By: Eissler, Bonnen, Madden, King of Taylor, H.B. No. 2217

Giddings, et al.

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to grants and programs for dropout prevention, high school success, and college and workforce readiness in public schools and student performance at certain community colleges.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Sections 7.009(a) and (b), Education Code, are amended to read as follows:

(a) In coordination with the Legislative Budget Board, the agency shall establish an online clearinghouse of information relating to best practices of campuses and school districts regarding instruction, dropout prevention, public school finance, resource allocation, and business practices. To the extent practicable, the agency shall ensure that information provided through the online clearinghouse is specific, actionable information relating to the best practices of high-performing and highly efficient campuses and school districts rather than general guidelines relating to campus and school district operation. The information must be accessible by campuses, school districts, and interested members of the public.

(b) The agency shall solicit and collect from the Legislative Budget Board, centers for education research established under Section 1.005, and exemplary or recognized school districts, campuses, and open-enrollment charter schools, as rated under Section 39.072, examples of best practices relating to instruction, dropout prevention, public school finance, resource allocation, and business practices, including best practices relating to curriculum, scope and sequence, compensation and incentive systems, bilingual education and special language programs, compensatory education programs, and the effective use of instructional technology, including online courses.

SECTION 2. Subchapter B, Chapter 7, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 7.031 to read as follows:

Sec. 7.031. STUDY OF BEST PRACTICES FOR DROPOUT PREVENTION. (a) The commissioner shall contract with one or more centers for education research under Section 1.005 to:

(1) study the best practices of campuses and school districts in this state and other states regarding dropout prevention programs; and

(2) prepare a report regarding the findings of the study.

(b) The report under Subsection (a) must:

(1) identify any high-performing and highly efficient dropout prevention programs;

(2) identify the dropout prevention programs under Subdivision (1) that have the most potential for success in this state; and

(3) recommend legislation or other actions necessary to implement a dropout prevention program identified under Subdivision (2).

(c) Not later than December 1, 2008, the commissioner shall deliver the report produced under Subsection (a) to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the presiding officers of the standing committees of each house of the legislature with primary jurisdiction over public education.

(d) This section expires January 1, 2009.

SECTION 3. Section 7.056(e), Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

(e) Except as provided by Subsection (f), a school campus or district may not receive an exemption or waiver under this section from:

(1) a prohibition on conduct that constitutes a criminal offense;

(2) a requirement imposed by federal law or rule, including a requirement for special education or bilingual education programs; or

(3) a requirement, restriction, or prohibition relating to:

(A) essential knowledge or skills under Section 28.002 or minimum graduation requirements under Section 28.025;

(B) public school accountability as provided by Subchapters B, C, D, and G, Chapter 39;

(C) extracurricular activities under Section 33.081 or participation in a University Interscholastic League area, regional, or state competition under Section 33.0812;

(D) health and safety under Chapter 38;

(E) purchasing under Subchapter B, Chapter 44;

(F) elementary school class size limits, except as provided by Section 25.112;

(G) removal of a disruptive student from the classroom under Subchapter A, Chapter 37;

(H) at-risk programs under Subchapter C, Chapter 29;

(I) prekindergarten programs under Subchapter E, Chapter 29;

(J) educator rights and benefits under Subchapters A, C, D, E, F, G, and I, Chapter 21, or under Subchapter A, Chapter 22;

(K) special education programs under Subchapter A, Chapter 29;

(L) bilingual education programs under Subchapter B, Chapter 29; [or]

(M) the requirements for the first day of instruction under Section 25.0811; or

(N) the prohibition on assignment of a student to an inexperienced and uncertified teacher under Section 28.0216, except as otherwise authorized under that section.

SECTION 4. Subchapter I, Chapter 21, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 21.419 to read as follows:

Sec. 21.419. SALARY SUPPLEMENTS FOR TEACHERS IN HIGH-NEED PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS; PILOT PROJECT. (a) The commissioner shall establish a pilot project in school districts selected by the commissioner to pay salary supplements to teachers who commit to teach for at least three years in one of the districts at any high school campus considered academically unacceptable under Section 39.132.

(b) In selecting school districts under Subsection (a), the commissioner shall select districts:

(1) in which at least 70 percent of the number of students enrolled in the district are educationally disadvantaged;

(2) that have a substantial number of high school campuses considered academically unacceptable under Section 39.132; and

(3) that have high teacher turnover rates.

(c) From amounts appropriated to the agency, the commissioner shall award grants to school districts that participate in the program. A grant under this section must be in an amount sufficient to pay the costs to the district of participating in the program, as determined by the commissioner. A determination of the commissioner is final and may not be appealed.

(d) A school district may use a grant awarded under Subsection (c) only to pay a salary supplement to a teacher who commits to teach for three years beginning with the 2007-2008 school year at any high school campus in the district considered academically unacceptable under Section 39.132. The district shall pay one-third of the salary supplement as a signing bonus and pay the remaining two-thirds of the salary supplement only at the end of the teacher's three-year commitment to the district. A teacher who does not fulfill the three-year commitment is not entitled to any portion of the remaining two-thirds of the salary supplement.

(e) The provisions of Chapter 21 regarding resignation apply in the same manner to a teacher employed under a contract who commits to teach in a district under this section as to a teacher employed under a contract to teach in any district.

(f) A grant a school district receives under this section is in addition to any funding the district receives under Chapter 42. The commissioner shall distribute funds under this section with the Foundation School Program payment to which the district is entitled as soon as practicable after the end of the school year as determined by the commissioner. A district to which Chapter 41 applies is entitled to a grant under this section. The commissioner shall determine the timing of the distribution of a grant to a district that does not receive Foundation School Program payments. An open-enrollment charter school is not eligible for a grant under this section.

(g) This section does not create a property right to a grant or salary supplement. A school district is entitled to a grant to carry out the purposes of this section only to the extent the commissioner makes the grant in accordance with this section and only to the extent sufficient state funds are appropriated for those purposes. If state funds are appropriated but are insufficient to fully fund a grant, the commissioner shall reduce the grant paid to each district and the district shall reduce the salary supplement the district pays to each teacher under this section proportionately so that each selected teacher receives the same amount of money.

(h) Each district shall, in the manner and at the time prescribed by the commissioner, provide to the commissioner proof acceptable to the commissioner of the appropriate certification of a teacher to whom the district is paying a salary supplement under this section.

(i) The commissioner may audit the expenditure of money appropriated for purposes of this section. A district's use of the money appropriated for purposes of this section shall be verified as part of the district audit under Section 44.008.

(j) A salary supplement a teacher receives under this section is not considered in determining whether the district is paying the teacher the minimum monthly salary under Section 21.402.

(k) The commissioner may adopt any rules necessary to implement this section.

(l) The agency shall report to the legislature describing the agency's activities under the pilot project, the effect of the project on the teacher turnover rate and the academic performance level for each school district participating in the project, and the recommendations arising from the project. The agency shall submit an interim report under this subsection not later than January 1, 2009, and a final report not later than January 1, 2011.

(m) This section expires January 1, 2011.

SECTION 5. Subchapter J, Chapter 21, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 21.4511 to read as follows:

Sec. 21.4511. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES FOR TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS. (a) From funds appropriated for that purpose, the High School Completion and Success Initiative Committee established under Subchapter L, Chapter 39, may develop and recommend the award of grants as provided by Section 39.360 to school districts, regional education service centers, and institutions of higher education for the establishment of technical assistance and professional development activities in the staff development training of public school teachers and administrators.

