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April 2026

April 2026
April 2026
I am allowed to pause, breathe, and reset between moments. My nervous system deserves support too.
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SCHOOL COUNSELING SCHOOL COUNSELING

Photo of upcoming counselor connections meetings.  Scheduled for April 28, April 30, May 5 or May 6.
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"Behavior is the language of trauma.

Children will show you before they tell you that they are in distress."


-Micere Keels

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

We want your help to empower communities with resources to support Texas children, youth, and families where they live, work, and play. For April, we encourage you to promote child abuse prevention with your networks. DFPS is striving for professionals working with youth to reach as many individuals as possible to equip families with knowledge and resources to support child abuse prevention practices in Texas. This Social Media toolkit includes daily messages to use in promoting child abuse prevention awareness, CAPM resources, and sample CAPM imagery to share and post.


Go Blue Day

Go Blue Day is April 10, 2026. Use #GoBlueDay to show your support of Child Abuse Prevention.

Autism Acceptance Month: Embracing Neurodiversity

April is Autism Acceptance Month. This a time to celebrate neurodiversity and continue building supportive, positive school communities. As school counselors and mental health professionals, we play an important role in ensuring every student feels seen, valued, and supported. Moving beyond awareness to acceptance means honoring different ways of thinking, learning, and communicating, while advocating for environments where all students can thrive.


Helpful resources:

  • Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) – Educator Resources
  • National Autism Association – School & Safety Resources
  • Autism Society – School & Community Toolkits


Responsive Services Responsive Services

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How You Can Support Students Who Leave The Room Without Permission

Eloping can be scary. No, I don't mean running off to get married... I'm talking about when students leave the classroom without permission.


When this happens, it can be frustrating (for all involved), distracting, and even dangerous.


If this is an issue for any of the students you work with, these tips might help! 👇


To try to prevent this from happening, make it difficult for the child to actually leave the room without an adult knowing. Some things that I've found helpful are placing the student's desk away from the door, and putting bells on the door so the teacher is aware when someone leaves.


It can also be really helpful to have a safe space WITHIN the classroom that a student can go when they feel frustrated or upset.


If the child has left the classroom - the first priority should be the student's safety. Make sure that you know where they are and follow any protocol or plan that your school has. Once the student is located and safe, it's important to stay calm and to help them become regulated again.


After the event, it can be helpful to process what happened by talking about why the child left the room, how the teacher/other students felt, and what the student needs to make sure they stay in the room next time.


If you want more details and tips, check out this post:

https://www.counselorchelsey.com/blog/elopementstrategies

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What Is a C.R.I.S.I.S., Anyway?

  • CPS Referral Needed (Now)

  • Relationship Ended/Ending (Now if inconsolable)

  • Imminent Harm (Now)

  • Suicidal Ideation (Now)

  • Involvement of Law Enforcement (Now)

  • Self-Harm (Now)


(Hatch & Hartline, 2022, The use of data in school counseling, 2nd ed. p. 274)

TEA Learn: Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Training
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Hospice of Wichita Falls - Camp Grin Again

Save the Date and Celebrate 20 Years of Children's Grief Support🎉


Hospice of Wichita Falls is excited to announce registration for Camp Grin Again is open!


📆Teen Camp (6th-12th grades): June 8-12

📆Kids Camp (6 yrs.-5th grade): July 3-7

📍Hospice of Wichita Falls

💻Register at https://howf.jotform.com/250404685324151

📱Or call (940) 691-0982


Celebrate, remember, and grow with us this summer.💜

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System Support System Support

ASCA Webinar: Track Your Time and Share Your Data Video
Counselor Work Time: New FAQs Document
TEA: New Mental Health Best Practices & Programs List Competencies

Guidance Curriculum Guidance Curriculum

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The Responsive Counselor - Book Recommendation

Many, many students who struggle with behavior internalize that part of themselves and experience shame - even with teachers who work hard to love and support and start each day anew. I think it's easy to forget that our students with externalizing behaviors need help with internal thoughts and feelings. This book is such an incredible resource for this!


'The Awfulizer' tells of a boy who experienced shame and negative self-talk after making some mistakes and poor choices. I love that they story shows how James' behavior changes as a result of the shame, and how it gets worse by him pretending he's 'fine.' It gives a name to these feelings: shame. And it provides the great advice when you've made a mistake of 'apologize, learn from it, and let go.'

