By: Van de Putte  S.B. No. 603
         (In the Senate - Filed February 13, 2007;
  February 27, 2007, read first time and referred to Committee on
  Education; April 11, 2007, reported adversely, with favorable
  Committee Substitute by the following vote:  Yeas 8, Nays 0;
  April 11, 2007, sent to printer.)
 
  COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR S.B. No. 603 By:  Van de Putte
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
 
  relating to staff development requirements in public schools.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 21.451, Education Code, is amended by
  amending Subsection (d) and adding Subsections (e), (f), and (g) to
  read as follows:
         (d)  The staff development [may]:
               (1)  may include training in:
                     (A)  technology;
                     (B)  conflict resolution; and
                     (C)  discipline strategies, including classroom
  management, district discipline policies, and the student code of
  conduct adopted under Section 37.001 and Chapter 37; and
               (2)  subject to Subsection (e), must include
  research-based training that:
                     (A)  relates to instruction of students with
  disabilities; and
                     (B)  is designed for educators who work primarily
  outside the area of special education.
         (e)  A school district is required to provide the training
  described by Subsection (d)(2) to an educator who works primarily
  outside the area of special education only on the recommendation of
  the admission, review, and dismissal committee for a student
  receiving instruction from the educator.
         (f)  In developing the training required by Subsection
  (d)(2), a school district must consult with persons with expertise
  in research-based practices for students with disabilities.
  Persons who may be consulted under this subsection include
  colleges, universities, private and nonprofit organizations,
  regional education service centers, and any other persons
  identified as qualified by the district. This subsection applies
  to all training required by Subsection (d)(2), regardless of
  whether the training is provided at the campus or district level.
         (g)  The staff development may[; and
               [(3)]  include instruction as to what is permissible
  under law, including opinions of the United States Supreme Court
  and guidance from the United States Department of Education,
  regarding prayer in public school.
         SECTION 2.  This Act applies beginning with the 2007-2008
  school year.
         SECTION 3.  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.
 
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