(b) The training under this section shall include training relating to implementing curriculum and instruction that is aligned with the foundation curriculum described by Section 28.002(a)(1) and standards and expectations for college readiness, as determined by State Board of Education rule under Section 28.008(d).

(c) The High School Completion and Success Initiative Committee may give preference to a school district, regional education service center, or institution of higher education conducting professional development activities under this section that applies for a grant in partnership with a state or national organization that has demonstrated success in the development and implementation of high school reform strategies.

SECTION 6. Subchapter J, Chapter 21, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 21.4541 to read as follows:

Sec. 21.4541. MATHEMATICS INSTRUCTIONAL COACHES PILOT PROGRAM. (a) From funds appropriated for that purpose, the commissioner by rule shall establish a pilot program under which participating school districts and campuses receive grants to provide assistance in developing the content knowledge and instructional expertise of teachers who instruct students in mathematics at the middle school, junior high school, or high school level.

(b) A school district or campus is eligible to participate in the pilot program under this section if the district or campus meets the eligibility criteria established as provided by Section 39.360.

(c) A grant awarded under this section may be used to support intensive instructional coaching and professional development from a service provider approved by the commissioner. Approved service providers may include:

(1) academies and training centers established in conjunction with a Texas Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (T-STEM) center;

(2) regional education service centers;

(3) institutions of higher education; and

(4) private organizations with significant experience in providing mathematics instruction, as determined by the commissioner.

(d) An instructional coaching or professional development program supported by a grant under this section must demonstrate significant past effectiveness in improving mathematics instruction in middle schools, junior high schools, and high schools serving a significant number of students identified as students at risk of dropping out of school, as described by Section 29.081(d). An instructional coaching or professional development program may include:

(1) providing classes to teachers on effective mathematics instruction;

(2) providing tutoring or mentoring to teachers regarding effective mathematics instruction;

(3) providing incentives to teachers to participate in the program; or

(4) engaging in any other activities determined by the commissioner as likely to improve the instructional skills of teachers providing mathematics instruction.

(e) The commissioner shall adopt rules necessary to implement the pilot program.

SECTION 7. Subchapter J, Chapter 21, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 21.462 to read as follows:

Sec. 21.462. MATHEMATICS, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY TEACHER PREPARATION ACADEMIES. (a) From funds appropriated for that purpose, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall establish academies at institutions of higher education to improve the instructional skills of teachers certified under Subchapter B and train students enrolled in a teacher preparation program to perform at the highest levels in mathematics, science, and technology. The coordinating board may adopt rules as necessary to administer this section.

(b) Before an institution of higher education establishes an academy under this section, the institution must apply through a competitive process, as determined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and meet any requirements established by the coordinating board for designation as an academy under this section and continued funding. The institution of higher education must have a teacher preparation program approved by the State Board for Educator Certification or be affiliated with an approved program in a manner that allows participants to meet the certification requirements under Sections 21.0482, 21.0483, and 21.0484.

(c) The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the State Board for Educator Certification shall adopt rules to coordinate the requirements of each board to facilitate the ability of a graduate of an academy established under this section to obtain a master teacher certificate under Section 21.0482, 21.0483, or 21.0484.

(d) A participant in an academy program must be:

(1) an experienced teacher who:

(A) is recommended by a school district; and

(B) has at least five years experience teaching mathematics, science, or technology in assignments for which the teacher met all certification requirements; or

(2) a teacher preparation program candidate who has or will graduate with a degree in mathematics, science, or technology.

(e) An academy program shall:

(1) offer a masters-level degree as part of the program on a schedule that allows a teacher participant to complete the program and degree while employed as a teacher;

(2) coordinate with the mathematics, science, and technology departments of the institution of higher education operating the program to facilitate the ability of:

(A) academy participants to take advanced courses and qualify for degrees; and

(B) teacher preparation program candidates pursuing mathematics, science, or technology degrees to participate in academy programs;

(3) integrate advanced subject-matter coursework with instructional methodology and curriculum delivery; and

(4) focus on strengthening instructional skills.

(f) An academy program may:

(1) provide financial assistance for the purpose of allowing participants to complete the program and obtain a master teacher certificate under Section 21.0482, 21.0483, or 21.0484;

(2) include programs in leadership skills to develop training, mentoring, and coaching skills;

(3) deliver coursework electronically for some or all of the program; and

(4) provide for ongoing professional development and coordination with specific public school instructional programs.

(g) The commissioner of education shall, to the extent funds are appropriated for that purpose:

(1) develop training materials under Sections 21.454 and 21.456 consistent with the academy training and master mathematics, science, and technology certification;

(2) coordinate the activities of professional development institutes in mathematics under Section 21.455 with activities of academies established under this section; and

(3) target grants under Sections 21.411, 21.412, and 21.413 to support experienced teachers participating in an academy program.

SECTION 8. Section 25.001, Education Code, is amended by amending Subsections (a) and (b) and adding Subsection (b-1) to read as follows:

(a) A person who, on the first day of September of any school year, is at least five years of age and under 21 years of age, or is at least 21 years of age and under 26 years of age and is admitted by a school district to complete the requirements for a high school diploma, [on the first day of September of any school year] is entitled to the benefits of the available school fund for that year. Any other person enrolled in a prekindergarten class under Section 29.153 is entitled to the benefits of the available school fund.

(b) The board of trustees of a school district or its designee shall admit into the public schools of the district free of tuition a person who is over five and younger than 21 years of age on the first day of September of the school year in which admission is sought, and may admit a person who is at least 21 years of age and under 26 years of age for the purpose of completing the requirements for a high school diploma, if:

(1) the person and either parent of the person reside in the school district;

(2) the person does not reside in the school district but a parent of the person resides in the school district and that parent is a joint managing conservator or the sole managing conservator or possessory conservator of the person;

(3) the person and the person's guardian or other person having lawful control of the person under a court order reside within the school district;

(4) the person has established a separate residence under Subsection (d);

(5) the person is homeless, as defined by 42 U.S.C. Section 11302, regardless of the residence of the person, of either parent of the person, or of the person's guardian or other person having lawful control of the person;

(6) the person is a foreign exchange student placed with a host family that resides in the school district by a nationally recognized foreign exchange program, unless the school district has applied for and been granted a waiver by the commissioner under Subsection (e);

(7) the person resides at a residential facility located in the district;

(8) the person resides in the school district and is 18 years of age or older or the person's disabilities of minority have been removed; or

(9) the person does not reside in the school district but the grandparent of the person:

(A) resides in the school district; and

(B) provides a substantial amount of after-school care for the person as determined by the board.

(b-1) A person who is 21 years of age or older and is admitted by a school district for the purpose stated in Subsection (b) is not eligible for placement in a disciplinary alternative education program or a juvenile justice alternative education program if the person engages in conduct that would require or authorize such placement for a student under the age of 21. If the student engages in conduct that would otherwise require such placement, the district shall revoke admission of the student into the public schools of the district.

SECTION 9. Section 25.085(d), Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

(d) Unless specifically exempted by Section 25.086, a student enrolled in a school district must attend:

(1) an extended-year program for which the student is eligible that is provided by the district for students identified as likely not to be promoted to the next grade level or tutorial classes required by the district under Section 29.084;

(2) an accelerated reading instruction program to which the student is assigned under Section 28.006(g);

(3) an accelerated instruction program to which the student is assigned under Section 28.0211;

(4) a basic skills program to which the student is assigned under Section 29.086; [or]

(5) a summer program provided under Section 37.008(l) or Section 37.021; or

(6) an intensive preparation academy to which the student is assigned under Section 39.0252.

