83R9239 JSL-D By: Seliger S.B. No. 666 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to public school educator preparation and alternative certification programs. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 21, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 21.0453 to read as follows: Sec. 21.0453. INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES FOR TEACHER CERTIFICATION. (a) The board shall require an educator preparation program to provide candidates for teacher certification with information concerning the following: (1) skills and responsibilities required of teachers; (2) expectations for student performance based on state standards; (3) the current supply of and demand for teachers in this state; (4) the importance of developing classroom management skills; and (5) the state's framework for appraisal of teachers and principals. (b) The board may propose rules as necessary for administration of this section, including rules to ensure that accurate and consistent information is provided by all educator preparation programs. SECTION 2. Subchapter B, Chapter 21, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 21.061 to read as follows: Sec. 21.061. PERIODIC REVIEW AND UPDATING OF EDUCATOR PREPARATION AND ALTERNATIVE CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS. The State Board for Educator Certification shall, after consulting with appropriate higher education faculty and public school teachers and administrators and soliciting advice from other interested persons with relevant knowledge and experience, develop and carry out a process for reviewing and, as necessary, updating standards and requirements for educator preparation and alternative certification programs. The process must require the review and any necessary updating to be carried out at least once every five years. SECTION 3. The State Board for Educator Certification shall complete an initial review of and implement any updated standards and requirements for educator preparation and alternative certification programs as required by Section 21.061, Education Code, as added by this Act, not later than September 1, 2014. 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, 2013.