SRC-AMY H.B. 318 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 318 78R971 BDH-DBy: Grusendorf (Shapiro) Education 5/7/2003 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE For several years, Texas school districts have faced a growing teacher shortage. Neither traditional nor alternative certification programs are meeting the demand for certified teachers. Alternative certification processes require applicants to take courses in teaching methods and certain subject areas before taking the appropriate certification exams. H.B. 318 authorizes a person who holds a bachelor's degree in one or more academic disciplines and who passes the appropriate certification examination to be issued a teaching certificate. This bill also limits a person with a degree in one academic area to teaching in that area. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter B, Chapter 21, Education Code, by adding Section 21.0491, as follows: Sec. 21.0491. ALTERNATIVE CERTIFICATION OF PERSON HOLDING BACHELOR'S DEGREE. (a) Authorizes the State Board of Educator Certification, in addition to issuing teaching certificates to persons to whom Section 21.050 (Academic Degree Requires for Teaching Certificate; Internship) applies, to issue a teaching certificate to a person who meets certain criteria. (b) Authorizes a person who holds a bachelor's degree with an academic major related to only one area of the curriculum prescribed under Subchapter A, Chapter 28 (Essential Knowledge and Skills; Curriculum), to receive a certificate to teach only in that subject area. SECTION 2. Provides that this Act applies beginning with the 2003-2004 school year. SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2003.