By: Van de Putte, West S.B. No. 451
(In the Senate - Filed January 9, 2009; February 17, 2009,
read first time and referred to Committee on Education;
March 25, 2009, reported adversely, with favorable Committee
Substitute by the following vote: Yeas 9, Nays 0; March 25, 2009,
sent to printer.)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR S.B. No. 451 By: Van de Putte
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 training
based on scientifically based research, as defined by Section 9101,
No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (20 U.S.C. Section 7801), 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 if the educator does not
possess the knowledge and skills necessary to implement the
individualized education program developed for a student receiving
instruction from the educator. A district may determine the time
and place at which the training is delivered.
(f) In developing or maintaining 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, qualified
district personnel, 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.
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