By: Eissler (Senate Sponsor - Shapiro) H.B. No. 2263
         (In the Senate - Received from the House April 14, 2009;
  April 27, 2009, read first time and referred to Committee on
  Education; May 11, 2009, reported favorably by the following vote:
  Yeas 5, Nays 0; May 11, 2009, sent to printer.)
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
 
  relating to extending the high school innovation grant initiative
  to middle and junior high schools.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  The heading to Section 39.115, Education Code,
  is amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 39.115.  [HIGH SCHOOL] INNOVATION GRANT INITIATIVE FOR
  MIDDLE, JUNIOR HIGH, AND HIGH SCHOOL CAMPUSES.
         SECTION 2.  Sections 39.115(a), (b), and (d), Education
  Code, are amended to read as follows:
         (a)  From funds appropriated for that purpose, the
  commissioner may establish a grant program under which grants are
  awarded to middle, junior high, and high school [secondary]
  campuses and school districts to support:
               (1)  the implementation of innovative [high school]
  improvement programs that are based on the best available research
  regarding middle, junior high, or high school reform, dropout
  prevention, and preparing students for postsecondary coursework or
  employment;
               (2)  enhancing education practices that have been
  demonstrated by significant evidence of effectiveness; and
               (3)  the alignment of grants and programs to the
  strategic plan adopted under Section 39.357.
         (b)  Before awarding a grant under this section, the
  commissioner 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 middle, junior high, or high
  school.
         (d)  The commissioner may use funds appropriated under this
  section to support technical assistance services for school
  districts and open-enrollment charter schools to implement an [a
  high school] improvement program under this section.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.
 
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