August 2017
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PGC 2017
Pre-Registration
Program Book Now Available!


Explore all the offerings the 61st Annual TCA Professional Growth Conference, November 15-18, 2017 in Galveston, TX.


The Pre-Registration Program book is now available on line, and will be mailed by the end of August.

With more than 150 programs in 24 topic areas to choose from, PGC 2017 offers you quality CE at affordable prices. 

Be a part of everything amazing at the 61st Annual TCA Professional Growth Conference in Galveston!
Keynote Speakers: the 61st Annual
TCA Professional Growth Conference
RESPONSE ABILITY: A Call for Courage

In his keynote speech, Mike will help you understand how seizing upon an opportunity to act can dramatically change your community and allow you to demonstrate courage — for others, for organizations, and for issues. He uses live texting and shares real stories to frame the discussion.  

Mike calls on us to take responsibility for and react to any everyday life issue by going beyond our shame and fear to show courage, honor, and dignity in momentary choices. You will leave educated, empowered, and challenged to stand up, step in, and speak out for others and for what’s right.
The Courage to Go Live: Using Video and Social Media as Professional Counselors


Ernesto started his own video marketing company, FYLMIT,com, because he was inspired by the idea that professional counselors underutilize the power and effectiveness of video marketing to attract more clients and showcase their expertise. With YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, and other social media sites, it is now very easy to develop a web-based presence through video marketing.

 

His clinical training allows him to help professional counselors process through their fears, insecurities, and negative attitudes about marketing.

 

He feels that it is vital for professional counselors to utilize social media sources to reach potential clients and provide information to the community/world that will promote emotional, psychological, and relational health.

Special Session Update

Less than a week to go in the Special Session and no bills have been sent to the Governor yet.

SB 20 (Taylor, Van) will be voted on in the House on Thursday, 8/10/17, where it is expected to pass. SB 20 simply extends until 2019 the sunset date for the medical board and the mental health licensing boards. Call your State Representative and ask for their support of SB 20.

The Senate Health and Human Services Committee left pending SB 114 which would create the new Texas Behavior Health Executive Council. The Senate is in recess until Thursday, 8/10/17 so SB 114 faces very long odds on being passed during the Special Session.  Watch for Calls to Action.
A Moment for LMFTs
by: Jodie Elder, PhD, LPC-S, LMFT, TCA Liaison to the TSBEMFT
The Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists have been busy. New LMFT rules became effective on March 26, 2017. Highlights include:  


  • Supervisors/LMFT-Associates are no longer required to submit a new Supervisory Agreement Form (SAF) for each practice location of the LMFT-Associate. Instead, one SAF should be submitted by EACH supervisor, and the supervisor tracks practice location in the associate’s supervision chart. NOTE: An associate may have no more than two board-approved supervisors at a time, unless given prior approval by the board. TAC 801.142(G)
  • 801.142(D) -- The board added stipulations about what needs to be included in each supervisee’s chart. See this section for details.
  • 801.143(o) – LMFT-Supervisors must complete the Jurisprudence Exam every licensure renewal period.
  • 801.142(1)(A)(i)(IV) - Excess practicum hours accrued during graduate school can now count toward the post-graduate experience requirements. A new flowchart is available on the TSBMEFT website to explain the process for counting hours to upgrade to full licensure.
  • §801.2(29) and §801.58 – New rules about telepractice and telesupervision were adopted, including the requirement to acquire at least 15 CEUs in this type of service by January 1, 2018, plus 2 hours of CEUs on this topic each subsequent renewal period.
  • 801.236(d) – Licensees on inactive status are still required to accrue 15 CEUs each renewal period.


The LMFT Board is initiating a full review and revision of their rules. Please submit suggestions for changes/revisions.


Thank you for the opportunity to represent you as the TCA Liaison to the TSBEMFT. It is an honor to observe their processes and hard work!
Choose to Lead: Nominations Open 8/15/17
TCA and its Divisions will open nominations next week. Please consider nominating yourself or a colleague to serve on the TCA Board or in leadership with one of our 12 Divisions.

Nominations will be open from August 15 – September 15, 2017 for terms that will begin on July 1, 2018. TCA candidates need to secure at least 5 nominations to be added to the ballot.  Watch for announcements soon! 
Courage to Serve: State Board & Agency Appointments
Did you know that Governor Abbott appoints volunteers to the licensing boards and agencies that regulate your profession? He makes those selections from the roster of individuals who have submitted applications.

The TSBEPC has one professional and two public openings; the TSBEMFT has two professional and one public openings; and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has one opening. Learn more about the process and submit your application.
Behavioral Health Advisory Committee Meeting
The Texas Health and Human Services Behavioral Health Advisory Committee will meet on August 18, 2017 at 9 a.m. in Austin. This meeting is open to the public. A webcast is available. More Information
Public Comment Period for ESSA State Plan Begins
Public comments regarding the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) consolidated state plan for Texas are now being accepted by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The comment period runs through Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017.  

ESSA became law in December 2015, replacing the No Child Left Behind Act. The new law increases flexibility and decision-making authority afforded to states, encourages states and schools to be innovative, and holds states accountable for results.  

Just Launched: Modules on FAFSA, Common App, Apply Texas
Texas OnCourse modules for college and career advising have launched and are available for everyone, for free.
 
These modules prepare educators for parent-information nights and start-of-year sessions with students.

They can also help counselors and advisers contribute to district efforts to meet the state’s 60x30 Challenge by boosting FAFSA and Apply Texas completions. 
Get a refresh on the basics, learn new information and start demonstrating your mastery on FAFSA, Apply Texas and the Common App.
CTE Courses: Changes for 2017-2018
In 2015, the State Board of Education (SBOE) adopted revisions to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for career and technical education (CTE). The revised CTE TEKS will be implemented beginning with the 2017-2018 school year.

Among the changes to the CTE TEKS is the addition of TEKS for new laboratory courses that will be available as corequisites and combined with corresponding content-specific courses. TEKS for new extended practicum courses that may be combined with corresponding practicum courses have been added.

The Texas Education Agency’s Division of College, Career, and Military Prep is proud to introduce the new Texas CTE brand, Texas CTE - Your Journey Starts Here. 


 The website is for Texas teachers, counselors, and administrators to access high-quality CTE instructional materials, professional development courses, and CTE information.

Texas Counseling Association | 512-472-3403 | 512-472-3756 | info@txca.org | www.txca.org