Academic Excellence Indicator System (AEIS) report in the 2012-2013 school year.
TCDD (Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities)
A 27-member board dedicated to ensuring that all Texans with developmental disabilities have the opportunity to be independent, productive and valued members of their communities. Using a variety of methods, the Council works to ensure that the service delivery system provides comprehensive services and supports that meet people's needs, are easy to access, and are cost effective.
TCER (Texas Center for Educational Research)
A center that provides original, nonpartisan educational research and evaluation to policymakers, state agencies, nonprofit education organizations, and school districts
TEA (Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ)
The Texas agency that provides leadership, guidance, and resources to help schools meet the educational needs of all students. Located in Austin, Texas, TEA is the administrative unit for primary and secondary public education. Under the leadership of the commissioner of education, the agency manages the textbook adoption process, oversees development of the statewide curriculum, administers the statewide assessment program, administers a data collection system on public school students, staff and finances, rates school districts under the statewide accountability system, operates research and information programs, monitors for compliance with federal guidelines and serves as a fiscal agent for the distribution of state and federal funds.
TEAMS (Texas Educating Adults Management System)
The current web-based management information system for adult education in Texas. The system is made up of data collected according state and federal definitions and is entered by local Adult Education providers who receive state and federal adult education funds. Adult education services are provided to persons beyond compulsory education (adults) who need adult basic education and do not have a high school diploma or need to learn to speak English. TEAMS produces adult education state and federal reports.
TEC (Texas Education Code)
A set of the state statutes (laws)Ìýgoverning public education in Texas. It applies toÌýall educational institutions supported in whole or in part by state tax funds, unless specifically excluded by the code. The TEC directs the goals andÌýframework of public education in Texas. It is established by the Texas Legislature.Ìý
TED (Texas Education Directory)
The online Texas Education Directory. TEA employees, school districts, and the general public use AskTED to find contact information and create mailing labels for Texas public schools, districts and education service centers.Ìý
TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills)
State educational standards for what students should know and be able to do from prekindergarten through high school
TELPAS (Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System)
An assessment for the progress limited English proficient (LEP) students make in learning the English language
THEA (Texas Higher Education Assessment)
A test that assesses the reading, mathematics, and writing skills that entering freshman-level students should have if they are to perform effectively in undergraduate certificate or degree programs in Texas public colleges or universities
THECB (Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board)
A board created by the Texas Legislature in 1965 to "provide leadership and coordination for the Texas higher education system to achieve excellence for the college education of Texas students." The Coordinating Board meets quarterly in Austin.
TIP (Technology Immersion Pilot)
A 1:1 computing initiative that built a model for using immersion technology that is replicable, encompasses all the tools needed in a 21st Century Learning environment,Ìýand promotes engagement and anytime, anywhere learning for both students and teachers. The Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ provides leadership and senior management ofÌýTIPÌýin collaboration with school district, consulting, communications, research and evaluation, and vendor partners.Ìý
TOY (Teacher of the Year)
The highest honor that the state of Texas can bestow upon a teacher. Facilitated by the Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ, the Texas Teacher of the Year Program annually recognizes and rewards teachers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence in teaching. Winners are chosen from representatives of each of the 20 Regional Education Service Centers. Ìý
TPEIR (Texas PK-16 Public Education Information Resource)
A resource that provides stakeholders in public education - including administrators, educators, state leadership, researchers, and professional organizations - with access to public primary, secondary, and higher education information for purposes of research, planning, policy development, and decision-making
TPM (Texas Projection Measure)
A measure for the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) that estimates whether a student is likely to pass TAKS assessments at a future grade (grades 5, 7 [writing only], 8, or 11). This measure is based on three pieces of data: (1) the student’s current performance on TAKS, (2) the student’s previous-year performance in the subject of interest, and (3) the TAKS scores of all students on the campus that the student attends.
TREx (Texas Record Exchange)
A web-based software application designed for the exchange of electronic student records as mandated by the 79th Legislature, 3rd Called Session, 2006 (House Bill 1).Ìý By using the TREx application, school registrars can electronically request and receive student records for students who have attended or will be attending Texas public schools. High school registrars and counselors also can electronically create and send official student transcripts to Texas public colleges and universities, using TREx to access the University of Texas (UT) SPEEDE server.
TSD (Texas School for the Deaf)
A school for students who are deaf and hard of hearing. It serves as a resource center on deafness for students, parents, professionals and others.
TSBVI (Texas School for the Visually Impaired)
A special public school in the continuum of statewide placements for students who have a visual impairment. It is also a statewide resource for parents of these children and professionals who serve them. Students, ages 6 through 21, who are blind, deaf blind, or visually impaired, including those with additional disabilities, are eligible for consideration for services at TSBVI.
TSII (Texas School Improvement Initiative)
A state-wide educational leadership network of school district representatives trained in effective school practices: practitioners with expertise in analyzing student outcomes, planning, decision making, and program evaluation
TSR! (Texas School Ready!)
A program (formerly known as TEEM-Texas Early Education Model) that is a high-quality early childhood model, based on proven school readiness components
T-STEM (Texas Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Initiative)
An initiative that includes academies, professional development centers and a network all designed to improve instruction and academic performance in science- and mathematics-related subjects at secondary schools
TXPEP (Texas Principal Excellence Program)
A self-paced professional development program for principals and aspiring principals in school districts and charter schools. The objective is to enhance individual leadership skills of participants by providing both business management and educational administration professional development.
TxVSN (Texas Virtual School Network)
A network that provides Texas public school students access to online courses that align with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills
U
UIL (University Interscholastic League)Ìý
A league created by The University of Texas at Austin to provide educational extracurricular academic, athletic, and music contests. UIL organizes and supervises contests that assist in preparing students for citizenship.
W
WADA (Weighted Average Daily Attendance)Ìý
The weighted average daily attendance figure used in several state funding formulas to calculate the amount of state and local funds to which a district is entitled
WebER (Web Expenditure Reporting)Ìý
A web-based system for expenditure reporting now referred to as Expenditure Reporting (ER). The Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ (TEA) uses this system for recipients of both formula and discretionary grants to submit requests for reimbursement. Users are able to access "real-time" information on the status of their payments and have access to comments TEA makes with regard to particular payments requests.