Academic Vertical Alignment Training And Renewal (AVATAR) is funded by the THECB and is implemented under the leadership of the North Texas Regional P-16 Council and the University of North Texas. Piloted by Education Service Centers 10 and 11 during the 2011-12 academic year, AVATAR provides a model for creating sustained networks of vertical and horizontal alignment. These alignment networks are designed to connect secondary and postsecondary regional institutions, to support seamless transition and completion for students preparing for higher education and careers, and to decrease the need for postsecondary developmental coursework. AVATAR is designed to engage faculty and administrators in on-going dialogue through work groups, engaging in alignment of curriculum, instructional practices, and student expectations and preparation for college and career success. In 2012-2013, AVATAR will build 13 local and regional vertical alignment networks across the state of Texas with the support of Education Service Centers, P-16 Councils, two- and four-year institutions of higher education, and secondary education systems. The AVATAR vertical alignment network includes partnerships in the following regions:

 

Edinburg, ESC Region 1	Waco, ESC Region 12
Corpus Christi, ESC Region 2	Austin, ESC Region 13
Huntsville, ESC Region 6	Abilene, ESC Region 14
Kilgore, ESC Region 7	San Angelo, ESC Region 15
Wichita Falls, ESC Region 9	Amarillo, ESC Region 16
Richardson, ESC Region 10	San Antonio, ESC Region 20
Fort Worth, ESC Region 11

For more information on AVATAR, visit http://www.ntp16.notlb.com/avatar or contact THECB staff at Vertical Alignment Training.