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.