A&M International College of Ed Faculty Schedules Consortium on TEKS March 30

Members of the Texas A&M International University College of Education faculty will present a consortium entitled "Preparing Teachers: Texas' Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) on Tuesday, March 30 from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Great Room of the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library.

There is no admission charge and the public is welcome.

The consortium will provide the faculty with an opportunity to report on recent funded research findings on TEKS and how they are being addressed through College of Education programs and activities.

Dr. Juan Lira, professor of education in the department of curriculum and instruction, said the consortium target audience is local and area educators and those interested in educator and student preparation.

"We'll be especially encouraging representatives from local and area school districts from central office to individual campuses, to attend.

"We'll also be inviting representatives from the Texas Education Agency, the Region One Service Center, Texas A&M University-Kingsville and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, as well as anyone interested in applying TEKS concepts to the classroom to attend," Dr. Lira said.

"This is a critical time for educator preparation for TEKS and this consortium will provide valuable information on efforts underway here at the University. We'll also provide a forum for questions, an exhibit area, and examples of how our students are being readied for education in Texas under TEKS," Lira explained.

In addition to Lira, presentations will be made by College of Education faculty members Dr. Ron Anderson, Dr. Bambi Bailey, Dr. Cathy Sakta, Dr. Patricia Lozano and Dr. Linda Medearis. A&M International students will also assist in presentations and exhibits. Dr. Rosa Maria Vida, Dean of the College of Education, will convene the meeting and provide additional information regarding the TEKS and its role in the preparation of Texas educators.

TEKS became effective in all content areas on September 1, 1998. It provides for appropriate thresholds for student performance in areas including English Language Arts and Reading, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, among others.

The current Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS) is being aligned with the TEKS and should be ready for administration in Spring 2000.

The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) has responsibility for professional preparation and certification and will provide for educator certification requirements aligned with the TEKS.

For additional information on the March 30 TEKS Consortium, please contact Lira at the College of Education at 956.326.2535 or Dr. Rosa Maria Vida, Dean of the College of Education, at 326.2420. University office hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

For additional information on TEKS, visit the TEA's web site at www.tea.state.tx.us.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu