Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2253 Compare Versions

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1	1		By: Creighton S.B. No. 2253
2		-	(In the Senate - Filed March 11, 2025; March 25, 2025, read
3		-	first time and referred to Committee on Education K-16;
4		-	April 9, 2025, reported adversely, with favorable Committee
5		-	Substitute by the following vote: Yeas 10, Nays 0; April 9, 2025,
6		-	sent to printer.)
7		-	Click here to see the committee vote
8		-	COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR S.B. No. 2253 By: Paxton
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9	4
10	5
11	6		A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
12	7		AN ACT
13		-	relating to the certification of public school ~~educators, including~~
14		-	~~financial~~ and ~~other assistance provided to public schools by~~ the
15		-	~~Texas Education Agency~~.
	8	+	relating to the preparation and certification of public school
	9	+	educators, and certain allotments under the Foundation School
	10	+	Program.
16	11		BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
17		-	SECTION 1. Section 12A.004(a), Education Code, is amended
18		-	to read as follows:
	12	+	SECTION 01. Section 12A.004(a), Education Code, is amended to
	13	+	read as follows:
19	14		(a) A local innovation plan may not provide for the
20	15		exemption of a district designated as a district of innovation from
21	16		the following provisions of this title:
22	17		(1) a state or federal requirement applicable to an
23	18		open-enrollment charter school operating under Subchapter D,
24	19		Chapter 12;
25	20		(2) Subchapters A, C, D, and E, Chapter 11, except that
26	21		a district may be exempt from Sections 11.1511(b)(5) and (14) and
27	22		Section 11.162;
28	23		(3) the employment of uncertified classroom teachers
29	24		under Section 21.0032;
30	25		(4) parental notification requirements under Section
31	26		21.057;
32	27		(5) state curriculum and graduation requirements
33	28		adopted under Chapter 28; and
34	29		(6) [(4)] academic and financial accountability and
35	30		sanctions under Chapters 39 and 39A.
36	31		SECTION 2. Section 19.007(g), Education Code, is amended to
37	32		read as follows:
38	33		(g) In addition to other amounts received by the district
39	34		under this section, the district is entitled to:
40	35		(1) state aid in the amount necessary to fund the
41	36		salary increases required by Section 19.009(d-2); and
42	37		(2) the preparing and retaining educators through
43	38		partnership program allotment under Section 48.157.
44	39		SECTION 3. Section 21.001, Education Code, is amended by
45	40		adding Subdivision (3-b) to read as follows:
46	41		(3-b) "Teacher of record" means a person employed by a
47	42		school district who teaches the majority of the instructional day
48	43		in an academic instructional setting and is responsible for
49	44		evaluating student achievement and assigning grades.
50	45		SECTION 4. Subchapter A, Chapter 21, Education Code, is
51		-	amended by adding Sections 21.0032 and 21.0033 to read as follows:
52		-	Sec. 21.0032. EMPLOYMENT OF UNCERTIFIED CLASSROOM
53		-	TEACHERS. (a) A school district may not employ as a classroom
54		-	teacher for a course in the foundation curriculum under Section
55		-	28.002 a person who does not hold an appropriate certificate or
56		-	permit issued by the State Board for Educator Certification under
57		-	Subchapter B.
58		-	(a-1) Notwithstanding Subsection (a), on the receipt and
59		-	approval of a plan submitted by a school district to the
60		-	commissioner that provides a reasonable timeline and strategy to
61		-	comply with that subsection before the beginning of the 2029-2030
62		-	school year, the commissioner may allow the district to delay
63		-	implementation of the requirement of that subsection. This
64		-	subsection expires September 1, 2030.
65		-	(a-2) Notwithstanding Subsection (a), for the 2026-2027
	46	+	amended by adding Section 21.0032 and 21.0033 to read as follows:
	47	+	Sec. 21.0032. EMPLOYMENT OF UNCERTIFIED CLASSROOM TEACHERS.
	48	+	(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b) and (d), a school
	49	+	district may not employ as a classroom teacher for a course in the
	50	+	foundation curriculum under Section 28.002 a person who does not
	51	+	hold an appropriate certificate or permit issued by the State Board
	52	+	for Educator Certification under Subchapter B.
	53	+	(b) If the commissioner approves a plan submitted by the
	54	+	school district, the commissioner may delay the application of
	55	+	Subsection (a) if the plan provides a reasonable timeline and
	56	+	strategy to come into compliance with Subsection (a) no later than
	57	+	the 2029-2030 school year.
	58	+	(c) Notwithstanding Subsection (a), for the 2026-2027
66	59		school year, a school district may employ as a teacher of record for
67	60		a course other than a reading language arts or mathematics course in
68		-	grade five or below a person who does not hold an appropriate
69		-	certificate or permit issued by the State Board for Educator
70		-	Certification under Subchapter B. This subsection expires
71		-	September 1, 2027.
72		-	(b) This section does not preclude a school district from:
73		-	(1) receiving a waiver under Section 7.056; or
74		-	(2) issuing a school district teaching permit under
75		-	Section 21.055.
76		-	Sec. 21.0033. TEACHER CERTIFICATION INCENTIVE. (a) From
	61	+	a grade level at or below grade five a person who does not hold an
	62	+	appropriate certificate or permit issued by the State Board for
	63	+	Educator Certification under Subchapter B.
	64	+	(d) The requirements of this section do not supersede
	65	+	waivers under Section 7.056 or authorizations under 21.055.
	66	+	Sec. 21.0033. INCENTIVE TO CERTIFY TEACHERS. (a) From
77	67		money appropriated or otherwise available for the purpose, the
78	68		agency shall provide to each school district a one-time payment of
79	69		$1,000 for each classroom teacher employed by the district who:
80	70		(1) was hired for the 2022-2023 or 2023-2024 school
81	71		year as a first-year teacher;
82	72		(2) was uncertified on January 1, 2025;
83	73		(3) earned a standard certificate under Subchapter B
84	74		by the end of the 2025-2026 school year; and
85	75		(4) was continuously employed by the district since
86	76		the school year described by Subdivision (1).
87	77		(b) This section expires September 1, 2027.
88	78		SECTION 5. Section 21.041, Education Code, is amended by
89	79		adding Subsection (e) to read as follows:
90	80		(e) A rule proposed by the board under this section relating
91	81		to educator preparation is not subject to Section 2001.0045,
92	82		Government Code.
93	83		SECTION 6. Subchapter B, Chapter 21, Education Code, is
94	84		amended by adding Sections 21.0412, 21.04421, 21.04422, and
95	85		21.04423 to read as follows:
96	86		Sec. 21.0412. TYPES OF TEACHING CERTIFICATES. (a) In
97	87		proposing rules specifying the types of teaching certificates to be
98	88		issued under this subchapter, the board shall provide for a
99	89		candidate to be issued:
100		-	(1) a standard certificate if the candidate satisfies:
101		-	(A) all traditional teacher preparation
102		-	requirements under Section 21.04421; or
103		-	(B) the applicable alternative teacher
104		-	preparation requirements under Section 21.04423;
105		-	(2) a residency standard certificate if the candidate
106		-	satisfies all requirements of the teacher residency preparation
107		-	route established under Section 21.04422;
	90	+	(1) a standard certificate if the candidate satisfies
	91	+	all traditional teacher preparation requirements under Section
	92	+	21.04421 or all alternative teacher preparation requirements under
	93	+	Section 21.04423;
	94	+	(2) an enhanced standard certificate if the candidate
	95	+	satisfies all requirements of the teacher residency standard
	96	+	preparation route established under Section 21.04422;
108	97		(3) an intern with preservice experience certificate,
109	98		which expires one year after issuance unless modified by the board,
110	99		if the candidate has yet to satisfy all requirements for
111	100		certification for a preservice alternative teacher preparation
112	101		route established under Section 21.04423(1) but has completed a
113	102		sufficient number of preservice practice hours to serve as a
114	103		teacher of record; and
115	104		(4) an intern certificate, which expires two years
116	105		after issuance unless modified by the board, if the candidate has
117	106		yet to satisfy all requirements for certification for an
118	107		alternative teacher preparation route established under Section
119	108		21.04423(2) but has met all board requirements to serve as a teacher
120	109		of record.
