Professional Services Provided By Texas Education Service Centers To Promote Improvement In Texas Public Schools-A Descriptive Study

Abstract

This descriptive study of the twenty regional Education Service Centers in Texas is an exploratory analysis of programs and services that promote school improvement. Data collected from each service center website enabled the researcher to determine which programs and services are available to school districts and also allowed the researcher to analyze the similarities and differences of the programs and services among the twenty ESCs. The study also compared the numbers of programs provided by each service center along with the number of school districts, schools, and students served by Education Service Centers. The data revealed that Education Service Centers serve different numbers of students and districts and they assist schools through a variety of special program support, state and federal funding issues, educator certification programs, and professional development training that are designed to support the teaching and learning process in school districts. Although the number of programs and services vary among the twenty Education Service Centers, they do provide similar programs and services that are effective and provide sustainable systemic support for school improvement throughout their region particularly when it comes to statewide initiatives and areas of federal and state compliance issues and the improvement of student achievement. Throughout the state, Education Service Centers prove to be a valuable resource to school districts seeking solutions from knowledgeable and experienced educational professionals. In conclusion, Education Service centers provide a variety of professional services that can assist superintendents, principals, teachers, paraprofessionals, and other district staff in assisting students throughout their district in achieving the highest possible levels of success in every aspect of the school day. However, it is highly critical that both school leaders and Education Service Centers communicate effectively with each other about the needs of the districts and the services that are available to promote school improvement.