Re: the Texas Adolescent Literacy Academies (TALA)

August 15, 2007

TO THE ADMINISTRATOR ADDRESSED

RE: The Texas Adolescent Literacy Academies (TALA)

The 80 th Texas legislature provided direction (HB 2237) and funding for the statewide implementation of adolescent literacy academies for teachers of grades 6 through 8. These academies are intended to give English language arts/reading and content area teachers successful, research-based strategies for improving their students’ academic literacy. Attached you will find a flyer that provides a detailed description of the content of the academies.

There will be a four-day English Language Arts (ELA) Academy for English and reading teachers in grades 6 – 8, and a two-day Content Area Academy for mathematics, science, and social studies teachers of grades 6 – 8. The academies for grade 6 teachers will begin in the summer of 2008, and those for grades 7 and 8 teachers will begin in the summer of 2009. Teachers who complete all of the requirements for the ELA Academy will receive a $500 stipend, and those who complete the Content Area Academy will receive a $250 stipend.

Attendance for most teachers is voluntary. However, educators that meet the criteria for attendance and teach in a campus labeled Academically Unacceptable (AU) are required by HB 2237 to attend these academies. Grade 6 teachers on campuses that are rated AU as of the final accountability rating released by November 1, 2007 will attend the academies in 2008. Teachers in grades 7 and 8 on campuses that are rated AU as of the final accountability rating released by November 1, 2008 will participate in the academies in 2009.

The academies will be managed by the twenty regional education service centers (ESCs). Detailed information about the sessions in your region will be forthcoming from your ESC.

If you need additional information regarding the Texas Adolescent Literacy Academies, please visit the website at www.tea.state.tx.us/tala (which will be active as of September 1, 2007). We look forward to working with your teachers to make a difference for Texas middle school students.

Sincerely,

Sharon Jackson Deputy Associate Commissioner Standards and Alignment

Attachment: Texas Adolescent Literacy Academies