121		-	(b) Rules proposed under Subsection (a)(2) may not require a
122		-	candidate to pass a pedagogy examination unless the examination
	110	+	(b) Rules proposed under Subsection (a)(2) may not require
	111	+	a candidate to pass a pedagogy examination unless the examination
123	112		tests subject-specific content appropriate for the grade level and
124	113		subject area for which the candidate seeks certification.
125	114		(c) A candidate for a certification described by Subsection
126	115		(a) must meet all other requirements imposed under this subchapter
127	116		or board rule applicable to the candidate's certification.
128	117		(d) This section does not prohibit the board from proposing
129	118		rules that provide for certifications other than the certifications
130	119		described by Subsection (a), including specialized certifications
131	120		and other types and classes of certifications.
132	121		Sec. 21.04421. TRADITIONAL TEACHER PREPARATION. (a) In
133	122		proposing rules under this subchapter regarding training
134	123		requirements for a candidate seeking certification through a
135	124		traditional teacher preparation route in which a candidate may
136	125		concurrently receive an undergraduate or master's degree and a
137	126		certification to teach a subject area at a particular grade level,
138		-	the board shall require the candidate to complete substantial
	127	+	the board shall:
	128	+	(1) require preservice practice be provided through a
	129	+	formal partnership between the educator preparation program and a
	130	+	school district or open-enrollment charter school; and
	131	+	(2) require the candidate to complete substantial
139	132		preservice practice in a prekindergarten through grade 12 classroom
140		-	that:
141		-	(1) is provided through a formal partnership entered
142		-	into between the candidate's educator preparation program and a
143		-	school district or open-enrollment charter school; and
144		-	(2) includes practicing the skills learned from the
145		-	instruction described by Sections 21.0443(b)(3) and (4).
	133	+	that includes practicing the skills learned from the instruction
	134	+	described by Sections 21.0443(b)(3) and (4).
146	135		(b) The rules proposed under Subsection (a) must require
147	136		training to be provided synchronously. The board may approve
148	137		components of the training to be delivered asynchronously on
149	138		application by an educator preparation program.
150	139		Sec. 21.04422. TEACHER RESIDENCY PREPARATION. (a) The
151	140		board shall propose rules under this subchapter to create a teacher
152		-	residency preparation route.
	141	+	residency standard preparation route.
153	142		(b) In proposing rules for a teacher residency preparation
154	143		route under this section, the board must require that the program:
155	144		(1) use research-based best practices for recruiting
156	145		and admitting candidates into the program;
157	146		(2) integrate course work, classroom practice, formal
158	147		observation, and feedback;
159	148		(3) meet the traditional teacher preparation
160		-	requirements under Section 21.04421;
	149	+	requirements under Section 21.04421 (a)(1), (a)(2), and (b);
161	150		(4) require a candidate to receive preservice
162	151		practice, including practice in the skills learned from the
163	152		instruction described by Sections 21.0443(b)(3) and (4), in a
164	153		prekindergarten through grade 12 classroom for at least one full
165	154		school year; and
166	155		(5) use multiple assessments to measure a candidate's
167	156		progress.
168	157		Sec. 21.04423. ALTERNATIVE TEACHER PREPARATION. In
169	158		proposing rules under this subchapter regarding training
170	159		requirements for a candidate who has previously earned a degree and
171	160		is seeking certification through an alternative teacher
172	161		preparation route, the board shall establish:
173	162		(1) a preservice alternative teacher preparation
174		-	route that:
175		-	(A) meets the traditional teacher preparation
176		-	requirements under Section 21.04421; and
177		-	(B) includes a candidate's time spent serving as
178		-	a paraprofessional toward the candidate's preservice practice
179		-	requirements; and
	163	+	route that meets:
	164	+	(A) the traditional teacher preparation
	165	+	requirements under Section 21.04421 (a)(1) and (a)(2) which
	166	+	includes time spent as a paraprofessional as pre-service practice
	167	+	hours; and
	168	+	(B) the traditional teacher preparation
	169	+	requirements under Section 21.04421(b); and
180	170		(2) an alternative teacher preparation route that
181	171		allows for flexibility in how a candidate may demonstrate
182	172		proficiency for certification.
183	173		SECTION 7. Section 21.0443, Education Code, is amended to
184	174		read as follows:
185	175		Sec. 21.0443. EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAM APPROVAL AND
186	176		RENEWAL. (a) The board shall propose rules to establish standards
187	177		to govern the approval or renewal of approval of:
188	178		(1) educator preparation programs; [and]
189	179		(2) the teacher preparation routes established under
190	180		Sections 21.04421, 21.04422, and 21.04423; and
191	181		(3) certification fields authorized to be offered by
192	182		an educator preparation program.
193	183		(a-1) The board may review an educator preparation
194	184		program's curriculum:
195	185		(1) before the approval or renewal of approval of the
196	186		program; and
197	187		(2) at any time after the approval or renewal of the
198		-	approval of the program to ensure the program remains eligible for
199		-	approval by demonstrating that any changes to curriculum
	188	+	approval of the program to ensure that any changes to curriculum
200	189		requirements proposed by the board since the most recent review
201		-	have been incorporated into the curriculum.
	190	+	have been incorporated into the curriculum to maintain approval.
202	191		(b) To be eligible for approval or renewal of approval, an
203	192		educator preparation program must:
204	193		(1) incorporate proactive instructional planning
205	194		techniques throughout course work and across content areas using a
206	195		framework that:
207	196		(A) provides flexibility in the ways:
208	197		(i) information is presented;
209	198		(ii) students respond or demonstrate
210	199		knowledge and skills; and
211	200		(iii) students are engaged;
212	201		(B) reduces barriers in instruction;
213	202		(C) provides appropriate accommodations,
214	203		supports, and challenges; and
215	204		(D) maintains high achievement expectations for
216	205		all students, including students with disabilities and students of
217	206		limited English proficiency;
218	207		(2) integrate inclusive practices for all students,
219	208		including students with disabilities, and evidence-based
220	209		instruction and intervention strategies throughout course work,
221	210		clinical experience, and student teaching;
222	211		(3) incorporate the instructional materials and
223	212		training developed under Section 21.067;
224	213		(4) if applicable and approved by the agency for the
225	214		grade and subject area for which the program provides instruction,
226	215		incorporate the literacy achievement academies and mathematics
227	216		achievement academies under Sections 21.4552 and 21.4553;
228	217		(5) ensure that instruction described by Subdivisions
229	218		(3) and (4) is delivered by a person approved by the agency to
230	219		provide the instruction;
231	220		(6) ensure that the program and the program's
232	221		administrators, instructors, and other employees comply with
233	222		Section 28.0022 as if:
234	223		(A) the program were a school district;
235	224		(B) the program's administrators, instructors,
236	225		and other employees are administrators, teachers, or other
237	226		employees of a school district, as applicable; and
238	227		(C) candidates in the program were students of a
239	228		school district;
240	229		(7) adequately prepare candidates for educator
241	230		certification; and
242	231		(8)[(4)] meet the standards and requirements of the
243	232		board.
244	233		(b-1) The board by rule shall designate the components of a
245	234		literacy achievement academy or mathematics achievement academy
246	235		under Section 21.4552 or 21.4553, as applicable, that may be
247	236		completed after receiving an intern with preservice experience
248	237		certificate under Section 21.0412.
