Home » Professional Development » TALA
Texas Adolescent Literacy Academies (TALA)
Principal Investigator
Deborah Reed
Other Investigators
Sharon Vaughn
Funding Agency
Description of the Project
With HB 2237, the 80th Texas Legislature acknowledged that more must be done to support middle school teachers as they attempt to address the literacy needs of students in grades 6 through 8.
During the summers of 2008 and 2009, Texas teachers for grades 6, 7, and 8 will have the opportunity to receive professional development in scientifically based reading instruction (SBRI) for adolescents through the Texas Adolescent Literacy Academies (TALA).
The Academies aim to prepare middle school teachers to design appropriate instruction for all students, including those who are struggling with reading due to limited English proficiency, learning disabilities, dyslexia, and other risk factors for reading difficulties. Included in the Academies are a set of training modules on cross-curricular vocabulary and comprehension strategies, a diagnostic and progress monitoring instrument, and guidance for intensive interventions targeting the needs of struggling adolescent readers.
The TALA consist of two separate Academies—the English Language Arts (ELA) Academy (for English Language Arts/Reading Teachers) and the Content Area Academy (for Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies Teachers). Eligible teachers who complete the Academy of their primary teaching assignment will receive a stipend and Continuing Professional Education credits (CPEs).
TALA will follow a similar training model with middle school teachers that has been successful for elementary teachers with the Texas Teacher Reading Academies, which, having received wide acclaim, were adapted to be easily customized to address the diverse needs of different states and disseminated in all 50 U.S. states and territories.
Dissemination Model
VGC is creating the content for the Academies. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the regional Education Service Centers will organize the sessions to occur in the summers of 2008 and 2009.
More information (Criteria for Attendance, Frequently Asked Questions, etc.) can be found at www.tea.state.tx.us/tala.
Population/Participants
Texas teachers for grades 6, 7, and 8
Timeline
September 1, 2007 to August 31, 2009