SECTION 10. Section 25.092, Education Code, is amended by adding Subsection (a-1) and amending Subsection (b) to read as follows:

(a-1) A student who is in attendance for at least 75 percent but less than 90 percent of the days a class is offered may be given credit for the class if the student completes a plan approved by the school's principal that provides for the student to meet the instructional requirements of the class. A student under the jurisdiction of a court in a criminal or juvenile justice proceeding may not receive credit under this subsection without the consent of the judge presiding over the student's case.

(b) The board of trustees of each school district shall appoint one or more attendance committees to hear petitions for class credit by students who are in attendance fewer than the number of days required under Subsection (a) and have not earned class credit under Subsection (a-1). Classroom teachers shall comprise a majority of the membership of the committee. A committee may give class credit to a student because of extenuating circumstances. Each board of trustees shall establish guidelines to determine what constitutes extenuating circumstances and shall adopt policies establishing alternative ways for students to make up work or regain credit lost because of absences. The alternative ways must include at least one option that does not require a student to pay a fee authorized under Section 11.158(a)(15). A certified public school employee may not be assigned additional instructional duties as a result of this section outside of the regular workday unless the employee is compensated for the duties at a reasonable rate of pay.

SECTION 11. Subchapter A, Chapter 28, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 28.0022 to read as follows:

Sec. 28.0022. REVIEW PANEL FOR CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION CURRICULUM. (a) Not later than November 1, 2007, the agency shall establish a panel under this section to:

(1) review and recommend revisions to the career and technical education curriculum under Section 28.002(a)(2)(F); and

(2) review and recommend revisions for the program in which high schools and articulated postsecondary institutions allow high school students to take advanced technical credit courses.

(b) The panel established under this section shall consist of:

(1) individuals who have expertise developing or administering career and technical education programs; and

(2) employers who hire students who have obtained certification or credentials under a career and technical education program.

(c) A member of the panel serves on a voluntary basis without compensation.

(d) Not later than November 1, 2008, the panel shall:

(1) complete the review as required by this section of:

(A) the career and technical education curriculum; and

(B) the program under which high schools and articulated postsecondary institutions allow high school students to take advanced technical credit courses; and

(2) make recommendations to the State Board of Education as necessary to:

(A) increase the academic rigor of the career and technical education curriculum under Section 28.002(a)(2)(F); and

(B) improve and increase participation in the program under which high schools and articulated postsecondary institutions allow high school students to take advanced technical credit courses.

(e) Not later than September 1, 2009, the State Board of Education by rule shall revise the essential knowledge and skills of the career and technical education curriculum as provided by Section 28.002(c) based on the recommendations of the panel under Subsection (d). The State Board of Education shall require school districts to provide instruction in the career and technical education curriculum, as revised under this subsection, beginning with the 2010-2011 school year.

(f) This section expires September 1, 2014.

SECTION 12. Section 28.008, Education Code, is amended by adding Subsection (d-1) to read as follows:

(d-1) Beginning with the 2008-2009 school year, the State Board of Education shall incorporate college readiness standards and expectations into the essential knowledge and skills of the foundation curriculum under Section 28.002(a)(1) for courses in which students in grades nine through 12 generally enroll, as determined by board rule. This subsection expires December 1, 2012.

SECTION 13. Section 28.009, Education Code, is amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsections (c) and (d) to read as follows:

(a) Each school district shall implement a program under which students may earn the equivalent of at least 12 semester credit hours of college credit in high school. On request, a public institution of higher education in this state shall assist a school district in developing and implementing the program. The college credit may be earned through:

(1) international baccalaureate, advanced placement, or dual credit courses;

(2) articulated postsecondary courses provided for local credit or articulated postsecondary advanced technical credit courses provided for state credit; or

(3) any combination of the courses described by Subdivisions (1) and (2).

(c) Each school district shall annually report to the agency:

(1) the number of district students, including career and technical students, who have participated in the program and earned college credit; and

(2) the cumulative number of courses in which participating district students have enrolled and college credit hours the students have earned.

(d) In this section:

(1) "Career and technical student" means:

(A) a secondary education student who has entered the first course in a sequence of two or more technical courses for three or more credits in a career and technical education program; or

(B) a student who:

(i) is enrolled in an academic or workforce course that is part of a sequence of courses leading to an industry-recognized credential, certificate, or degree; and

(ii) has declared that sequence of courses as the student's major course of study.

(2) "Sequence of courses" means career and technical education courses approved by the State Board of Education, innovative courses approved by the State Board of Education that are provided for local credit, or a tech-prep program of study under Section 61.852.

SECTION 14. Subchapter A, Chapter 28, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 28.014 to read as follows:

Sec. 28.014. COLLEGE PREPARATORY MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE COURSES. (a) The commissioner of education and the commissioner of higher education shall develop and recommend to the State Board of Education for adoption under Section 28.002 the essential knowledge and skills of a course in college preparatory mathematics and a course in college preparatory science for use in public high schools. The courses must be designed:

(1) for students at the 12th grade level who do not meet college readiness standards on a secondary exit-level assessment instrument required under Section 39.023(c); and

(2) to prepare students for success in entry-level college courses.

(b) A student who successfully completes a course developed under this section may use the credit earned in the course toward satisfying the applicable mathematics or science curriculum requirement for the recommended or advanced high school program under Section 28.025.

(c) The agency, in consultation with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, shall adopt an end-of-course assessment instrument for each course developed under this section to ensure the rigor of the course. A school district shall, in accordance with State Board of Education rules, administer the end-of-course assessment instrument to a student enrolled in a course developed under this section. Each school district shall adopt a policy that requires a student's performance on the end-of-course assessment instrument to account for 15 percent of the student's final grade for the course. A student's performance on an end-of-course assessment instrument administered under this subsection is not subject to the graduation requirements established under Section 39.025.

(d) The agency, in coordination with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, shall adopt a series of optional questions to be included in an end-of-course assessment instrument administered under Subsection (c) to be used for purposes of Section 51.3062. The optional questions must be developed in a manner consistent with any college readiness standards adopted under Sections 39.113 and 51.3062. A student's performance on an optional question adopted under this subsection may not be used to determine the student's performance on an end-of-course assessment instrument.

(e) The State Board of Education shall adopt instructional materials for a course developed under this section in accordance with Chapter 31. The instructional materials must include technology resources that enhance the effectiveness of the course and draw on established best practices.

(f) To the extent applicable, the commissioner shall draw from curricula and instructional materials developed under Sections 28.008 and 61.0763 in developing a course and related instructional materials under this section. Not later than October 1, 2008, the State Board of Education shall adopt essential knowledge and skills for each course developed under this section. The State Board of Education shall make each course developed under this section and the related instructional materials available to school districts beginning with the 2010-2011 school year. As required by Subsection (c), a school district shall adopt a policy requiring a student's performance on an end-of-course assessment instrument administered under that subsection to account for 15 percent of the student's grade for a course developed under this section beginning with the 2011-2012 school year. This subsection expires September 1, 2012.

SECTION 15. Subchapter A, Chapter 28, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 28.015 to read as follows:

Sec. 28.015. APPLIED MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE COURSES. (a) The commissioner of education and the commissioner of higher education shall establish vertical teams composed of public school educators, institution of higher education faculty, community or technical college faculty, workforce representatives, and any other person selected by the commissioners to serve on the vertical teams.

