Advising

Effective advising supports students’ decision-making and planning for college and career after high school.  The goal of an effective advising program is that all students will be empowered to make informed decisions regarding their postsecondary plan and will graduate prepared to enter college and career, including careers in the military. 

Effective advising should begin in elementary grades and continue through middle school, high school and beyond to support students throughout their development.  An effective advisor prioritizes student relationships and is available to help students and families navigate multiple sources of information and experiences to support informed postsecondary decision making.

Effective Advising Framework

The Effective Advising Framework provides a clear vision for planning, implementing, and evaluating an effective advising program in the context of a comprehensive school counseling program to support students' academic and career development in grades K-12.  This Framework has been designed as a collaborative statewide effort by representatives from education, workforce, military, and community based organizations.  The current version of the Effective Advising Framework is currently in field testing and will be made available to the public in the 2021-2022 school year.  

Effective Advising Framework Timeline: 

• Fall 2020 - Effective Advising Framework 1.0 developed by statewide steering committee and workgroup
• Spring 2021 - Effective Advising Framework 1.0 in Field Testing with School Districts
• Summer 2021 - Effective Advising Framework 2.0 developed 
• 2021-2022 School Year - Effective Advising Framework Planning Pilot
• 2022-2023 School Year - Effective Advising Framework Statewide Launch 

Please continue to check this webpage for the most recent updates and information related to the Effective Advising Framework.  

Effective Advising Planning Pilot

On April 13, 2021, TEA released a Letter of Interest (LOI) grant opportunity to support an Effective Advising Planning Pilot in the 2021-2022 school year.  Eligible applicants for this grant are Education Service Centers (ESCs), who should identify a staff person to receive training and serve as an Effective Advising Framework (EAF) Coach.  EAF Coaches will convene a minimum of two, but no more than four, school districts to coach through the development of an Effective Advising Program Plan aligned to Lever 1 of the EAF.  Up to 10 awards will be granted ranging from $90,000 to $150,000.

Important Dates:

• May 4, 2021 - Last day to submit questions to be addressed in the Applicants' Webinar
• May 11, 2021 at 10:00am CST - Date of Applicants' Webinar
• May 18, 2021 - Last day to submit questions for the FAQ document
• May 25, 2021 - FAQ posted to TEA Grants Opportunities
• June 15, 2021 - Due date for LOI Application
• June 22-July 6, 2021 - LOI review period
• July 7, 2021 - Anticipated award announcement
• July 15, 2021 - Beginning date of grant
• June 1, 2022 - Effective Advising Program Plan due from grant recipients (if selected for funding)
• June 2, 2022 - Final date to submit an amendment (if selected for funding)
• August 31, 2022 - Ending date of grant (if selected for funding)

For more information regarding this LOI, please visit the TEA Grant Opportunities webpage.

Resources

Texas OnCourse:  A state-funded initiative to improve college and career readiness by equipping all Texas students for an educational and professional future that unlocks their potential.

ApplyTexas:  A project of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to offer a centralized means for both Texas and non-Texas students to apply to the many outstanding available postsecondary institutions available in Texas.

Texas College Bridge:  A user-friendly platform designed to provide individualized support to help 11th and 12th grade students strengthen their Math and English skills prior to enrolling in college.  In addition, Texas College Bridge offers additional supports to help students complete college transition milestones.  TSI exemptions can also be earned at participating higher education institutions. 

Labor Market and Career Information:  The Texas Workforce Commission's Labor Market and Career Information (LMCI) Department produces many valuable resources to provide regional and statewide labor market information to students and their families.  LMCI also has several educational tools, such as the Texas Reality Check and Texas Career Check, that can support students in career decision-making.

Ask ADVi:  The Texas Virtual College Advisor offers assistance to Texas students who need answers to questions about attending college, returning to college, financial aid, and more. 

Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative:  Launched by Governor Greg Abbott in 2016, this initiative seeks to achieve the ambitious goal of ensuring that all Texans achieve their full potential and contribute to the state's continued economic growth.