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📚 New Book Alert 📚

There's a brand new book about military families and it's out in time for April, which is the Month of the Military Child!


This book covers a wide variety of experiences, and highlights the sacrifices that all family members make, not just the person serving.

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TEA Student Wellness: Guidance Curriculum Tier 1 Supports

  • This webinar provides school counselors with statutorily-aligned wellness information and activities that they can use with their own students in tier 1 guidance lessons.
  • Webinar Deck
  • Webinar Recording

Individual Planning Individual Planning

Apply Texas Updates Webinar Links
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4 Things You Can Teach Kids To Help Them Overcome Test Anxiety

Spring is my favorite season. I love seeing signs of new life everywhere - buds on the trees, birds in their nests, and ice cream stands opening back up. It can be such a time of joy and hope.


BUT, it isn't always rainbows and butterflies. One thing that can be particularly stressful during this time of year is standardized testing. Staff and students alike are feeling the pressure to perform, which creates the perfect opportunity for test anxiety to rear its ugly head.


One of the hard things about test anxiety is that it makes things doubly difficult for students. Not only do they have to focus on understanding and recalling the material for the test, but they also have to deal with the uncomfortable feelings that anxiety brings.


Test anxiety can be such a tough (but prevalent!) struggle for many students. That's why I put together a blog post of 4 things you can work on with students to help them overcome test anxiety.


In the post, you'll find information on how and why to teach the following things:

  • What to expect during the test
  • Test taking strategies
  • Positive self talk
  • Coping skills they can use during the test

My hope is that these ideas will help you feel more confident in helping your students be more calm and confident themselves!


I'd love to hear other things you are doing to help students manage and reduce test anxiety, so hit reply and let me know!


Stay in touch,


Chelsey

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Community Resource Spotlight Community Resource Spotlight

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Parent & Family Resources Parent & Family Resources

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Powerful PSA on Oversharing Family

The Data Protection Commission of Ireland just released this thought-provoking, 40 second PSA about the realities of oversharing content about children online.

Pause Before You Post

Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health District 2026 Health Fair

The Wichita Falls – Wichita County Public Health District is hosting the 2026 Annual Community Health Fair on Friday, April 10, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Health District Main Campus. This year’s Public Health Week theme is “Lego: Building Blocks of Health.” Come dressed as your favorite Lego set theme!

Our focus is engaging the public in a fun and educational environment, promoting healthy habits and well-being through interactive activities, games, and Lego-inspired initiatives.


There is no registration for the public to attend. During the fair, we will provide information on services and resources for adults and children, free of charge.

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MENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY MENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY

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Register Today! Mental & Behavioral Health Webinars

The Texas Education Agency’s Student Supports Division, and our Project AWARE Texas partners will be hosting 1 more webinar session this Spring to highlight resources and best practice strategies on timely and relevant safe and supportive schools' topics.


May 14, 2026 -
Successes and Lessons Learned from Project AWARE

Register


Session will be held from 11am to 12:30pm CST.

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Texas School Safety Center Trainings

Creating safe, supportive, and healthy school environments starts with the right training. The Texas School Safety Center offers a wide range of trainings designed to equip educators, administrators, and safety professionals with the tools they need to address today’s challenges with confidence.


Register Today for Spring and Summer Trainings


School Behavioral Threat Assessment Series

  • School Behavioral Threat Assessment (State-Mandated)
  • Intermediate School Behavioral Threat Assessment Manual
  • Advanced School Behavioral Threat Assessment


Safety Preparedness

  • Standard Reunification Method
  • Standard Response Protocol
  • Especially Safe
  • Digital Threat Assessment


Student Well-Being and Mental Health

  • Trauma Informed Care – Secondary
  • Trauma Informed Care – Elementary
  • Addressing Anxiety and Depression in Students – Secondary
  • Addressing Anxiety and Depression in Students – Elementary


Positive School Climates

  • Mitigating Educator Maltreatment
  • Bullying and Cyberbullying
  • Sandy Hook Promise: Say Something


Please visit our Events page for a complete list of training opportunities and to register today.


Addressing Disabilities in the Behavioral Threat Assessment (BTA) Process is designed to support campus and district staff in understanding how

disabilities, particularly those served through special education, intersect with behavioral
threat assessment (BTA) practices. Training topics include:
  • Overview of special education services and processes
  • Key factors to consider when conducting threat assessments involving students
  • with disabilities
  • Applicable legal requirements
  • Scenario‑based tabletop exercises to apply concepts in real‑world situations

The training session will occur on July 15, 2026, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Session # 817692.

