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.