249	238		(c) The board shall require that each educator preparation
250	239		program be reviewed for renewal of approval at least every five
251	240		years. The board may require each educator preparation program to
252	241		be reviewed for renewal of approval at least annually. The board
253	242		shall adopt an evaluation process to be used in reviewing an
254	243		educator preparation program for renewal of approval.
255	244		(d) In adopting the evaluation process under Subsection
256	245		(c), the board shall consider including:
257	246		(1) quality indicators that reflect effective program
258	247		practices; and
259	248		(2) measures that provide for the observation of
260	249		program practices to ensure program quality.
261	250		SECTION 8. Subchapter B, Chapter 21, Education Code, is
262	251		amended by adding Section 21.0456 to read as follows:
263	252		Sec. 21.0456. SANCTIONS FOR NONCOMPLIANCE. (a) The board
264	253		may impose a sanction against an educator preparation program for
265	254		noncompliance with a provision of this subchapter or a rule adopted
266	255		under this subchapter, including a rule proposed under Section
267	256		21.0443, or to address a complaint received under Section 21.0455.
268	257		A sanction under this subsection may be one or more of the actions
269	258		described by Section 21.0451(a)(2), regardless of whether a program
270	259		has been rated as accredited-probation under the Accountability
271	260		System for Educator Preparation for a period of at least one year.
272	261		(b) Any action authorized to be taken against an educator
273	262		preparation program under Subsection (a) may also be taken with
274	263		regard to a particular route or field of certification authorized
275	264		to be offered by an educator preparation program.
276	265		(c) A revocation must be effective for a period of at least
277	266		two years. After two years, the program may seek renewed approval to
278	267		prepare educators for state certification.
279	268		(d) The costs of technical assistance or the costs
280	269		associated with the appointment of a monitor shall be paid by the
281	270		educator preparation program.
282	271		SECTION 9. Section 21.049, Education Code, is amended to
283	272		read as follows:
284	273		Sec. 21.049. ALTERNATIVE EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAMS
285	274		[CERTIFICATION]. (a) To provide a continuing additional source of
286	275		qualified educators, the board shall propose rules providing that
287	276		[for] educator certification programs may be provided by an
288		-	institution of higher education or another entity [as an
289		-	~~alternative~~ to traditional educator preparation programs]. The
290		-	~~rules may not~~ provide that a person may be certified under this
291		-	~~section only if~~ there is a demonstrated shortage of educators in a
292		-	~~school district~~ or subject area.
	277	+	institution of higher education or another entity [as an alterative
	278	+	to traditional educator preparation programs]. The rules may not
	279	+	provide that a person may be certified under this section only if
	280	+	there is a demonstrated shortage of educators in a school district
	281	+	or subject area.
293	282		(b) The board may not require a person employed as a teacher
294	283		in an alternative education program under Section 37.008 or a
295	284		juvenile justice alternative education program under Section
296	285		37.011 for at least three years to complete an alternative educator
297	286		preparation [certification] program adopted under this section
298	287		before taking the appropriate certification examination.
299	288		SECTION 10. Section 21.057, Education Code, is amended by
300	289		adding Subsections (f) and (g) to read as follows:
301	290		(f) If the agency has developed a model notice for purposes
302	291		of this section, the superintendent must use that model to provide
303	292		the notice required under this section.
304	293		(g) A notice provided under this section, including a notice
305	294		provided in accordance with Subsection (e), must include
306	295		information regarding eligibility to participate in the public
307	296		education grant program under Section 29.202.
308	297		SECTION 11. Subchapter B, Chapter 21, Education Code, is
309	298		amended by adding Sections 21.066 and 21.067 to read as follows:
310	299		Sec. 21.066. TEMPORARY COMMISSIONER RULEMAKING AUTHORITY.
311		-	(a) Notwithstanding any other law, the commissioner may adopt
312		-	rules or amend, repeal, or otherwise modify a rule proposed by the
313		-	board under this subchapter to ensure the expedited implementation
314		-	of new teacher preparation routes, requirements, and certificates.
	300	+	(a) Notwithstanding any other law, the commissioner may
	301	+	adopt rules or amend, repeal, or otherwise modify a rule proposed by
	302	+	the board under this subchapter to ensure the expedited
	303	+	implementation of new teacher preparation routes, requirements,
	304	+	and certificates.
315	305		(b) Notwithstanding any other law, the commissioner shall
316	306		adopt initial rules relating to the implementation of Sections
317	307		21.0412, 21.04421, 21.04422, and 21.04423 not later than December
318	308		31, 2025.
319	309		(c) Section 21.041(e) applies to rules adopted, amended,
320	310		repealed, or otherwise modified under this section.
321	311		(d) This section expires September 1, 2028.
322	312		Sec. 21.067. EDUCATOR PREPARATION MATERIALS AND TRAINING.
323	313		(a) The commissioner shall develop and make available:
324	314		(1) instructional materials for use in educator
325	315		preparation programs under this subchapter; and
326	316		(2) training for faculty responsible for preparing
327	317		educator candidates.
328	318		(b) The materials and training developed under Subsection
329	319		(a) must:
330	320		(1) be research-based;
331	321		(2) support the development of proficiency in the
332	322		knowledge and skills specified by rules proposed under Section
333	323		21.044(a)(1); and
334	324		(3) allow for an educator candidate to demonstrate the
335	325		candidate's proficiency, including proficiency in the knowledge
336	326		and skills described by Subdivision (2).
337	327		(c) The commissioner may adopt rules as necessary to
338	328		implement this section.
339	329		SECTION 12. Section 21.402, Education Code, is amended by
340	330		adding Subsections (f-1), (f-2), (f-3), and (f-4) to read as
341	331		follows:
342	332		(f-1) A school district must pay to a classroom teacher with
343	333		zero years of experience who holds a certificate under Section
344		-	21.0412(a)(1), (2), or (3) a minimum salary that is greater than ~~the~~
345		-	minimum salary paid to a classroom teacher with zero years of
346		-	experience who does not hold a certificate under Section
347		-	~~21.0412(a)~~(1), (2), or (3).
	334	+	21.0412(a) (1), (2), or (3) a minimum salary that is greater than
	335	+	the minimum salary paid to a classroom teacher with zero years of
	336	+	experience who does not hold a certificate under Section 21.0412(a)
	337	+	(1), (2), or (3).
348	338		(f-2) The board of trustees of a school district may adopt
349	339		minimum salaries to satisfy the requirements of Subsection (f-1) as
350	340		follows:
351	341		(1) for a classroom teacher who holds a standard
352	342		certificate or intern with preservice experience certificate under
353	343		Section 21.0412(a)(1) or (3), $3,000; and
354	344		(2) for a classroom teacher who holds a residency
355	345		standard certificate under Section 21.0412(a)(2), $6,000.
356	346		(f-3) Subsection (f-1) does not apply to a stipend or other
357	347		form of compensation not included in a classroom teacher's minimum
358	348		salary under this section.
359	349		(f-4) A school district may not adopt a salary schedule that
360	350		differentiates classroom teacher salaries based solely on a
361	351		teacher's certification for teachers who have five or more years of
362	352		teaching experience.
363	353		SECTION 13. Section 21.4552(f), Education Code, is amended
364	354		to read as follows:
365	355		(f) From money appropriated or otherwise available for the
366	356		purpose, including an allotment under Section 48.108, a school
367		-	district shall provide to an educator preparation program for each
368		-	teacher enrolled in the educator preparation program who holds an
369		-	intern with preservice experience certificate under Section
370		-	21.0412(a)(3) and completes a literacy achievement academy under
371		-	this section while employed by the district a one-time payment of
372		-	$1,000 or another amount set by the agency [This section expires
373		-	September 1, 2027].