For more information or to inquire about this training opportunity, please contact Melissa Burnheimer at melissa.burnheimer@esc9.net.

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🛑🏁 Parenting Pit Stops 🏁🛑

📣 To register for the sessions, please go to the bit.ly/3Sbjfr5 and choose which dates you would like to attend.
🎉 It’s completely free and open to everyone! We can't wait to see you all each month via Zoom!

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💥Please share this information with your staff, parents, and PTO.💥

🛑Parenting Pit Stops Recordings🏁

Please share this information with your staff and parents.


I’m excited to share our Parenting Pit Stops YouTube playlist, featuring recordings from our monthly sessions! So far, we’ve hosted three amazing presentations:

  • Anger Management with Marissa Rater

  • Suicide Prevention with Christi McCasland

  • Substance Use Prevention with Savannah Wheeler

  • Teen Dating Violence with Jessica Hoffman

  • Brake for Self-Care with Melissa Burnheimer & Jessica Hoffman

  • Cyber Safety & Awareness with Melissa Burnheimer

  • Setting Boundaries Without Guilt with Kelly Jo Morris and Catie Egan

  • Test Anxiety with Kelly Jo Morris


You can find these recordings anytime on the Region 9 website under the A–Z Index → Parenting Pit Stops.


These sessions are fantastic resources for parents, educators, and anyone who supports youth—so please feel free to watch, share, and learn!


Mark your calendars for our next session on April 9 at 2:30 p.m., when Shannon Mackey will lead an important discussion on Children & Grief.

CCMR / CTE CCMR / CTE

GPA Proposed Rule

The GPA proposed rule with public comment dates has been posted on the TEA proposed commissioner of education rules webpage.


Summary: The proposed new rule would reflect the requirements of Senate Bill 1191, 89th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2025, and identify minimum requirements for school districts when computing a student's high school grade point average.
Publication in the Texas Register: March 18, 2026
Public Comment Period: March 20, 2026-April 20, 2026. A form for submitting public comments is available on the proposed commissioner of education rules web page.
Proposed Effective Date: July 12, 2026 (Rule proposed to be implemented with students who enter grade 7 in the 2027-2028 school year or later.)


If adopted as proposed, the rule will apply beginning with the cohort of students who enter grade 7 in the 2027-28 school year.


If you have additional questions on GPA, contact the curriculum help desk at https://helpdesk.tea.texas.gov/Curriculum-Subpage/.

2026 Accelerated Testers Student Listings

Accelerated testers are defined as students who earn Approaches Grade Level standard or above on the Algebra I, English II, and/or Biology STAAR EOC assessment prior to grade 9. For 2026 accountability, there are students reported as enrolled in grade 12 on the 2025–26 TSDS PEIMS Fall snapshot who were granted a COVID-19 testing waiver in SY 2019-20 and earned course credit for Algebra I, English II, and/or Biology in Spring or Summer 2020, and they continue to be considered accelerated testers.


Accelerated testers are included on the Final 2026 Accelerated Testers Student Listing if the students were reported as enrolled in grade 12 for the 2025–26 PEIMS Fall Snapshot. Students are attributed to the district and campus in which they were reported for snapshot. To fulfill federal testing requirements, these students must take a corresponding subject area SAT or ACT while in high school.


This year, there are two listings available:

  • The Final 2026 Accelerated Testers Student Listing, specific to students in grade 12
  • Plus, a new Accelerated Tester Listing for Students in Grades 9-11
    • The addition of the new Accelerated Testers Student Listing for Students in Grades 9-11 is intended to support schools and school systems in identifying accelerated testers and planning which students will be required to take the SAT/ACT

Both listings identify students who earned Approaches Grade Level or above on the Algebra I, English II, and/or Biology STAAR EOC assessments prior to grade 9 and are used to support federal testing requirements for accountability purposes. The Final 2026 Accelerated Testers Student Listing reflects each accelerated student’s applicable subject area(s) and indicates whether a corresponding SAT or ACT result is on record as of May 2025 (2024–25, 2023–24, and 2022–23 school years).

