SRC-JRN H.B. 623 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 623 By: Hernandez (Luna) Education 5-13-97 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, the Education Code allows teachers to receive certification in an area other than their original certification by taking an examination and by completing an internship. In 1995, S.B. 1 eliminated the statute providing for teacher certification by examination, although the State Board for Educator Certification has the authority to continue this option, and thus far has done so. This bill reinstates the statute that provides guidelines by which teachers may receive additional certification. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 623 reinstates the statute that provides guidelines by which teacher's may receive additional certification. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is granted to the State Board for Educator Certification in SECTION 1 (Section 21.056, Education Code) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 21B, Education Code, by adding Section 21.056, as follows: Sec. 21.056. ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATION. Authorizes the State Board for Educator Certification (board), by rule, to provide for a certified educator to qualify for additional certification to teach at a grade level or in a subject area not covered by the educator's certificate on satisfactory completion of any examination required to teach at that grade level or in that subject area by this code or board rule; and a one-year internship under the supervision of an experienced certified educator who teaches at that grade level or in that subject area. Provides that an educator who holds a secondary certificate is exempt from the requirement imposed under Subsection (a)(2) if the educator is seeking certification to teach in a secondary subject area. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.