81R2574 CAS-D
By: Swinford H.B. No. 2812
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the curriculum, funding, promotion, and economic impact
of career and technology education in public educational
institutions.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 28, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 28.00221 to read as follows:
Sec. 28.00221. CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION CURRICULUM
EVALUATION COMMITTEE. (a) The Career and Technology Education
Curriculum Evaluation Committee is composed of:
(1) the commissioner of education;
(2) the commissioner of higher education;
(3) the comptroller;
(4) the executive director of the Texas Workforce
Commission; and
(5) an employee of the agency's career and technology
education unit, appointed by the commissioner of education.
(b) The Career and Technology Education Curriculum
Evaluation Committee shall:
(1) consult with and advise the State Board of
Education concerning a rigorous career and technology education
curriculum;
(2) determine the courses for each subject of the
foundation curriculum that are required to be completed for the
career and technology education curriculum recommended and
advanced high school programs under Section 28.025(b-1)(1)(B)(ii);
(3) determine dual credit courses for career and
technology students, as defined by Section 28.009, that satisfy
requirements under Sections 28.009(a)(2) and
28.025(b-1)(1)(B)(ii); and
(4) designate, in accordance with Section
39.025(a-2), the licenses, certificates, and other credentials
earned by students that are considered to be the equivalent of
satisfactory performance on end-of-course assessment instruments.
(c) The commissioner of education and the commissioner of
higher education serve as co-chairs of the committee.
(d) The committee shall meet at the call of the co-chairs.
(e) From funds appropriated to the committee, a member of
the committee is entitled to reimbursement for actual and necessary
expenses incurred in performing committee duties.
(f) Employees of the agency's career and technology
education unit shall serve as the staff of the committee.
SECTION 2. Section 28.009(b), Education Code, is amended to
read as follows:
(b) The agency shall coordinate with the Texas Higher
Education Coordinating Board as necessary in administering this
section. The agency shall coordinate with the Career and
Technology Education Curriculum Evaluation Committee established
under Section 28.00221 in designating dual credit courses under
this section.
SECTION 3. Sections 28.025(b-1) and (b-2), Education Code,
are amended to read as follows:
(b-1) The State Board of Education by rule shall require
that:
(1) except as provided by Subsection (b-2), the
curriculum requirements for the recommended and advanced high
school programs under Subsection (a) include a requirement that
students successfully complete:
(A) four courses in each subject of the
foundation curriculum under Section 28.002(a)(1); or
(B) a career and technology education curriculum
that:
(i) provides, as determined by the board in
consultation with the Career and Technology Education Curriculum
Evaluation Committee established under Section 28.00221, a program
of rigorous, standards-based course work designed to prepare
students for obtaining a license, certificate, or other credential
required for employment in a field of business or industry; and
(ii) prescribes successful completion of
courses in subjects of the foundation curriculum under Section
28.002(a)(1), as determined by the Career and Technology Education
Curriculum Evaluation Committee; and
(2) one or more courses offered in the required
curriculum for the recommended and advanced high school programs
include a research writing component.
(b-2) In adopting rules under Subsection (b-1), the State
Board of Education shall allow a student to comply with the
curriculum requirements for a mathematics course under Subsection
(b-1)(1)(A) [(b-1)(1)] taken after the successful completion of an
Algebra II course or science course under Subsection (b-1)(1)(A)
[(b-1)(1)] taken after the successful completion of a physics
course by successfully completing an advanced career and technology
[technical] course designated by the State Board of Education as
containing substantively similar and rigorous academic content. A
student may use the option provided by this subsection for not more
than two courses.
SECTION 4. Section 28.0252(a), Education Code, is amended
to read as follows:
(a) The commissioner may develop a standard method of
computing a student's high school grade point average that provides
for additional weight to be given to each honors course, advanced
placement course, international baccalaureate course, or dual
credit course completed by a student. If the commissioner develops
the standard method under this subsection, the commissioner shall
provide for including in a student's high school grade point
average credit for each career and technology education course that
is:
(1) successfully completed by the student; and
(2) approved by the Career and Technology Education
Curriculum Evaluation Committee established under Section 28.00221
or the State Board of Education, as applicable.
