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.

Read the official TAA letter.

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 and recognition in press releases.

2. Participation in T-STEM Convenings:

   Special events hosted by TEA 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:

   Frequently opportunities are provided 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 technical assistance which includes 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.

5. Strength of T-STEM Model:
   

   1. Through the designation process, TEA will recognize those T-STEM Academies that effectively incorporate T-STEM Design Blueprint elements. 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 post secondary 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.

• 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 March 4th, 2016 at 5:00pm in order to open a campus as a designated T-STEM Academy during the 2016-2017 school year. The TEA will notify each applicant of its approval status to operate a designated T-STEM Academy by June 2016.

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

For assistance completing the application:

• The 103 2016-2017 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 [email protected] with specific questions regarding T-STEM Designation.

Designation Process

• Will every campus that applies for designation receive designation?

  No. Applications are reveiwed and scored by multiple reviewers. The designation application must demonstrate an applicants's ability to implement the T-STEM model with fidelity.

• If a campus is designated, does that mean they will receive grant funding if it becomes available?

  No. The grant process and the designation process are entirely separate processes. Should grant funds become available, all grantees will be required to apply for and become designated.

• We want to apply for designation with the intent that if designated we will operate as a magnet school. Is this acceptable?

  No, T-STEM is not a magnet program. T-STEM Academies should serve all students with a special emphasis on underrepresented populations (economic disadvantaged, at-risk, ELL, and first generation college goers).

• Is there a limit to the number of applications that will receive T-STEM designation?

  No. there is not a particular number of Academies that will be designated each year. Designation is based off of an application's score, not on a set quota of Academies.

Completing the Application

• How do existing Academies receive an application code?

  Existing Academies can select their name from a dropdown menu that pops up when applicants click inside the "Academy Name" box in the New Application section. The application code will be sent to the e-mail address that is entered to start the new application.

• Is it possible to begin an application and complete it over multiple sessions?

  Yes. After an applicant has a code for the application, that code is used to access the application at any time, Remember to save often so information will not be lost.

• Can multiple people work on an application?

  Yes. After an application code has been generated, the code can be shared with as many people within the Academy as desired. Only one person may access the application at any given time, but numerous people can access and work to complete the appplication.

• If I start an application and during the process realize my school does not meet the guidelines for designation, do I have to submit an application?

  No. Applicants are not required to submit an application that has been started. It is important to review the Blueprint requirements before starting the application.

• If I have been previously designated as a high school, is it possible to add a middle school to my designation application?

  Yes. T-STEM academies can be expanded to include middle schools. It is important to note that T-STEM eligibility is for academies that are serving grades 9-12, or 6-12. Multiple applications are not necessary. If an Academy wants to add a middle school to the application, another application for the middle school is not needed.

• In reading the designation application part 3, I'm unclear on the definitions of a few of the terms. Where can I find more additional information?

  Refer to the full T-STEM Blueprint. A glossary of terms included in the back of the full T-STEM Blueprint.

• What is an MOU?

  MOU is Memorandum of Understanding. This critical document between parties describes the agreement of all parties. It ensures that each party has a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. Many districts have existing MOUs with entities that can be used as an example.

• When are applications due?

  Applications must be submitted by 5:00pm on March 4th, 2016.

• Can anyone register to use the T-STEM Blueprint and its resources via http://www.tstemblueprint.org/?

  Yes, anyone can register and use the resources available at this site. We encourage applicants to make use of this resource and all it has to offer.

• Can I get a PDF version of the application?

  Once inside the application, please click the link in the top right of the screen that allows applicants to create a PDF version of the application at any time.

Technical Assistance

• Are there any browser requirements?

  Yes. For best results please use one of the followoing browsers: Google Chrome 31.0+, Safari 7.0+, and Mozilla Firefox 25.0+