Texas Education Agency

Under the authority of Texas Education Code §39.235 and Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §102.1093, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) has a designation process for Texas – Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (T-STEM) Academies. This process ensures districts or open-enrollment charter schools operating T-STEM Academies maintain the integrity of the model, which was designed to improve instruction and academic performance in science and mathematics-related subjects at secondary schools.

In accordance with TEC §39.235, the designation process is required for all existing and proposed T-STEM Academies.

1. Recognition as an Approved T-STEM Academy:

   Schools designated by TEA as state-approved T-STEM Academies will receive various forms of media recognition including, but not limited to: identification on TEA’s website as a state-approved T-STEM Academy, inclusion on the Educate Texas T-STEM Network website, and recognition in press releases.

2. Participation in T-STEM Convenings:

   Special events hosted by TEA and Educate Texas for T-STEM Academy administrators and principals to provide input on policies and procedures that impact T-STEM Academies.

3. Membership in the T-STEM Network:

   TEA, Educate Texas, and the Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) periodically provide opportunities for principals, teachers, and students in designated T-STEM Academies through the T-STEM network to share best practices through conferences and technical assistance sessions. Membership in the T-STEM Network allows T-STEM Academies to access online exemplars, professional development, and webinars.

4. Access to Professional Development and Technical Assistance:

   Designated T-STEM academies will have access to high-quality professional development and technical assistance including:

   1. Advice and information from a Leadership Coach who has successfully facilitated the design and implementation of the majority of T-STEM Academies operating in Texas.

   2. Opportunities to attend high-quality, effective professional development and training provided by the T-STEM technical assistance provider, Educate Texas and the T-STEM Centers. The training provided by these organizations, which is currently only available to T-STEM Academy grantees, may be offered to designated Academies for free or at a reduced cost.

   3. The T-STEM designation process will enable districts and their partners to engage in the research and planning necessary to ensure that their T-STEM Academies are set up in the most effective way possible.

   4. The T-STEM Blueprint provides a framework for T-STEM Academies to access college and career opportunities that support postsecondary success.

5. Strength of T-STEM Model:
   

   1. Through the designation process, TEA and Educate Texas will recognize those T-STEM Academies that effectively incorporate T-STEM Design Blueprint. The designation process will enable districts and their partners to engage in the research and planning necessary to ensure that their T-STEM Academies are set up in the most effective way possible.

   2. The T-STEM Blueprint provides a framework for T-STEM Academies to access college and career opportunities that support postsecondary success.

• Visit an existing T-STEM academy. All existing T-STEM academies are demonstration sites. Contact a T-STEM Academy to arrange a site visit. A list of Academies can be found here.

• T-STEM Centers provide high quality STEM professional development and support to STEM Academies and schools interested in improving STEM programs. The 7 T-STEM Centers are located at education service centers or institutions of higher education. T-STEM Centers are able to provide technical support to campuses interested in implementing the T-STEM Academy model. A list of Centers is available here:

  • Aggie STEM Center, Texas A&M University, College Station

    http://aggie-stem.tamu.edu/

  • Southeast Regional STEM Center, UT - Medical Branch, Galveston

    http://www.utmb.edu/tstem/

  • Ingenuity Center, UT – Tyler

    http://ingenuitycenter.org/

  • Transformation 2013 Center, Region XIII ESC, Austin / Region 20 ESC, San Antonio

    http://www.transformation2013.org/

  • STEM Center of South Texas, Region 1 ESC, Edinburg

    http://www.esc1.net/Page/444

  • Center for STEM Education and Research, UT – Dallas

    http://www.utdcser.org/

  • Texas Tech T-STEM Center, Texas Tech University, Lubbock

    http://www.tstem.ttu.edu/

• BEFORE YOU APPLY: review and internalize the full T-STEM Academy Design Blueprint here.

• Proceed to the guidelines page to begin the application process.

• Applications are due to TEA on or before April 2, 2013 in order to open a campus as a designated T-STEM Academy during the 2013-2014 school year. The TEA will notify each applicant of its approval status to operate a designated T-STEM Academy by June 2013.

• Districts must complete this application each year in order to renew T-STEM Academy Designation.

For assistance completing the application:

• The 65 2012-2013 Designated T-STEM Academies may contact their T-STEM coach and/or their assigned T-STEM Center.
• New applicants may contact any of the 7 T-STEM Centers or email tstem@tea.state.tx.us with specific questions regarding T-STEM Designation.