Issues

HB 1257 would require grades K-6 to participate in moderate to vigorous daily physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day as part of a school district's physical education curriculum. The importance of daily recess for elementary school students has been proven through research. One semester will be required for grades seven and eight. Exemptions would be available for students who participate in school-related, private league or club activities. These early, healthy habits will establish a foundation that will help prevent adult obesity.

This bill would phase out the TAKS test for grades 9-11 and phase in end-of-course assessments. Ninth graders would be given the exams beginning in the 2011-12 school year. For graduation, students would be required to pass assessment tests for English Language Arts III; Algebra II or Geometry; Biology, Chemistry or Physics; and, World Geography, World History or U.S. History. 

This bill would require all school districts that have made at least 20 student referrals in the preceding school years to report which organizations students have been referred for assistance, as well as the number of times each organization has been referred, in the annual report published by the board of trustees. The requirements would help encourage responsible counseling for the various challenges students face in their lives.

This bill would allow Texas school districts to offer an academic, non-devotional Bible course as an suitable elective. Educators agree that religious study is an important part of a rounded education. The courts have upheld that such a course is constitutionally acceptable.

To improve secondary school instruction in Texas, the High School Completion and Success Initiative would provide support to schools and districts, implementing curriculum and instruction improvements that align with state standards and expectations for post-secondary achievement. The proposal would include technical assistance to help schools and districts execute successful secondary education programs that maximize the impact of all available funds, including high school allotment funds.

HB 3900 would usher in the next generation of savings plans for students, parents and higher learning institutions to help make higher education affordable for Texas families. The creation of the Texas Tomorrow Fund II would allow participants to lock in today's tuition rates for their children's future higher education needs, giving them more certainty about the cost of college education through this new prepaid tuition program.

The new Texas Education Data System (TEDS) would replace the 20-year-old data system, Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS).  The new system would combine critical data from public education, higher education and the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) into one complete data system.  TEDS would provide detailed information for evaluation at the state, district and campus levels, to facilitate academic, fiscal and managerial accountability. The new system would also provide better information to the public related to K-12 education and higher education.

HB 1186 would place a 50 percent cap on the number of students an institution is required to admit under the "Top 10 Percent Law." In admitting students up to the 50 percent level, institutions would be required to give priority to those students who have completed the advanced high school program or equivalent curriculum. Once those students have been granted admission, the remaining students would be offered admission by percentile rank according to their graduating class rank.

HB 3420 would create performance standards for Principals and Assistant Principals.  These standards would be based on objective quantifiable measures, such as standardized tests and local benchmarking, discipline management, efforts to involve parents, and instructional support and leadership.

This bill seeks to improve teacher preparation programs, to increase the supply of highly effective teachers. If a program is not meeting accreditation standards, the bill sets up a process to ensure that appropriate remedial steps are taken and/or appropriate sanctions are invoked.

House Bill 3422 would strengthen requirements for educators' professional development by requiring that it be relevant to the teacher's subject area or to the teacher's individual improvement plan. The bill also adds that professional development programs must have evidence of effectiveness.

This bill would require the Commissioner of the Texas Education Agency to develop a teacher appraisal that takes into account several factors. The appraisal must account for the teacher's qualifications, such as masters degrees or additional education. In addition, student performance must make up a majority of the appraisal, with at least 25 percent of this portion based on objective, quantifiable measures, such as local benchmarks or standardized tests, like TAKS or PSAT.  Unsatisfactory appraisals would require the campus and teacher to develop an improvement plan. If the improvement plan is not successfully completed, the administrator may not renew the teacher's contract. 

The Budget -- Public Education 

In addition to these significant proposals, the House passed a state budget that included $2.4 billion in additional funding over the 2006-07 levels for public education, increasing the general revenue contribution by 8.9 percent. The increase includes $50 million for a new high school improvement and dropout reduction program. It also includes $33 million to increase the technology allotment to $30 per student. 

The House budget includes $25.3 million for the Equalized Debt Allotment (EDA) and Instructional Facilities Allotment (IFA) grants, which is $215 million over current law obligations for 2008-09.

The House budget also includes $6 million for Tobacco Use Prevention programs, $2.4 million for an Advanced Placement Incentive Program, and $20 million more will be available in student financial aid funding.

In addition, the House includes $668 million to increase the state's contribution to the Teacher's Retirement System. An increase in the states contribution would enable the Teacher Retirement System of Texas to provide a 13th month check to retired public educators by September 1, 2007.  The House budget recommendation for 6.7 percent State contribution to the TRS pension trust fund, would ensure that the retirement system would be actuarially sound and that retired public educators would receive a benefit increase this coming biennium.

The House and Senate are meeting in conference committee to discuss the differences between the two versions of House Bill 1 (HB 1), including all education appropriations. The final version of HB 1 and public education funds will be determined through the conference committee process, and final totals are subject to change.

Public education initiatives remain a top priority for House members this session. Although public education legislation has not received much media attention, these proposals will greatly benefit students, teachers, schools and school districts.