Education Service Center, Region 20
Information Session
Handouts 2
Please pick up handouts provided in the back of the session. Information covered in the presentation located in handouts.
ESC-20 TOPP
Slides cover
Page # Handout (if blank – info shared)
Welcome 3
Authorized by the Texas legislature and according to Texas Education Code (TEC), Service Centers are mandated to: Assist school districts in improving student performance in each region, enable school districts to operate more efficiently and economically, and implement initiatives as assigned by the Texas legislature or the Commissioner of Education.
ESC-20 TOPP
Region 20 Vision/Mission 4
Region 20 Vision
To be the definitive choice for leadership, innovation and the advancement of learning
Region 20 Mission
ESC-20 positively impacts the learning community through high quality, cost effective products and services.
Main Web Site: http://esc20.net Districts: http://goo.gl/lofOd6
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TOPP Vision/Mission 5
TOPP Vision
In partnership with the educational community, TOPP will provide highly qualified teachers that positively impact student achievement.
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TOPP Mission
The mission of the Teacher Orientation and Preparation Program is to prepare qualified individuals for a successful career as a professional educator in the 21st century by providing research-based learning experiences
What is TOPP? 6
Teacher Orientation & Preparation Program (TOPP) SBEC state approved alternative route to teacher certification program that provides qualified individuals training and an opportunity to transition into teaching. We have been recruiting, training, supporting and certifying teachers in the San Antonio area for over 25 years.
TOPP Home Page: ESC-20 - TOPP
www.esc20.net/topp
Why does TOPP exist? 7
House Bill 72 authorized alternative routes to teacher certification in response to statewide teacher shortages in the areas of Mathematics, Science, Bilingual & Special Education
ESC-20 - TOPP
Why choose TOPP? 8
25+ year reputation of serving the educational community Extensive support from educational professionals Field based training that merges theory with practice Relevant to the “real world” Fast track to the classroom Affordable fees
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TOPP At-A-Glance 9
Application vs. Acceptance GPA Requirement 2.5 Passing all PACT exams prior to application deadline date Submit application Acceptance to TOPP Attending Fall, Early Spring or Late Spring evening sessions – Classroom Preparation: Foundations Applying to school districts Attending Summer Training – Classroom Preparation: Meeting Student needs Attending Internship Training Complete all requirements = Recommendation for Standard Certificate.
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Terminology 10
Application Online
submission and completion of all necessary documentation
Acceptance Occurs
when:
Applications
requirements are met Pass content certification exam (PACT/TExES) Applicant receives and responds to Acceptance email/letter
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Applying to TOPP
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GPA Requirement 2.5 12
Applicants must have one of the following: an undergraduate or graduate degree from a TEA recognized accredited university or college within the United States, or an undergraduate or graduate degree from a TEA recognized accredited university or college outside the United States. Applicants must have an overall grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 or at least 2.5 in the last 60 semester credit hours of course work.
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Transcript Review 13
Official sealed transcripts from each college or university you attended must be submitted Foreign transcripts must be evaluated Official transcripts must be mailed or submitted to the program in sealed university/college envelopes A transcript review will be initiated upon application to the program. To complete the review, all transcripts must be received. You will be notified of the transcript review results within 10 days of receipt of your last transcript.
Mailing address Education Service Center, Region 20 Attention: TOPP 1314 Hines Ave., San Antonio, Texas 78208
ESC-20 TOPP
If you do not meet GPA requirements? 14
You will receive an email that explains any deficiencies with an offer of guidance for ways to meet those deficiencies. TOPP also sends email reminders to inform you of specific deficiencies you need to meet before your application is considered complete.
ESC-20 - TOPP
Additional Requirement for Candidates with Foreign Credentials 15
Foreign Transcripts - Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by an approved credential evaluation service. Evaluation must include semester hour equivalent, grade point evaluation and a statement confirming that the foreign degree is equivalent to a degree conferred by a college or university in the United States. The evaluation must indicate that the applicant has an overall grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5. TOPP can consider applicants for admission with a 2.5 or higher overall GPA in the last 60 hours of course work.
See http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.aspx?id=5315&menu_id=865&menu_id2=794 for a list of TEA approved credential evaluation services.
