This week: we’re talking about free PD for teachers during COVID-19 from OnRamps and TEA, and a financial aid update from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
COVID-19 Update: Free PD for Teachers during COVID-19
Topics: Educators, Coronavirus, Distance Counseling and Learning
Webinar: Gearing Up for Back to School during COVID-19
In our first monthly webinar of the 2020–2021 school year, over 375 educators from across the state registered to tap into an open discussion on back to school during COVID-19. We covered CCMR updates and tools for accountability, data-driven strategies for programs, and Texas OnCourse resources that can enhance remote teaching, counseling, and advising practices.
Topics: Webinar, Coronavirus, Distance Counseling and Learning
Supporting Seniors Who Are College Bound During COVID-19
As we approach the end of an unpredictable school year, we applaud you and all the other educators who stepped up to meet the needs of their students, staff, and families during the COVID-19 crisis. Your efforts and dedication have been truly amazing.
Topics: College Planning, Administrators, Coronavirus, Distance Counseling and Learning
Submitting a Financial Aid Appeal during COVID-19
Many of your students have likely experienced changes to their personal and family income. These changes can affect expected family contribution, so your students may need help submitting a financial aid appeal during COVID-19.
Topics: Applying to College, Finances, Coronavirus, Distance Counseling and Learning
How to Choose a College during COVID-19
The college admissions process of 2020 will go down in history books. Campus visits have been canceled. Individual and family financial circumstances are up in the air. Many colleges have moved their admissions decision deadline to June 1. So how on earth can educators guide their students on how to choose a college during COVID-19? Read on for four tips below:
Topics: College Planning, Educators, Coronavirus, High School, Distance Counseling and Learning
Video: Tips for High School Seniors to Finish Strong
[UPDATED May 2021] College-bound high school seniors have a big transition ahead of them. In addition to choosing their college, they’ll need to keep track of financial aid deadlines, make housing plans, and schedule orientation. We compiled the top five ways high school seniors can stay on track through the end of high school and into the summer to have a stellar freshman year.
Topics: College Planning, Coronavirus, High School, Distance Counseling and Learning
Preparing Eighth Graders for High School
[UPDATED May 2021] The 2020-21 academic year has been unlike any other for students around the world. In particular, students making big transitions in the fall (like entering high school as a freshman!) are facing unique challenges.
Topics: Middle School, Coronavirus, Distance Counseling and Learning
School Administrator Support for Decision Making during COVID-19
COVID-19 has required school administrators to implement necessary school closures and remote learning. In fact, all educators – principals, counselors, and teachers alike – are redefining their roles. With so many new needs from the field, the Texas Education Agency has responded swiftly with extensive guidance and updates. In this edition of the Strategist, we highlight several such resources for school administrator support during COVID-19. |
Due to COVID-19, TEA has cancelled STAAR testing for the remainder of the school year and adjusted our state’s A–F Accountability System. For the 2019–20 school year, TEA proposes to label all districts and campuses Not Rated: Declared State of Disaster. College, career, and military readiness data will be reported only on TEA reports such as Texas Academic Performance Reports. It will not be used in ratings calculations for the 2019–2020 school year. In just one month, we have shifted from an accountability mindset to focus on student equity and access to remote learning opportunities. Below we highlight some of the key changes that will undoubtedly impact the decisions you make as an administrator through the rest of the 2019–2020 school year.
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Topics: CCMR and Accountability, Administrators, Coronavirus
Tips for Teaching Online during COVID-19, from Educators Like You
Strengthen your online teaching abilities by learning from other educators! Lisa Shaw and Julie Stavropoulos share tips for teaching online during COVID-19 below. Lisa is currently Texas OnCourse’s implementation coordinator and formerly a CTE educator. Julie is currently Texas OnCourse’s curriculum and instruction writer and formerly an English teacher.
This month, we shifted our usual monthly webinar to make space for colleagues to learn from one another and discuss educator resources for COVID-19. More than 600 people registered to join the conversation. If you weren’t able to join the discussion live, watch the recording:
Topics: Professional Development, Educators, Coronavirus