SECTION 5. Section 39.025, Education Code, is amended by
adding Subsection (a-2) to read as follows:
(a-2) Notwithstanding Subsection (a) or any other provision
of this code, the Career and Technology Education Curriculum
Evaluation Committee established under Section 28.00221 shall
designate at least one license, certificate, or other credential
that, if earned by a student in connection with a particular course,
is considered to be for all practicable purposes, including for
purposes of earning a high school diploma, the equivalent of
satisfactory performance on the end-of-course assessment
instrument for that course. The committee also shall establish for
purposes of Subsection (a) the score a student will be considered to
have earned on the end-of-course assessment instrument for earning
a license, certificate, or other credential designated by the
committee. The committee may base the score in whole or in part on
the score the student earns on an examination required for the
license, certificate, or other credential. Earning a license,
certificate, or credential is not considered the equivalent of
answering particular questions on an end-of-course assessment
instrument for purposes of Section 51.3062.
SECTION 6. Subchapter H, Chapter 39, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 39.186 to read as follows:
Sec. 39.186. REPORT ON EFFECT OF LAW AND RULES ON CAREER AND
TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION ENROLLMENT. Not later than December 1 of each
even-numbered year, the agency shall prepare and deliver to the
governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of
representatives, each member of the legislature, and the clerks of
the standing committees of the senate and house of representatives
with primary jurisdiction over the public school system a report
concerning the extent to which, if any, this code or a rule adopted
under this code, including a standard method for computing a
student's grade point average adopted by the commissioner under
Section 28.0252, prevents or discourages a student from enrolling
in a career and technology education course.
SECTION 7. Subchapter C, Chapter 61, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 61.0593 to read as follows:
Sec. 61.0593. INCENTIVE FUNDING FOR TECHNICAL EDUCATION
PROGRAMS. (a) Any funding appropriated or allocated for a public
junior college, public state college, or public technical institute
technical education program that is based on incentives, such as
higher funding amounts for improved student academic performance,
must include consideration of any economic benefit the program
provides to the state. That consideration must be based on a
cost-benefit analysis and determination by the board, on the basis
of that analysis, of whether the state will benefit economically
from investment in the program. In making a determination under
this subsection, the board shall consider to be an economic benefit
to the state a student's preparation, as a result of participation
in a college or institute's technical education program, to enter
the workforce, as measured by job placements of program
participants.
(b) If any incentive funding for a public junior college,
public state college, or public technical institute technical
education program is based on the program completion rates by
students, the board shall consider a student who withdraws from the
program for employment related to the program to have completed the
program.
SECTION 8. Subchapter C, Chapter 61, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 61.0663 to read as follows:
Sec. 61.0663. ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY. (a) To assess the
economic benefits and preparation for employment provided by public
institutions of higher education, the board shall identify students
enrolled in the public education system and collect data on which
postsecondary program, if any, the students enroll in and the type
of employment the students obtain following completion of high
school or the program, as applicable.
(b) The board, in consultation with the Texas Education
Agency, the Texas Workforce Commission, and the comptroller, shall
use the education and employment data collected under Subsection
(a), and any additional relevant data, to assess the economic
impact of secondary and postsecondary training and education. The
information must be produced in a manner that:
(1) demonstrates patterns of postsecondary enrollment
and employment placement;
(2) provides an assessment of the economic benefits of
institutions of higher education and programs at those institutions
to students and the state; and
(3) provides an assessment of the economic benefit of
public education programs that prepare students who transition
directly to postsecondary employment.
(c) The information produced under this section must be
capable of electronic dissemination and made available to the
public in a format that assists students in making decisions
regarding education and career choices.
(d) This section does not authorize the disclosure of
student information that may not be disclosed under the Family
Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (20 U.S.C. Section
1232g). The board, in conjunction with the commissioner of
education, the comptroller, and the Texas Workforce Commission,
shall adopt rules to protect the confidentiality of student
information.
SECTION 9. Section 61.0762, Education Code, is amended to
read as follows:
Sec. 61.0762. PROGRAMS TO ENHANCE STUDENT SUCCESS. (a) To
implement the college readiness and success strategic action plan
adopted under Section 61.0761 and to enhance the success of
students at institutions of higher education, the board by rule
shall develop:
(1) summer higher education bridge programs in the
subject areas of mathematics, science, and English language arts;
(2) incentive programs for institutions of higher
education that implement research-based, innovative developmental
education initiatives;
(3) financial assistance programs for educationally
disadvantaged students, as defined by Section 5.001, who take
college entrance and college readiness assessment instruments;
(4) professional development programs for faculty of
institutions of higher education on college readiness standards and
the implications of such standards on instruction; and
(5) other programs as determined by the board that
support the participation and success goals in "Closing the Gaps,"
the state's master plan for higher education.
