Program Evaluation: Reading, Math, Science, and Technology Initiatives
Technology-Based Supplemental Instruction Pilot Program in Rural School Districts (R-TECH)
R-Tech is intended to finance technology-based supplemental instruction to students at the sixth through twelfth grade levels at participating campuses. Additional information about can be found at TEA's R-Tech page.
The Student Success Initiative (SSI)
Created by the 76th Texas Legislature in 1999 and modified by the 81st Texas Legislature in 2009, the purpose of the Student Success Initiative (SSI) is to offer a system of academic support programs to help ensure that every student in Texas performs on grade level in reading and mathematics. Please see TEA's SSI page for more information.
Accelerated Reading/Accelerated Math Instruction (ARI/AMI)
ARI/AMI provided funding to be used by school districts to provide accelerated instruction to students in Kindergarten through Grade 6 who were performing below grade level in reading and math. The funding provided to school districts and charter schools each fiscal year was based on the number of students who did not meet the state standard on the Grade 3 reading TAKS and the Grade 5 math TAKS the previous year. The evaluation of ARI/AMI for the 2006-2007 school year was included in the Student Success Initiative (SSI) Report.
Intensive Reading Instruction/Intensive Math Instruction (IRI/IMI)
IRI and IMI Program funds were designated to serve those schools exhibiting the most difficulty in improving reading and/or math achievement, beginning in 2006-2007 school year. IRI and IMI funding was non-competitive and provided to schools with students enrolled in Grades 4-6 that failed to improve student performance in reading and/or mathematics. This funding was to be used to provide immediate, targeted instruction programs for students who were struggling in these two key areas so they would be able to meet the grade advancement requirements of the Student Success Initiative (SSI) and master grade level curriculum expectations. Texas Education Code (TEC) Section 28.0211, requires districts to provide accelerated (intensive) instruction to a student after he or she has not met the passing standard after the second administration of the reading or math TAKS tests in Grade 5, and the reading TAKS in Grade 3.
Texas Reading First Initiative (TRFI)
TRFI is intended to enable the selected eligible applicants to implement scientifically-based reading programs that help all students achieve reading mastery by the end of Grade 3. TRFI places specific emphasis on the importance of scientifically based reading research – research that applies rigorous, systematic, and objective procedures to obtain valid knowledge relevant to reading development, reading instruction and reading difficulties. The evaluation focuses on activities that occurred primarily during the 2005-2006 school year. For additional information about TRFI please see TEA's Reading First page.
Technology Immersion Pilot (TIP)
The purpose of TIP is to explore the impact of technology immersion on student progress by providing students in grantee campuses with a wireless mobile computing device and other appropriate learning technologies that have been shown to improve student achievement. The primary goal of TIP is to increase the academic progress of participating students by immersing the campus with appropriate innovative technologies including, but not limited to, wireless mobile computing devices, integrating software, online formative assessment tools, and online resources. Evaluation reports were delivered to the agency in December at the conclusion through the 2007-2008 school year. For additional information, please see TEA's TIP page.
Career and Technology Education (CTE) Grant Program
The Texas Legislature established Career and Technology Education goals for all Texas students in secondary schools. Texas Education Code (TEC) Section 29.181 mandates that each public school student shall master the basic skills and knowledge necessary for: 1) managing the dual roles of family member and wage earner; and 2) gaining entry-level employment in a high-skill, high-wage job or continuing the student's education at the postsecondary level. For additional information about CTE in Texas, please see TEA's CTE page.
Page last modified on 2/28/2011.