MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

9:00 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.036

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Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.10 and 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Education was held on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.036, at Austin, Texas.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Brandon Creighton, Chair	Senator Drew Springer
Senator Donna Campbell, Vice Chair
Senator Paul Bettencourt
Senator Brian Birdwell
Senator Pete Flores
Senator Phil King
Senator Morgan LaMantia
Senator José Menéndez
Senator Mayes Middleton
Senator Tan Parker
Senator Angela Paxton
Senator Royce West

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The chair called the meeting to order at 9:07 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The called the Commissioner of Education, Mike Morath, forward to provide the committee with a State of the State of Education.

The chair laid out the following interim charge:

Testing Reform: Review the state's current development and phase-in of the STAAR test redesign and ongoing innovative assessment reforms, including the Texas Through-Year Assessment Pilot (TTAP). Recommend ways to accelerate current testing improvement efforts and the development of a real-time testing program that meets the educational needs of Texas students.

Witnesses providing invited testimony are shown on the attached list.

The chair laid out the following interim charge:

COVID-19 Funding Oversight: Examine and report on COVID-19 how public schools spent federal funds since the beginning of the pandemic, including funds received under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), with a dual focus on demonstrated improved student outcomes and efficient use of taxpayer funds.

Senator Campbell assumed the chair.

Witnesses providing invited testimony are shown on the attached list.

Senator Creighton resumed the chair.

The chair laid out the following interim charge:

Reading and Math Readiness: Study current local, state, and national policies and programs that improve student achievement in reading and mathematics, with an emphasis on “early readiness” in grades preK-5. Make recommendations to ensure every student has a strong academic foundation in reading and math.

Witnesses providing invited testimony are shown on the attached list.

The chair laid out the following interim charge:

Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Education passed by the 88th Legislature, as well as relevant agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction. Specifically, make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, or complete implementation of the following:

· oversight of public school library procurement and content policies

Witnesses providing invited testimony are shown on the attached list.

The chair laid out the following interim charge:

Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Education passed by the 88th Legislature, as well as relevant agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction. Specifically, make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, or complete implementation of the following:

· measures ensuring public school safety

Senator Campbell assumed the chair.

Witnesses providing invited testimony are shown on the attached list.

The chair laid out the following interim charge:

Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Education passed by the 88th Legislature, as well as relevant agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction. Specifically, make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, or complete implementation of parent-approved health education.

Witnesses providing invited testimony are shown on the attached list.

Witnesses providing public testimony are shown on the attached list.

Senator Creighton resumed the chair.

The chair moved that public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

There being no further business, at 6:03 PM Senator Creighton moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair.

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Senator Brandon Creighton, Chair

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Abby Johnston, Clerk