(b) The vertical teams shall develop and recommend to the State Board of Education for adoption under Section 28.002 the essential knowledge and skills of a course in applied mathematics and a course in applied science for use in public high schools. A course developed under this section must be designed to prepare students for success in college courses and in advanced technical occupations.

(c) A student who successfully completes a course developed under this section may use the credit earned in the course toward satisfying the applicable mathematics or science curriculum requirement for the standard high school program under Section 28.025.

(d) The agency, in consultation with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, shall adopt an end-of-course assessment instrument for each course developed under this section to ensure the rigor of the course. A school district shall, in accordance with State Board of Education rules, administer the end-of-course assessment instrument to a student enrolled in a course developed under this section. Each school district shall adopt a policy that requires a student's performance on the end-of-course assessment instrument to account for 15 percent of the student's final grade for the course. A student's performance on an end-of-course assessment instrument administered under this subsection is not subject to the graduation requirements established under Section 39.025.

(e) The agency, in coordination with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, shall adopt a series of optional questions to be included in an end-of-course assessment instrument administered under Subsection (d) to be used for purposes of Section 51.3062. The optional questions must be developed in a manner consistent with any college readiness standards adopted under Sections 39.113 and 51.3062. A student's performance on an optional question adopted under this subsection may not be used to determine the student's performance on an end-of-course assessment instrument.

(f) The State Board of Education shall adopt instructional materials for a course developed under this section in accordance with Chapter 31. The instructional materials must include technology resources that enhance the effectiveness of the course and draw on established best practices.

(g) Not later than October 1, 2008, the State Board of Education shall adopt essential knowledge and skills for each course developed under this section. The State Board of Education shall make each course developed under this section and the related instructional materials available to school districts beginning with the 2010-2011 school year. As required by Subsection (d), a school district shall adopt a policy requiring a student's performance on an end-of-course assessment instrument administered under that subsection to account for 15 percent of the student's grade for a course developed under this section beginning with the 2011-2012 school year. This subsection expires September 1, 2012.

SECTION 16. Section 28.0212, Education Code, is amended by adding Subsections (d), (e), and (f) to read as follows:

(d) The agency shall establish minimum standards for a personal graduation plan under this section.

(e) The commissioner may adopt rules as necessary to administer this section.

(f) Each school district is encouraged to establish for each student entering grade nine a personal graduation plan that identifies a course of study that:

(1) promotes:

(A) college and workforce readiness; and

(B) career placement and advancement; and

(2) facilitates the student's transition from secondary to postsecondary education.

SECTION 17. Subchapter B, Chapter 28, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 28.0216 to read as follows:

Sec. 28.0216. LIMITS ON ASSIGNMENT OF STUDENTS TO TEACHERS. (a) This section applies only to a school district with an enrollment of 5,000 or more students.

(b) In a subject for which a student is assessed under Section 39.023(a) or (c), a student in grade seven through 12 may not be assigned for two consecutive years to a teacher who:

(1) has less than one year of teaching experience; and

(2) does not hold the appropriate certificate required under Section 21.003.

(c) The prohibition prescribed by Subsection (b) does not apply if the student's parent or other person standing in parental relation to the student and a school counselor or school administrator agree that assignment of the student to the teacher should be allowed.

(d) The commissioner may grant a waiver from the requirements of this section to a school district if the commissioner finds that extreme circumstances in the district warrant the waiver. The commissioner may adopt rules as necessary to implement this section.

SECTION 18. Section 28.025, Education Code, is amended by amending Subsection (b-1) and adding Subsection (b-2) to read as follows:

(b-1) The State Board of Education by rule shall require that:

(1) except as provided by Subsection (b-2), the curriculum requirements for the recommended and advanced high school programs under Subsection (a) include a requirement that students successfully complete four courses in each subject of the foundation curriculum under Section 28.002(a)(1); and

(2) one or more courses offered in the required curriculum for the recommended and advanced high school programs include a research writing component.

(b-2) In adopting rules under Subsection (b-1), the State Board of Education shall allow a student to comply with the curriculum requirements for a mathematics course under Subsection (b-1)(1) taken after the successful completion of an Algebra II course or science course under Subsection (b-1)(1) taken after the successful completion of a physics course by successfully completing an advanced career and technical course designated by the State Board of Education as containing substantively similar and rigorous academic content. A student may use the option provided by this subsection for not more than two courses.

SECTION 19. Sections 28.025(a), (b), (e), and (g), Education Code, are amended to read as follows:

(a) The State Board of Education by rule shall determine curriculum requirements for the standard [minimum], recommended, and advanced high school programs that are consistent with the required curriculum under Section 28.002.

(b) A school district shall ensure that each student enrolls in the courses necessary to complete the curriculum requirements identified by the State Board of Education under Subsection (a) for the recommended or advanced high school program unless the student, the student's parent or other person standing in parental relation to the student, and a school counselor or school administrator agree that the student should be permitted to take courses under the standard [minimum] high school program.

(e) Each school district shall report the academic achievement record of students who have completed a standard [minimum], recommended, or advanced high school program on transcript forms adopted by the State Board of Education. The transcript forms adopted by the board must be designed to clearly differentiate between each of the high school programs and identify whether a student received a diploma or a certificate of coursework completion.

(g) If a student, other than a student permitted to take courses under the standard [minimum] high school program as provided by Subsection (b), is unable to complete the recommended or advanced high school program solely because necessary courses were unavailable to the student at the appropriate times in the student's high school career as a result of course scheduling, lack of enrollment capacity, or another cause not within the student's control, the school district shall indicate that fact on the student's transcript form described by Subsection (e).

SECTION 20. Sections 28.0252(a), (b), and (c), Education Code, are amended to read as follows:

(a) A school district shall adopt a [The commissioner may develop a standard] method of computing a student's high school grade point average that provides for the [additional] weight [to be] given to each dual credit course completed by a student to be equal to the weight given to each comparable honors course, advanced placement course, or international baccalaureate course[, or dual credit course completed by a student].

(b) A [If the commissioner develops a standard method under this section, a] school district shall use the [standard] method adopted under Subsection (a) to compute a student's high school grade point average, and the student's grade point average computed in that manner shall be used in determining the student's class rank and eligibility for automatic college admission under Section 51.803.

(c) The commissioner shall [may] adopt rules necessary to implement this section.

SECTION 21. Subchapter C, Chapter 29, Education Code, is amended by adding Sections 29.095 through 29.098 to read as follows:

Sec. 29.095. GRANTS FOR STUDENT CLUBS. (a) In this section:

(1) "Committee" means the High School Completion and Success Initiative Committee established under Subchapter L, Chapter 39.

(2) "Student at risk of dropping out of school" has the meaning assigned by Section 29.081(d).

(b) The committee shall administer a pilot program to provide grants to school districts to fund student club activities for students at risk of dropping out of school. From funds appropriated for purposes of this subchapter, the committee shall spend an amount not to exceed $5 million in any state fiscal biennium on the program.

(c) The committee may recommend and the commissioner may award a grant as provided by Section 39.360 in an amount not to exceed $5,000 in a school year to a school district on behalf of a student club at a district high school campus that is eligible under the criteria established under Section 39.360. To be eligible for a grant, the student club and the club's sponsor must be sanctioned by the campus and district. A grant awarded under this program must be matched by other federal, state, or local funds, including donations, in an amount equal to the amount of the grant. A district shall seek donations or sponsorships from local businesses or community organizations to raise the matching funds. The committee may recommend and the commissioner may award a grant as provided by Section 39.360 on behalf of more than one student club at a campus in the same school year.

