Texas House Bill HB4358

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 3/9/23
• Out of House Committee: 4/25/23
• Voted on by House: 5/3/23

Caption

Relating to including digital teaching in the micro-credential certification program for public school educator continuing education.

Impact

The bill is expected to impact state laws concerning educator certification and continuing education requirements. By mandating the inclusion of digital teaching in the state’s certification framework, the bill also advocates for the establishment of rules governing course approval and a system for recording these credentials. These changes are viewed as necessary to modernize the state's approach to educator training and ensure that teachers are equipped to deliver quality instruction in an evolving educational landscape. HB 4358 is designed to be flexible and inclusive of various stakeholders involved in educator development.

Summary

House Bill 4358 aims to enhance the qualifications of public school educators by including digital teaching expertise in the micro-credential certification program for continuing education. Sponsored by Representative Allison and Senator Betancourt, the bill acknowledges the growing necessity for educators to be competent in digital instructional methods, especially in light of the increasing prevalence of virtual and hybrid teaching models. The bill will allow educators to earn micro-credentials that reflect their proficiency in these areas, thereby broadening their professional development opportunities. The implementation of this bill is designed to begin with the 2023-2024 school year.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 4358 appears to be positive, with an emphasis on the importance of adapting to new educational paradigms. Supporters argue that this bill is a crucial step toward enhancing teacher preparedness and ensuring student success in a digital learning environment. However, as with many educational reforms, there may be concerns regarding the adequacy of training programs and the logistics associated with the implementation of such credentials. Despite these concerns, the overall expectation is that the bill will be beneficial for educators and enhance the quality of education in Texas.

Contention

While there have been discussions about the need for improved digital teaching credentials, there may be points of contention regarding the specifics of course approval standards and the potential administrative burdens it could impose on education providers. This includes deliberations about the fee structures for the micro-credential courses and who will bear those costs. Stakeholders, including educators and training providers, will likely continue to debate the appropriateness and feasibility of these measures as the bill progresses through the legislative process.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 21. Educators
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section