S.B. No. 2262
AN ACT
relating to the administration of mathematics, science, and
technology teacher preparation academies at institutions of higher
education.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 21.462, Education Code, is transferred
to Subchapter C, Chapter 61, Education Code, redesignated as
Section 61.0766, Education Code, and amended to read as follows:
Sec. 61.0766 [21.462]. MATHEMATICS, SCIENCE, AND
TECHNOLOGY TEACHER PREPARATION ACADEMIES. (a) From funds
appropriated for that purpose, the board [Texas Higher Education
Coordinating Board] shall establish academies at institutions of
higher education to improve the instructional skills of teachers
certified under Subchapter B, Chapter 21, and train students
enrolled in a teacher preparation program to perform at the highest
levels in mathematics, science, and technology. The
[coordinating] board may adopt rules as necessary to administer
this section.
(b) Before an institution of higher education establishes
an academy under this section, the institution must apply through a
competitive process, as determined by the board [Texas Higher
Education Coordinating Board], and meet any requirements
established by the [coordinating] board for designation as an
academy under this section and continued funding. The
institution of higher education must have a teacher preparation
program approved by the State Board for Educator Certification or
be affiliated with a program approved by the State Board for
Educator Certification [board].
(c) A participant in an academy program must be:
(1) an experienced teacher who:
(A) is recommended by a school district; and
(B) has at least two [five] years experience
teaching mathematics, science, or technology in assignments for
which the teacher met all certification requirements; or
(2) a teacher preparation program candidate who has or
will graduate with a degree in mathematics, science, or technology.
(d) An academy program shall:
(1) offer a masters-level degree as part of the
program on a schedule that allows a teacher participant to complete
the program and degree while employed as a teacher;
(2) coordinate with the mathematics, science, and
technology departments of the institution of higher education
operating the program to facilitate the ability of:
(A) academy participants to take advanced
courses and qualify for degrees; and
(B) teacher preparation program candidates
pursuing mathematics, science, or technology degrees to
participate in academy programs;
(3) integrate advanced subject-matter coursework with
instructional methodology and curriculum delivery; and
(4) focus on strengthening instructional skills.
(e) An academy program may:
(1) provide financial assistance for the purpose of
allowing participants to complete the program and obtain a master
teacher certificate under Section 21.0482, 21.0483, or 21.0484;
(2) include programs in leadership skills to develop
training, mentoring, and coaching skills;
(3) deliver coursework electronically for some or all
of the program; and
(4) provide for ongoing professional development and
coordination with specific public school instructional programs.
SECTION 2. Section 39.363, Education Code, is amended to
read as follows:
Sec. 39.363. FUNDING FOR CERTAIN PROGRAMS. (a) From funds
appropriated, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall
allocate $8.75 million each year to establish mathematics, science,
and technology teacher preparation academies under Section 61.0766
[21.462] and implement and administer the program under Section
29.098.
(b) The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall
establish mathematics, science, and technology teacher preparation
academies under Section 61.0766 [21.462] and implement and
administer the program under Section 29.098 in a manner consistent
with the goals of this subchapter and the goals in "Closing the
Gaps," the state's master plan for higher education.
SECTION 3. Subsection (b), Section 39.365, Education Code,
is amended to read as follows:
(b) Not later than March 1 and September 1 of each year, the
commissioner of education shall prepare and deliver a progress
report to the presiding officers of the standing committees of each
house of the legislature with primary jurisdiction over public
education, the Legislative Budget Board, and the Governor's Office
of Policy and Planning on:
(1) the implementation of Sections 7.031, 21.4511,
21.4541, [21.462,] 28.008(d-1), 28.0212(d), 29.095-29.098, 29.911,
29.917-29.919, and 39.115 and this subchapter;
(2) the programs supported by grants approved under
this subchapter; and
(3) the alignment of grants and programs to the
strategic plan adopted under Section 39.357.
SECTION 4. 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.
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 2262 passed the Senate on
April 30, 2009, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 2262 passed the House on
May 27, 2009, by the following vote: Yeas 148, Nays 0, one
present not voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
Approved:
______________________________
Date
______________________________
Governor