Minutes

Education Industry Workgroup Meeting

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

12:00-1:30pm

Spring ISD

In attendance:

Pete Stewart, Aldine ISD / Renee Coleman, Spring ISD
Janice Taylor, Klein ISD / Juanita Webber, North Forest ISD
Audrey Gomez, Houston ISD / Mike Webster, Gulf Coast Workforce Board
Janet Griffin, Humble ISD / Cally Graves, Gulf Coast Workforce Board
Lisa Guaqueta, Greater Houston Partnership / Veronica Reyes, Workforce Solutions, ATC
Danny Zendejas, Gulf Coast Workforce Board / Mark Guthrie, Committee Chair, Gulf Coast Workforce Board
  1. Welcome and Introductions
Mark Guthrie opened the meeting by introducing host, Renee Coleman, of Spring ISD. Renee provided a brief overview of the school and introduced both the principal and Spring ISD superintendent, Dr. Ralph Draper, who provided some introductory comments on Spring ISDs progress.
  1. Approve minutes from last meeting
Minutes from last meeting were approved without corrections
  1. Update on Principal Survey Results
Mike Webster gave a status update as to the principal survey. Deadline for completion is set at close of business March 31, 2012.
ACTION ITEM: Please remind principals to complete the five minute survey.
  1. Update on Education Industry Support
Danny Zendejas provided an overview of support offered to education staff in transition from RIFs or layoffs. Members can contact Danny directly for assistance at and check out the resources at the webpage:

  1. Text-Based discussion: State Teaching Exams and Regional Exams
Mike Webster provided an overview of a recent article in Ed Week highlighting the lack of value in licensure exams versus actual ability to enter the classroom prepared. Discussion regarding aptitude assessments and other similar prescreen assessments commenced. Audrey Gomez of Houston ISD offered some details on the work in HISD with respect to such tools, but data is preliminary right now.
Workgroup members concluded that further research by group is needed regarding these tools.
At the last meeting, Juanita Webber of North Forest ISD provided the article, “Finding the Perfect Fit,” which was distributed at this meeting and discussed in brevity. The article highlights skills and knowledge assessment of incoming teachers to school districts. HISD’s work is highlighted in part.
  1. Discussion: Regional Action Plan to address Math/Science Teacher Shortage
Veronica Reyes of Workforce Solutions Aerospace Transition Center provided information on their work with the recent NASA layoffs. Discussion focused on transitioning these high skilled workers into math and science teaching positions. The center can offer individual ISDs opportunities to speak with displaced workforce from NASA contractors. Workgroup will tour facility at the next meeting.
Workforce Solutions has available funding to train these transitioning workers for the classroom provided the Education Preparation Provider is on the approved vender list or can get on the approved vender list within a timely manner.
A brief discussion on bilingual educators also occurred. Juanita Webber offered an upcoming Region IV Job Fair as one possible resource. She will email it to the workgroup.
  1. Educator Preparation Provider Expectations
Mike Webster led a brief overview of the progress on this project. Committee Chair, Mark Guthrie, suggested that the workgroup spend the entire next meeting on finalizing this product and workgroup agreed.
TEA has released last year’s data on EPPs that should inform this discussion.
ACTION ITEM: Review data on EPPs at TEA’s website:
  1. Next Steps and Next Meeting
Next Meeting: April 4, 2012, 11am to 1pm at the Workforce Solutions Aerospace Transition Center, 16921 El Camino Real, Houston, TX 77058
ACTION ITEMS:
  • Please remind principals to complete the five minute survey.

  • Review data on EPPs at TEA’s website:

  1. Closing Remarks and Adjournment

Spring ISD provided a tour for participants of the Wunsche High School Facilities to conclude the meeting.