Texas House Bill HB709

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/2/09
• Voted on by House: 4/15/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/8/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/21/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/23/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the award of stipends to nationally certified classroom teachers under the educator excellence awards program.

Impact

The passing of HB 709 signifies a commitment to improving educational standards in Texas through financial incentives for qualified teachers. By focusing on nationally certified educators, the bill aims to attract and retain high-quality teaching staff, which is crucial for enhancing student performance across the state. The directive for districts to utilize grant funds for this purpose is expected to lead to increased motivation among teachers, as the recognition of their efforts can directly impact their compensation, promoting a culture of excellence in education.

Summary

House Bill 709 aims to enhance the Educator Excellence Awards program by providing stipends specifically to nationally certified classroom teachers. The bill mandates that school districts must allocate at least 60% of grant funds for direct awards to classroom teachers who are successful in improving student outcomes, as judged by objective assessments. This initiative is intended to recognize and incentivize teaching excellence, particularly among teachers who have achieved national certification and those serving in critical shortage areas. The bill reflects an effort to improve the quality of education in Texas by rewarding teachers for their effectiveness in the classroom.

Contention

While HB 709 appears to have positive aspirations, it may also face challenges regarding the fair distribution of funds and the determination of 'meaningful, objective measures' for assessing teacher effectiveness. Questions may arise over the criteria set by the commissioner for designating 'critical shortage' subjects, potentially leading to disparities in stipend allocation. Additionally, opponents may argue about the sustainability of funding these stipends, particularly in economically strained districts. The bill's implementation will thus require careful oversight to ensure equitable access to resources across diverse school districts.