NOTE TO District TSDS Coordinators:
With the ASCENDER software update (noted below) we strongly encourage you to read the following:
- Get your Key and Secret setup completed: If you haven't already done so get your 2026 Key and Secret created in TSDS>DMC>Admin>Manage Applications, Key, and Secrets and enter (copy/paste) in ASCENDER>District Administration> Options > TSDS > Connections Tab
- Please refer to slide 22 in the guide below for a recap of the steps to setup the Key/Secret
- Work through the guide below to ensure you have reviewed the setup screens and are working through the data entry/review items mentioned on the student side as well as the business side. As much of this review and data entry needs to be done prior to beginning to send data.
- Begin extracting/sending data - ASCENDER>District Administration> Options > TSDS > Extract and Send
- Please note: Do not send any data at this time other than Level 1 and Level 2. Each level must be reviewed (level 1 errors) and corrected to increase the percentage to above 90% or more before moving to the next level.
ASCENDER 11.0110 was installed Friday, September 19, 2025
ASCENDER Business Highlights:
Release 11.0110 addresses updates to business rule logic, including backend processes tied to TX Unique Staff ID changes and automated extract procedures. Extract records for staff now consistently assign employment status codes.
ASCENDER Student Highlights:
Release 11.0110 addresses key updates for the 2026.2.0 TEA change logs, including enhancements to the Safe and Supportive Schools Program Team Review to support new data requirements and improve reporting accuracy across student discipline workflows.
This release also includes changes for SPED reporting. Support for updated Local Education Agency records with new fields such as early childhood transition and initial evaluation timelines.
An urgent correction was implemented to resolve inconsistent delivery of discipline referral emails affecting some LEAs.
Additional updates to the TruancySets and AssociateDegreeIndicatorSet modules ensure clarity and compliance in student records. Census Block import and export utilities were corrected to improve data integrity for students withdrawn after snapshot or filtered by campus selection.
ASCENDER Administration Highlights:
Release 11.0110 addresses administrative workflow changes, including halting the automatic extract and send process for prior-year TSDS data starting the fourth Friday of August each year. District administrators can still initiate manual extracts via the interface. Additionally, resolved an issue where new Domain/Entity records incorrectly populated the end date column.
Early Reading Indicator Code Discontinued for 2025-2026 School Year
Effective Immediately, the Early Ready Indicator will no longer be collected through PEIMS. This change is as of a result of the repeal of the statutory requirement that was the basis for the data collection.
Additional guidance regarding future implementation of reading and math instruments as required by HB2, Article V will be communicated at a later date.
If you have already coded the Early Reading Indicator in Ascender in preparation for the Fall PEIMS Submission, that is okay. The change is that TEA will no longer promote this data element.
The EarlyReadingIndicator indicates whether a student is eligible for accelerated reading instruction as indicated by the administered reading instrument.
See TWEDS - Data Element E1522
