Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB214

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Education Agency and to the abolition of the State Board for Educator Certification and the transfer of its functions to the Texas Education Agency; providing for the ad valorem tax rate to be imposed after annexation of an insolvent or inoperative school district.

Impact

This bill has significant implications for the regulation of educational professionals in Texas. If passed, it would affect the oversight of teacher certifications, including the criteria for the issuance and renewal of educator certificates. The proposed changes aim to improve the quality of educators by ensuring that they are vetted and certified under the TEA, which would be responsible for maintaining high standards in alignment with state education requirements. Moreover, the TEA would manage funding distribution and monitoring of compliance with educational standards.

Summary

SB214 focuses on streamlining the functions of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and abolishing the State Board for Educator Certification. The bill proposes to transfer the existing duties of the certification board to the TEA, with the intent to enhance efficiency within the state's educational administration. By centralizing responsibilities, the bill aims to make the educator certification process more straightforward while ensuring that educators meet quality standards for public education.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB214 is the potential loss of independent oversight provided by the State Board for Educator Certification. Critics argue that centralizing authority within the TEA may lead to less transparency and accountability, potentially affecting the quality of educator preparation programs. There are concerns that the bill might diminish the focus on specific needs addressed by the certification board, particularly in engaging a diverse range of educators and addressing localized educational challenges. Proponents believe, however, that the restructuring will enhance educational outcomes by streamlining processes.

Companion Bills

TX HB1763

Identical Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Education Agency and to the abolition of the State Board for Educator Certification and the transfer of its functions to the Texas Education Agency; providing for the ad valorem tax rate to be imposed after annexation of an insolvent or inoperative school district.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1565

Relating to the functions of the Texas Water Development Board and continuation and functions of the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas Advisory Committee.

TX SB1351

Relating to the functions of the Texas Water Development Board and continuation and functions of the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas Advisory Committee.

TX SB58

Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators and assistance provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators and to certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX HB1530

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.

TX SB165

Relating to parental rights in public education and to audits of school district curricula by the Texas Education Agency.

TX HB1520

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department and the functions of the office of independent ombudsman for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

TX HB4188

Relating to the rights, certification, and compensation of public school educators, including financial and other assistance provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators and to certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX SB1397

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

TX SB1445

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement; authorizing a fee.

TX HB11

Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators, including financial and other assistance and waivers provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators, methods of instruction provided in public schools, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

Similar Bills

TX HB1763

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Education Agency and to the abolition of the State Board for Educator Certification and the transfer of its functions to the Texas Education Agency; providing for the ad valorem tax rate to be imposed after annexation of an insolvent or inoperative school district.

TX SB218

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Education Agency and to the abolition of the State Board for Educator Certification and the transfer of its functions to the Texas Education Agency; changing the amounts of certain fees and providing for the ad valorem tax rate to be imposed after annexation of an insolvent or inoperative school district.

TX HB2983

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Education Agency and to the abolition of the State Board for Educator Certification and the transfer of its functions to the Texas Education Agency; changing the amounts of certain fees.

TX SB3

Relating to public school accountability, curriculum, and promotion requirements.

TX HB3

Relating to public school accountability, curriculum, and promotion requirements.

TX SB653

Relating to the eligibility of certain employees or annuitants convicted of certain felony offenses.

TX SB571

Relating to the reporting and investigation of certain misconduct and child abuse and neglect; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB7

Relating to parental rights in public education, to the creation of the office of inspector general at the Texas Education Agency, and to the reporting of certain misconduct and child abuse and neglect; creating a criminal offense.