In our first blog, “Knoster’s Model for Managing Complex Change: An Introduction,” we unpacked the critical elements of effectively leading change. In this second blog of the series, we’ll explore the first element, vision, and how you can lead change with clarity and purpose. Clear Vision for the Future When an organization is experiencing change, […]| Region 13's Blog
Superintendents in Texas face numerous challenges. The Texas Superintendents’ Certification Institute (TSCI) at Education Service Center Region 13 provides essential support to aspiring superintendents. Superintendent Teresa Rappaport credits TSCI for preparing her for her role. This blog explores the practical applications and strong connections local leaders form at TSCI, making it a flexible and meaningful […]| Region 13's Blog
What's Changing in 2025? The A–F Accountability System continues to evolve, but 2025 will mostly be a year of consistency. While the structure and| Region 13's Blog
Behavior coaches are educational professionals who work with students, teachers, and administrators to help improve school climate and reduce problem| Region 13's Blog
Being a new teacher has its own challenges in the classroom. Add coaching responsibilities to the plate, and you have a recipe for exhaustion. Brittany| Region 13's Blog
One of the biggest challenges that teachers and administrators face is classroom behavior. And things have definitely not gotten easier since COVID| Region 13's Blog
In this episode, behavior specialist Angela Isenberg, and guest specialist Melinda Marquez, talk about creating a positive school culture and climate for| Region 13's Blog
In this episode, behavior specialist Angela Isenberg and Melinda Marquez discuss active supervision and the development of duty stations and how| Region 13's Blog
In this episode of "I've Tried Everything" specialists Angela Isenberg and Melinda Marquez discuss implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support throughout| Region 13's Blog
In this episode of "I've Tried Everything" specialists Angela Isenberg and Melinda Marquez discuss the differences between classroom interventions and| Region 13's Blog
In this episode of "I've Tried Everything" specialists Angela Isenberg and Melinda Marquez discuss classroom management and how teachers and| Region 13's Blog
According to an Education Advisory Board (EAB) survey, since 2018, educators have reported a significant jump in opposition and emotional| Region 13's Blog
Let’s just start with the obvious: if kids can’t say it, they’re going to have a real hard time writing it. Full stop. And no, muttering “idk” under their breath does not count as expressive language. So, let’s talk about oral language: what it is, why it matters, and how it’s the secret sauce to […]| Region 13's Blog
Education Service Center (ESC) Region 13 is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with McREL International, a nationally recognized nonprofit| Region 13's Blog
If you haven’t heard of House Bill 3 (HB3), it's one of the most important and complex Texas education bills in the last several decades. It provides a| Region 13's Blog
Campus Leadership| Region 13's Blog
No matter what Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) Cohort your district identifies with, or even if you are in the initial TIA discovery phase, there are 6| Region 13's Blog
Jamie Haywood is an Administrative Specialist for our Educator Evaluation and Leadership team here at Region 13.| Region 13's Blog
Campus Leadership, The Practical Principal| Region 13's Blog
Campus Leadership, The Practical Principal| Region 13's Blog
Assessment, STAAR, Subject Areas| Region 13's Blog
Across Texas, school leaders are deep in the work of reviewing STAAR results, reflecting on where their campuses are, and asking, “What do we do next?” This data moment is more than a reflection—it’s the launching point for setting goals and building momentum toward real, sustainable improvement. The process doesn’t have to be complex, but […]| Region 13's Blog
Education Service Center Region 13 is proud to announce the Round Rock ISD Board of Trustees as the 2025 Regional Honor Board, a recognition of outstanding leadership and service in support of Texas public education. The board will now advance as a nominee for the Outstanding School Board award, presented annually by the Texas Association […]| Region 13's Blog
In the ever-evolving landscape of Texas public education, staying current on the A–F Accountability System is more than a compliance exercise. It's| Region 13's Blog
“It’s not what you expect, it’s what you inspect.” This is what Casey Sledge, P.E., of Sledge Engineering, wants superintendents and school construction| Region 13's Blog
Holly Zeiner is the Content Marketing Specialist at ESC Region 13.| Region 13's Blog
The Thompson Executive Leadership Institute (TELI) is a nationally recognized program designed to advance leadership training for both superintendents and principals. The academies are led by Dr. Bob Thompson and facilitated by the Education Service Center Region 13 (ESC Region 13). The first graduating cohort for superintendents was in 1994. The first graduating cohort for […]| Region 13's Blog
Jacob Luevano and Andrew Houlik-Ritchey, Education Service Center (ESC) Region 13 Apple Community Project Program Managers, were recognized by Apple as| Region 13's Blog
Classroom Instruction, Distance Learning, School Communities| Region 13's Blog
Campus Leadership, Classroom Instruction| Region 13's Blog
