BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center	S.B. 226
	By: Paxton
	Education
	5/28/2021
	Enrolled

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

This bill has been developed by our office to improve the online education experience and results for both teachers and students who have been forced to rely on remote learning as a result of the recent pandemic.

 

Specifically, this bill adds training in "virtual learning" and "virtual instruction" to the existing requirements for teaching certificates for our teachers. This is reinforced by language describing that that training must cover the "best practices" in assessing students receiving virtual instruction based on academic progress and developing a virtual learning curriculum.

 

S.B. 226 amends current law relating to instruction in educator training programs regarding digital learning, virtual learning, and virtual instruction.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1. Amends Section 21.001, Education Code, by adding Subdivisions (4) and (5) to define "virtual instruction" and "virtual learning" for Chapter 21 (Educators).

SECTION 2. Amends Section 21.044(c-2), Education Code, as follows:

(c-2) Requires that the instruction in digital learning, virtual learning, and virtual instruction required as part of the training to obtain a teaching certificate meet certain criteria, including that the instruction cover best practices in assessing students receiving virtual instruction, based on academic progress, and in developing a virtual learning curriculum. Makes nonsubstantive changes.

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2021.