83R10729 CAS-D
By: Clardy H.B. No. 3662
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the Texas Workforce Innovation Needs Program.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter Z, Chapter 29, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 29.922 to read as follows:
Sec. 29.922. TEXAS WORKFORCE INNOVATION NEEDS PROGRAM. (a)
In this section, "program" means the Texas Workforce Innovation
Needs Program.
(b) The Texas Workforce Innovation Needs Program is
established to:
(1) provide selected school districts and public
institutions of higher education with the opportunity to establish
innovative programs designed to prepare students for careers for
which there is demand in this state; and
(2) use the results of those programs to inform the
governor, legislature, and commissioner concerning methods for
transforming public and higher education in this state by improving
student learning and career preparedness.
(c) To apply to participate in the program, a school
district or public institution of higher education must use the
form and apply in the time and manner established by commissioner
rule. The application process must require each applicant district
or institution of higher education to submit a detailed plan as
required by Subsection (d) of the instruction and accountability
the applicant would provide under the program.
(d) A plan submitted under Subsection (c):
(1) must, to the greatest extent appropriate for the
grade or higher education levels served under the program:
(A) be designed to support improved instruction
of and learning by students and provide evidence of the accurate
assessment of the quality of learning on campus;
(B) focus on engagement of students in
competency-based learning as necessary to earn postsecondary
credentials, including:
(i) career and technical certificates;
(ii) associate's degrees;
(iii) bachelor's degrees; and
(iv) graduate degrees;
(C) incorporate career and technical courses
into dual enrollment courses or into the early college education
program under Section 29.908 to provide students the opportunity to
earn a career or technical certificate or associate's degree;
(D) describe any waiver of an applicable
prohibition, requirement, or restriction for which the district or
institution of higher education intends to apply; and
(E) include any other information required by
commissioner rule; and
(2) may, if submitted by a school district, designate
one or more campuses rather than the entire district to participate
in the program.
(e) From among the school districts and institutions of
higher education that apply as required under this section, the
commissioner may select not more than 10 participants for the
program. The commissioner shall select those applicant school
districts and institutions of higher education that present the
plans that are most likely to be effective in producing the next
generation of higher performing public schools and institutions of
higher education that provide education and training in an
innovative form and manner to prepare students for careers for
which there is demand in this state.
(f) The commissioner shall convene program leaders
periodically to discuss methods to transform learning
opportunities for all students, build cross-institution support
systems and training, and share best practices tools and processes.
(g) A school district or institution of higher education
participating in the program or the commissioner may, for purposes
of this section, accept gifts, grants, or donations from any
source, including a private or governmental entity.
(h) To cover the costs of administering the program, the
commissioner may charge a fee to a school district or institution of
higher education participating in the program.
(i) In consultation with interested school districts,
institutions of higher education, and other appropriate interested
persons, the commissioner shall adopt rules as necessary for
purposes of this section.
(j) Not later than December 1, 2014, and not later than
December 1, 2016, with the assistance of school districts and
institutions of higher education participating in the program, the
commissioner shall submit to the governor and the legislature
reports concerning the performance and progress of the program
participants. The report submitted not later than December 1,
2014, must include any recommendation by the commissioner
concerning legislative authorization necessary for the
commissioner to waive a prohibition, requirement, or restriction
that applies to a program participant and other school district or
institution of higher education interested in beginning a similar
program. To prepare for implementation of a commissioner waiver,
the commissioner shall seek any necessary federal waiver. This
subsection expires January 1, 2020.
SECTION 2. 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, 2013.