(b) As one of the programs adopted under Subsection (a)(5),
the board shall establish education resource centers to create
within school communities interest in and information concerning
attendance at institutions of higher education. Each center must
attempt to coordinate among students, parents, school counselors,
and institutions of higher education in providing access to
resources helpful in preparation for attendance at and admission to
institutions of higher education. One or more persons associated
with each center shall be trained and able to assist the families of
high school students complete the Free Application for Federal
Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Each center shall provide information
concerning career and technical education, including certification
and licensing requirements and available course and career options
and degree programs. A center under this subsection may be located
on a high school or middle school campus or at a site within a
community that is conveniently located to many students, such as a
public library or local workforce or community center, or may be a
mobile center that visits schools or other places where students
are likely to gather.
(c) The board shall conduct ongoing evaluations of programs
developed under Subsection (a) and any other programs developed to
provide information concerning postsecondary educational or
employment opportunities to determine the effectiveness of the
programs in meeting the goals of "Closing the Gaps," the state's
master plan for higher education.
(d) In conjunction with the comptroller, the board shall
develop an Internet website for the purpose of providing
information to the public about postsecondary educational and
employment opportunities. The website shall provide information in
English and Spanish concerning:
(1) career and technical education programs that
integrate academic, technical, and career skills that lead to a
license, certificate, or postsecondary degree;
(2) available employment opportunities and the
educational requirements needed for employment at entry and
advanced levels;
(3) which occupations are considered high-demand
under Section 29.186;
(4) the skills needed and the available avenues for
obtaining employment in a high-demand occupation; and
(5) how to obtain financial aid and what forms of
financial aid are available to students entering certain
occupations.
(e) For the purpose of developing the Internet website under
Subsection (d), the board may require the Texas Education Agency to
provide information on educational programs and outcomes and the
Texas Workforce Commission to provide information on workforce
programs and outcomes.
SECTION 10. Subtitle G, Title 3, Education Code, is amended
by adding Chapter 134 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 134. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS
SUBCHAPTER A. JOBS AND EDUCATION FOR TEXANS (JET) GRANT PROGRAM
Sec. 134.001. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter, "public
junior college" and "public technical institute" have the meanings
assigned by Section 61.003.
Sec. 134.002. JOBS AND EDUCATION FOR TEXANS (JET) FUND. (a)
The comptroller shall establish and administer the Jobs and
Education for Texans (JET) fund as a dedicated account in the
general revenue fund.
(b) The following amounts shall be deposited in the fund:
(1) any amounts appropriated by the legislature for
the fund for purposes of this subchapter;
(2) interest earned on the investment of money in the
fund; and
(3) gifts, grants, and other donations received for
the fund.
Sec. 134.003. ADVISORY BOARD. (a) An advisory board of
education and workforce stakeholders is created to assist the
comptroller in administering this chapter.
(b) The advisory board is composed of seven members who
serve two-year terms and are appointed as follows:
(1) one member appointed by the governor;
(2) one member appointed by the lieutenant governor;
(3) one member appointed by the speaker of the house of
representatives;
(4) one member appointed by the Texas Higher Education
Coordinating Board;
(5) one member appointed by the Texas Workforce
Commission;
(6) one member of the public appointed by the
comptroller; and
(7) the comptroller, who serves as the chairperson.
(c) The advisory board shall meet at least once each quarter
to review received applications and recommend awarding grants under
this subchapter.
Sec. 134.004. JOBS AND EDUCATION FOR TEXANS (JET) GRANT
PROGRAM. The comptroller shall establish and administer the Jobs
and Education for Texans (JET) Grant Program to provide grants to
public junior colleges and public technical institutes that apply
to the advisory board in the manner prescribed by the advisory
board. The comptroller shall award the grants on the advice and
recommendations of the advisory board. Grants may be awarded under
this subchapter from the JET fund for the following purposes:
(1) to expand and support programs that meet the
requirements of Section 134.005 and that prepare low-income
students for careers in high-demand occupations;
(2) to defray the start-up costs associated with the
development of new career and technical education programs that
meet the requirements of Section 134.006; and
(3) to provide scholarships for students in career and
technical education programs who meet the requirements of Section
134.007.
