By: Eissler, Giddings, Woolley, Hochberg, H.B. No. 2237

Guillen, et al.

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to high school success and college and workforce readiness programs in public schools.

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. 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 4. 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 5. 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 master's-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 6. 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 7. Section 28.0212, Education Code, is amended by adding Subsections (d) and (e) 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.

SECTION 8. 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, "committee" means the High School Completion and Success Initiative Committee established under Subchapter L, Chapter 39.

(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, other local governments or law enforcement agencies, nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, or institutions of higher education 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, 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-BASED 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 committee shall establish a pilot program for the commissioner to award grants to participating campuses to provide intensive technology-based 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 committee, 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-based 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-based supplementary instruction;

(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 9. Subchapter Z, Chapter 29, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 29.911 to read as follows:

Sec. 29.911. "EDUCATION: GO GET IT" WEEK. (a) To educate middle school, junior high school, and high school students about the importance of higher education, each school district and each open-enrollment charter school offering any of those grade levels shall designate one week during the school year as "Education: Go Get It" Week.

(b) During the designated week, each middle school, junior high school, and high school shall provide students with comprehensive grade-appropriate information regarding the pursuit of higher education. The information provided must include information regarding:

(1) higher education options available to students;

(2) standard admission requirements for institutions of higher education, including:

(A) overall high school grade point average;

(B) required curriculum; and

(C) scores necessary on generally recognized tests or assessment instruments used in admissions determinations, including the Scholastic Assessment Test and the American College Test;

(3) automatic admission of certain students to general academic teaching institutions as provided by Section 51.803; and

(4) financial aid availability and requirements, including the financial aid information provided by counselors under Section 33.007(b).

(c) In addition to the information provided under Subsection (b), each middle school, junior high school, and high school shall provide to the students during the designated week at least one public speaker to promote the importance of higher education.

SECTION 10. Subchapter Z, Chapter 29, Education Code, is amended by adding Sections 29.917 and 29.918 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; or

(4) personal financial literacy.

(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.

SECTION 11. Section 39.051(b), Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

(b) Performance on the indicators adopted under this section shall be compared to state-established standards. The degree of change from one school year to the next in performance on each indicator adopted under this section shall also be considered. The indicators must be based on information that is disaggregated by race, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status and must include:

(1) the results of assessment instruments required under Sections 39.023(a), (c), and (l), aggregated by grade level and subject area;

(2) dropout rates, including dropout rates and district completion rates for grade levels 9 through 12, computed in accordance with standards and definitions adopted by the National Center for Education Statistics of the United States Department of Education;

(3) high school graduation rates, computed in accordance with standards and definitions adopted in compliance with the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (Pub. L. No. 107-110);

(4) student attendance rates;

(5) the percentage of graduating students who attain scores on the secondary exit-level assessment instruments required under Subchapter B that are equivalent to a passing score on the assessment instrument required under Section 51.3062;

(6) the percentage of graduating students who meet the course requirements established for the recommended high school program by State Board of Education rule;

(7) the results of the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), the American College Test (ACT), articulated postsecondary degree programs described by Section 61.852, and certified workforce training programs described by Chapter 311, Labor Code;

(8) the percentage of students, aggregated by grade level, provided accelerated instruction under Section 28.0211(c), the results of assessments administered under that section, the percentage of students promoted through the grade placement committee process under Section 28.0211, the subject of the assessment instrument on which each student failed to perform satisfactorily, and the performance of those students in the school year following that promotion on the assessment instruments required under Section 39.023;

(9) for students who have failed to perform satisfactorily on an assessment instrument required under Section 39.023(a) or (c), the numerical progress of those students grouped by percentage on subsequent assessment instruments required under those sections, aggregated by grade level and subject area;

(10) the percentage of students exempted, by exemption category, from the assessment program generally applicable under this chapter;

(11) the percentage of students of limited English proficiency exempted from the administration of an assessment instrument under Sections 39.027(a)(3) and (4);

(12) the percentage of students in a special education program under Subchapter A, Chapter 29, assessed through assessment instruments developed or adopted under Section 39.023(b);

(13) the measure of progress toward preparation for postsecondary success; [and]

(14) the measure of progress toward dual language proficiency under Section 39.034(b), for students of limited English proficiency, as defined by Section 29.052; and

(15) the measure of a reduction or increase in any disparity between students who are educationally disadvantaged and all other students in:

(A) performance on assessment instruments administered under Subchapter B; and

(B) high school graduation rates computed under Subdivision (3).

SECTION 12. Subchapter F, Chapter 39, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 39.115 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.

SECTION 13. 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 board 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 board 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 14. Subchapter C, Chapter 61, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 61.0801 to read as follows:

Sec. 61.0801. RESEARCH AND PROGRAM TO FOCUS ON MINORITY STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT. (a) The board may enter into an agreement with a nonprofit educational leadership organization that qualifies for an exemption from federal taxes under Section 501(c)(3), Internal Revenue Code of 1986, to:

(1) conduct, coordinate, collect, and evaluate research relating to eliminating educational and other achievement gaps among ethnic and racial minority students, with a particular focus on eliminating achievement gaps among African American students; and

(2) develop programs, policies, and strategies to address the achievement gaps described by Subdivision (1).

(b) An organization that enters into an agreement under this section shall report to the board by a date as determined by the board:

(1) the findings of the research conducted under Subsection (a)(1); and

(2) any recommendations relating to:

(A) the research conducted under Subsection (a)(1); and

(B) the programs, policies, and strategies developed to address the achievement gaps as described by Subsection (a)(2).

(c) The board shall present the report described by Subsection (b) to the legislature and the governor.

(d) An organization that enters into an agreement under this section or the board may solicit and accept gifts and grants from any public or private source to conduct the research described by this section.

(e) The board may use money appropriated for the purposes of this section and any gifts and grants received under Subsection (c) to establish and operate the research project described by this section.

SECTION 15. (a) Section 52.01, Family Code, is amended by adding Subsection (e) to read as follows:

(e) A law-enforcement officer who has probable cause to believe that a child is in violation of the compulsory school attendance law under Section 25.085, Education Code, may take the child into custody for the purpose of returning the child to the school campus of the child to ensure the child's compliance with compulsory school attendance requirements.

(b) Section 25.091, Education Code, is amended by adding Subsection (b-1) to read as follows:

(b-1) A peace officer who has probable cause to believe that a child is in violation of the compulsory school attendance law under Section 25.085 may take the child into custody for the purpose of returning the child to the school campus of the child to ensure the child's compliance with compulsory school attendance requirements.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, Section 52.01(e), Family Code, and Section 25.091(b-1), Education Code, as added by this section take effect September 1, 2007.

SECTION 16. (a) The commissioner of education shall prepare and deliver to the governor, lieutenant governor, 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 17. This Act applies beginning with the 2007-2008 school year.

SECTION 18. 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.