(d) The committee shall establish application criteria for receipt of a grant under this section. The criteria must require confirmation that the appropriate campus-level planning and decision-making committee established under Subchapter F, Chapter 11, and the school district board of trustees have approved a plan that includes:

(1) a description of the student club;

(2) a statement of the student club's goals, intent, and activities;

(3) a statement of the source of funds to be used to match the grant;

(4) a budget for the student club;

(5) a statement showing that the student club's finances are sustainable; and

(6) any other information the committee requires.

(e) The committee shall establish the minimum requirements for a local grant agreement, including requiring:

(1) the agreement to be signed by the sponsor of a student club receiving a grant and another authorized school district officer; and

(2) the district and the student club to participate in an evaluation, as determined by the committee, of the club's program and the program's effect on student achievement and dropout rates.

(f) A student club may use funds awarded under this section to support academic or co-curricular club activities, other than athletics, in which at least 50 percent of the participating students have been identified as students at risk of dropping out of school. A student club may use funds for materials, sponsor stipends, and other needs that directly support the club's activities. A student club must use the entire amount of the grant to directly fund the club's activities described in the plan approved as provided by Subsection (d). A student club may not use more than 50 percent of a grant to pay sponsor stipends.

(g) The school district board of trustees shall ensure that funds awarded under this section are expended in compliance with Subsection (f). At the end of the school year, a student club that receives a grant must submit a report to the board of trustees summarizing the club's activities and the extent to which the club met the club's goals and achieved the club's intent. The decision of the board of trustees under this subsection relating to compliance with Subsection (f) is final and may not be appealed.

Sec. 29.096. COLLABORATIVE DROPOUT REDUCTION PILOT PROGRAM. (a) In this section:

(1) "Committee" means the High School Completion and Success Initiative Committee established under Subchapter L, Chapter 39.

(2) "Skilled employee" means an employee who has acquired knowledge in a technical field sufficient to successfully perform assigned duties.

(b) Using funds appropriated for that purpose, the committee shall establish a pilot program under which a school district or open-enrollment charter school may receive a grant to implement a local collaborative dropout reduction program.

(c) A school district or open-enrollment charter school is eligible to participate and receive a grant under this section under the eligibility criteria established under Section 39.360.

(d) The committee shall establish application criteria for receiving a grant under this section. The criteria must require a school district or open-enrollment charter school that applies for a grant to collaborate with local businesses, including local businesses that employ skilled employees, other local governments or law enforcement agencies, nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, individuals residing in the area in which the district or charter school is located who have expertise in technology and career-oriented opportunities in the public setting, or institutions of higher education, including private trade or technical schools accredited by an accrediting entity recognized by the commissioner or by another state officer or agency, to deliver proven, research-based intervention services. The goal of the program is to coordinate services and programs among local entities to:

(1) comprehensively reduce the number of students who drop out of school in that community; and

(2) increase the job skills, employment opportunities, and continuing education opportunities of students who might otherwise have dropped out of school.

(e) The committee shall establish minimum standards for a local collaborative agreement, including a requirement that the agreement must be signed by an authorized school district or open-enrollment charter school officer and an authorized representative of each of the other participating entities that is a partner in the collaboration. The program must:

(1) limit participation in the program to students authorized to participate by a parent or other person standing in parental relationship;

(2) have as a primary goal graduation from high school under at least the recommended high school program;

(3) provide for local businesses or other employers to offer paid employment or internship opportunities and advanced career and vocational training;

(4) include an outreach component and a lead educational staff member to identify and involve eligible students and public and private entities in participating in the program;

(5) serve a population of students of which at least 50 percent are identified as students at risk of dropping out of school, as described by Section 29.081(d);

(6) allocate not more than 15 percent of grant funds and matching funds, as determined by the committee, to administrative expenses;

(7) include matching funds from any of the participating entities; and

(8) include any other requirements as determined by the committee.

(f) A local collaborative agreement under this section may:

(1) be coordinated with other services provided to students or their families by public or private entities;

(2) provide for local businesses to support the program, including:

(A) encouraging employees to engage in mentoring students and other school-related volunteer activities; and

(B) using matching funds to provide paid time off for volunteer activities under Paragraph (A) and other activities related to encouraging school involvement of parents of students enrolled in the program;

(3) allow grant funds to reimburse reasonable costs of participating entities;

(4) provide for electronic course delivery by a school district, an open-enrollment charter school, or an institution of higher education; and

(5) be hosted or housed by a chamber of commerce, local workforce agency, local employer, or other public or private participating entity.

(g) The committee may approve innovative instructional techniques for course credit in the enrichment curriculum leading to high school graduation under a collaborative program and shall develop accountability measures appropriate to those programs. From funds appropriated, the commissioner may fund electronic courses that are part of a collaborative program and that are otherwise eligible for state funds. Funding for an electronic course may not exceed the total amount of state and local funding for a student to which the school district or open-enrollment charter school would otherwise be entitled.

(h) Nothing in this section authorizes the award of a high school diploma other than in compliance with Section 28.025.

(i) The commissioner shall adopt rules necessary to administer the pilot program under this section.

Sec. 29.097. INTENSIVE TECHNOLOGY/CAREER-ORIENTED AND SCHOLASTICALLY INNOVATIVE ACADEMIC INTERVENTION PILOT PROGRAM. (a) In this section:

(1) "Committee" means the High School Completion and Success Initiative Committee established under Subchapter L, Chapter 39.

(2) "Pilot program" means the intensive technology-based academic intervention pilot program.

(b) From funds appropriated for that purpose, the board shall establish a pilot program for the commissioner to award grants to participating campuses to provide intensive technology/career-oriented and scholastically innovative supplementary instruction in English, mathematics, science, or social studies to students in grades nine through 12 identified as being at risk of dropping out of school, as described by Section 29.081(d). Instruction techniques and technology used by a campus under this section must be based on the best available research, as determined by the board, regarding college and workforce readiness.

(c) The commissioner may select for participation in the pilot program only a campus that is eligible under the criteria established under Section 39.360.

(d) A program supported by a grant under this section to provide intensive technology/career-oriented and scholastically innovative supplementary instruction at a campus must:

(1) include comprehensive course plans and teacher guides that are aligned with one or more subjects of the foundation curriculum described by Section 28.002(a)(1);

(2) include technology/career-oriented and scholastically innovative supplementary instruction that will provide a student with the opportunity to learn skills necessary to acquire employment that provides a decent wage and opportunity for advancement;

(3) include at least four cumulative days of training, professional development, and mentoring for teachers;

(4) provide students individual access to technology-based supplementary instruction at least 90 minutes each week;

(5) provide teachers daily access to required technology;

(6) demonstrate significant effectiveness in high schools serving students identified as being at risk of dropping out of school, as described by Section 29.081(d);

(7) be selected in consultation with the teachers at the affected campus; and

(8) be implemented in partnership with institutions of higher education.

(e) The primary purpose of a program supported by a grant under this section to provide intensive technology-based supplementary instruction at a campus is to benefit students identified as being at risk of dropping out of school, as described by Section 29.081(d), but grant funds may be used to benefit a campus-wide program if the use of the funds does not defeat the primary purpose provided by this subsection.

(f) A grant awarded under this section:

(1) may not exceed $50 for each participating student; and

(2) must be matched by other federal, state, or local funds, including private donations.

