S.B. No. 2262

AN ACT

relating to the administration of mathematics, science, and technology teacher preparation academies at institutions of higher education.

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

SECTION 1. Section 21.462, Education Code, is transferred to Subchapter C, Chapter 61, Education Code, redesignated as Section 61.0766, Education Code, and amended to read as follows:

Sec. 61.0766 [21.462]. MATHEMATICS, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY TEACHER PREPARATION ACADEMIES. (a) From funds appropriated for that purpose, the board [Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board] shall establish academies at institutions of higher education to improve the instructional skills of teachers certified under Subchapter B, Chapter 21, 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 board [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 a program approved by the State Board for Educator Certification [board].

(c) 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 two [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.

(d) An academy program shall:

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

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

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

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

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

(4) focus on strengthening instructional skills.

(e) 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.

SECTION 2. Section 39.363, Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 39.363. FUNDING FOR CERTAIN PROGRAMS. (a) From funds appropriated, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall allocate $8.75 million each year to establish mathematics, science, and technology teacher preparation academies under Section 61.0766 [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 61.0766 [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.

SECTION 3. Subsection (b), Section 39.365, Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

(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, 29.911, 29.917-29.919, and 39.115 and this subchapter;

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

(3) the alignment of grants and programs to the strategic plan adopted under Section 39.357.

SECTION 4. 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, 2009.

______________________________ ______________________________

President of the Senate Speaker of the House

I hereby certify that S.B. No. 2262 passed the Senate on April 30, 2009, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.

______________________________ Secretary of the Senate

I hereby certify that S.B. No. 2262 passed the House on May 27, 2009, by the following vote: Yeas 148, Nays 0, one present not voting.

______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House

Approved:

______________________________

Date

______________________________

Governor