1.  What is the Administrator Credential?

 

Answer:
The Texas Adult Education Administrator Credential is an optional credential that is available to those who serve as administrators in Texas adult education programs.

 2. Who is eligible to earn the Administrator Credential?  
 

Answer:
Eligibility to participate in the Administrator Credential is based upon status in the Texas Educating Adults Management System (TEAMS). Individuals who are designated to one of the following administrative roles in TEAMS are eligible to earn the administrator credential: administrator, director, instructional coordinator. Administrators who are not sure of their eligibility should check with their fiscal agent.

                                                        

3. What do administrators have to do to earn the Administrator Credential? 

 

Answer:

To earn the Administrator Credential, administrators will develop an electronic portfolio. The electronic portfolio contains Six Common Products in which administrators demonstrate that they possess the knowledge and skills detailed in the administrator credential content framework.

 

4. What content is included in the Administrator Credential? 

 

Answer:

The Administrator Credential is based upon the Administrator Credential Content Framework. The Content Framework specifies the knowledge and skills that administrators say is necessary in order to perform the tasks associated with administering adult education programs in Texas.  The framework is built around following three domains:

1. Program Development
2. Program Management
3. Program Accountability

 

5. Why would an administrator want to earn an Administrator Credential?  

Answer:

Administrators who have earned the Administrator Credential have provided a variety of reasons why they chose to do so. Some of them are: 

1. The Administrator Credential adds credibility to the profession.

2. The Administrator Credential establishes guidelines for effective practice.

3. The Administrator Credential provides direction for new administrators.

4. The Administrator Credential encourages support and mentorship for new administrators.

5. The Administrator Credential validates the work of experienced administrators while providing
    the opportunity to focus on areas in need of improvement.

 6. How much does it cost to earn an Administrator Credential?  

Answer: 
There are no fees associated with earning an Administrator Credential. 

7. How many points are required to obtain an Administrator Credential?  

Answer: 
Unlike the Teacher Credential, the Administrator Credential is not based upon a point system. Administrators must meet the performance standards specified in the rubric for each of the Six Common Products in order to earn the Administrator Credential. 

8. How much time may administrators take to earn the Administrator Credential? 

 

Answer:
Unlike the Teacher Credential, the Administrator Credential does not impose time limits. Administrators may set their own pace; most complete the Administrator Credential is less than a year.

 

9. Can a group of administrators work on the Administrator Credential together?

Answer:
Yes, the Administrator Credential emphasizes the value of experience and encourages the use of collaborative learning communities and mentor relationships. The use of groups has been beneficial when an experienced administrator works with novice administrators who work for the same program. Additionally, mentoring relationships between mentors and novices who do not work for the same program have been successful.

 

Note: All Six Common Products must represent individual work. When working in a group, each administrator must submit all of the Six Common Products. Products must be unique and each administrator must develop products that are specific to his or her role and responsibilities.

 

10. What recognition do administrators receive upon completion of the Administrator Credential? 

 

Answer:
Administrators are recognized publically at the annual Texas Association for Literacy & Adult Education (TALAE) conference and are awarded a certificate of completion signed by the Commissioner of Education.

Also, subject to the availability of funds, TALAE awards a stipend to administrators who earn the Administrator Credential. Local programs may provide additional recognition at the local level.