(g) For purposes of Subsection (f)(2), a school district is encouraged to use funds allocated under Section 42.2516(b)(3).

(h) A grant awarded under this section may not be used to replace federal, state, or local funds previously spent on an instructional program, but may be used to expand an existing program.

(i) The entire amount of a grant awarded under this section:

(1) must fund the program described in the application for the grant; and

(2) may be used for:

(A) supplementary instructional support systems;

(B) technology used primarily for the delivery of supplementary instruction;

(C) teacher training and professional development; and

(D) other necessary costs, as determined by the committee.

Sec. 29.098. INTENSIVE SUMMER PROGRAMS. (a) In this section, "pilot program" means the intensive summer pilot program for students identified as being at risk of dropping out of school or college.

(b) From funds appropriated for that purpose, the commissioner of higher education by rule shall establish a pilot program to award grants to participating campuses to provide intensive academic instruction during the summer semester to promote college and workforce readiness to students identified as being at risk of dropping out of school or college. A grant awarded under this section may be used to fund any of the following categories of programs:

(1) a program administered by an institution of higher education to provide intensive academic instruction in English language arts, mathematics, and science to facilitate the student's transition from high school to a postsecondary institution;

(2) a program administered by a school district in partnership with an institution of higher education to provide intensive academic instruction in English language arts, mathematics, and science to promote high school completion and college readiness; and

(3) a program administered by a school district in partnership with an institution of higher education to provide intensive academic instruction in reading and mathematics to students in grades six through eight to promote high school completion and college readiness.

(c) The commissioner of higher education may select for participation in the pilot program only a campus that is eligible under the criteria established under Section 39.360.

(d) A grant may be awarded to an institution of higher education for a program administered under Subsection (b)(1) only if at least 50 percent of the students served in the program:

(1) have a score on the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT) that is equal to a score less than the national mean score;

(2) have been awarded a grant under the federal Pell grant program;

(3) are at least 20 years of age on the date the student initially enrolls in the institution of higher education; or

(4) have enrolled or will initially enroll as a part-time student.

(e) A program supported by a grant to provide intensive summer instruction under this section must:

(1) provide rigorous academic instruction;

(2) provide at least four weeks of instruction; and

(3) for a program described by Subsection (b)(2) or (3), be designed and implemented in partnership with an institution of higher education.

(f) To the extent practicable, an institution of higher education shall create work-study opportunities for students enrolled in teacher preparation programs to assist in providing instruction in programs described by this section.

(g) A grant awarded under this section:

(1) may not exceed $750 for each participating student; and

(2) must be matched by not less than $250 for each participating student in other federal, state, or local funds, including private donations.

(h) For purposes of Subsection (g)(2), a school district is encouraged to use funds allocated under Section 42.2516(b)(3).

(i) A grant awarded under this section may not be used to replace federal, state, or local funds previously spent on a summer intensive program, but may be used to expand an existing program.

(j) The entire amount of a grant awarded under this section:

(1) must fund the program described in the application for the grant; and

(2) may be used for:

(A) instructional materials;

(B) technology used primarily for the delivery of supplementary instruction;

(C) teacher training and professional development, including educator stipends; and

(D) other necessary costs, as determined by the commissioner of higher education.

(k) The commissioner of education and the commissioner of higher education shall jointly develop or adopt assessment instruments to diagnose students' readiness to perform college-level work, assess the cumulative knowledge of students participating in a program under this section, and ensure the rigorous quality of the instruction provided. To the extent practicable and appropriate, existing state-adopted assessment instruments should be used for purposes of this subsection.

(l) All students enrolled in a program under this section shall be administered an assessment instrument developed or adopted under Subsection (k).

(m) The commissioner of education, in coordination with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, shall adopt a series of optional questions to be included in an assessment instrument administered under Subsection (l). The optional questions must be developed in a manner consistent with any college readiness standards adopted under Sections 39.113 and 51.3062.

(n) Instructional materials adopted by the State Board of Education shall be used for instruction in a program under Subsection (b)(2) or (3). The State Board of Education may adopt any additional instructional materials as necessary for a program under Subsection (b)(2) or (3). The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board may adopt instructional materials as necessary for students enrolled in a program under Subsection (b)(1).

(o) The State Board of Education and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall include information technology instructional resources that incorporate established best practices for instruction among approved instructional materials for intensive summer programs under this section to enhance the effectiveness of the programs.

SECTION 22. Subchapter Z, Chapter 29, Education Code, is amended by adding Sections 29.917, 29.918, and 29.919 to read as follows:

Sec. 29.917. HIGHER EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE READINESS PROGRAMS. (a) From funds appropriated for the purpose, the commissioner may award grants to organizations that provide volunteers to teach classroom or after-school programs to enhance:

(1) college readiness;

(2) workforce readiness;

(3) dropout prevention;

(4) personal financial literacy; or

(5) adult education.

(b) To implement or administer a program under this section, the commissioner may accept gifts, grants, and donations from public or private entities.

(c) The commissioner may conduct a study of the programs under this section to determine the success of the programs in preparing students for higher education and participation in the workforce.

Sec. 29.918. DROPOUT PREVENTION STRATEGIES. (a) Notwithstanding Section 42.152, a school district or open-enrollment charter school with a high dropout rate, as determined by the commissioner, must submit a plan to the commissioner describing the manner in which the district or charter school intends to use the compensatory education allotment under Section 42.152 for developing and implementing research-based strategies for dropout prevention. The district or charter school shall submit the plan not later than December 1 of each school year preceding the school year in which the district or charter school will receive the compensatory education allotment to which the plan applies.

(b) A school district or open-enrollment charter school to which this section applies may not spend or obligate more than 25 percent of the district's or charter school's compensatory education allotment unless the commissioner approves the plan submitted under Subsection (a). The commissioner shall complete an initial review of the district's or charter school's plan not later than March 1 of the school year preceding the school year in which the district or charter school will receive the compensatory education allotment to which the plan applies.

(c) The commissioner shall adopt rules to administer this section. The commissioner may impose sanctions under Section 39.131 or 39.1321 if a school district or open-enrollment charter school fails to timely comply with this section.

Sec. 29.919. TECHNOLOGY-BASED SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTION PILOT PROGRAM. (a) The commissioner shall establish a pilot program under which state grant funds are provided to finance technology-based supplemental instruction to students at the sixth through 12th grade levels at participating campuses.

(b) A campus is eligible to participate in the program and receive state grant funds if the campus is located in a school district that:

(1) has an enrollment of fewer than 5,000 students; and

(2) is not located in an area defined by the United States Office of Management and Budget as a standard metropolitan statistical area as of January 1, 2007.

(c) The commissioner shall develop an application and selection process for selecting campuses to participate in the program. The commissioner shall give priority to a campus that offers a relatively limited course selection to students, in comparison to the course selections generally offered to students in metropolitan areas.

(d) A campus selected to participate in the program is entitled to receive state grant funds in an amount not to exceed $200 each school year for each student in an eligible grade level served through the program. The state grant funds must be used to provide technology-based supplemental instruction for students at the eligible grade levels. Permissible expenditures under the program include costs incurred to provide:

(1) research-based instructional support;

(2) teacher training;

(3) academic tutoring or counseling;

(4) distance learning opportunities that use the Internet and are aligned with the essential knowledge and skills adopted under Section 28.002 for the subject areas of English language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, and languages other than English, as applicable; and

(5) distance learning opportunities that enable students to earn college credit in the subject areas of English language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, or languages other than English.

