About TEA
SRCS (School Readiness Certification System)
A system used to determine the effectiveness of prekindergarten, Head Start, and community-based child care programs in preparing children for kindergarten
STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness)
A series of state-mandated standardized tests given to Texas public school students in grades 3-8 and those enrolled in five specific high school courses. First given in spring 2012, STAAR is based on the state's curriculum standards called the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).
TAAS (Texas Assessment of Academic Skills)
The student assessment system from 1990-2002. It was replaced by the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS).
TAC (Texas Administrative Code)
A compilation of all state agency rules in Texas. These rules are collected and published by the Office of the Secretary of State. There are 16 titles in the TAC. Each title represents a subject category, and related agencies are assigned to the appropriate title. State Board of Education and Commissioner of Education Rules are codified in the TAC under Title 19, Education, Part 2, Texas Education Agency. State Board for Educator Certification Rules are codified in the TAC under Title 19, Education, Part 7, State Board for Educator Certification.
TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills)
Criterion-referenced achievement tests designed to measure the extent to which a student has learned and is able to apply the defined knowledge and skills at each tested grade level. The TAKS program was launched in 2003 and was replaced by the STAAR (State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness) program beginning in 2012.
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
A federal program that provides financial and medical assistance to needy dependent children and the parents or relatives with whom they are living
TAP (Teacher Advancement Program)
A comprehensive strategy to attract, develop, motivate and retain high-quality teachers by providing multiple career options for classroom teachers. The program provides ongoing training, instructionally focused accountability, salary increases based on teacher’s duties, and bonuses to teachers based on teacher and student performance.
TAPR (Texas Academic Performance Reports)
An annual statistical report produced each fall that contains a wide range of information about student performance, school and district staffing, programs, and student demographics. TAPR replaced the Academic Excellence Indicator System (AEIS) report in the 2012-2013 school year.
TCDD (Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities)
A 27-member board dedicated to ensuring that all Texans with developmental disabilities have the opportunity to be independent, productive and valued members of their communities. Using a variety of methods, the Council works to ensure that the service delivery system provides comprehensive services and supports that meet people's needs, are easy to access, and are cost effective.
TCER (Texas Center for Educational Research)
A center that provides original, nonpartisan educational research and evaluation to policymakers, state agencies, nonprofit education organizations, and school districts