100 Texas Schools Invited to Participate in Governor s Educator Excellence Award Program
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Reference Education -> subcategory K-12 Education.
100 Texas Schools Join Governor's Educator Excellence Award Program
Summary
In November 2005, Governor Rick Perry launched a $10 million grant initiative aimed at rewarding school employees who exceed expectations in boosting student performance. A total of 100 schools in Texas were invited to join the Governor's Educator Excellence Award Program, and 98 have accepted the offer.Article
In November 2005, Governor Rick Perry introduced a $10 million grant program designed to reward school employees who excel in enhancing student performance. One hundred schools across Texas have been invited to participate in the Governor's Educator Excellence Award Program, with 98 schools accepting the invitation so far.
These selected schools primarily serve economically disadvantaged students and have either demonstrated high levels of student achievement or significant improvement. They have received an "exemplary" or "recognized" rating?"the highest distinctions within the Texas school accountability system?"or shown strong gains in math and reading performance.
Schools can apply for a three-year grant with the following annual allocations:
- Schools with up to 449 students: $60,000
- Schools with 450 to 699 students: $90,000
- Schools with 700 to 1,199 students: $135,000
- Schools with 1,200 or more students: $180,000
To remain eligible, schools must maintain ratings of "academically acceptable" or higher. Recommended bonuses for individuals range from $3,000 to $10,000.
Each school can create a customized incentive pay program according to specific guidelines:
- 75% of grant funds must go toward classroom teacher incentive pay.
- Qualifying teachers must work for a Texas school district and spend at least four hours daily teaching in academic or career/technology settings.
- Awardees are expected to improve student performance and surpass academic growth targets.
- Performance should be assessed objectively using methods such as local benchmarking, end-of-course tests, and other evaluations.
- Recipients must collaborate with other staff to enhance overall student achievement.
Athletic coaches are not eligible unless they also meet the criteria for classroom teachers.
Incentive pay plans may consider a teacher's role in hard-to-staff areas and initiatives that lead to improved student performance, like after-school tutoring. The remaining 25% of grant funds can be used for purposes such as:
- Incentive pay for other staff contributing to student achievement
- Teacher training
- Mentoring support
- Teacher induction programs
- Signing bonuses for high-need subject areas
- Activities supporting planning and curriculum development
- Programs to recruit and retain teachers
- Stipends for teachers involved in after-school or weekend programs aimed at enhancing teaching and learning
While 12% of Texas school districts already have some form of teacher incentive pay, this is the first state-level initiative in nearly two decades. The Governor's program aims to express a heartfelt thank you to the teachers and staff who continually strive for student success.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: 100 Texas Schools Invited to Participate in Governor s Educator Excellence Award Program.
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