TExES Directory for Texas State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) and Educational Testing Service (ETS) Latest Update

The Texas State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) and the Educational Testing Service (ETS) are two key entities that play pivotal roles in the educator certification process in the state of Texas. They are essential for ensuring that educators in Texas meet the necessary standards and qualifications to effectively teach and support the educational growth of students across the state. This article provides a comprehensive overview of both SBEC and ETS, their respective roles in the educator certification process, as well as the latest updates regarding each organization.

Texas State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC)

The Texas State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) is a regulatory body established by the Texas Legislature in 1995. The primary mission of SBEC is to oversee the preparation, certification, and standards of conduct for public school educators in Texas. SBEC is tasked with ensuring that all educators, from teachers to administrators, meet the necessary qualifications and adhere to the ethical standards required to serve students and communities effectively.

SBEC’s core responsibilities include:

1. Certification: SBEC is responsible for establishing and overseeing the rules and processes related to educator certification in Texas. This includes determining the requirements for becoming a certified educator, such as required exams, coursework, and field experience. Certification can be obtained at various levels, including for classroom teachers, educational diagnosticians, principals, and superintendents.
2. Teacher Preparation: SBEC works with educator preparation programs (EPPs) across the state to ensure that teacher candidates receive high-quality instruction and training. These programs prepare candidates for success in the classroom by providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary to teach effectively.
3. Ethical Conduct and Discipline: SBEC enforces ethical standards for educators in Texas. It handles cases involving alleged misconduct, including breaches of the educator’s professional conduct code. The board has the authority to investigate complaints and take disciplinary actions, such as suspending or revoking an educator’s certification.
4. Continuing Education: SBEC also oversees the professional development requirements for educators in Texas. It mandates continuing education to ensure that educators remain up to date on best practices, educational policies, and other areas that impact student learning.

SBEC is made up of 15 members, including classroom teachers, administrators, and public members. These individuals are appointed by the Governor of Texas and serve staggered terms to ensure continuity. SBEC holds regular meetings, which are open to the public, to discuss policies, review cases, and make decisions related to educator certification and standards.

SBEC’s work is essential in maintaining the quality of education in Texas. Its efforts ensure that teachers and other educators are well-prepared, qualified, and ethical in their conduct, which directly impacts the success and well-being of students in Texas schools. To stay informed of the latest news and updates regarding SBEC, educators and the general public can visit the Texas Education Agency (TEA) website, which provides detailed information on certification, rules, meetings, and more.

Educational Testing Service (ETS)

The Educational Testing Service (ETS) is an independent, nonprofit organization that develops and administers standardized tests for a variety of educational and professional purposes. In Texas, ETS is the official provider of the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES), a set of exams that all educators in the state must pass to be certified to teach. These exams are designed to assess the knowledge and skills that educators must possess to be effective in the classroom and meet the state’s high educational standards.

The TExES exams are used to evaluate educator candidates across a wide range of subjects and grade levels. They test both content knowledge (such as specific subject matter like mathematics or English language arts) and pedagogy (the methods and strategies that educators use to teach and support students). There are multiple TExES exams, and candidates must take and pass the exam(s) corresponding to the certification area they are pursuing. For example, a candidate wishing to become a certified high school teacher in mathematics would need to pass the appropriate TExES exam for high school math educators.

The TExES exams are composed of multiple-choice questions, constructed-response questions, and other formats that evaluate a range of educator competencies. The exams are designed to be rigorous and ensure that educators have the knowledge and skills necessary to teach effectively. The tests are also aligned with state standards, which means that passing the TExES exams demonstrates a candidate’s ability to meet the expectations set by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

ETS provides various resources to help educator candidates prepare for the TExES exams. These resources include study guides, practice tests, online tutorials, and webinars. The study materials are designed to help candidates familiarize themselves with the test format, review key content areas, and improve their test-taking strategies. ETS also provides a range of services related to test registration, scheduling, and results reporting.

It is important for candidates to stay updated on the latest information about the TExES exams, including any changes to test content or format, registration deadlines, and testing locations. Candidates can visit the official ETS website to find detailed information about the exams, including a test-taker guide, preparation materials, and FAQs.

Latest Updates

Both SBEC and ETS are continuously working to enhance their services and ensure that Texas educators meet the highest standards of professionalism and competence. Some of the latest updates and developments include:

1. SBEC Meeting Schedule: The Texas State Board for Educator Certification holds regular meetings, and the next scheduled meeting is on February 14, 2025. These meetings are open to the public and provide an opportunity for stakeholders to stay informed about the latest developments in educator certification policies, standards, and disciplinary actions. The agenda for each meeting is published in advance on the TEA website.

2. TExES Exam Updates: ETS regularly updates the TExES exams to align with the latest research, educational practices, and state standards. Recently, there have been updates to several TExES exams to better assess the competencies required of Texas educators. These changes may include revisions to test content, the introduction of new test formats, or updates to the scoring system. Candidates should review the official ETS website regularly for any changes to the exams and their requirements.

3. Online Testing Options: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ETS has expanded the availability of online testing for some of the TExES exams. This allows candidates to take the exams from the safety and comfort of their homes, reducing the need to travel to test centers. Online testing options are available for certain exams, and candidates should check with ETS for specific details on which exams are available for online testing.

4. Teacher Preparation Resources: SBEC continues to collaborate with educator preparation programs (EPPs) to enhance the quality of teacher training in Texas. There is a growing emphasis on incorporating technology, diversity, equity, and inclusion into teacher preparation programs. EPPs are also encouraged to use data-driven methods to evaluate the effectiveness of their programs and ensure that candidates are well-prepared for the challenges of modern classrooms.

5. Ethical Standards and Accountability: SBEC is committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards for educators in Texas. In recent years, the board has taken an active role in addressing issues related to educator misconduct and ensuring that disciplinary actions are fair and transparent. SBEC continues to refine its processes for investigating complaints, handling disciplinary cases, and issuing sanctions when necessary.

Conclusion

The Texas State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) and the Educational Testing Service (ETS) play essential roles in ensuring that educators in Texas meet the highest standards of knowledge, skill, and ethical conduct. SBEC oversees the certification process, teacher preparation programs, and ethical standards, while ETS provides the rigorous testing and preparation resources needed to evaluate and prepare future educators. Together, these organizations work to ensure that Texas students have access to high-quality educators who are equipped to foster success in the classroom. Educators, candidates, and stakeholders should stay informed about the latest updates from SBEC and ETS to ensure compliance with certification requirements and to maintain high standards in Texas education.