	357	+	district shall provide to the educator preparation program for each
	358	+	classroom teacher who holds an intern with preservice experience
	359	+	certificate under Section 21.0412(a)(3) and completes a literacy
	360	+	achievement academy under this section while employed by the
	361	+	district a one-time payment of $1,000 or another amount set by the
	362	+	agency [This section expires September 1, 2027].
374	363		SECTION 14. Section 21.4553(f), Education Code, is amended
375	364		to read as follows:
376	365		(f) From money appropriated or otherwise available for the
377	366		purpose, including an allotment under Section 48.108, a school
378		-	district shall provide to an educator preparation program for each
379		-	teacher enrolled in the educator preparation program who holds an
380		-	intern with preservice experience certificate under Section
381		-	21.0412(a)(3) and completes a mathematics achievement academy
382		-	under this section while employed by the district a one-time
383		-	payment of $500 or another amount set by the agency [This section
384		-	expires September 1, 2027].
	367	+	district shall provide to the educator preparation program for each
	368	+	classroom teacher who holds an intern with preservice experience
	369	+	certificate under Section 21.0412(a)(3) and completes a
	370	+	mathematics achievement academy under this section while employed
	371	+	by the district a one-time payment of $500 or another amount set by
	372	+	the agency [This section expires September 1, 2027].
385	373		SECTION 15. Chapter 21, Education Code, is amended by
386	374		adding Subchapter R to read as follows:
387	375		SUBCHAPTER R. PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH
388		-	PARTNERSHIP ~~PROGRAMS~~
	376	+	PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
389	377		Sec. 21.901. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:
390		-	(1) "Alternative partnership ~~preservice~~ program"
	378	+	(1) "Alternative preservice partnership program"
391	379		means the Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership
392	380		Alternative Preservice Program established under Section 21.905.
393	381		(2) "Board" means the State Board for Educator
394	382		Certification.
395	383		(3) "Cooperating teacher" means a classroom teacher
396	384		who:
397	385		(A) has at least three full school years of
398	386		teaching experience with a superior record of assisting students in
399	387		achieving improvement in student performance;
400	388		(B) is employed as a teacher of record by a school
401	389		district or open-enrollment charter school participating in a
402		-	partnership ~~preservice~~ program or grow your own partnership program
403		-	under this subchapter and paired with ~~a teacher candidate,~~ ~~student,~~
404		-	or ~~employee who is participating in a program under this~~
405		-	~~subchapter~~; and
406		-	(C) provides coaching ~~in the~~ teacher~~'s classroom~~
407		-	~~to a teacher candidate,~~ ~~student,~~ or ~~employee participating in a~~
408		-	~~program under this subchapter~~.
	390	+	preservice partnership program or grow your own partnership program
	391	+	under this subchapter and paired with one or more preservice
	392	+	teacher candidates or grow your own participants at the district or
	393	+	school; and
	394	+	(C) provides coaching to one or more teacher
	395	+	candidates who participate in grow your own or preservice
	396	+	preparation in the teacher's classroom.
409	397		(4) "Grow your own partnership program" means the
410	398		Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership Grow Your Own
411		-	~~Partnership~~ Program established under Section 21.906.
	399	+	Program established under Section 21.906.
412	400		(5) "Mentor teacher" means a mentor teacher as
413	401		described by Section 21.458.
414		-	(6) "Partnership ~~preservice program~~" means a
	402	+	(6) "Preservice partnership programs" means the
415	403		Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership Preservice
416		-	~~Program~~ established under Section 21.902.
417		-	(7) "Residency partnership ~~preservice~~ program" means
	404	+	Programs established under Section 21.902.
	405	+	(7) "Residency preservice partnership program" means
418	406		the Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership
419	407		Residency Preservice Program established under Section 21.904.
420	408		(8) "Teacher candidate" means a person enrolled in an
421		-	educator preparation program participating in a ~~partnership~~
422		-	preservice program.
423		-	(9) "Traditional partnership ~~preservice~~ program"
	409	+	educator preparation program participating in a program under the
	410	+	preservice partnership program.
	411	+	(9) "Traditional preservice partnership program"
424	412		means the Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership
425	413		Traditional Preservice Program established under Section 21.903.
426	414		Sec. 21.902. PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH
427	415		PARTNERSHIP PRESERVICE PROGRAMS. (a) The commissioner shall
428		-	establish Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership
429		-	Preservice Programs to enable qualified educator preparation
430		-	programs, as determined by the commissioner, to form partnerships
431		-	with school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to
432		-	provide preservice practice opportunities in a prekindergarten
433		-	through grade 12 classroom for teacher candidates at the district
434		-	or school through the traditional partnership preservice program,
435		-	the residency partnership preservice program, or the alternative
436		-	partnership preservice program.
437		-	(b) A partnership preservice program must be designed to:
	416	+	establish the Preparing and Retaining Educators through
	417	+	Partnership Preservice Programs to enable qualified educator
	418	+	preparation programs to form partnerships with school districts and
	419	+	open-enrollment charter schools to provide preservice practice
	420	+	opportunities in a prekindergarten through grade 12 classroom for
	421	+	teacher candidates at the district or school through the
	422	+	traditional partnership program, the residency partnership
	423	+	program, or the alternative partnership program.
	424	+	(b) A preservice partnership program must be designed to:
438	425		(1) allow teacher candidates to receive field-based
439	426		experience working with cooperating teachers in prekindergarten
440	427		through grade 12 classrooms; and
441	428		(2) gradually increase the amount of time a teacher
442	429		candidate spends engaging in instructional responsibilities,
443	430		including observation, co-teaching, and lead-teaching
444	431		responsibilities.
445	432		(c) A school district or open-enrollment charter school
446		-	participating in a partnership ~~preservice~~ program shall:
	433	+	participating in a preservice partnership program shall:
447	434		(1) enter into a written agreement with an approved
448	435		educator preparation program to:
449	436		(A) provide a teacher candidate with clinical
450	437		teaching opportunities at the district or school in the subject
451	438		area and grade level for which the candidate seeks certification;
452	439		and
453	440		(B) pair the teacher candidate with a cooperating
454	441		teacher who has successfully completed a training program for
455	442		cooperating teachers that, if required by the agency, must be
456	443		established or adopted by the agency;
457	444		(2) use money received under Section 48.157 only to
458		-	implement the partnership ~~preservice~~ program;
	445	+	implement the preservice partnership program;
459	446		(3) ensure that a teacher candidate is mentored by a
460	447		mentor teacher who has completed mentorship training under Section
461	448		21.907 for the candidate's first two years as a teacher of record
462		-	after completing a partnership ~~preservice~~ program; and
	449	+	after completing a preservice partnership program; and
463	450		(4) provide any information required by the agency
464		-	regarding the district's or school's implementation of a
465		-	partnership ~~preservice~~ program.
	451	+	regarding the district's or school's implementation of a preservice
	452	+	partnership program.
466	453		(d) A school district or open-enrollment charter school may
467	454		only pair a teacher candidate with a cooperating teacher who agrees
468		-	to participate in that role in a partnership ~~preservice~~ program at
	455	+	to participate in that role in a preservice partnership program at
469	456		the district or school.
470		-	(e) A teacher candidate participating in a partnership
471		-	preservice program may not serve:
472		-	(1) as a teacher of record; or
473		-	(2) except as provided by Subsection (f), in a
474		-	position in which the student or employee has the primary or sole
475		-	responsibility of providing instruction or supervision to
476		-	students.