The greatest gift we can give our students is to drive their curiosity and instill a love of learning. Building STEM awareness and practicing STEM skills| Region 13's Blog
In our unusual school year, teachers and administrators have more data to track and analyze than ever before. With virtual, face-to-face, synchronous, and| Region 13's Blog
Accountability| Region 13's Blog
Conducting a Gifted and Talented (GT) program evaluation is essential for ensuring that your services meet the needs of the gifted students in your district. This article guides you through navigating annual GT Program evaluations, setting goals, and working through the step-by-step evaluation process to enhance program quality and student outcomes. Whether you’re refining an […]| Region 13's Blog
Pursuing superintendent certification is a bold and exciting step in your leadership journey, but it’s not without challenges. Whether you’re a campus| Region 13's Blog
Let's be honest, as school leaders, every minute on our calendars is maxed out. Most days feel like a sprint; before we know it, we're putting out fires,| Region 13's Blog
Not too long ago, my math block started the same way every day: students walked in, grabbed their notebooks, and started a warm-up. Some finished quickly.| Region 13's Blog
When A–F ratings resumed in Texas, a specific accountability term began showing up more often: the Unacceptable Count. Senate Bill 1365, passed during the 87th Texas Legislature, requires the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to track and report the number of consecutive years a campus has received an unacceptable overall rating. While this requirement became law […]| Region 13's Blog
In a previous blog post, we discussed the importance of establishing a daily independent reading routine for your students. For teachers who have 45—to 50-minute class periods, 10 minutes is often all they can devote to independent reading. As a result, this time must be held sacred and mostly non-negotiable. Setting goals and developing accountability […]| Region 13's Blog
Whether you’re a seasoned educator, a passionate parent, or a community member eager to make a difference, this space is for you. We’ll explore the details of creating a school-based after-school program that keeps kids safe and engaged, and fosters growth and development. This article covers initial planning and funding, staffing, curriculum development, and evaluation. […]| Region 13's Blog
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, one thing remains constant: teachers’ critical role in shaping the future. Recognizing this, the state of Texas has taken a bold step to reward and retain its most effective educators through the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA). This innovative program is not just about financial incentives; it’s about valuing excellence, […]| Region 13's Blog
So, you’ve decided to pursue a career in teaching but haven’t earned your certification yet? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many aspiring educators begin their journey before they’re officially certified. In Texas, some pathways allow you to interview and even secure a teaching position while working toward certification. Here’s how to confidently prepare for your […]| Region 13's Blog
Supporting students during the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness or STAAR testing starts long before the actual test day. This includes understanding what supplemental aids are allowed for math. If you’re teaching students who receive Special Education or 504 services, you may be able to provide paper-based tools to support their success. Let’s […]| Region 13's Blog
At a recent CTASPA meeting, a respected director of HR and seasoned principal recommended a book that quickly earned a spot on my must-read list: Building Your Building by Jasmine Kullar and Scott Cunningham. They described it as a practical, honest guide for school leaders who want to build strong, effective teams through targeted hiring […]| Region 13's Blog
Principal turnover in Texas has reached alarming levels, with over 21% of principals leaving their positions in the 2023-2024 school year. This represents a 5% increase over the past decade, highlighting the growing challenges school leaders face. Furthermore, the high rate of attrition raises concerns about leadership stability, student achievement, and school culture, emphasizing the […]| Region 13's Blog
If you’re a leader in education, you know that the one constant is change. Knoster’s Model for Managing Complex Change provides a framework for understanding why change efforts sometimes fail and how to set them up for success. We’re bombarded with new initiatives, materials, and strategies, and this often occurs with little or no support […]| Region 13's Blog
Becoming a district leader is a significant step in your leadership journey, requiring experience, vision, and dedication. If you’re considering pursuing your superintendent certification in Texas, here are 10 signs that indicate you’re ready to take the next step. 1. You Have Strong Leadership Experience. A solid background in educational leadership is essential. If you’ve […]| Region 13's Blog
As schools close for the summer, many parents and educators seek ways to maintain academic momentum. With the downtime afforded by the break, apps for bilingual/ESL students offer a prime opportunity to refine their language skills. In this blog, we’ll delve into a selection of online learning for bilingual/ESL students, ensuring a productive and engaging […]| Region 13's Blog
