QUESTION
Who is required to participate in the Texas Principal Excellence Program (TxPEP)?
ANSWER:
Principals from campuses that are rated Academically Unacceptable for the first time (based on 2008 ratings released by TEA on August 1, 2008) are required to participate in TxPEP during the 2008-2009 school year. These campuses are referred to as AU1 campuses. Further, principals that have been newly assigned to AU2, AU#, or AU4 campuses for 2008 are required to complete the program during the 2008-09 school year.
This is one of the intervention programs designed and implemented by TEA to assist principals of campuses rated as AcademicallyUnacceptable (AU) in the state accountability system. The Texas Principal Excellence Program (TxPEP) is authorized under Subchapter E Chapter 11, §11.203 of the Education Code (formerly referred to at the School Leadership Pilot Program).
For information on the other interventions required for Academically Unacceptable campuses click here.
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QUESTION
Who else can participate in TxPEP?
ANSWER:
Any Texas principal, assistant principal, or aspiring principal can participate in the TxPEP program. The only costs associated with the program are travel and related expenses to the Fall Orientation Meeting (October) and the Program Completion Meeting (June), as well as any meetings that are organized by the participant’s Learning Network. The program offers high quality professional development in the area of leadership through rich curriculum content, networking, and individual coaching sessions.
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QUESTION
What happens to those who appeal their Academically Unacceptable rating in August and are later notified that their rating has been changed to Academically Acceptable. Are they able to withdraw from the program?
ANSWER:
Yes, but we hope they stay! The TxPEP program affords principals multiple opportunities for professional growth and networking with other school leaders in a way that meets their learning style, needs, and schedule.
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QUESTION
What happens if I am required to participate in TxPEP, but choose not to do so?
ANSWER:
The TEA rules pertaining to accreditation criteria say that "if a campus is rated Academically Unacceptable in the state academic accountability rating system for the current school year, the commissioner of education shall assign a campus intervention team (CIT)" …and that the "principal of a campus assigned a CIT under subsection (a) of this section, or any person employed to replace that principal, shall participate in and complete the program requirements of the School Leadership Pilot Program (SLPP)." [SLPP is now called TxPEP.] "The district shall be responsible for any costs associated with participation in the SLPP, such as travel, lodging, or extra duty pay. Participation in the SLPP shall begin not later than October 1 of the current school year. All program requirements of the SLPP shall be completed within one year of enrolling in the program." (see 97.1063. Campus Intervention Team; Reconstitution at: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/rules/commissioner/proposed/0607/97-ee-one.html.
"If the commissioner of education finds that a district or campus does not satisfy the accreditation criteria …the commissioner may lower the district's accreditation status, academic accountability rating, or financial accountability rating, as applicable, and take appropriate action under this subchapter. ….Regardless of whether the commissioner lowers a district's status or rating ,,,, the commissioner may take action … necessary to improve any area of performance by the district or campus." (see §97.1057. Accreditation Sanctions at: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/rules/commissioner/proposed/0607/97-ee-one.html.
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QUESTION
Can the pre- and post-assessments that I complete as a TxPEP principal be used for certification or recertification that is required?
ANSWER:
No. The assessment process that is used by Principal Assessment Centers is different from these assessments. If you are scheduled to certify, or recertify, this year, you will need to follow your district's process for registering for the Principal Assessment Center. However, the results from these two assessments will provide additional information that you can use in your plan for professional growth.
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QUESTION
What if we already have required campus improvement plans being implemented on our campus? I’m concerned that the TxPEP may either cause us to lose focus or be an additional initiative.
ANSWER:
The action plans in TxPEP will support and integrate the statutorily required campus improvement plans that all schools must have. We can assure participants that TxPEP is designed to enhance current campus work—whether it is a reform initiative or recommendations and requirements from Campus Intervention Teams.
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QUESTION
Where can principals and their Central Office personnel learn more about CPE credits that will be given for participation?
ANSWER:
CPE credits will be awarded through participation in each learning events hosted by TxPEP this year. The CPE credits are awarded through the University of Houston-Victoria. Examples of CPE credits associated with various learning events will be included in the TxPEP Participant Notebook, to be distributed at the Fall Orientation Meetings in October 2008.
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QUESTION
Will superintendents and/or other central office administrators be knowledgeable of the TxPEP program?
ANSWER:
TxPEP staff members will contact participants and their superintendents by phone shortly after the 2008 ratings are released by TEA on August 1, 2008. The purpose of the phone calls to superintendents will be to introduce them to the TxPEP program and garner their support for participating principals. The direct supervisors of principals will also receive communication from TxPEP periodically during the 2008-2009 school year.
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QUESTION
Will there be a place that TxPEP participants and anyone else who is interested can go to learn more about the program and to stay up-to-date?
ANSWER:
Visit and bookmark: www.txpep.org. A short webinar that outlines the components, curriculum, content and expectations associated with the 2008-09 program is on the home page of the website.
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QUESTION
What is the difference between an AU rating and not meeting AYP?
ANSWER:
An AU rating is associated with the State accountability system, whereas not meeting AYP is associated with the Federal accountability system. As you prepare for the 2008-2009 academic year, it is important to understand the differences between State and Federal ratings and the programs and standards related to the two accountability systems.