477		-	(f) A teacher candidate participating in a partnership
478		-	preservice program may serve in a position described by Subsection
479		-	(e)(2) for the limited purpose of gaining experience in the
480		-	position. The teacher candidate's amount of time serving in that
481		-	position may not exceed the amount of time during which the teacher
482		-	of record for the students has the primary or sole responsibility of
483		-	providing instruction or supervision to those students.
	457	+	(e) While completing preservice practice hours, a teacher
	458	+	candidate may not be employed or assigned by a school district or
	459	+	open-enrollment charter school as:
	460	+	(1) a teacher; or
	461	+	(2) in a position that has primary or sole
	462	+	responsibility for student instruction or supervision, except for
	463	+	limited purposes to gain experience which may not exceed the time
	464	+	the teacher of record for those students has primary or sole
	465	+	responsibility for the instruction or supervision.
484	466		Sec. 21.903. PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH
485	467		PARTNERSHIP TRADITIONAL PRESERVICE PROGRAM. (a) The commissioner
486	468		shall establish the Preparing and Retaining Educators through
487		-	Partnership Traditional Preservice Program as a partnership
488		-	preservice program to enable qualified educator preparation
489		-	programs, as determined by the commissioner, that meet the
490		-	traditional teacher preparation requirements under Section
491		-	21.04421 to form partnerships with school districts or
492		-	open-enrollment charter schools to help prepare candidates for a
493		-	standard certificate.
	469	+	Partnership Traditional Preservice Program as a preservice
	470	+	partnership program to enable qualified educator preparation
	471	+	programs that meet the traditional teacher preparation
	472	+	requirements under Section 21.04421 to form partnerships with
	473	+	school districts or open-enrollment charter schools to help prepare
	474	+	candidates for a standard certificate.
494	475		(b) The program must be designed to:
495		-	(1) meet the requirements of a partnership ~~preservice~~
	476	+	(1) meet the requirements of a preservice partnership
496	477		program under Section 21.902; and
497	478		(2) allow a teacher candidate to satisfy the
498	479		traditional teacher preparation requirements under Section
499	480		21.04421.
500	481		(c) A school district or open-enrollment charter school
501		-	participating in the traditional partnership ~~preservice program~~
502		-	~~shall use~~ money received under Section 48.157(b)(1) to provide
503		-	~~compensation~~ to:
	482	+	participating in the traditional partnership program shall use
	483	+	money received under Section 48.157(b)(1) to provide compensation
	484	+	to:
504	485		(1) teacher candidates for preservice practice hours
505	486		at the district or school in an amount of at least $3,000 for
506	487		salary; and
507	488		(2) cooperating teachers who are paired with teacher
508	489		candidates at the district or school in an amount of at least
509	490		$1,000.
510	491		(d) In addition to the amount provided by Subsection (c)(1),
511		-	a school district ~~or open-enrollment charter school~~ shall provide
512		-	~~compensation to teacher candidates~~ in any amount above the amount
513		-	~~provided by that subdivision for~~ salary using money received under
514		-	~~Section 48.157 or from any other~~ available source.
	492	+	a school district shall provide compensation to teacher candidates
	493	+	in any amount above the amount provided by that subdivision for
	494	+	salary using money received under Section 48.157 or from any other
	495	+	available source.
515	496		Sec. 21.904. PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH
516	497		PARTNERSHIP RESIDENCY PRESERVICE PROGRAM. (a) The commissioner
517	498		shall establish the Preparing and Retaining Educators through
518		-	Partnership Residency Preservice Program as a partnership
519		-	preservice program to enable qualified educator preparation
520		-	programs, as determined by the commissioner, that meet the teacher
521		-	residency preparation requirements under Section 21.04422 to form
522		-	partnerships with school districts or open-enrollment charter
523		-	schools to help prepare candidates for a residency standard
524		-	certificate.
	499	+	Partnership Residency Preservice Program as a preservice
	500	+	partnership program to enable qualified educator preparation
	501	+	programs that meet the teacher residency standard preparation
	502	+	requirements under Section 21.04422 to form partnerships with
	503	+	school districts or open-enrollment charter schools to help prepare
	504	+	candidates for a residency standard certificate.
525	505		(b) The program must be designed to:
526		-	(1) meet the requirements of a partnership ~~preservice~~
	506	+	(1) meet the requirements of a preservice partnership
527	507		program under Section 21.902; and
528	508		(2) allow a teacher candidate to satisfy the teacher
529		-	residency preparation requirements under Section 21.04422.
	509	+	residency standard preparation requirements under Section
	510	+	21.04422.
530	511		(c) A school district or open-enrollment charter school
531		-	participating in the residency partnership preservice program
532		-	shall use money received under Section 48.157(b)(2) to provide
533		-	compensation to:
	512	+	participating in the residency partnership program shall use money
	513	+	received under Section 48.157(b) (2) to provide compensation to:
534	514		(1) teacher candidates for preservice practice hours
535	515		at the district or school in an amount of at least $10,000 for
536	516		salary; and
537	517		(2) cooperating teachers who are paired with teacher
538	518		candidates at the district or school in an amount of at least
539	519		$2,000.
540	520		(d) In addition to the amount provided by Subsection (c)(1),
541		-	a school district or open-enrollment charter school shall provide
542		-	compensation to teacher candidates in an amount of at least $10,000
543		-	for salary using money received under Section 48.157 or from any
544		-	other available source.
	521	+	a school district shall provide compensation to teacher candidates
	522	+	in an amount of at least $10,000 for salary using money received
	523	+	under Section 48.157 or from any other available source.
545	524		(e) For the 2025-2026 school year, an educator preparation
546	525		program is not required to incorporate the instruction described by
547	526		Sections 21.0443(b) (3) and (4) to be eligible to participate in a
548		-	residency partnership ~~preservice~~ program. This subsection expires
549		-	~~September~~ 1, 2026.
	527	+	residency partnership program. This subsection expires September
	528	+	1, 2026.
550	529		Sec. 21.905. PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH
551	530		PARTNERSHIP ALTERNATIVE PRESERVICE PROGRAM. (a) The commissioner
552	531		shall establish the Preparing and Retaining Educators through
553		-	Partnership Alternative Preservice Program as a partnership
554		-	preservice program to enable qualified educator preparation
555		-	programs, as determined by the commissioner, that meet the
556		-	preservice alternative teacher preparation requirements under
557		-	Section 21.04423 to form partnerships with school districts or
558		-	open-enrollment charter schools to help prepare candidates for an
559		-	intern with preservice experience certificate or standard
560		-	certificate.
	532	+	Partnership Alternative Preservice Program as a preservice
	533	+	partnership program to enable qualified educator preparation
	534	+	programs that meet the preservice alternative teacher preparation
	535	+	requirements under Section 21.04423 to form partnerships with
	536	+	school districts or open-enrollment charter schools to help prepare
	537	+	candidates for an intern with preservice experience certificate or
	538	+	standard certificate.
561	539		(b) The program must be designed to:
562		-	(1) meet the requirements of a partnership ~~preservice~~
	540	+	(1) meet the requirements of a preservice partnership
563	541		program under Section 21.902; and
564	542		(2) allow a teacher candidate to satisfy the
565	543		preservice alternative teacher preparation requirements under
566	544		Section 21.04423(1).
567	545		(c) A school district or open-enrollment charter school
568		-	participating in the alternative partnership ~~preservice program~~
569		-	~~shall use~~ money received under Section 48.157(b)(3) to provide
570		-	~~compensation~~ to:
	546	+	participating in the alternative partnership program shall use
	547	+	money received under Section 48.157(b)(3) to provide compensation
	548	+	to:
571	549		(1) teacher candidates for preservice practice hours
572	550		at the district or school in an amount of at least $3,000 for
573	551		salary; and
574	552		(2) cooperating teachers who are paired with teacher
575	553		candidates at the district or school in an amount of at least
576	554		$1,000.
