About TEA
TEA (Texas Education Agency)
The Texas agency that provides leadership, guidance, and resources to help schools meet the educational needs of all students. Located in Austin, Texas, TEA is the administrative unit for primary and secondary public education. Under the leadership of the commissioner of education, the agency manages the textbook adoption process, oversees development of the statewide curriculum, administers the statewide assessment program, administers a data collection system on public school students, staff and finances, rates school districts under the statewide accountability system, operates research and information programs, monitors for compliance with federal guidelines and serves as a fiscal agent for the distribution of state and federal funds.
TEAMS (Texas Educating Adults Management System)
The current web-based management information system for adult education in Texas. The system is made up of data collected according state and federal definitions and is entered by local Adult Education providers who receive state and federal adult education funds. Adult education services are provided to persons beyond compulsory education (adults) who need adult basic education and do not have a high school diploma or need to learn to speak English. TEAMS produces adult education state and federal reports.
TEC (Texas Education Code)
A set of the state statutes (laws) governing public education in Texas. It applies to all educational institutions supported in whole or in part by state tax funds, unless specifically excluded by the code. The TEC directs the goals and framework of public education in Texas. It is established by the Texas Legislature.
TED (Texas Education Directory)
The online Texas Education Directory. TEA employees, school districts, and the general public use AskTED to find contact information and create mailing labels for Texas public schools, districts and education service centers.
TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills)
State educational standards for what students should know and be able to do from prekindergarten through high school
TELPAS (Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System)
An assessment for the progress limited English proficient (LEP) students make in learning the English language
THEA (Texas Higher Education Assessment)
A test that assesses the reading, mathematics, and writing skills that entering freshman-level students should have if they are to perform effectively in undergraduate certificate or degree programs in Texas public colleges or universities
THECB (Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board)
A board created by the Texas Legislature in 1965 to "provide leadership and coordination for the Texas higher education system to achieve excellence for the college education of Texas students." The Coordinating Board meets quarterly in Austin.
TIP (Technology Immersion Pilot)
A 1:1 computing initiative that built a model for using immersion technology that is replicable, encompasses all the tools needed in a 21st Century Learning environment, and promotes engagement and anytime, anywhere learning for both students and teachers. The Texas Education Agency provides leadership and senior management of TIP in collaboration with school district, consulting, communications, research and evaluation, and vendor partners.
TOY (Teacher of the Year)
The highest honor that the state of Texas can bestow upon a teacher. Facilitated by the Texas Education Agency, the Texas Teacher of the Year Program annually recognizes and rewards teachers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence in teaching. Winners are chosen from representatives of each of the 20 Regional Education Service Centers.