TCAT NEWSLETTER
In this issue: Conference Update
OCTOBER 2008 · TEXTBOOK COORDINATORS' ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS
 
TCAT CONFERENCE
 
EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE NOV. 19

Click here to register online.
 


 

Dec. 8-10, 2008
Omni Southpark, Austin
 


 

HOTEL UPDATE:
 


The block of rooms at the Omni Southpark is full. If you would like to be placed on a waiting list for a room at the Omni, e-mail TCAT at textbook@texas.net.

If you have reservations at the Omni and need to cancel, please call TCAT at 512-251-8101 before Nov. 19. We will transfer your reservation to a person on the waiting list.

A block of rooms is available Hampton Inn, just across the street from the Omni Southpark, for $109 a night. Call 512-442-4040 for reservations and use the promotion code of 84332961.


 
Show your school pride!
Bring a door prize!

Great door prizes are an annual tradition at TCAT Conferences.
You can be a part of the fun by bringing an inexpensive door prize representing your town, school district or area. It's a great way to get your district recognized in TCAT general sessions. Bring your door prize to the Registration Table at the Conference. For more information, call 512-251-8101.

 

 

 


TCAT's mission: To train and assist
textbook professionals so they can help the students of Texas.

TCAT offers the only regular training for textbook coordinators in public school districts or open enrollment charter schools. Throughout the year, TCAT acts as a clearing house for coordinators who have questions or problems with their ordering, warehousing, delivery or inventory. Veteran coordinators offer their expertise and knowledge to help fellow TCAT members work smoothly with one goal in mind - getting the materials to the kids.
 
EDUCATION COMMISSIONER
ROBERT SCOTT TO ADDRESS TCAT CONFERENCE
 


Texas Education Commissioner Robert Scott has agreed to address TCAT's Annual Conference Dec. 9 at the Omni Southpark in Austin.

griff55Scott was appointed commissioner of education by Gov. Rick Perry on Oct. 16, 2007. Scott serves as the head of the Texas Education Agency, which oversees the state's 1,200 school districts and charter schools.

A graduate of the University of Texas School of Law and a member of the State Bar, Scott served as senior policy advisor to Governor Perry during the creation of the Texas High School Initiative in 2003 and was instrumental in the bill's passage and implementation. The initiative is now called the Texas High School Project.

Scott served as the agency's chief executive during a massive reorganization of its functions in the summer of 2003.

In January, 2004, Scott was appointed chief deputy commissioner.

Scott's biography on the TEA website says he "has also been a noted advocate for improved early childhood education and has pressed for the improvement of school readiness for pre-kindergarten-aged children. Scott's further interests include charter school innovation, incentive awards for teachers, and a renewed focus on health and fitness and the arts in public schools." He is the father of two teenagers attending Austin public schools.

Scott is scheduled to address the TCAT luncheon Tuesday, Dec. 9.

Don't miss it: THE NEW EMAT

For about a year, TEA -- with consultation from TCAT members -- has been designing a NEW EMAT system. TEA has chosen to unveil the new system at TCAT's ANNUAL CONFERENCE. You'll get your first look at the system you'll use for ordering in April.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:

· The popular Coordinator Boot Camp for new coordinators or for coordinators who want a refresher. Participants in the Boot Camp attend four special break-out sessions during Monday's Conference (Dec. 8).

· The Annual Welcome Reception sponsored by Follett Educational Services.

· Special conference workshops - on communication and customer service skills - in cooperation with the University of Texas Professional Development Center.

· New events, such as a Casino Night on Tuesday evening, sponsored by Hayes Software.

Click here for a tentative schedule.

Click here for a registration form.

Or register on-line at www.tcat.org.