Principal Alternative Certification Program (PACA)
WHAT ADMISSIONS CRITERIA MUST APPLICANTS MEET TO BE CONSIDERED?
Admission into PACA is a two-step process. The first step is a screening and selection process that consists of:
- Academic Criteria:
- A Masters Degree in any field
- 3.0 GPA
- Texas or out-of-state Teacher Certification
- Leadership Experience
- Minimum of five years of campus or district-level experience with at least 3 years as a classroom teacher (exceptions to the classroom experience requirements will be considered by the screening committee).
- Professional recommendations
- Written accomplishment record of identified leadership skills selected from the principal standards
- Self-assessment—Applicants will assess their own skill level in relation to the principal standards and prioritize areas of development.
- Other selection criteria:
- Writing Sample
- Structured Interview
- Technology Proficiency – Participants should be able to search the Internet, download Word documents and other files, manipulate Excel spreadsheets, and create PowerPoint presentations.
The second step is a structured interview conducted by the PACA Assistant Program Manager.
The results of the screening and assessment processes will provide a multidimensional picture of the program candidate, emphasizing not only past accomplishments, but also future potential.
Applicants will receive written notification of acceptance into the program.
HOW IS THE PRINCIPAL ALTERNATIVE CERTIFICATION ACADEMY (PACA) FORMATTED?
The program is formatted as 11 on-site sessions (one every four, six, or eight week period) facilitated by experienced principals or other administrators. Participants are allocated 4-8 weeks between on-site sessions to complete web-based work. A typical module consists of:
- Content – presented by the facilitator and guest principals, reading, and online resources
- Cohort member online dialogue with facilitator
- Online performance activities
- Module performance task
- TExES-Style module examination
The 10 Content modules of the Principal Alternative Certification Academy program are aligned with the 7 principal standards covered by the principal TExES test. Each module can stand alone as a separate course and has its own unique assessment. The eleventh session serves as a TExES review. The modules are as follows:
- Instructional Leadership Development/Professional Development and Assessment
- Curriculum Leadership
- Instructional Leadership
- Professional Development and Human Resources Leadership
- Leading Through School Culture
- Professional Ethics
- Communication
- Leading Groups, Change, and Decision Making
- Resource Management
- Managing Facilities and School Safety
- TExES Review
WHERE ARE THE PACA
CLASSES HELD AND WHEN DO CLASSES BEGIN?
All of the PACA classes are held at the ESC-Region 19 at 6611 Boeing. Interns will be responsible for 6 days of site visits.
Classes begin in late August and run for 14 months. The hours are from 7:30 am-1:30 pm.
WHAT IS THE COST OF THE PROGRAM?
The cost for the Principal Alternative Certification Academy program, including fees and materials, is listed below. Participants must pay $500 at program entry and $300 prior to the beginning of Session II. The remaining balance of the program fee will be collected in twelve monthly installments of $300 made by payroll deduction through the intern’s employing district. The TExES test and certification fees are paid separately prior to completion of the program and are subject to change. There is a $50 non-refundable application fee. (ILD/PDAS fees and textbook costs are included in the regular program fees).
- Program Fee$4,400
- TExES Fee$120
- Certification Fee$77
- ILD Certificate$75
- PDAS Certificate$75
Education Service Center Region 19 is committed to a policy affording equality of employment opportunity to all employees and applicants. The Center will insure that every individual receives equal treatment based upon merit without regard to race, color, religion, sex, handicapping conditions, or national origin.