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Texas Even Start Administrative Manual

June 2004, (Revised January 2008)

Mission and Vision for Texas Even Start

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The Vision Statement of the Texas State Plan for Adult Education and Family Literacy states that the vision and mission of adult literacy in the State of Texas are:

Vision Statement Every Texan, regardless of age, is entitled to a basic education.

Mission Statement The mission of adult education and family literacy is to ensure that all adults who live in Texas have the skills necessary to function effectively in their personal and family lives, in the workplace, and in the community.

Texas has a history of Even Start successes. Taylor ISD Even Start was one of a dozen participants in the Third National Evaluation of Even Start. The USDOE selected Texas as a pilot site for the June 2003 “Making Meaningful Changes in Program Design” training. Texas was one of the first states to develop a web-based reporting system and pilot a web-based system for electronic grant applications. Most recently, Texas was one of a few states asked to nominate two programs to serve as “Features Sites” for the USDOE. Featured Sites will serve as national Even Start models. They will be featured in videos, brochures and serve as a “how-to” resource for new programs. Bryan ISD Even Start is a finalist in this project.

Texas LEARNS is committed to the success of every program in providing superior family literacy services for their target populations. Success is measured by indicators of program quality, systematic application of continuous quality improvement practices, strong community partnerships and, student achievement.

The road to success requires continuous improvement at the state as well as the local level. Timely access to data is necessary for program improvement. AEGIS, eGrants, TESPIRS and TEAMS work toward that goal. The next generation of data management includes TESPIRS reports for local programs and a web-based format for independent evaluator’s reports. Additional tools are needed so that new programs can show measurable success more quickly. These include a “New Program Packet” to help new programs open more efficiently, more intensive professional development for program staff and continued support on a daily basis.

Even Start grant applications should include a Memorandum of Understanding with the local adult education provider, even if that provider does not deliver adult education to Even Start. No Child Left Behind encourages collaborations between Even Start and adult education. In fact, No Child Left Behind makes a specific exception that allows adult education funds and Even Start funds to be used as “match” for each other. Texas LEARNS encourages programs to take advantage of this allowance. Local adult education providers can be found in the Directory of Literacy Providers at the TCALL website. Please contact your Grant Services Manager or the State Coordinator for assistance in working with adult education providers in your area.

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