577	555		(d) In addition to the amount provided by Subsection (c)(1),
578		-	a school district ~~or open-enrollment charter school~~ shall provide
579		-	~~compensation to teacher candidates~~ in any amount above the amount
580		-	~~provided by that subdivision for~~ salary using money received under
581		-	~~Section 48.157 or from any other~~ available source.
	556	+	a school district shall provide compensation to teacher candidates
	557	+	in any amount above the amount provided by that subdivision for
	558	+	salary using money received under Section 48.157 or from any other
	559	+	available source.
582	560		Sec. 21.906. PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH
583		-	PARTNERSHIP GROW YOUR OWN ~~PARTNERSHIP~~ PROGRAM. (a) The
584		-	~~commissioner shall~~ establish the Preparing and Retaining Educators
585		-	~~through~~ Partnership Grow Your Own ~~Partnership~~ Program to enable
586		-	~~qualified institutions~~ of higher education and educator
587		-	~~preparation programs, as~~ determined by the commissioner, to form
588		-	~~partnerships with school~~ districts or open-enrollment charter
589		-	~~schools to establish~~ innovative staffing pipelines to ensure the
590		-	~~availability of~~ high-quality ~~classroom teachers~~ to benefit future
591		-	~~district or school~~ students.
	561	+	PARTNERSHIP GROW YOUR OWN PROGRAM. (a) The commissioner shall
	562	+	establish the Preparing and Retaining Educators through
	563	+	Partnership Grow Your Own Program to enable qualified institutions
	564	+	of higher education and educator preparation programs, as
	565	+	determined by the commissioner, to form partnerships with school
	566	+	districts or open-enrollment charter schools to establish
	567	+	innovative staffing pipelines to ensure the availability of
	568	+	high-quality educators to benefit future district or school
	569	+	students.
592	570		(b) The grow your own partnership program must be designed
593	571		to form partnerships that support:
594	572		(1) high school students in completing career and
595	573		technical education courses that help prepare the students to
596	574		become classroom teachers; or
597	575		(2) district or school employees who do not hold a
598	576		teaching certificate in completing a bachelor's degree to enable
599	577		the person to become a classroom teacher while employed by the
600	578		district or school.
601	579		(c) A school district or open-enrollment charter school may
602	580		participate in a grow your own partnership program only if the
603		-	district or school has been approved to participate in a
604		-	partnership ~~preservice~~ program.
	581	+	district or school has been approved to participate in a preservice
	582	+	partnership program.
605	583		(d) A school district or open-enrollment charter school
606	584		participating in the grow your own partnership program shall:
607	585		(1) for a partnership described by Subsection (b)(1),
608	586		provide:
609	587		(A) authentic opportunities, which may be paid or
610	588		unpaid, for students to practice teaching under the supervision of
611		-	a cooperating ~~teacher~~; and
	589	+	one or more cooperating teachers; and
612	590		(B) guidance and other transition supports as a
613	591		student begins an undergraduate degree program that offers a route
614	592		to teacher preparation;
615	593		(2) for a partnership described by Subsection (b)(2),
616	594		provide for a district or school employee:
617		-	(A) scheduled release time to support ~~the~~
618		-	~~completion~~ of a bachelor's degree;
	595	+	(A) scheduled release time to support completion
	596	+	of a bachelor's degree;
619	597		(B) authentic opportunities to practice teaching
620		-	under the supervision of a cooperating ~~teacher~~;
	598	+	under the supervision of one or more cooperating teachers;
621	599		(C) on-the-job training aligned with the
622	600		standards for educator certification established by the board;
623	601		(D) a job assignment that includes instructional
624		-	support for students enrolled in the district or school; ~~and~~
	602	+	support for students enrolled in the district or school;
625	603		(E) guidance and other transition supports as the
626	604		employee begins a program to satisfy the teacher preparation
627		-	requirements under Section 21.04421, 21.04422, or 21.04423;
	605	+	requirements under Section 21.04421, 21.04422, or 21.04423; and
628	606		(3) enter into a written agreement with an institution
629		-	of higher education ~~or educator preparation program~~;
	607	+	of higher education;
630	608		(4) require an employee participating in a partnership
631	609		described by Subsection (b)(2) to, as a condition for
632	610		participation, earn a bachelor's degree and enroll in an educator
633		-	preparation program within three years of beginning participation
634		-	in the partnership; and
	611	+	preparation program within three years; and
635	612		(5) provide any information required by the agency
636	613		regarding the district's or school's implementation of the grow
637	614		your own partnership program.
638	615		(e) A school district or open-enrollment charter school may
639	616		use money received under Section 48.157 to implement the grow your
640	617		own partnership program and pay tuition and fees for students or
641	618		employees participating in the program.
642	619		(f) A school district or open-enrollment charter school may
643	620		only pair a student or employee participating in the program with a
644	621		cooperating teacher who agrees to participate in that role in a grow
645	622		your own partnership program at the district or school.
646	623		(g) A student or employee participating in the program may
647	624		not serve:
648	625		(1) as a teacher of record; or
649		-	(2) except as provided by Subsection (h), in a
650		-	position in which the student or employee has the primary or sole
651		-	responsibility of providing instruction or supervision to
652		-	students.
653		-	(h) A student or employee participating in the program may
654		-	serve in a position described by Subsection (g)(2) for the limited
655		-	purpose of gaining experience in the position. The student's or
656		-	employee's amount of time serving in that position may not exceed
657		-	the amount of time during which the teacher of record for the
658		-	students has the primary or sole responsibility of providing
659		-	instruction or supervision to those students.
	626	+	(2) in a position that has primary or sole
	627	+	responsibility for student instruction or supervision except for
	628	+	limited purposes to gain experience which may not exceed the time
	629	+	the teacher of record for those students has primary or sole
	630	+	responsibility for the instruction or supervision.
660	631		Sec. 21.907. PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH
661	632		PARTNERSHIP MENTORSHIP PROGRAM. (a) The commissioner shall
662	633		establish a preparing and retaining educators through partnership
663	634		mentorship program through which participating school districts or
664	635		open-enrollment charter schools implement a mentoring program that
665	636		meets the requirements of Section 21.458 for classroom teachers who
666	637		have less than two years of teaching experience.
667	638		(b) A school district or open-enrollment charter school
668	639		participating in the program must require a classroom teacher who
669	640		serves as a mentor teacher to annually complete a training program
670	641		for mentor teachers established or adopted by the agency.
671	642		(c) A school district or open-enrollment charter school
672		-	shall use money received under Section 48.157(b)(5) to provide
	643	+	shall use money received under Section 48.157(b)(5) only to provide
673	644		stipends for mentor teachers in an amount of at least $1,000.
674	645		(d) If any money remains after providing a stipend to mentor
675	646		teachers in accordance with Subsection (c), the district may use
676	647		that money to provide:
677	648		(1) scheduled release time for mentor teachers and
678	649		classroom teachers being mentored to meet and engage in mentoring
679	650		activities; and
680	651		(2) support for mentor teachers through mentor
681	652		training and strategic staffing training.
682	653		Sec. 21.908. AGENCY SUPPORT. The agency shall provide
683	654		technical assistance, planning, and support to school districts,
684	655		open-enrollment charter schools, and educator preparation
685	656		programs, which must include:
686	657		(1) providing model forms and agreements a district,
687	658		school, or educator preparation program may use to comply with the
688	659		requirements of this subchapter;
689	660		(2) support for district and school strategic staffing
690	661		and compensation models to incentivize participation in a
691	662		partnership program;
692	663		(3) support for district, school, and educator
693	664		preparation program partners in implementing strong partnership
694	665		practices, including through participation in the grow your own
695	666		partnership program, and providing high-quality mentorship as
696	667		required under this subchapter; and
697	668		(4) support for educator preparation programs in
698	669		implementing the partnership programs under this subchapter.
