Texas MEP Quarterly

The September - November issue of the Texas MEP Quarterly Staff Edition is now available. In this newsletter, we highlight important resources to share with parents as well as tips to make a positive impact with your students.

If you missed the June 2024 - August 2024 Texas MEP Quarterly Staff Edition, you may access it here.

Do not forget to join the TMEP Listserv to continue receiving this newsletter each quarter and important updates about the Migrant Education Program.

We are excited to announce our upcoming Best Practices Virtual Showcases, scheduled for November and February. These are fantastic opportunities to highlight the incredible work being done by our Migrant Education Program (MEP) staff members across the state.

We are seeking presenters who have utilized tools and resources from either Identification & Recruitment Consortium (IDRC ) or Innovative Strategies for OSY and Secondary Youth (ISOSY) and have found them to be particularly helpful, effective, and supportive in their efforts with ID&R or out-of-school youth.

By presenting at the showcase, you will play a crucial role in helping attendees learn how to implement similar best practices in their own schools. Your experiences and successes can inspire others and provide practical guidance on how to leverage these powerful resources to make a positive impact.

Why Present?

• Share Your Success: Highlight the innovative strategies and best practices you’ve implemented using IDRC or ISOSY tools.

• Inspire Others: Provide valuable insights and ideas that can help other educators and staff members enhance their efforts with migratory students.

• Professional Development: Gain recognition and build your professional profile by showcasing your work to a wider audience.

How to Nominate

If you or a colleague have effectively used IDRC or ISOSY resources and would like to share your experience, we encourage you to nominate yourself or them as a presenter for our Best Practices Virtual Showcase. Fill out the short nomination form and someone will reach out to you.

Don’t miss this opportunity to share your knowledge and help others benefit from the powerful tools and resources offered by IDRC and ISOSY. Together, we can continue to support the success of our migratory students and their families.

As the new school year begins, educators and MEP staff face a busy schedule. To assist in managing events and activities, the AIIMS portal features a Timeline of Activities page. This resource helps staff stay organized by providing details on ongoing events and important deadlines. Below is a chart highlighting key dates for the fall.

Chronic absenteeism has been on the rise in Texas schools since the Covid Pandemic. The rate of chronically absent students, defined as those missing 10% or more of school days (approximately 18 days annually), increased from 11% in the 2018-19 school year to 15% in 2019-20. This figure further escalated to 26% in the 2021-22 school year, as reported in the latest Federal Report Cards data from the Texas Education Agency. Migratory students are at risk of accumulating absences due to the work demands on the family and even the student. However, staff can help cut down on the number of absences while the school year is still relatively new:

• Communicate with parents at the beginning of the year to introduce yourself and explain the support available through the Migrant Education Program. It’s never too late to make a positive interaction.

• Utilize education-based apps, like TalkingPoints or ClassDojo, to make messaging with parents easier and consistent. These apps often have the ability to translate from English to other languages. Set up a schedule to regularly check in with parents and inform them of how their student is doing.

• Communicate early and often with migratory students’ teachers to ensure they understand the specific needs and backgrounds of the students. Let them know these students should be monitored closely and offer to work collaboratively with them.

• Work with students to identify and address barriers to attendance, such as transportation issues or health concerns. It is also a good idea to pair students with mentors who can provide guidance, encouragement, and accountability throughout the school year.

A helpful resource that can be shared with parents and families throughout the state is the Texas Workforce Solutions webpage. Users are able to find the closest Workforce Solutions office to them where they can receive free one-on-one services. Among the assistance that Texas Workforce Solutions offers include job placement and training, help with establishing SNAP benefit services, as well as help in obtaining child care assistance. The TWC can also be reached by calling (800) 628-5115.

As we continue to support the educational needs of migratory students, it's crucial to recognize the importance of farmworker safety. Many of our students' families work in agriculture, facing unique challenges and risks. You can help ensure the safety and well-being of these individuals by helping to inform them of the dangers their work brings. AgriSafe offers Spanish resources that help to promote farmworker safety. Ensuring their well-being not only helps protect them but also creates a more stable and supportive environment for their children to thrive academically.

Do you know an incredible member of your MEP family who is making a difference in your region or district? We are thrilled to announce our brand-new program spotlight, where we celebrate the exceptional work of our dedicated Texas MEP staff.

Nominate that standout colleague who is going above and beyond to create a positive impact. Whether they are supporting migratory students and families in the great state of Texas or contributing in other extraordinary ways, we want to hear about it!

Your nomination could mean their moment to shine right here in our newsletter. We want to recognize and honor those who are making a real difference. Do not miss out – fill out the quick and easy nomination form today!

MEP Staff Spotlight

Please encourage your migratory families and MEP staff to join the TMEP Listserv to continue receiving TMEP quarterly newsletters and up-to-date information about the Migrant Education Program.