TITLE: Relating to certain eligibility requirements for issuance of a teaching certificate.

SUMMARY: Relating to certain eligibility requirements for issuance of a teaching certificate.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to certain eligibility requirements for issuance of a teaching certificate. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. The heading to Section 21.050, Education Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 21.050. ACADEMIC DEGREE REQUIRED FOR TEACHING CERTIFICATE; FIELD-BASED EXPERIENCE OR INTERNSHIP. SECTION 2. Sections 21.050(a) and (b), Education Code, are amended to read as follows: (a) A person who applies for a teaching certificate for which board rules require a bachelor's degree must possess a bachelor's degree received with an academic major or interdisciplinary academic major, including reading, [other than education] that is related to the curriculum as prescribed under Subchapter A, Chapter 28. (b) [The board may not require more than 18 semester credit hours of education courses at the baccalaureate level for the granting of a teaching certificate.] The board shall provide for a minimum number of semester credit hours of field-based experience or internship to be included in the credit hours needed for certification. The board may propose rules requiring additional credit hours for certification in bilingual education, English as a second language, early childhood education, or special education. 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.