Mandatory Notice of Intent to Apply - District Awards for Teacher Excellence (D.A.T.E.) Program

9/8/09

In a September 4 letter, TEA has announced the DATE application for the 2010-2011 school year.  2009-2010 is an un-funded planning year.  Districts currently funded under D.A.T.E. are not eligible to apply and all districts that are eligible my not wish to apply.  From the letter:

Please note: The D.A.T.E. grant program awards specific educators for outstanding work above and beyond the norm that results in documented, improved student achievement. The D.A.T.E. grant encourages districts to establish meaningful pay for performance systems that provide substantive awards to outstanding educators. If your district chooses not to distinguish between average and exemplary teachers, or if your district is unwilling to highlight and reward the achievements of your best educators, then the D.A.T.E. grant may be inappropriate for your district.

Awards for Student Achievement, a similar program for campuses, was repealed by House Bill 3646.