81R2695 KKA-D
By: Patrick H.B. No. 511
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to staff development requirements in public schools.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 21.451, Education Code, is amended by
amending Subsection (d) and adding Subsections (e), (f), and (g) to
read as follows:
(d) The staff development [may]:
(1) may include training in:
(A) technology;
(B) conflict resolution; and
(C) discipline strategies, including classroom
management, district discipline policies, and the student code of
conduct adopted under Section 37.001 and Chapter 37; and
(2) subject to Subsection (e), must include
research-based training that:
(A) relates to instruction of students with
disabilities; and
(B) is designed for educators who work primarily
outside the area of special education.
(e) A school district is required to provide the training
described by Subsection (d)(2) to an educator who works primarily
outside the area of special education only on the recommendation of
the admission, review, and dismissal committee for a student
receiving instruction from the educator.
(f) In developing the training required by Subsection
(d)(2), a school district must consult with persons with expertise
in research-based practices for students with disabilities.
Persons who may be consulted under this subsection include
colleges, universities, private and nonprofit organizations,
regional education service centers, and any other persons
identified as qualified by the district. This subsection applies
to all training required by Subsection (d)(2), regardless of
whether the training is provided at the campus or district level.
(g) The staff development may[; and
[(3)] include instruction as to what is permissible
under law, including opinions of the United States Supreme Court
and guidance from the United States Department of Education,
regarding prayer in public school.
SECTION 2. This Act applies beginning with the 2009-2010
school year.
SECTION 3. 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.