699		-	Sec. 21.909. PROGRAM STANDARDS AND PERFORMANCE GOALS. (a)
700		-	The commissioner shall adopt rules establishing:
701		-	(1) standards for partnership programs established
702		-	under this subchapter, including eligibility criteria for educator
703		-	preparation programs and institutions of higher education to
704		-	participate in the partnership programs; and
705		-	(2) performance goals for partnership programs
706		-	established under this subchapter.
707		-	(b) The commissioner shall periodically review the
708		-	performance of each partnership program established under this
709		-	subchapter to ensure the program meets the standards and
710		-	performance goals established under Subsection (a).
711		-	(c) If, in reviewing a partnership program under Subsection
712		-	(b), the commissioner determines that the program has failed to
713		-	meet a performance goal established under Subsection (a), the
714		-	commissioner shall prohibit the entity that failed to meet the
715		-	performance goal from participating in a partnership program under
716		-	this subchapter for a period not to exceed five years.
717		-	Sec. 21.910. AUTHORITY TO ACCEPT CERTAIN MONEY. The
	670	+	Sec. 21.909. AUTHORITY TO ACCEPT CERTAIN MONEY. The
718	671		commissioner may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations
719	672		from public and private entities to use for the purposes of this
720	673		subchapter.
721		-	Sec. 21.911. RULES. The commissioner shall adopt rules as
722		-	necessary to implement this subchapter.
	674	+	Sec. 21.910. APPROVAL AND ACCOUNTABILITY. (a) The
	675	+	commissioner shall establish standards for partnership programs
	676	+	under this section, including identifying qualifying preparation
	677	+	programs.
	678	+	(b) The commissioner shall establish performance goals for
	679	+	partnership programs under this Subchapter.
	680	+	(c) The commissioner shall periodically review the
	681	+	performance of partnership programs in meeting the standards and
	682	+	performance goals.
	683	+	(d) If the commissioner determines that a partnership
	684	+	program fails to meet the performance goals, the commissioner shall
	685	+	remove authorization of the partnership program under this
	686	+	Subchapter for a period not to exceed five years.
	687	+	Sec. 21.911. RULES; POLICIES. (a) The commissioner shall
	688	+	adopt rules as necessary to implement this subchapter.
	689	+	(b) The agency, board, a school district, or an open
	690	+	enrollment charter may not adopt a rule, policy, practice, or goal
	691	+	intended to recruit participants based on race, sex, color, or
	692	+	ethnicity.
723	693		SECTION 16. Section 29.202(a), Education Code, is amended
724	694		to read as follows:
725	695		(a) A student is eligible to receive a public education
726	696		grant or to attend another public school in the district in which
727	697		the student resides under this subchapter if the student is
728	698		assigned to:
729	699		(1) attend a public school campus assigned an
730	700		unacceptable performance rating that is made publicly available
731	701		under Section 39.054; or
732	702		(2) a classroom teacher or substitute teacher who does
733	703		not hold an appropriate certification under Subchapter B, Chapter
734	704		21, as a teacher of record in a course in the foundation curriculum
735	705		under Section 28.002(a)(1) for more than 30 instructional days.
736	706		SECTION 17. Section 29.204, Education Code, is amended to
737	707		read as follows:
738		-	Sec. 29.204. NOTIFICATION. (a) Not later than January 1
739		-	of each year the commissioner shall, based on the most recent
	708	+	Sec. 29.204. NOTIFICATION. (a) Not later than January 1 of
	709	+	each year the commissioner shall, based on the most recent
740	710		information available, provide notice to each school district in
741		-	which a campus described by Section 29.202(a)(1) [29.202] is
742		-	~~located~~ that:
	711	+	which a campus described by Section 29.202(a)(1)[29.202] is located
	712	+	that:
743	713		(1) identifies each campus in the district that meets
744	714		the description in Section 29.202(a)(1) [29.202]; and
745	715		(2) informs the district that the district must comply
746	716		with Subsection (b).
747	717		(b) Not later than February 1 of each year, a school
748	718		district shall notify the parent of each student in the district
749	719		assigned to attend a campus described by Section 29.202(a)(1)
750	720		[29.202] that the student is eligible for a public education grant.
751	721		The notice must contain a clear, concise explanation of the public
752	722		education grant program and of the manner in which the parent may
753	723		obtain further information about the program.
754	724		SECTION 18. Subchapter D, Chapter 48, Education Code, is
755	725		amended by adding Section 48.157 to read as follows:
756	726		Sec. 48.157. PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH
757	727		PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM ALLOTMENT. (a) In this section, "teacher
758	728		candidate" has the meaning assigned by Section 21.901.
759	729		(b) Subject to Subsections (f) and (g), a school district is
760	730		entitled to an annual allotment equal to each of the following
761	731		applicable amounts:
762	732		(1) for each teacher candidate completing preservice
763	733		practice hours at the district under Section 21.903, the sum of:
764	734		(A) $10,000; and
765	735		(B) the high needs and rural factor, as
766	736		determined under Subsection (c), multiplied by $2,000;
767	737		(2) for each teacher candidate completing preservice
768	738		practice hours at the district under Section 21.904, the sum of:
769	739		(A) $24,000; and
770	740		(B) the high needs and rural factor, as
771	741		determined under Subsection (c), multiplied by $3,000;
772	742		(3) for each teacher candidate completing preservice
773	743		practice hours at the district under Section 21.905, the sum of:
774	744		(A) $10,000; and
775	745		(B) the high needs and rural factor, as
776	746		determined under Subsection (c), multiplied by $2,000;
777	747		(4) for each district employee participating in a
778	748		partnership described by Section 21.906(b)(2), the sum of:
779	749		(A) $8,000; and
780	750		(B) the high needs and rural factor, as
781	751		determined under Subsection (c), multiplied by $1,000; and
782	752		(5) for each classroom teacher being mentored under
783	753		the preparing and retaining educators through partnership
784	754		mentorship program established under Section 21.907, $3,000.
785	755		(c) The high needs and rural factor is the lesser of:
786	756		(1) the average of the point value assigned to each
787	757		student at a district campus under Sections 48.112(e) and (f); or
788	758		(2) 4.0.
789	759		(d) In addition to the funding under Subsection (b), a
790	760		district is entitled to an additional $2,000 for each teacher
791	761		candidate described by Subsection (b)(1), (2), or (3) who is a
792	762		candidate for certification in bilingual education or special
793	763		education.
794	764		(e) The Texas School for the Deaf and the Texas School for
795	765		the Blind and Visually Impaired are entitled to an allotment under
796	766		this section. If the commissioner determines that assigning point
797	767		values under Subsection (c) to students enrolled in the Texas
798	768		School for the Deaf or the Texas School for the Blind and Visually
799	769		Impaired is impractical, the commissioner may use the average point
800	770		value assigned for those students' home districts for purposes of
801	771		calculating the high needs and rural factor.
802	772		(f) Unless a greater number of individuals is provided for
803	773		by appropriation for that school year, a school district may
804	774		receive an allotment for a school year for not more than:
805		-	(1) ~~except as provided by Subsection~~ (g), 40
806		-	~~individuals under each of Subsections (b)(2),~~ (4), and (5); and
	775	+	(1) 40 individuals under each of Subsections (b)(2),
	776	+	(4), and (5); and
807	777		(2) a total of 80 individuals under Subsections (b)(1)
808	778		and (3).
