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