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.