<p>August 15, 2007</p><p>TO THE ADMINISTRATOR ADDRESSED</p><p>RE: The Texas Adolescent Literacy Academies (TALA)</p><p>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. </p><p>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. </p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>Sincerely,</p><p>Sharon Jackson Deputy Associate Commissioner Standards and Alignment</p><p>Attachment: Texas Adolescent Literacy Academies</p>