So, your district has adopted High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM). Now what? TEA defines full-subject high-quality materials as those that ensure full coverage of Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), align with research-based instructional strategies (RBIS) in each subject area, and support all learners. HQIM provides educators with a full set of instructional materials that include […]| Region 13's Blog
Hey there, fellow educators! Have you ever felt like teaching is like trying to juggle a dozen balls at once? Well, you’re not alone. Teaching is tough, and we face challenges every single day. From managing our classrooms to keeping up with new technologies and curriculum changes, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But here’s the […]| Region 13's Blog
Coach. That one word alone will likely lead you to think about what? If you’re like me, something like sports or athletics comes to mind. Like coaches in sports, instructional coaches provide expertise, guidance, and encouragement to push teachers to new heights. While some districts and campuses utilize them more than others, the ones that […]| Region 13's Blog
Hey there, Texas educators! If you’ve been using the Texas Curriculum Management Program Cooperative (TCMPC) TEKS Resource System (TEKS RS) over the past decade, you understand its immense value in delivering a robust, research-driven curriculum to schools from the southern tip of Brownsville to the streets of Austin and all the way up to Texarkana! […]| Region 13's Blog
Are you considering a career in education? Becoming a paraprofessional, also known as an educational aide, can be a fulfilling and impactful way to contribute to students’ academic success. In Texas, becoming a certified educational aide could involve meeting specific requirements or passing required tests. Let’s examine the process in depth. 1. Understanding the Role […]| Region 13's Blog
A high-speed roller coaster is a metaphor for the academic school year, with all its twists, turns, surprise drops, and even the ultimate upside-down spins. While this roller coaster spins inexorably toward that final day, an important activity must occur at least a few weeks before the last student day: End-of-Year (EOY) conferences between the […]| Region 13's Blog
In 2022, the State Board of Education (SBOE) gave final approval to the revised Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS ) for Technology Applications, sometimes referred to as “Tech Apps.” The revisions will be implemented beginning with the 2024-25 school year. This is the same year the new Science TEKS will be implemented. The revised […]| Region 13's Blog
“I love it! I really love the playlists!” says Adriana Suazo, special education teacher in Dripping Springs, Texas. “It’s all about the personalized playlist. Once you have the template, it just works. Being able to design a personalized, customized path for your students allows you to make a bigger impact. You can meet the student […]| Region 13's Blog
In the ever-evolving Bilingual/ESL education landscape, educators must stay at the forefront of best practices and innovative approaches. While traditional professional development (PD) might conjure images of rigid lectures and dry workshops, it’s important to remember that PD can be a dynamic and enriching experience – a fuel injection for your teaching engine. Continue reading […]| Region 13's Blog
Start the semester off on the right track! Here are two steps to help reinvent classroom culture routines mid-year. Technique One: Create a Vision Start by writing down all the classroom routines you can think of. Put a star next to the top 2-3 that have been the most challenging or are most crucial for […]| Region 13's Blog
In the dynamic realm of education, the role of a superintendent holds a distinctive significance, influencing the trajectory of schools and districts. Attaining a superintendent certificate in Texas is not merely a certification; it is an acknowledgment of one’s commitment to leadership and the potential to drive positive change within the educational landscape. While a […]| Region 13's Blog
While my teacher preparation program introduced me to the concepts of phonological awareness, phonemic awareness, and phonics, it wasn’t until I ventured into my role as an instructional coach that I actively applied this knowledge. The profound relationship between phonological awareness and phonics skills and their impact on students’ literacy and reading development eluded me […]| Region 13's Blog
In the realm of educational leadership, the role of a principal is multifaceted and demanding. Principals are not just administrators; they are instructional leaders responsible for shaping the academic direction of their schools. To ensure that school leaders are well-prepared for this crucial role, states like Texas have implemented certification exams. One such exam, the […]| Region 13's Blog
Angela has 24 years of experience in education. She has been in her current position for 12 years. Angela has trained and provided coaching support to over 200 campuses for PBIS. She is also a certified Restorative Practices coordinator. She is a trainer for Interventions, Coaching Classroom Management, CHAMPS, and Why Try.| Region 13's Blog
So, let’s be real for a second. We know that classroom setup during COVID-19 and that none of the instructional arrangements during COVID-19 are| Region 13's Blog
Learn the best practices, strategies, and advice for efficient and effective early childhood education from our experts and specialists.| Region 13's Blog