Only students included in the Final Accelerated Testers Student Listing will be evaluated as accelerated testers for 2026 accountability reports. The 2026 accountability calculations will include SAT and ACT results through May 2026, and the August 2026 STAAR student listings released in TEAL Accountability will include these additional results. Chapter 2 of the Accountability Rating System Manual provides additional information on accelerated testers.

Performance Level Cut Points

SAT and/or ACT results for accelerated testers are included in STAAR components in the subject areas of reading/language arts (RLA), mathematics, and science at the standards provided below.

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Note: These performance level cut points have been proposed for revision for 2028 ratings in the 2028 Accountability Framework. The Preliminary 2028 Accountability Framework is available for review on the Accountability System Development webpage.

CCMR Tracker Part 1

The College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) Tracker is released in two parts through the TEA Login (TEAL) Accountability application.


Part I: April 2, 2026

  • CCMR indicators submitted via PEIMS through the 2024–25 school year
  • OnRamps and TSIA results through the 2024–25 school year, and
  • SAT, ACT, AP, IB, and level I/II certificate results through the 2023–24 school year.

Part II: Summer 2026

  • SAT, ACT, AP, IB, and level I/II certificates updated through the 2024–25 school year.


Background

  • The CCMR Tracker is a tracking tool available within the TEA Login (TEAL) Accountability application that helps districts monitor student progress toward CCMR indicators. It enables districts to track completion of CCMR indicators throughout high school for students enrolled in grades 9–12 on the 2025-2026 TSDS PEIMS Fall Snapshot Date as reported in the 2025-2026 TSDS PEIMS Fall Submission.


New for 2026

  • The CCMR Tracker also contains data for 2025 annual graduates and non-graduates – those students enrolled in grade 12 on the 2024-2025 TSDS PEIMS Fall Snapshot Date as reported in the 2024-2025 TSDS PEIMS Fall Submission.


The CCMR Tracker Contains Lagging Data

  • While the CCMR Tracker includes students who were in grades 9–12 on the 2025–26 PEIMS Fall Snapshot, the 2026 Tracker does not include results for the 2025–26 school year, as those data have not yet been reported to TEA.
  • Indicators are credited if earned within the date ranges provided below. Indicators reported upon or after graduation (IEP and workforce-readiness graduates, special education graduates with an advanced diploma plan, and military enlistment) do not appear in the CCMR Tracker.


New IBC and Aligned Programs of Study Enhanced Download

  • To support school systems in tracking student progress towards career-ready indicators, the CCMR Tracker, Part I, has been enhanced to more effectively demonstrate student progress. Within the TEAL Accountability application, the IBC(s) earned by each student, all aligned programs of study for each IBC, and the student’s CTE status in each program of study are available for download. A separate tab is available to clearly determine if the student has earned an IBC and has reached completer status in an aligned program of study.


Data Sources Reflected in the CCMR Tracker

The table below provides the years included in the CCMR Tracker for each indicator and release. District personnel are encouraged to carefully review the document 2026 Interpreting CCMR Tracker Methodology and Sources Part I, which is posted on the Accountability System webpage and within TEAL, as data sources may vary slightly for students currently in grades 9-12, 2025 annual graduates, and those reported in grade 12 in 2024-25 who did not graduate.

Data Sources Reflected in the CCMR Tracker
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Data Sources and Timelines

The document provides a list of the Texas Student Data System (TSDS) PEIMS and non-PEIMS source data used for accountability, along with detailed information about the accepted values for each element and suggested TSDS PEIMS reports districts can pull to verify the information submitted for each student accurately reflects the student’s participation in applicable CCMR indicators. The timeline for 2025-26 TSDS PEIMS data submissions is found on the TSDS Submission and Resubmission Timelines web page.

Accurate data is fundamental to accountability ratings. The system depends on the responsible collection and submission of assessment and TSDS PEIMS information by school districts. The Texas Education Data Standards (TEDS) describe the data reporting requirements, responsibilities, and specifications, which are published annually, and can be found on the TSDS Texas Education Data Standards website. Per 19 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §55.1001(b), these data standards shall be used by districts to submit data to the agency. Responsibility for the accuracy and quality of the data used to determine district and campus ratings, therefore, rests with local authorities.