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Page 5 Handout
Additional Requirement for Candidates with Foreign Credentials 16
English Oral Proficiency - Be able to speak and understand the English language sufficiently to use it easily and readily in conversation and teaching. English language proficiency may be evidenced by one of the following: Completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree at an institution of higher education in the United States. If an undergraduate or graduate degree was earned at an institution of higher education outside of the United States, evidence must be provided under procedures approved by the SBEC executive director that the primary language of instruction was English. Verification of satisfactory scores on an English language proficiency exam(s) approved by the State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC). (Currently the only approved test is the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) http://www.ets.org/toefl/. A score of 26 is required on the speaking section of the TOEFL.
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Page 5 Handout
Transfers from another ACP 17
Accepting transfers with a valid TExES exam passed- Core/Non-Core, Generalist If exam is not passed you will need to pass an exam with current program. If you are having difficulty registering for an exam contact ETS to request test permission.
1-800-205-2626
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Prior to applying to 18
Request official transcripts from EACH college/university. Make sure to request 4 (four) official transcripts. ESC-20 TOPP
Pre-Admission Content Tests 19
Pre-Admission Content Tests (PACT) Prior to acceptance to TOPP, you must take and pass a PACT. ESC-20 - TOPP
Pages 6-7 Handout
Pre-Admission Content Tests 20
Pre-Admission Content Tests (PACT) Also known as
TExES Teacher Certification Exam Content Certification Exam
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Pages 6-7 Handout
Pre-Admission Content Tests 21
What is PACT? PACT is an opportunity for degreed individuals who have never been admitted to an SBECapproved Educator Preparation Program (EPP) to demonstrate content proficiency for possible admission into an EPP in Texas. A passing score on a PACT is required to be admitted into TOPP.
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Page 6 Handout
Pre-Admission Content Tests 22
1.
2.
An Individual may take a PACT under two conditions: The individual holds a bachelor’s degree or higher or is scheduled to receive a bachelor’s degree and is in the last year of their degree coursework before being placed in a classroom. A person may not be placed in a classroom as a teacher of record under this section until receiving a bachelor’s degree. The individual has never been admitted to a State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP). ESC-20 - TOPP
Page 6 Handout
Pre-Admission Content Tests 23
Who cannot take a PACT?
Individuals who have already been formally admitted into an EPP
Individuals seeking a certification with specific skill and experience requirements
(Health Science Technology, Marketing)
Individuals who want to take the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) examination Undergraduates seeking initial teacher certification not in the last year of their degree coursework Individuals holding teaching credentials in another state, U.S. territory or country ESC-20 - TOPP
Page 7 Handout
Pre-Admission Content Tests 24
How do I register for a PACT?
If an individual does not already have a TEA ID number, the individual should not create a profile on TEA.
If an individual already has a TEA ID because of an existing TEA account (those who were education clerks or aides), contact ETS at 1-800-205-2626 to enable PACT Testing.
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Page 7 Handout
Registering to PACT 25
Educational Testing Service ETS Main Page
www.texes.ets.org
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Page 7 Handout
ETS Main Page – Click “Your Account” 26
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Scroll down – click “New User” 27
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Click “no TEA ID” 28
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Click “pre-admission content test PACT” 29
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Complete Information & Register 30
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Steps towards testing 31
Go to the ETS-TExES website and review the free preparation manuals. Determine which exam you are qualified to take based on degree and/or qualifications. Register for a PACT. Allow enough time to study. See Page 1 of handout for “Commercial Study Guides”. ESC-20 TOPP
Page 7 Handout
What teacher certificate(s) should I pursue? 32
i.e. – Which PACT should I take?
ESC-20 - TOPP
Page 8 Handout
What test should I take? 33
Refer to “TOPP guide to instructional and grade level placements”.
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Page 9 Handout
Overview-Certificates 34
Grade Identifies
span of grades teacher can teach
Core Content
areas related to: Math, ELAR, Science & Social Studies, Foreign Languages & Fine Arts (Music, Art, Theater, Dance).
Non-Core Content
areas that are not core: PE, Technology Applications, etc.
