84R727 CAE-F
 
  By: Wu H.B. No. 296
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to certain prekindergarten programs offered by a school
  district.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter E, Chapter 29, Education Code, is
  amended by adding Section 29.1551 to read as follows:
         Sec. 29.1551.  PREKINDERGARTEN PROGRAMS RECEIVING STATE
  FUNDING. (a) A school district that receives Foundation School
  Program funds under Section 29.153 or grant funds under Section
  29.155 for a prekindergarten program must offer an enhanced quality
  prekindergarten program and comply with this section.
         (b)  A school district may not enroll more than 22 students
  in a prekindergarten class and must maintain an average ratio of at
  least one teacher or educational aide for each 11 students in
  average daily attendance in prekindergarten classes.
         (c)  At least one teacher in each prekindergarten class must
  hold a bachelor's degree and appropriate teacher certification.
         (d)  Each teacher in a prekindergarten class must have a
  minimum of nine credit hours of college education courses
  emphasizing early childhood education.
         (e)  A school district must select the curriculum for the
  enhanced quality prekindergarten program from the list of curricula
  approved for that purpose by the commissioner.
         SECTION 2.  This Act applies beginning with the 2015-2016
  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, 2015.