Throughout this year’s Public Education Focus, readers will notice multiple references to the Texas Education Agency in news reports and graphics. The TEA is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. The agency provides leadership, guidance and support to public schools and districts.

The TEA is governed by the Texas Legislature, the U.S. Congress, the Texas State Board of Education and the Texas State Board for Educator Certification.

For new laws passed by state or federal government, the TEA helps schools understand and implement them.

The agency is also responsible for distribution of state and federal funding; state standardized testing and accountability systems; data collection for schools; and, with the State Board of Education, development of statewide curriculum.

Visit https://tea.texas.gov for more information on the TEA.