AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Many school districts effectively utilize an English as a Second Language (ESL) certified teacher to teach the English component in dual language programs. These school districts must now seek exemption to maintain their successful teaching model because of an interpretation of Section 29.061 (Bilingual Education and Special Language Program), Education Code, by the State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC). As a result, schools are required to have a bilingual education certification for all teachers in bilingual education programs.
S.B. 159 eliminates the need for an exemption and allows for local control for school districts that wish to use an ESL certified teacher to teach the English component in dual language programs.
As proposed, S.B. 159 amends current law relating to certification requirements for teachers in bilingual education.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 29.061, Education Code, by amending Subsections (b) and (c) and adding Subsections (b-1) and (b-2), as follows:
(b) Requires a teacher assigned to a bilingual education program using the transitional bilingual/early exit program model or transitional bilingual/late exit program model to be appropriately certified for bilingual education by the State Board for Educator Certification (board).
(b-1) Requires a teacher assigned to a bilingual education program using a dual language immersion/one-way or two-way program model to be appropriately certified by the board for:
(1) bilingual education for the component of the program provided in a language other than English; and
(2) bilingual education or English as a second language for the component of the program provided in English.
(b-2) Authorizes a school district that provides a bilingual education program using a dual language immersion/one-way or two-way program model to assign a teacher certified under Subsection (b-1)(1) for the language other than English component of the program and a different teacher certified under Subsection (b-1)(2) for the English language component.
(c) Requires a teacher assigned to an English as a second language program, rather than English as a second language or other special language program, to be appropriately certified for English as a second language by the board.
SECTION 2. Provides that this Act applies beginning with the 2015-2016 school year.
SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2015.