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Overview-Generalist 35
EC-6 Early
childhood through Grade 6 Self-contained or departmentalized Content: ELAR, Science, Math, Social Studies, PE & Fine Arts
4-8 Grade
4-8 Self-contained or departmentalized Content: ELAR, Science, Math and Social Studies ESC-20 TOPP
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Current Generalist Exams will soon no longer be valid
Will be given until Summer of 2015 Educators will have until August 31, 2017 to complete all requirements for the certificate and they must apply and be recommended by October 30, 2017.
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New Exams 37
Core Subjects EC-6 Test
#291 ELA & Reading:1hr. 45 minutes Math: 60 minutes Science: 40 minutes Social Studies: 35 minutes Art/Music/PE/Health: 40 minutes
First Administration January 2015
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New Exams 38
Core Subjects 4-8 Test
#211 ELA & Reading:1hr. 55 minutes Math: 1 hour 5 minutes Science: 50 minutes Social Studies: 50 minutes
First Administration January 2015
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What test should I take? 39
Core (ELA, Science, Social Studies, Mathematics)
Non-core (Fine Arts, Technology, P.E., etc.)
Other degrees: Interdisciplinary, Psychology,
Sociology, etc.
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What test should I take? 40
Those with non-core or other degrees are recommended to take at least one of the Generalist exams:
EC-6 Generalist 4-8 Generalist
Do you have 12 hours in Science or Math? Increase your marketability by taking:
4-8 Mathematics 4-8 Science
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Preparation Materials from ETS 41
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42
Additional Resources to Prepare for PACT
Pass the TExES Certify Teacher 240 Tutoring
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Page 7 Handout
TOPP Test Prep Sessions for Generalist 43
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Steps in choosing a test 44
Determine the level of students you want to teach.
What is your content passion? Recommendation: take more than one content test to increase marketability. ESC-20 TOPP
PACT TExES Practice Testing at ESC-20 45
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Steps Prior to applying to 46
Obtained ALL official transcripts
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Passed all PACT to be considered in securing a teaching position
Apply to TOPP online *Download and complete Criminal Background Check *Submit Transcripts *fee $80
47
FANTASTIC! You’ve passed a certification test!
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Admission ✔ List 48
Submit Application Submit ALL Transcripts Minimum GPA of 2.5 Pass PACT Contact
[email protected] Inform TOPP of passing PACT Receive invitation to TOPP Respond to invitation ESC-20 - TOPP
Page 5 Handout
Do not meet TOPP application and/or admission requirements? 49
You will receive an email that explains any deficiencies with an offer of guidance for ways to meet those deficiencies. TOPP also sends email reminders to inform you of specific deficiencies you need to meet before your application is considered complete.
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Application vs. Acceptance 50
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Page 2, 5 Handout
Acceptance into 51
You will receive an email of acceptance which will include a mandatory first date of training. You must respond to the email of acceptance within 10 days. Critical Dates and Information for the TOPP 2015-2016 cycle are available on our Web site. ESC-20 - TOPP
Pages 2, 5 Handout
Additional Requirement Program Interview 52
Haberman Teacher Perceiver Interview Online
pre-screener interview to evaluate knowledge and skills when working with students.
ESC-20 - TOPP
Page 5 Handout
Application Deadlines 53
All application and other required documentation must be submitted to TOPP by the application deadline.