The Teacher Incentive Allotment is a big deal for Texas teachers and their students. Governor Abbott signed House Bill 3 into law in 2019. Included in| Region 13's Blog
The Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program is an innovative and exciting initiative that offers Texas school districts the opportunity to reward and| Region 13's Blog
The public education system in Texas plays a critical role in shaping our children's future. Dedicated, hardworking teachers are the backbone of this| Region 13's Blog
John is an Administrative Specialist for Educator Evaluation and Leadership at ESC Region 13.| Region 13's Blog
Campus Leadership, The Practical Principal| Region 13's Blog
Campus Leadership| Region 13's Blog
Amy is a TIA Assessment Specialist for Educator Evaluation and Leadership at ESC Region 13.| Region 13's Blog
Campus Leadership, The Practical Principal| Region 13's Blog
As a result of House Bill (HB) 3906, passed by the 86th Texas Legislature in 2019, the STAAR tests are undergoing a major redesign that will affect how| Region 13's Blog
The STAAR redesign required by HB 3261 (2021) has implications for many aspects of STAAR administration beyond new item types, writing assessments, and| Region 13's Blog
In general, the STAAR EOC participation requirements state that a student "should take the STAAR EOC assessments—Algebra I, English I, English II,| Region 13's Blog
During the 86th Texas Legislature session in 2019, multiple bills were passed that affect assessment policy in Texas. House Bill 3, House Bill 3906, House| Region 13's Blog
Butch has worked with testing and accountability for over 15 years at the campus, district, regional, and state levels. Originally from North Carolina, Butch is the State Assessment Specialist for the Education Service Center Region 13, helping district test coordinators and others navigate the world of STAAR and TELPAS testing. He is available to answer any of your state testing policy and procedure questions.| Region 13's Blog
2024-2025 is a transition year for implementing the new K-12 science standards. Teachers across Texas want to know if this year's Science STAAR/EOC| Region 13's Blog
For more than 70 years, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has inspired our nation and the world with its outstanding record of bold| Region 13's Blog
Bilingual and English as a Second Language (ESL) students need specialized support and instruction to help them succeed academically.| Region 13's Blog
Engineering provides a critical role in the STEM classroom. Through engineering, you can plan experiences where your students are engaged in authentic,| Region 13's Blog
STEM education is a method of hands-on teaching and learning where students learn to apply academic content by creatively solving real-world problems with| Region 13's Blog
In an effort to enhance accountability and support dropout recovery schools (DRS), the Texas Education Agency (TEA) has proposed a separate Alternative| Region 13's Blog
Academic Growth calculation is one of the big changes in the refreshed A-F Accountability System. TEA continues to evaluate growth in multiple ways. In| Region 13's Blog
Learning breaks can be difficult for children. The longer the break, the more learning loss occurs. Research on “summer slide” or “summer lag” shows that| Region 13's Blog
The shortage of certified teachers applying for campus roles has been a struggle for many district and campus leaders for the last several years. District| Region 13's Blog
In today's fast-paced educational world, data is more important than ever. Creating a game-changing data culture in public schools isn't just a trend; it| Region 13's Blog
TIA's vision is to support districts in building, expanding, and sustaining strategic compensation systems that can differentiate teacher effectiveness in| Region 13's Blog
February is a month to celebrate love, history, and connection in the classroom. This month’s Book Talk features heartfelt Valentine’s Day stories and| Region 13's Blog
Advanced Academics| Region 13's Blog
Teaching is one of the most impactful professions, shaping the minds and futures of millions of students every year. However, as the data shows, many| Region 13's Blog
Each year, Texas requires students to take the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR). The STAAR is based on state curriculum standards| Region 13's Blog
One of the greatest challenges in education has been pulling data to make pedagogical decisions to increase the effectiveness of teaching and learning.| Region 13's Blog
Behavior, Campus Leadership| Region 13's Blog
LifeSkills Radio is a podcast all about the world of Life Skills education. We'll share our experiences, strategies, tips, resources and so much more.| Region 13's Blog
In this episode host Jennifer Russell talks with Katie Adams, educational specialist in PPCD, and Elizabeth Danner, Transition Specialist, as they discuss| Region 13's Blog
In this episode host Jennifer Russell and education specialist, and transition expert, Elizabeth Danner, discuss the importance of transition planning for| Region 13's Blog
We’re gonna be talking about strategies for self care because you are amazing and we don’t want you to burn out. Share stories about surviving those first| Region 13's Blog
Jennifer Russell is an education specialist for the Early Childhood Special Education team here at the Education Service Center Region 13.| Region 13's Blog
I have been asking this question for a few years now. I wish someone told me I could possibly not get a job or get fired from my current job because of my| Region 13's Blog