(e) As a condition of receiving a state grant, a campus must contribute additional funding for activities provided at the campus through the program, in an amount equal to at least $100 each school year for each student in an eligible grade level served through the program. The additional funding required by this subsection may consist of local funds, private funds, or state funds other than grant funds provided under this section. For program activities provided at the high school level, the high school allotment provided under Section 42.2516(b)(3) may be used to meet the additional funding requirement prescribed by this subsection.

(f) A campus participating in the program must make instructional support services available to students outside of regular school hours for at least 10 hours each week.

(g) The commissioner shall pay the costs of the program using funds available for that purpose, not to exceed $4 million each fiscal year or a greater amount specified by the General Appropriations Act.

(h) Using funds available for the program in an amount not to exceed $150,000 each fiscal year, the commissioner shall contract for an evaluation of the program's effectiveness in improving student performance. Not later than December 1, 2008, the commissioner shall deliver an interim report containing the results of the evaluation. Not later than December 1, 2010, the commissioner shall deliver a final report regarding the program to the legislature.

(i) The commissioner shall adopt rules necessary to implement this section.

(j) This section expires September 1, 2011.

SECTION 23. Subchapter B, Chapter 39, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 39.0252 to read as follows:

Sec. 39.0252. EXIT-LEVEL ASSESSMENT INSTRUMENT INTENSIVE PREPARATION ACADEMIES. (a) This section applies only to a school district with an enrollment of 5,000 or more students.

(b) For any school year in which state funds are appropriated for purposes of this section, a school district in which five percent or more of the students fail to perform satisfactorily on an assessment instrument specified by Section 39.025(a) shall, at the end of the school year, operate an intensive preparation academy to prepare those students to retake the assessment instrument.

(c) An intensive preparation academy must:

(1) be operated for at least 30 school days;

(2) include instruction in the curriculum material most likely to be included in the assessment instruments specified by Section 39.025(a); and

(3) include instruction in strategies for performing satisfactorily on the assessment instruments.

(d) A student who fails to perform satisfactorily on an assessment instrument specified by Section 39.025(a) shall attend each portion of an intensive preparation academy under this section relating to that assessment instrument or to strategies described by Subsection (c)(3).

SECTION 24. Subchapter F, Chapter 39, Education Code, is amended by adding Sections 39.115 and 39.116 to read as follows:

Sec. 39.115. HIGH SCHOOL INNOVATION GRANT INITIATIVE. (a) From funds appropriated for that purpose, the High School Completion and Success Initiative Committee established under Subchapter L may establish a grant program under which grants are awarded to secondary campuses and school districts to support:

(1) the implementation of innovative high school improvement programs that are based on the best available research, as determined by the committee, regarding high school reform, dropout prevention, and preparing students for postsecondary coursework or employment; and

(2) enhancing education practices that have been demonstrated by significant evidence of effectiveness, as determined by the committee.

(b) To receive a grant under this section, the High School Completion and Success Initiative Committee may require a campus or school district to:

(1) obtain local matching funds; or

(2) meet other conditions, including developing a personal graduation plan under Section 28.0212 for each student enrolled at the campus or in a district high school.

Sec. 39.116. RECONSTITUTION ALTERNATIVE INITIATIVE. (a) In order to prevent dropouts and disruptions that result from reconstitution of campuses, the commissioner is not required to take action under Section 39.1324(a) during the second consecutive school year for which a campus is identified as academically unacceptable or, regardless of the continued identification of the campus as academically unacceptable, during the third school year if:

(1) the campus demonstrates improvement, as measured from the preceding school year, in relation to performance on the indicator or indicators under Section 39.051 on which the identification as academically unacceptable for the current school year is based; or

(2) the identification of the campus as academically unacceptable for the current year is based on a single indicator under Section 39.051 that:

(A) was not a basis for identification of the campus as academically unacceptable for the preceding school year; and

(B) is based on the performance of a group of students that is not more than 30 percent of the total campus student population.

(b) Notwithstanding Section 39.1324(b), a principal who has been employed by the campus in that capacity during the period described by Subsection (a) and whose campus has not demonstrated adequate improvement may not be retained at that campus.

(c) Section 39.1324(e) does not apply and closure of a campus is not required if the identification as academically unacceptable is based on a single indicator under Section 39.051 that:

(1) was not a basis for identification of the campus as academically unacceptable for the preceding school year; and

(2) is based on the performance of a group of students that is not more than 30 percent of the total campus student population.

SECTION 25. Chapter 39, Education Code, is amended by adding Subchapter L to read as follows:

SUBCHAPTER L. HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETION AND SUCCESS INITIATIVE

Sec. 39.351. DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "committee" means the High School Completion and Success Initiative Committee.

Sec. 39.352. HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETION AND SUCCESS INITIATIVE COMMITTEE. (a) The High School Completion and Success Initiative Committee is established to coordinate high school completion efforts.

(b) The committee is composed of:

(1) the commissioner of education;

(2) the commissioner of higher education; and

(3) seven members appointed by the commissioner of education.

(c) In making appointments required by Subsection (b)(3), the commissioner of education shall appoint:

(1) three members from a list of nominations provided by the governor;

(2) two members from a list of nominations provided by the lieutenant governor; and

(3) two members from a list of nominations provided by the speaker of the house of representatives.

(d) In making nominations under Subsection (c), the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of representatives shall nominate persons who have distinguished experience in:

(1) developing and implementing high school reform strategies; and

(2) promoting college and workforce readiness.

Sec. 39.353. TERMS. Members of the committee appointed under Section 39.352(b)(3) serve terms of two years and may be reappointed for additional terms.

Sec. 39.354. PRESIDING OFFICER. The commissioner of education serves as the presiding officer of the committee.

Sec. 39.355. COMMITTEE MEETINGS. Meetings of the committee are subject to Chapter 551, Government Code.

Sec. 39.356. COMPENSATION AND REIMBURSEMENT. A member of the committee is not entitled to compensation for service on the committee but is entitled to reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses incurred in performing committee duties.

Sec. 39.357. COMMITTEE STAFF AND FUNDING. (a) Except as otherwise provided, staff members of the agency, with the assistance of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, shall provide administrative support for the committee.

(b) Funding for the administrative and operational expenses of the committee shall be provided by appropriation to the agency for that purpose and by gifts, grants, and donations solicited and accepted by the agency for that purpose.

Sec. 39.358. ADVISORY PANELS. (a) The committee may establish advisory panels to assist the committee under this subchapter.

(b) An advisory panel member may be an educator, researcher, or any other knowledgeable person as determined by the committee.

Sec. 39.359. STRATEGIC PLAN. (a) The committee shall adopt a strategic plan under this subchapter to:

(1) address the manner in which federal and state funds appropriated or received for the purposes of high school reform, dropout prevention, and preparation of students for postsecondary coursework or employment shall be distributed;

(2) specify strategies to identify, support, and expand programs to improve high school completion rates and college and workforce readiness;

(3) develop and recommend the award of grants as provided by Section 39.360 that support the strategic plan adopted under this section, including grants awarded under Sections 21.4511, 21.4541, 29.095, 29.096, 29.097, 29.098, and 39.115;

(4) establish criteria for scoring grant applications subject to the strategic plan and for recommending the award of grants as provided by Section 39.360 on the basis of the criteria adopted;

(5) recommend the award of grants as provided by Section 39.360 to school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, institutions of higher education, regional education service centers, or nonprofit organizations to meet the goals of the committee's strategic plan; and

(6) ensure that appropriate research and program evaluation is conducted as provided by this subchapter.