For 2015-2016 Cycle August 15, 2014 January 9, 2015 April 24, 2015 ESC-20 - TOPP
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Next Steps….Training
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How is TOPP structured? 55
Fall Training for the August 15, 2014 Deadline
Monday & Wednesday evenings Test Preparation on designated Saturdays: Bilingual & EC-12 Special Education
Early Spring Training for the January 9, 2015 Deadline
Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday evenings Test Preparation on designated Saturdays: Bilingual & EC-12 Special Education
Late-Spring Training for the April 24, 2015 Deadline
Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday evenings Test Preparation on designated Saturdays: Bilingual & EC-12 Special Education ESC-20 - TOPP
Pages 10 Handout
Fall & Spring Semester Sessions 56
Classroom Preparation Foundations training consists of:
Classroom Management Instructional Design & Delivery Reading Strategies Code of Ethics ESL Strategies Special Education 101 Interview skills
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Page 10 Handout
TOPP – Late Spring 59
Summer deadline April 24, 2015
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Attend sessions in May “Getting You Ready for the Classroom & Interviews”
*Look for job *attend Summer 2015 & Boot Camp training
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Increase Marketability 60
Fall & Early Spring Training Bilingual Certification* EC-12 Special Education ESL Supplemental
Late Spring Training Bilingual – BTLPT (Bilingual Targeted Language Proficienty Test) & Bilingual Supplemental EC-12 Special Education ESL Supplemental
*Sessions
ESC-20 TOPP
may be moved Late Spring 2015 Page 10 Handout
How is TOPP structured? 61
Summer Training – Classroom Prep: meeting student needs
Full day sessions 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 30, 2015 Orientation TOPP Boot Camp/Summer Institute
June 15-19 and June 22-26, 2015
Summer Saturday Sessions
June 13 & 27, 2015 July 11 & 18, 2015 August 1 & 8, 2015
Training designed to prepare you for the classroom and for Pedagogy & Professional Responsibilities test. ESC-20 - TOPP
Page 10 Handout
How is TOPP structured? 62
The Internship: … you must secure a teaching position in a TEA accredited educational entity for a full year. TOPP will recommend you for a probationary teaching certificate. TOPP does not guarantee a teaching position. TOPP maintains a “Highly Qualified” teaching pool and provides districts a list of eligible candidates. You must complete all program requirements to earn your standard certification.
ESC-20 - TOPP
Page11 Handout
TOPP Internship 63
Internship & Saturday Training Sessions
Internship Saturday Training Sessions
Field Supervision support in the classroom
Additional tools for teaching Preparation for the PPR TExES Earn state required training hours for certification ESC-20 - TOPP
September 12, 2015 October 10, 2015 November 7, 2015 December 5, 2015 January 9, 2016 February 13, 2016 April 9, 2016 May 14, 2016 *these dates may be subject to change. Page 10 Handout
TOPP Overview 64
GPA Requirement 2.5 Passing all PACT exams prior to application deadline date Submit application Acceptance to TOPP Attend Fall, Early Spring or Late Spring evening sessions – Classroom Preparation: Foundations Apply to school districts Attend Summer Training – Classroom Preparation: Meeting Student Needs Attend Internship Training Complete all requirements = Recommendation for Standard Certificate.
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Fees
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How much will I spend? 66
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Helpful Links… 67
Foreign Credential Services
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.aspx?id=5315&men u_id=865&menu_id2=794
State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) is found on the TEA website at:
http://www.tea.state.tx.us
ESC-20 - TOPP
Pages 5, 1 Handout
Helpful Links… 68
TEA Accredited Private Schools link
http://www.tepsac.org/
Beginning teacher salary information
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.aspx?id=2 147507406
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Texas Veterans Commission 69
Patrick Driscoll Family Employment Assistance Counselor 4535 E. Houston St. San Antonio,TX 78220 (210) 581-0177
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Troops to Teachers 70
http://www.texastroopstoteachers.org ESC-20 - TOPP
College Access Loan (CAL) 71
www.hhloans.com Processed through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the College Access Loan is available for Texas residents. The ESC-20 is approved for funding in the 2013-14 fiscal year. TOPP staff will “certify” a loan application for participants once the person is fully accepted into the program. The total amount requested can be a maximum of the direct program fees. Once an application is made you must e-mail with notification of the application to
[email protected] ESC-20 - TOPP
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We have a great program!
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TOPP Staff & Contact Information 74
• • • • • • • • • •
Glen Ball - Coordinator III •
[email protected] Jayme Presley - Educational Specialist •
[email protected] Michele Salinas - Educational Specialist •
[email protected] Michael Vrzalik - Educational Specialist •
[email protected] Sylvia Hoyer - Administrative Specialist •
[email protected] Diana Peña - Operations Assistant •
[email protected] Vanessa Alcoces - TOPP Data & Accounts Assistant •
[email protected] Leticia Vasquez – CoLA Data &Accounts Assistant •
[email protected] Sharon Siniff - Office Manager •
[email protected] Jessica Reyes - Office Assistant •
[email protected]
General Contact:
[email protected] Page 1 Handout Phone: 210-370-5450
