Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1555

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to requirements for state educator certification examinations.

Impact

If enacted, SB1555 would significantly impact Texas's education system by reinforcing the assessment standards for certification exams. The legislation intends to create a uniform measure of educator competence, thereby enhancing the quality of education provided by certified teachers. The effective implementation of the performance standards could lead to an improvement in educator preparedness and, ultimately, student outcomes. The bill stipulates that the board should determine the required performance levels by a specified date, thus pressing for timely compliance in raising educational standards.

Summary

SB1555 addresses the requirements for state educator certification examinations in Texas. The bill mandates that the State Board for Educator Certification propose rules that establish comprehensive examinations for each class of certificate issued. It emphasizes that a satisfactory performance level must be determined for each certification examination, particularly for generalist certificates, which will require satisfactory performance across all core subjects covered in the exam. The bill aims to ensure that educators meet a consistent performance standard that reflects their knowledge and capabilities in the classroom.

Contention

While the bill is generally viewed as a step towards ensuring high-quality educator certification, there may be points of contention regarding the specifics of the performance criteria and the methods used to evaluate educators. Discussions might arise around the potential for increased pressure on candidates to perform well on exams, which could be perceived as an examination-centric approach to certification instead of a holistic evaluation of teaching capabilities. Advocates for alternative assessment methods may argue that standardized tests do not adequately capture the diverse skills and competencies that effective educators possess.

Companion Bills

TX HB3484

Identical Relating to requirements for state educator certification examinations.

Previously Filed As

TX SB2231

Relating to teacher certification examinations in bilingual target language proficiency and to certification requirements for teachers in bilingual education.

TX HB1124

Relating to creating abbreviated educator preparation programs for certification in marketing education and certification in health science technology education.

TX HB49

Relating to creating abbreviated educator preparation programs for certification in marketing education and certification in health science technology education.

TX SB9

Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators, including financial and other assistance and waivers provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators, methods of instruction provided in public schools, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX SB544

Relating to the issuance of a temporary teaching certificate to and requirements regarding educator certification for certain persons with experience as instructors for the Community College of the Air Force.

TX SB58

Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators and assistance provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators and to certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX SB1429

Relating to the use of standardized examinations by a school of nursing or educational program.

TX HB11

Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators, including financial and other assistance and waivers provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators, methods of instruction provided in public schools, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX SB588

Relating to creating a temporary educator certification for certain military service members and first responders.

TX SB1887

Relating to the requirements for the early college education program and the transfer of course credit among public institutions of higher education.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.