809		-	(g) If more than 40 individuals are eligible to receive an
810		-	allotment under Subsection (b)(2) for a school district, the
811		-	district is entitled to an allotment under Subsection (b)(1) for
812		-	those individuals, subject to the limitation under Subsection
813		-	(f)(2).
814		-	(h) For purposes of offsetting tuition, fees, and
	779	+	(f-1) If a school district has individuals that otherwise
	780	+	qualify for funding under (b)(2) in excess of the cap under (f)(1),
	781	+	the school district may receive funding under (b)(1) for those
	782	+	individuals up to the cap under (f)(2).
	783	+	(g) For purposes of offsetting tuition, fees, and
815	784		administrative costs, using money to which a school district is
816	785		otherwise entitled under Subsection (b), the commissioner shall
817	786		provide to a teacher candidate's educator preparation program each
818	787		of the following applicable amounts and reduce the district's
819	788		allotment under that subsection accordingly:
820	789		(1) $5,000 for each teacher candidate who completed a
821	790		partnership program under Section 21.903 who obtains a standard
822	791		certificate and has completed one year of employment with the
823	792		district;
824	793		(2) $10,000 for each teacher candidate who completed a
825		-	partnership program under Section 21.904 who obtains ~~a residency~~
	794	+	partnership program under Section 21.904 who obtains an enhanced
826	795		standard certificate and has completed one year of employment with
827	796		the district; and
828	797		(3) $2,500 for each teacher candidate participating in
829		-	the alternative partnership ~~preservice~~ program under Section
	798	+	the alternative preservice partnership program under Section
830	799		21.905 who holds an intern with preservice experience certificate
831		-	or intern certificate, and an additional $2,500 for each teacher
832		-	candidate who completes the alternative partnership preservice
833		-	program and obtains a standard certificate under Section 21.0412.
834		-	(i) An institution of higher education that operates an
835		-	educator preparation program that receives money under Subsection
836		-	(h) must spend not less than 85 percent of the money received on the
837		-	educator preparation program for which the money was received.
838		-	(j) The agency shall provide:
	800	+	and an additional $2,500 for each teacher candidate who
	801	+	subsequently holds a standard certificate.
	802	+	(g-l) Institutions of higher education that receive funds
	803	+	under Subsection (g), must spend no less than 85% of those funds
	804	+	within the teacher preparation program.
	805	+	(h) The agency shall only provide:
839	806		(1) $4,000 of the money the school district is
840		-	entitled to receive under Subsection (b)(1) ~~for~~ a teacher ~~candidate~~
841		-	~~only on~~ the ~~teacher candidate's successful completion~~ of ~~the~~
842		-	~~requirements of a~~ partnership program under Section 21.903 by the
843		-	~~deadline~~ established by the agency;
	807	+	entitled to receive under Subsection (b)(1) until a teacher
	808	+	candidate has successfully completed the requirements of a
	809	+	partnership program under Section 21.903 by the deadline
	810	+	established by the agency;
844	811		(2) $12,000 of the money the school district is
845		-	entitled to receive under Subsection (b)(2) ~~for~~ a teacher ~~candidate~~
846		-	~~only on~~ the ~~teacher candidate's successful completion~~ of ~~the~~
847		-	~~requirements of a~~ partnership program under Section 21.904 by the
848		-	~~deadline~~ established by the agency;
	812	+	entitled to receive under Subsection (b)(2) until a teacher
	813	+	candidate has successfully completed the requirements of a
	814	+	partnership program under Section 21.904 by the deadline
	815	+	established by the agency;
849	816		(3) $4,000 of the money the school district is
850		-	entitled to receive under Subsection (b)(3) for a teacher candidate
851		-	only on the teacher candidate's successful completion of the
	817	+	entitled to receive under Subsection (b)(3) until a district
	818	+	employee has been issued an intern with preservice experience
	819	+	certificate and has successfully completed the applicable
852	820		requirements of a partnership program under Section 21.905 by the
853		-	deadline established by the agency and issuance of an intern with
854		-	preservice experience certificate; and
	821	+	deadline established by the agency; and
855	822		(4) 50 percent of the money the school district is
856		-	entitled to receive under Subsection (b)(4) ~~for a~~ district ~~employee~~
857		-	~~only on the~~ employee~~'s successful completion of~~ a bachelor's degree
858		-	~~by the~~ deadline established by the agency.
	823	+	entitled to receive under Subsection (b)(4) until the district
	824	+	employee has successfully earned a bachelor's degree by the
	825	+	deadline established by the agency.
859	826		SECTION 19. Subchapter G, Chapter 48, Education Code, is
860	827		amended by adding Section 48.310 to read as follows:
861	828		Sec. 48.310. ALLOTMENT FOR COMPLETION OF TEACHER LITERACY
862	829		OR MATHEMATICS ACHIEVEMENT ACADEMIES. An educator preparation
863	830		program that offers a teacher preparation route described by
864	831		Section 21.04421, 21.04422, or 21.04423(1) is entitled to an annual
865	832		allotment for each teacher candidate who completes a literacy
866	833		achievement academy or mathematics achievement academy under
867	834		Section 21.4552 or 21.4553 approved by the agency for the purpose in
868	835		the amount of:
869	836		(1) $1,000, or a greater amount set by appropriation
870	837		for that school year, for the completion of a literacy achievement
871	838		academy; or
872	839		(2) $500, or a greater amount set by appropriation for
873	840		that school year, for the completion of a mathematics achievement
874	841		academy.
875	842		SECTION 20. (a) The following provisions of the Education
876	843		Code are repealed:
877	844		(1) Section 21.051(a);
878	845		(2) Subchapter Q, Chapter 21; and
879	846		(3) Section 48.114.
880	847		(b) Section 825.4092(f), Government Code, is repealed.
881	848		SECTION 21. Section 12A.004(a), Education Code, as amended
882		-	by this ~~Act~~, applies to each local innovation plan adopted ~~under~~
883		-	Chapter 12A, Education Code, regardless of whether the plan ~~was~~
884		-	adopted before, on, or after the effective date of this ~~Act~~. ~~A local~~
885		-	innovation plan adopted or renewed before the effective ~~date of~~
886		-	this ~~Act~~ must comply with Section 12A.004(a), Education ~~Code, as~~
887		-	amended by this ~~Act~~, not later than September 1, 2026.
888		-	SECTION 22. (a) Except as otherwise provided by ~~Subsection~~
889		-	(b) of this section, this Act ~~applies beginning with the 2025-2026~~
890		-	school year.
	849	+	by this article, applies to each local innovation plan adopted
	850	+	under Chapter 12A, Education Code, regardless of whether the plan
	851	+	was adopted before, on, or after the effective date of this article.
	852	+	A local innovation plan adopted or renewed before the effective
	853	+	date of this article must comply with Section 12A.004(a), Education
	854	+	Code, as amended by this article, not later than September 1, 2026.
	855	+	SECTION 22. (a) Except as otherwise provided by this Act
	856	+	and by Subsection (b) of this section, the changes made by this Act
	857	+	apply beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.
891	858		(b) Section 21.0032, Education Code, as added by this Act,
892	859		and Section 21.402, Education Code, as amended by this Act, apply
893	860		beginning with the 2026-2027 school year.
894		-	SECTION 23. (a) Sections 48.157 and 48.310, Education
895		-	Code, as added by this Act, take effect September 1, 2025.
896		-	(b) Except as provided by Subsection (a) of this section,
897		-	this Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of
898		-	two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by
899		-	Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not
900		-	receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes
901		-	effect September 1, 2025.
902		-	* * * * *
	861	+	SECTION 23. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b) of
	862	+	this section, this Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
	863	+	(b) The changes made by this Act take effect immediately if
	864	+	this Act receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to
	865	+	each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas
	866	+	Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for
	867	+	immediate effect, those changes take effect September 1, 2025.