SRC-TNM S.B. 1178 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1178 By: Gallegos Education 4-4-97 As Filed DIGEST Currently, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), created in 1987, is a private, nonprofit organization whose 63-member governing board includes a majority of teachers. NBPTS establishes high standards for teachers and offers voluntary certification for educators who undergo an assessment reflecting various aspects of teaching. Since its creation, a significant number of state governments and schools have encouraged voluntary NBPTS certification by providing incentives to candidates for National Board Certification. Candidates for National Board Certification are required to complete a portfolio that shows direct evidence of teaching, such as videotaped excerpts and student work samples. The whole process takes close to five months, including a single-day testing of pedagogical content knowledge. S.B. 1178 would authorize a reimbursement of not more than $1,000 for the costs incurred by educators in becoming certified by NBPTS. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 1178 outlines provisions regarding certification of a public school educator by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 21H, Education Code, by adding Section 21.358, as follows: Sec. 21.358. NATIONAL BOARD FOR PROFESSIONAL TEACHING STANDARDS CERTIFICATION REIMBURSEMENT. Provides that an educator who voluntarily applies for certification from and becomes certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) is entitled to reimbursement from state funds appropriated for that purpose for not more than $1,000 of the necessary costs the educator incurs in achieving that certification. SECTION 2. Amends Section 22.003(a), Education Code, to prohibit the board of trustees from restricting an educator's use of personal leave to prepare for certification by NBPTS. SECTION 3. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 4. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.