Districts may submit PEIMS Working Submissions for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years. Data submissions with errors from the 2025-26 PEIMS Fall Submission may also be corrected through a Working Submission, though this data will not be displayed within the CCMR Tracker, Part I. Only Working Submissions with validated corrections related to CCMR indicators will be considered for accountability ratings, beginning with 2026 accountability ratings. The eligible CCMR indicators that can be corrected through a PEIMS Working Submission include:

  • College Preparatory Course Completion
  • Dual Credit Course Completion
  • Industry-Based Certifications (IBC)
  • Program of Study Completer elements
  • Associate Degree attainment
  • Diploma Type values for reported graduates with completed IEP and workforce readiness
  • Diploma Type and Endorsement values for reported graduates earning an advanced diploma and who were served within Special Education Programs

Data from working submissions that were submitted prior to September 11, 2025 (for 2025 appeals) are reflected in the CCMR Tracker, Part I. Working submissions submitted after that date are not included in the tracker, but may be considered for 2026 accountability ratings. All PEIMS Working Submissions must be confirmed, as indicated via email from TSDS PEIMS, by June 26, 2026, to be included in 2026 accountability ratings calculations. For additional information on requirements for submitting a working submission, please reference the PIEMS Working Submission Guidance document.

A-F Estimator Overview Video

TEA recently shared a new resource to support understanding of the A-F Estimator. The A-F Estimator is a tool that enables the calculation and estimation of a campus's performance in each domain and overall ratings and is one of the featured tools shared during the Accountability Tools webinar. The How to Use the A-F Accountability Estimator Tool video provides a 3-minute spotlight on the tool and its purpose, offering helpful context for how the estimator can be used in accountability planning and analysis.

Final A-F Accountability System Manual for 2027

In response to stakeholder feedback, the final A–F Accountability Rating System Manual for 2027 is now available earlier than ever, providing school systems with notice prior to the start of the 2026–27 school year of the methodology that will impact their 2027 ratings. The Accountability Rating System Manual for 2027 was filed on March 9, 2026, and will be published in the March 20, 2026, issue of the Texas Register with an effective date of March 29, 2026. The manual is available today on the 2027 Accountability Manual webpage. The final manual reflects feedback collected from the proposed rules posted on December 11, 2025.

The A–F Accountability Rating System Manual for 2027 ratings describes the 2027 accountability system and explains how information from various sources is used to measure district and campus performance, assign accountability ratings, and award distinction designations. The manual also covers topics related to designations under the federal accountability system and Results Driven Accountability (RDA).

Premilinary 2028 A-F Accountabily Rating System Framework

The Preliminary 2028 A–F Accountability System Framework was released on the Accountability System Development webpage on August 28, 2025, more than two years prior to the 2027–28 accountability ratings year. The updated 2028 A-F Accountability System Framework reflects the requirements of HB 8 and other legislation, as well as feedback from key stakeholders and the public. This updated framework is intended to preview anticipated changes that will be incorporated into the Proposed Accountability Rating System Manual for 2028 ratings.

Resources with information about the updated framework are now available on the Accountability System Development webpage:

  • Updated 2028 A–F Refresh Framework provides detailed technical descriptions of the proposed A-F refresh changes
  • 2028 A–F Refresh Summary of Stakeholder Feedback and Adjustments to Framework provides a summary of how stakeholder feedback has informed updates to the framework since the August 2025 release

The Accountability Rating System Manual for 2028 ratings will be proposed for adoption into rule later this year.


Differential Weighting of College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) Indicators for 2031 Ratings

Included in the 2028 A–F Accountability Rating System Framework is the framework for differential weighting of CCMR to be implemented beginning in the 2031 accountability ratings. Pursuant to legislative requirements, the relationships between individual CCMR indicators and postsecondary outcomes have been evaluated through comprehensive internal and external research. The proposed framework for differential weighting of CCMR will begin with the class of 2030, largely comprised of students entering 9th grade in the 2026-27 school year. Beginning with 2031 accountability ratings, CCMR will be evaluated using three postsecondary readiness levels, aligned to each indicator’s correlation to positive postsecondary outcomes. These tiers will establish higher or lower point values for different levels of college readiness, different levels of career readiness, and different levels of military readiness.

The differentiated levels of career readiness will utilize the tiered Industry-Based Certifications (IBCs) list. With the June 11, 2025, amendment to 19 TAC §74.1003, each IBC has been tiered based on the extent to which each certification is high skill, in demand, and associated with higher wages. Tiers are intended to signify an IBC’s potential value to students and to serve as guidance for school system staff when selecting IBCs to align with the programs of study offered in their local school systems. The preliminary tiered IBC list was announced in July 2025, and the final IBC list was posted October 31, 2025.

