The education sector is convening in Austin, TX this week for SxSWedu, showcasing leading educators  and the latest innovations in technology and digital learning. SIIA is also showcasing its work with the release of its first state policy profile: Around the Nation: Doing Business in Texas Schools. The report provides a guide to the many state policies, regulations and programs impacting Texas school districts and their school service providers.

The report was produced by the Ed Policy Forum, a project of SIIA’s Education Technology Industry Network (ETIN). The report is a follow up to the Ed Policy Forum’s January webinar of the same name.

Texas has instituted a series of new policies and programs in recent years that will significantly impact its students, educators and school service providers. Texas’ 2012 move to allow school districts to use state funds for non-state approved instructional materials will continue to impact the market. Whereas prior to the law change, districts were required to purchase only state-approved materials with their state funds, we now see approximately 87 percent of those funds used for non-approved materials purchased directly from publishers by districts. This new found “freedom” is poised to create a more open market for publishers of all sizes.

Among the other key policies covered in the report are new graduation requirements, updated academic standards and assessments, and the added focus on career education as well as a complete summary of the state’s school funding system. With use of this state profile, SIIA members will be able to better inform their business development and sales teams on the driving forces behind Texas school decision-making.

SIIA members can find the full report here.

The archive of the webinar, featuring experts from the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) and the Texas Computer Educators Association (TCEA), can be found here.

Be sure to also register for our next Around the Nation webinar Doing Business in New York Schools, which will feature Tim Kremer of the NY State School Boards Association (NYSSBA), on March 25 at 1pm ET.