Texas House Bill HB1124

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 12/28/22

Caption

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

Impact

The enactment of HB 1124 is expected to lead to changes in state laws regarding educator certification processes. By introducing abbreviated programs, the bill intends to reduce barriers for individuals seeking certification, particularly in fields where there are shortages of qualified teachers. Additionally, it could encourage higher enrollment in educator preparation programs, which may contribute to improving the quality of education in marketing and health science disciplines within Texas.

Summary

House Bill 1124, introduced by Gervin-Hawkins, aims to streamline educator preparation programs specifically for certifications in marketing education and health science technology education. The bill seeks to create abbreviated programs that require a minimum of 200 hours of coursework or training. This initiative is meant to facilitate a faster route for prospective educators to gain the necessary credentials and thereby enter the workforce more quickly, addressing areas where there is a recognized demand for skilled instructors.

Sentiment

Discussions around HB 1124 appear to reflect a generally positive sentiment towards the bill's goals. Supporters emphasize the necessity of addressing teacher shortages in specialized areas, arguing that such abbreviated certification processes would be instrumental in attracting more individuals into the teaching profession. Critics, however, might raise concerns about whether the proposed programs will adequately prepare educators for the complexities of teaching these subjects, although no significant opposition points are documented in the provided texts.

Contention

While no substantial points of contention emerged from the discussions, there may be underlying concerns as to the efficacy of abbreviated programs in fully equipping educators. The bill's implementation will rely on the State Board for Educator Certification to establish standards that govern these new programs, which could be a source of debate regarding the adequacy of training and the quality of future educators in these fields.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 21. Educators
  • Section: New Section