Elementary
Education

It is the responsibility of every school district to assess the needs of all returning and newly enrolled students and to provide support in those areas of need while the child is enrolled in their schools.

The MEP Common Areas of Concern states that many migratory elementary students may enroll late, withdraw early, and/or enroll in several school districts in one year due to the migratory lifestyle of their parents. Some may even be English learners and need support in the cognitive and academic development of the English language.

In addition, college, career, and military readiness begins in the early years of a child’s elementary education. For the reasons listed above, it is incumbent on all MEP staff to ensure that each migratory elementary student is afforded every opportunity to reach academic success as well as to meet the State’s standards for promotion to the next grade level.

Resources from the Texas Education Agency

State-Mandated Tests for the Texas Assessment Program

The Texas Assessment Program is a statewide testing program that includes the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR), STAAR Alternate 2, the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS), and TELPAS Alternate.

This TEA webpage provides details about each of these assessments as well as information for educators and for families.

Click here to view the current Student Assessment Overview page.

Elementary Agricultural Education Programs

The Texas Education Agency has compiled a list of elementary agricultural education programs which encourage appreciation and improve students’ understanding of agriculture.

This TEA webpage provides a list of programs and resources available at no cost to schools and educators.

Click here to view the Elementary Agricultural Education Programs page.

Elementary Education Support

Tutorial Option Ideas: After-school or Saturdays

provided by Weslaco ISD

  • Coordinate with pertinent district staff to ensure academic tutorials may be offered with MEP funds, including all expenditures and transportation to ensure student participation. Keep in mind the MEP funds will supplement, not supplant any services offered by other district programs
  • Meet with campus principals to discuss scheduling and secure a location at the campus for after school or “Saturday school” tutorial services.
  • Ensure MEP staff such as counselors, strategists, and teachers meet with students to recruit them for the tutorial services.
  • Track and document academic progress by reviewing progress reports, benchmark scores, and report cards.

Current PFS Student
Progress Review Form

SAMPLE PFS
Student Assistance Form

Technology and other resources for educational support

MEP funds may be used for technology and other resources to support education at home, only if there is an identified and documented need and it supplements what the district provides.

Laptops are helpful tools to have at home but due to financial struggles, many families are not able to purchase them. Districts often issue laptops to students if they will be required for schoolwork. Training students and parents on how to use and responsibly care of a district-issued laptop is advisable before providing them to students.

Technological devices may be purchased and issued to migratory students for home use. The district’s acceptable use policy applies to these devices. Some examples of technological devices may include:

  • iPads or tablets may be purchased and issued to students and/or families for home use. Training on the use and care of the device must be conducted before issuing them to students and parents.
  • Other hand-held portable learning devices may provide tutorial assistance for students anywhere they live or travel (e.g., Study Buddy, Leapfrog).

SAMPLE MEP iPad
Use Checklist

SAMPLE Laptop
Assignment Agreement

Summer MEP Student Program

Project SMART is a summer math program designed to improve the math skills of highly mobile migratory students in Kindergarten to 8th grade. Districts may offer Project SMART in a center and/or home-based setting. Access to the curriculum materials is provided to MEP staff free of charge. Math manipulatives, office supplies, and employing instructors costs will vary depending on the number of students, whether it will be center- or home-based, if materials are readily available or can be borrowed, etc.

Note: For more information on how to implement a Project SMART Program in your district, visit the AIIMS topic page for Project SMART.

Project SMART
AIIMS topic page

District Bilingual/ESL Program classrooms and tutorials

If the parent indicates on the Home Language Survey that a language other than English is used by the student and at home, assessments must be conducted to determine whether the student is an Emergent Bilingual (EB) student. If the student is determined to be an EB, ensure that the student is placed in the best classroom setting depending on the availability of district programs (Bilingual/Dual Language/ESL). Tutorial services may then be offered by an English language program-funded source.

Note: The TEA provides information and resources about the six state-approved program models. For more information, visit their portal.

TEA Emergent Bilingual
Program Implementation

Texas Virtual School Network (TXVSN)

  • A free, full-time virtual school program for eligible Texas public school students in grades 3-12.

Texas Connections Academy

  • A free, statewide virtual school program for grades 3-12 that provides free learning materials and support from Texas-certified teachers.

Project SMART Information

  • Provides access to training courses, PS portal, and informational materials to share with parents including videos and one-pagers.

TMEP Parents & Families: Elementary Education

  • Provides information and resources to parents regarding their child’s education in the elementary grades.
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