Differential Weighting of College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) Indicators for 2031 Ratings

Included in the 2028 A–F Accountability Rating System Framework is the framework for differential weighting of CCMR to be implemented beginning in the 2031 accountability ratings. Pursuant to legislative requirements, the relationships between individual CCMR indicators and postsecondary outcomes have been evaluated through comprehensive internal and external research. The proposed framework for differential weighting of CCMR will begin with the class of 2030, largely comprised of students entering 9th grade in the 2026-27 school year. Beginning with 2031 accountability ratings, CCMR will be evaluated using three postsecondary readiness levels, aligned to each indicator’s correlation to positive postsecondary outcomes. These tiers will establish higher or lower point values for different levels of college readiness, different levels of career readiness, and different levels of military readiness.

The differentiated levels of career readiness will utilize the tiered Industry-Based Certifications (IBCs) list. With the June 11, 2025, amendment to 19 TAC §74.1003, each IBC has been tiered based on the extent to which each certification is high skill, in demand, and associated with higher wages. Tiers are intended to signify an IBC’s potential value to students and to serve as guidance for school system staff when selecting IBCs to align with the programs of study offered in their local school systems. The preliminary tiered IBC list was announced in July 2025, and the final IBC list was posted October 31, 2025.

College, Career, and Military Readiness for 2031 Accountability Webinar

Join TEA for a webinar focused on College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) for 2031 Accountability. During the webinar, TEA staff will share current analyses and proposed frameworks that inform how CCMR will be evaluated in the 2031 accountability system, with a particular focus on aligning indicators to meaningful post-secondary outcomes.

Topics to be covered include:

  • Correlation data for CCMR indicators and postsecondary outcomes, including how indicators are being studied to better understand their relationship to successful postsecondary enrollment, persistence, and completion.
  • A proposed framework for differential weighting of CCMR indicators, highlighting how varying levels of postsecondary impact may be reflected in future accountability calculations.

Use the links below to register for your preferred time and to receive a calendar invite via Zoom. Each session will feature identical content.

Registration Links:

March 24, 2026, at 9 am

March 31, 2026, at 10 am

College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) Tracker Coming Soon

The CCMR Tracker (Part I) will be available in the Texas Education Agency Login (TEAL) Accountability application on April 2, 2026. The College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) Tracker is an informational tool that allows districts to monitor CCMR indicator completion for students reported as enrolled in grades 9–12 on the TSDS Fall PEIMS snapshot, as well as select prior‑year annual graduates. The tracker will display student‑level CCMR indicators using data available to the agency at the time of release and is intended to provide an early preview of data that may be used in accountability calculations.

Student Scholarship Opportunities Student Scholarship Opportunities

Big Future Scholarships

Every month, BigFuture awards two $40,000 scholarships and hundreds of $500 scholarships. There are no essays, test scores, or minimum GPAs required. Students whose families earn less than $60,000 per year have double the chances of winning with two entries earned per step. Students earn entries by completing any of the following steps on bigfuture.org:


◦ Saving three careers


◦ Saving three colleges


◦ Saving three scholarships


◦ Strengthening their list by saving one safety, two match, and three reach colleges


◦ Completing the FAFSA


◦ Applying to college


Learn more at BigFuture Scholarships! Access turnkey resources in the BigFuture Toolkit for Counselors and BigFuture Educators page.

The Texas Talent Trajectory (T3)

The Texas Talent Trajectory (T3) offered through Texas Oncourse is an interactive tool that tracks student progress from 8th grade into higher education and beyond. Explore data by region, district, campus, and student characteristics such as family economic status, ethnicity, and gender to uncover trends and make data-informed decisions that support student success. Formerly the 8th Grade Cohort Longitudinal Report, T3 turns statewide data into actionable insights for educators and leaders.

