AUSTIN – Texas schools now have access to a Texas Education Agency-hosted website providing information on best practices in classroom instruction, dropout prevention, district business, resource allocation, and financial issues.

Launched under a directive from House Bill 1, passed by the Texas Legislature in 2006, the new Best Practices Clearinghouse will be available not only to schools but to the general public.

Campuses, districts and charter schools rated Exemplary or Recognized by the state are eligible to submit best practices to the clearinghouse. Additional suggestions may be submitted by the Legislative Budget Board and Texas Centers for Education Research.

"Part of our mission at TEA is to provide the resources to help schools meet the educational needs of all students," said Robert Scott, TEA Commissioner. "This new clearinghouse will allow teachers, administrators, parents and the general public access to what works best as we all seek to provide an excellent education to our school kids."

Ertha Patrick, director of special projects at TEA, said for the purposes of the clearinghouse a best practice will be defined as "a technique, methodology, program, or other intervention that through action research or empirical research demonstrates a positive result."

Individuals interested in submitting a best practice can do so by visiting the clearinghouse website at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/bestprac/