Aligned Frameworks

Aligned Frameworks header image of students


As part of TEA's strategic planning process, we are committed to providing tools and resources focused on improving student outcomes. The Agency continues to work on coherence and alignment across frameworks that are utilized in the field.

The Effective District Framework

The Effective District Framework (EDF) describes the highest leverage district practices that can be implemented to enhance the student experience and improve student outcomes.

The Effective District Framework was created in partnership with the Texas Education Agency and superintendents from across the state, the EDF codifies best practices into a framework consisting of six levers that come together to ensure districts align systems and resources, resulting in rigorous and supportive student experiences.

  • Lever 1 — Planning and Performance Management 
  • Lever 2 — Talent 
  • Lever 3 — Integrated Student Support Systems 
  • Lever 4 — Academic Experience 
  • Lever 5 — Instructional Leadership and Capacity Building 
  • Lever 6 — Finance and Operations

The Effective Schools Framework

The Effective Schools Framework is a tool intended for all Texas schools. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has codified all researched best practices into one common framework that should be used by district and campus leaders to improve system effectiveness and student outcomes at the campus level.

The framework, based on years of educational research of best practices, identifies 5 levers essential for successful school outcomes:

  • Lever 1 — Strong School Leadership and Planning
  • Lever 2 — Strategic Staffing
  • Lever 3 — Positive School Culture
  • Lever 4 — High -Quality Instructional Materials and Assessments
  • Lever 5 — Effective Instruction

The Educator Preparation Framework

The goal of the Effective Preparation Framework (EPF) is to support Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) continuous improvement through the development of a shared vision for high-quality educator preparation in Texas.

The EPF consists of five foundational levers:

  • Lever 1 — Leadership and Planning
  • Lever 2 — Talent Recruitment and Management
  • Lever 3 — P-12 Partnerships
  • Lever 4 — Curriculum
  • Lever 5 — Instruction and Support

These levers work together as an integrated whole that, when pulled by EPPs, ensures that novice teachers are well-prepared and have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to improve the performance of students in Texas. A set of essential actions for each lever that describes what the most effective EPPs do to support powerful educator preparation, and for each essential action, key practices define high-level performance with specificity.

The EPF supports EPP continuous improvement through a shared vision for high-quality educator preparation and an aligned continuing review process. The EPF is grounded in evidence-based best practices that Texas EPPs engage in daily. EPPs can use the EPF as an aspirational goal so that their practices reflect quality, resulting in well-prepared candidates who are equipped to engage and support Texas’ diverse population of students. The EPF will also provide the foundation for the alignment of statewide resources and supports to the needs of Texas EPPs.