Texas House Bill HB804

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 11/12/24

Caption

Relating to creating abbreviated educator preparation programs for certification in marketing education and certification in health science technology education.

Impact

If enacted, HB 804 could substantively alter the landscape of educator certification in Texas, particularly in the fields of marketing and health science technology. By establishing these abbreviated programs, the bill could facilitate a quicker pathway for individuals to enter teaching positions in high-demand subjects. This change may attract professionals from the private sector or those with expertise in these areas to transition into education, thereby enhancing the relevance and quality of instruction in conventional classrooms.

Summary

House Bill 804 seeks to create abbreviated educator preparation programs aimed at providing certification in marketing education and health science technology education. The bill mandates that the State Board for Educator Certification develop rules to ensure that these programs consist of at least 200 hours of coursework or training for individuals seeking certification. This initiative is designed to streamline the certification process for instructors in these specialized fields, thus potentially increasing the number of qualified educators available to teach critical subjects in schools.

Contention

Despite its intended benefits, HB 804 may face scrutiny regarding the adequacy of the proposed 200-hour training requirement. Critics may argue that this duration is insufficient for preparing educators to effectively teach complex subjects such as health science or marketing. Furthermore, concerns regarding the lack of additional certifications based on performance may raise questions about the depth of knowledge and qualifications of those entering the profession. Stakeholders in the educational sector, including teachers’ unions and educational institutions, could express varying opinions on whether the measure effectively balances accessibility to teaching roles while maintaining educational standards.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 21. Educators
  • Section: New Section