Click here to access T3

Helpful CCMR Links

  • 2026 Accountability Manual webpage
  • CCMR with Ms. Thrash
  • Graduation Tool Kit
  • 2025-2030 IBC List for Public School Accountability
  • 2025-2026 Student Attendance Accounting Handbook
  • One Stop Shop for Apply Texas Resources

SPECIAL POPULATIONS SPECIAL POPULATIONS

Hotline to Support Students Experiencing Homelessness

  • Support hotline for families and educators M-F 7am-3:30pm
  • #1-855-858-3429
  • Intake form - submit questions and requests anytime through the intake button on the web portal
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April is Month of Military Child (MOMC) - New Tool Released!

Military-Connected Students Program

🌟April Month of the Military Child Toolkit Is Now Live!🌟


April is Month of the Military Child (MOMC)—a special time set aside each year to honor the resilience, courage, and daily sacrifices of military‑connected children.


This year, April 10, 2026, has been designated by TEA and the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) as Purple Up! For Military Kids Day. On this day, we encourage schools, communities, and partners across Texas to wear purple as a visible symbol of support and appreciation for military-connected youth and the significant role they play in their families’ service.


Why purple? Purple represents the combination of colors associated with all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces:

  • Air Force – Blue
  • Army – Green
  • Navy – Blue
  • Marine Corps – Red
  • Coast Guard – Blue

When these colors come together, they form purple—a unified show of support for all military families.


We are excited to announce that the 2026 April Month of the Military Child (MOMC) Toolkit is now officially released!


"Brave Hearts, Bright Futures PURPLE UP Texas"

The toolkit provides campuses, districts, and communities with resources to celebrate and support our military-connected students throughout the Month of the Military Child. Inside, you’ll find:

  • Event ideas and planning guides
  • Social media graphics and messaging
  • Campus engagement activities
  • Awareness materials and printable resources
  • Tools to amplify Purple Up! Day

Access the Toolkit Here: https://tea.texas.gov/academics/special-student-populations/tea-mcs-momc-toolkit.pdf


Thank you for your continued dedication to honoring and supporting military-connected students across Texas!

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New TEALearn Course Available: Supporting Milltary-Connected Students in Texas

In honor of April is Month of Military Child, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) is pleased to announce the release of a new TEALearn course, Supporting Military-Connected Students in Texas, designed to equip Texas educators and school personnel with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively support military-connected students and their families.


This free, self-paced course prepares participants to address the unique educational impacts of military life—including frequent mobility, deployment, and school transitions—across all grade levels. Through five interactive modules, learners will explore academic, social, emotional, and transitional challenges facing military-connected students, including considerations for students with disabilities.


Participants will also:

  • Review Texas laws, policies, and state initiatives related to military-connected students
  • Learn how to apply these requirements in campus and district settings
  • Explore the role of school and community support systems, including military liaisons and transition personnel, to promote continuity and student success

Course Details

  • Format: Online, self-paced
  • Credits: 3 CPE hours
  • Audience: Teachers, counselors, administrators, campus/district staff, ESC personnel, military liaisons. and other military stakeholders.


Enroll or learn more: https://register.tealearn.com/courses/supporting-military-connected-students-in-texas-25-26

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Highly Mobile and At-Risk (HMAR) Student Programs

  • Texas Education for Homeless Children and Youth (TEHCY)
  • Foster Care and At-Risk
  • Pregnancy Related Services
  • Military-Connected Students Program
  • Dropout Prevention


Please visit the HMAR Webpage for more information, including 2025-26SY Training Opportunities!

UPCOMING TRAININGS UPCOMING TRAININGS

2025-2026 Professional Development Sessions
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SUMMER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SUMMER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Region 9 Summer PD Landing Page
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Workforce Solutions North Texas Summer 2026 Teacher Externship Program

Workforce Solutions North Texas is offering the Teacher Externship Program opportunity again this summer! Registration Link through Region 9 coming soon!


This year's externships will require 20 hours of industry tours, as well as 20 hours of hands-on experience at a local employer. This program aims to bridge the gap for both students and teachers by allowing educators to immerse themselves in industry environments, thereby acquiring first-hand knowledge and building valuable connections for their students.


Benefits include:

· $2,000 Stipend + $500 Classroom Supplies Stipend

· Earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits through Region 9 ESC

· Strengthen classroom curriculum and enhance student learning


Middle school, high school, or public junior college educators are encouraged to apply here: https://bit.ly/4cVsSpt


Should you have any questions or require further information, please feel free to reach out to Cathy Rainwater, at teacherexternship@ntxworksolutions.org.


Application deadline has been extended to April 15!!


Check out the flyer below for additional details!

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