TEA Announces Pre-K Learning Solution to Support Texas Schools with In-Person and Remote Instruction
Texas Education Agency • November 25, 2020
The Texas Education Agency announced the next set of instructional materials – a full suite of resources and tools for prekindergarten – that will be made available to school systems through the Texas Home Learning 3.0 (THL 3.0) initiative. Like other THL 3.0 offerings, these instructional materials are optional, customized for Texas, and aligned to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)—the state standards for what students should know and be able to do.
TEA has partnered with Teaching Strategies, whose research-based, effective curriculum, assessment, professional development, and family engagement resources reach over 5 million children in the U.S., to develop and deliver this next set of high-quality resources including TEKS-aligned lessons and unit plans called “studies”. Before release, all THL 3.0 instructional materials undergo a rigorous review that includes Texas teacher feedback to confirm alignment with TEKS and quality standards. Additional THL 3.0 instructional materials for other subjects and grade levels will be announced over the coming weeks.
“Thanks to Governor Abbott, in the past several years, Texas has made a massive commitment to expanding access to quality prekindergarten and the development of suitable instructional materials for our youngest students. These new tools will help improve our schools’ ability to support our youngest learners, whether they are coming to school in person or attending remotely,” said Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath.
Teaching Strategies’ Prekindergarten Learning Solution for Texas includes several resources to provide support for teachers, students, and parents, including:
• Access to digital curriculum aligned to Texas prekindergarten guidelines
• Resources to engage children and families in the classroom or at home with developmentally appropriate digital resources
• Materials designed to support teachers and families for all types of learners including English and Dual Language Learners, Advanced Learners, and students with disabilities.
“The global pandemic has only elevated the importance of high-quality early learning as both a critical foundation for a child’s lifelong success and a lever for economic mobility. Texas has taken this challenge seriously, and we are proud to play a role in offering support to educators and families across the state,” said John Olsen, CEO of Teaching Strategies. “The state’s innovative initiative gives educators the best tools and professional learning to be able to navigate instruction across a variety of learning environments and ensure that families are supported along the way.”
THL 3.0 is a comprehensive initiative to support school systems, teachers, parents, and students during the public health crisis and beyond with high-quality instructional materials, technology solutions, and professional development resources. TEA previously announced that it will offer all Texas school systems a world-class Learning Management System (LMS) from PowerSchool’s Schoology for two years at no cost. Nearly 400 Texas school systems have already signed up, with another 200 currently engaging with the Schoology team.
For more information on Texas Home Learning 3.0, please click here.
Deadline for applications - September 26, 2025
Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) and Texas Workforce Solutions -Vocational Rehabilitation Services (TWS-VRS) invite you to a celebration event on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, from 9:30 am to noon at the Longview Workforce Solutions Center located at 1905 W. Loop 281, Longview, TX 75604. At WSET, we are deeply committed to fostering an environment that welcomes all abilities in the workforce. National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is a powerful reminder of the immense talent and untapped potential that individuals with disabilities bring to our workplaces. Whether you are an employer seeking to hire individuals with disabilities, an organization championing disability rights, or someone seeking to learn more TWS-VRS we invite you to attend our upcoming event. Our event promises insightful discussions, valuable networking opportunities, stories from participants who are successfully navigating their journey after receiving services through TWS-VRS along with those business partners who have hired them. There will also be resources aimed at helping businesses take significant steps toward creating a workplace that includes all abilities on their team. Let's come together to celebrate our 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). We celebrate the value and talent that all Americans - including people with disabilities – bring to our businesses, organizations, and communities. Join us in the momentous occasion as we celebrate this milestone in our nation’s history.
When Malachi Whedbee joined the Summer Earn and Learn (SEAL) program, he saw it as an opportunity to gain experience, learn new skills, and contribute to his community. What he didn’t expect was how much of an impact his dedication would make—both on his future and on the people around him. Through SEAL, Malachi began working full-time at the Upshur Rural Library, clocking in at 8:00 a.m. every morning and working until 5:00 p.m. His days were filled with tasks like completing computer library entries, assisting with various projects, and lending a hand wherever needed. But for Malachi, these duties weren’t just boxes to check—they were chances to prove himself. And prove himself he did. Malachi’s exceptional work ethic showed in everything he did. He was always on time, completed assignments with precision, and eagerly stepped up for additional responsibilities. His positive attitude was contagious, creating a welcoming environment for both staff and patrons. Mrs. King, the library’s supervisor, quickly recognized that Malachi was more than just a temporary hire—he was an asset. Describing him as “outgoing, dependable, and hardworking,” she praised his professionalism and the joy he brought to the workplace. By the end of the program, Malachi’s efforts had done more than meet expectations—they had opened a door. Mrs. King was so impressed that she offered him an interview for a permanent position at the library. With the same enthusiasm and determination he brought to every day on the job, Malachi accepted the opportunity. Malachi’s journey through SEAL is more than a personal achievement—it’s a shining example of how young adults with disabilities can break barriers and build meaningful careers when given the chance. His story is a reminder that talent, dedication, and opportunity are the real building blocks of success.