Sec. 134.005. GRANTS FOR INNOVATIVE AND SUCCESSFUL
PROGRAMS. (a) The comptroller may award a grant for the
development of programs to prepare low-income students for careers
in high-demand occupations.
(b) To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a
program must:
(1) provide assistance to those students in preparing
for, applying to, and enrolling in a public junior college or public
technical institute; and
(2) demonstrate to the satisfaction of the advisory
board:
(A) above average completion of developmental
education among participating public junior college or public
technical institute students;
(B) above average persistence rates among
participating public junior college or public technical institute
students;
(C) above average certificate or degree
completion rates by participating students within a three-year
period compared to demographically comparable public junior
college and public technical institute students; and
(D) employment of participating students at an
average full-time starting wage that is equal to or greater than
the prevailing wage for the occupation entered.
(c) To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a
public junior college or public technical institute must provide
matching funds in accordance with rules adopted under Section
134.008. The matching funds may be obtained from any source
available to the college or institute, including in-kind
contributions, community or foundation grants, individual
contributions, and local governmental agency operating funds.
(d) Grants awarded under this section must be awarded in a
manner that takes a balanced geographical distribution into
consideration.
Sec. 134.006. FUNDING FOR CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION
PROGRAMS. (a) The comptroller may award a grant for the
development of new career and technical education courses or
programs at public junior colleges and public technical institutes.
(b) A grant received under this section may be used only:
(1) to support courses or programs that prepare
students for career employment in occupations that are identified
by local businesses as being in high demand;
(2) to finance initial costs of career and technical
education course or program development, including the costs of
constructing or renovating facilities, purchasing equipment, and
other expenses associated with the development of a new course; and
(3) to finance a career and technical education course
or program that leads to a license, certificate, or postsecondary
degree.
(c) In awarding a grant under this section, the comptroller
shall primarily consider the potential economic returns to the
state from the development of the career and technical education
course or program, and may consider whether the course or program is
part of a new, emerging industry or high-demand occupation.
(d) To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a
public junior college or public technical institute must provide
matching funds in accordance with rules adopted under Section
134.008. The matching funds may be obtained from any source
available to the college, including in-kind contributions,
industry consortia, community or foundation grants, individual
contributions, and local governmental agency operating funds.
Sec. 134.007. SCHOLARSHIPS. (a) The comptroller may award
a scholarship to a public junior college or public technical
institute student.
(b) To be eligible to receive a scholarship under this
section, a student must:
(1) demonstrate financial need; and
(2) be enrolled in a training program for a
high-demand occupation, as determined by the comptroller on the
recommendation of the advisory board.
Sec. 134.008. RULES. The comptroller shall adopt rules as
necessary for the administration of this subchapter.
SECTION 11. Not later than January 1, 2010, the Career and
Technology Education Curriculum Evaluation Committee established
under Section 28.00221, Education Code, as added by this Act shall:
(1) determine courses for purposes of Section
28.025(b-1)(1)(B)(ii), Education Code, as added by this Act;
(2) determine dual credit courses that may be used to
satisfy the career and technology education curriculum recommended
and advanced high school program and institution of higher
education credit requirements, as required by Section
28.00221(b)(3), Education Code, as added by this Act; and
(3) designate the licenses, certificates, and other
credentials considered to be the equivalent of satisfactory
performance on end-of-course assessment instruments, as required
by Section 39.025(a-2), Education Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 12. Not later than March 1, 2010, the State Board of
Education shall adopt rules as required by Section 28.025(b-1),
Education Code, as amended by this Act. The rules shall provide
that the curriculum requirements for the recommended and advanced
high school programs adopted under that subsection apply to a
student regardless of the school year in which the student entered
the ninth grade.
SECTION 13. Not later than January 1, 2010, the comptroller
of public accounts shall begin studying the feasibility of:
(1) basing a portion of all public postsecondary
technical training program funding on the economic benefit of the
program to the state; and
(2) for purposes of Subdivision (1) of this section,
estimating the amount of any additional tax revenue generated by
employers that is a result of the ability of public junior colleges,
public state colleges, or public technical institutes, as those
terms are defined by Section 61.003, Education Code, to prepare
students for employment fields for which there is employer demand.
SECTION 14. Section 61.0593, Education Code, as added by
this Act, applies to incentive funding for public institutions of
higher education beginning with the 2011-2012 state fiscal year.
SECTION 15. This Act takes effect immediately if it
receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each
house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.
If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate
effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2009.