(b) The commissioner of education and the commissioner of higher education shall adopt rules as necessary to administer the strategic plan adopted by the committee under this section.

Sec. 39.360. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR CERTAIN GRANT PROGRAMS. (a) A school district or campus is eligible to participate in programs under Sections 21.4541, 29.095, 29.096, 29.097, and 29.098 if the district or campus:

(1) exhibited during the 2004-2005, 2005-2006, and 2006-2007 school years characteristics that strongly correlate with high school dropout rates; and

(2) is located in a community that, based on the most recent census data, exhibits demographic characteristics that strongly correlate with high dropout rates.

(b) The commissioner of education or the commissioner of higher education, as appropriate, in consultation with the state demographer, shall develop eligibility criteria based on relevant state and federal data that:

(1) identifies eligible high schools to receive grants under each program; and

(2) ensures that each group of eligible high schools provides services to at least 150,000 students.

Sec. 39.361. GRANT APPLICATION REVIEW. From funds appropriated for high school completion and success, the board shall set aside not more than $500,000 annually to contract with one or more persons who have experience in reviewing grant applications to score grant applications subject to the criteria established under the strategic plan and make funding recommendations to the committee.

Sec. 39.362. PRIVATE FOUNDATION PARTNERSHIPS. (a) The committee may coordinate with private foundations that have made a substantial investment in the improvement of high schools in this state to maximize the impact of public and private investments.

(b) A private foundation is not required to obtain the approval of the committee under Subsection (a) before allocating resources to a school in this state.

Sec. 39.363. GRANT PROGRAM EVALUATION. (a) From funds appropriated for high school completion and success, the commissioner of education shall set aside not more than $1.5 million annually to contract for the evaluation of programs supported by grants approved under this subchapter. In awarding a contract under this subsection, the commissioner shall consider centers for education research established under Section 1.005.

(b) A person who receives a grant approved under this subchapter must consent to an evaluation under this section as a condition of receiving the grant.

(c) The commissioner shall ensure that a rigorous evaluation is conducted under this section. Results of the evaluation shall be provided through the online clearinghouse of information relating to the best practices of campuses and school districts established under Section 7.009.

Sec. 39.364. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS. (a) Based on the strategic plan adopted under this section, the committee shall make recommendations to the commissioner of education or the commissioner of higher education, as applicable, using the review and evaluation processes established by the committee for the award of federal and state funds appropriated or received for high school reform, college readiness, and dropout prevention.

(b) The committee shall include recommendations under this section for:

(1) program design;

(2) criteria for awarding grants and evaluating programs; and

(3) program funding levels.

(c) The commissioner of education or the commissioner of higher education, as applicable, shall consider the committee's recommendations and based on those recommendations may award grants to school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, institutions of higher education, regional education service centers, and nonprofit organizations to meet the goals of the committee's strategic plan.

(d) If the commissioner of education or the commissioner of higher education, as applicable, decides not to award a grant contrary to the committee's recommendation, the commissioner shall provide a written explanation of the commissioner's decision.

(e) The commissioner of education or the commissioner of higher education may not award a grant under this section without the recommendation of the committee.

Sec. 39.365. FUNDING FOR CERTAIN PROGRAMS. (a) From funds appropriated, the agency shall transfer $8.75 million each year to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to establish mathematics, science, and technology teacher preparation academies under Section 21.462 and implement and administer the program under Section 29.098.

(b) The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall establish mathematics, science, and technology teacher preparation academies under Section 21.462 and implement and administer the program under Section 29.098 in a manner consistent with the goals of this subchapter and the goals in "Closing the Gaps," the state's master plan for higher education.

Sec. 39.366. REPORTS. (a) Not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year, the committee shall prepare and deliver a report to the legislature that recommends any statutory changes the committee considers appropriate to promote high school completion and college and workforce readiness.

(b) Not later than March 1 and September 1 of each year, the commissioner of education shall prepare and deliver a progress report to the presiding officers of the standing committees of each house of the legislature with primary jurisdiction over public education, the Legislative Budget Board, and the Governor's Office of Policy and Planning on:

(1) the implementation of Sections 7.031, 21.4511, 21.4541, 21.462, 28.008(d-1), 28.0212(d), 29.095-29.098, 29.918, and 39.115 and this subchapter; and

(2) the programs supported by grants approved under this subchapter.

Sec. 39.367. RULES. The commissioner of education and the commissioner of higher education shall adopt rules as necessary to administer this subchapter and any programs under the authority of the commissioner of education or the commissioner of higher education and the committee under this subchapter.

SECTION 26. Section 42.003(a), Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

(a) A student is entitled to the benefits of the Foundation School Program if, on September 1 of the school year, the student is 5 years of age or older and under 21 years of age [on September 1 of the school year] and has not graduated from high school, or is at least 21 years of age and under 26 years of age and has been admitted by a school district to complete the requirements for a high school diploma.

SECTION 27. Subchapter C, Chapter 61, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 61.0767 to read as follows:

Sec. 61.0767. CENTER FOR STUDY OF ADVANCED INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS. (a) The board, in collaboration with public school educators and faculty and staff of institutions of higher education, shall establish and operate a center for the study and development of advanced instructional methods and standards intended to provide for the educational needs of students in public schools and institutions of higher education and the workplace needs of employers in the 21st century.

(b) In carrying out its mission, the center shall provide services to officers and employees, as applicable, of school districts, charter schools, regional education service centers, the Texas Education Agency, the State Board of Education, the State Board for Educator Certification, and institutions of higher education by:

(1) studying and developing methods to improve standards, instruction, and assessments in public schools and institutions of higher education and disseminating information concerning those methods;

(2) supporting the design and implementation of technology-based instructional strategies and of professional development for educators in using those strategies; and

(3) based on the best available research, adopting and disseminating recommendations for improving the effectiveness of instruction in public schools and institutions of higher education through the use of technology-based instructional strategies.

SECTION 28. Subchapter A, Chapter 130, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 130.0105 to read as follows:

Sec. 130.0105. STUDENT ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE PILOT PROGRAM AT ALAMO COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT. (a) Alamo Community College District shall establish a pilot program to collect and analyze statistical data regarding the academic performance of district students to:

(1) facilitate the accountability of the district based on:

(A) the efficacy of district instruction; and

(B) the transition of district students to four-year institutions of higher education; and

(2) further district education excellence initiatives.

(b) This section expires September 1, 2017.

SECTION 29. Section 28.0252(b-1), Education Code, is repealed.

SECTION 30. (a) The commissioner of education shall prepare and deliver to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the presiding officers of the standing committees of each house of the legislature with primary jurisdiction over public education a preliminary report on or before December 1, 2008, and a final report on or before December 1, 2010, as described by Subsection (b) of this section.

(b) The reports referred to in Subsection (a) of this section must include an assessment of the impact of programs for which grants have been awarded under Subchapter L, Chapter 39, Education Code, as added by this Act, on:

(1) student performance on assessment instruments administered under Subchapter B, Chapter 39, Education Code;

(2) high school completion rates;

(3) college readiness of high school students;

(4) teacher effectiveness in instruction;

(5) cost-effectiveness of the programs; and

(6) any other factors the commissioner of education determines relevant.

SECTION 31. As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, each school district shall adopt a method of computing a student's high school grade point average as required by Section 28.0252(a), Education Code, as amended by this Act.

SECTION 32. This Act applies beginning with the 2007-2008 school year.

SECTION 33. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2007.