reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter I. Duties and Benefits › Section 21.4021. Furloughs

Sec. 21.4021.  FURLOUGHS.  (a)  Notwithstanding Section 21.401 and subject to Section 21.4022, the board of trustees of a school district may, in accordance with district policy, implement a furlough program and reduce the number of days of service otherwise required under Section 21.401 by not more than six days of service during a school year if the commissioner certifies in accordance with Section 48.010 that the district will be provided with less state and local funding for that year than was provided to the district for the 2010-2011 school year.
(b)  Notwithstanding Section 21.402, the board of trustees may reduce the salary of an employee who is furloughed in proportion to the number of days by which service is reduced, provided that the furlough program is implemented in compliance with this section.
(b-1)  A furlough program must subject all contract personnel to the same number of furlough days.
(c)  An educator may not be furloughed on a day that is included in the number of days of instruction required under Section 25.081.
(d)  An educator may not use personal, sick, or any other paid leave while the educator is on a furlough.
(e)  A furlough imposed under this section does not constitute a break in service for purposes of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.  A furlough day does not constitute a day of service for purposes of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
(f)  Implementation of a furlough program may not result in an increase in the number of required teacher workdays.
(g)  If a board of trustees adopts a furlough program after the date by which a teacher must give notice of resignation under Section 21.105, 21.160, or 21.210, as applicable, a teacher who subsequently resigns is not subject to sanctions imposed by the State Board for Educator Certification as otherwise authorized by those sections.
(h)  A decision by the board of trustees to implement a furlough program:
(1)  is final and may not be appealed; and
(2)  does not create a cause of action or require collective bargaining.
(i)  Any reduction under this section in the amount of the annual salary paid to an employee must be equally distributed over the course of the employee's current contract with the school district.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 8 (S.B. 8), Sec. 16, eff. September 28, 2011.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 943 (H.B. 3), Sec. 3.015, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter I. Duties and Benefits › Section 21.4022. Required Process for Development of Furlough Program or Other Salary Reduction Proposal

Sec. 21.4022.  REQUIRED PROCESS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF FURLOUGH PROGRAM OR OTHER SALARY REDUCTION PROPOSAL.  (a)  The board of trustees of a school district may not implement a furlough program under Section 21.4021 or reduce salaries until the district has complied with this section.
(b)  A school district must use a process to develop a furlough program or other salary reduction proposal, as applicable, that:
(1)  includes the involvement of the district's professional staff; and
(2)  provides district employees with the opportunity to express opinions regarding the furlough program or salary reduction proposal, as applicable, at the public meeting required by Subsection (c).
(c)  The board of trustees must hold a public meeting at which the board and school district administration present:
(1)  information regarding the options considered for managing the district's available resources, including consideration of a tax rate increase and use of the district's available fund balance;
(2)  an explanation of how the district intends, through implementation of a furlough program under Section 21.4021 or through other salary reductions, as applicable, to limit the number of district employees who will be discharged or whose contracts will not be renewed; and
(3)  information regarding the local option residence homestead exemption.
(d)  Any explanation of a furlough program under Subsection (c)(2) must state the specific number of furlough days proposed to be required.
(e)  The public and school district employees must be provided with an opportunity to comment at the public meeting required under Subsection (c).
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 8 (S.B. 8), Sec. 16, eff. September 28, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter I. Duties and Benefits › Section 21.403. Placement on Minimum Salary Schedule

Sec. 21.403.  PLACEMENT ON MINIMUM SALARY SCHEDULE.  (a)  A teacher, librarian, school counselor, or nurse shall advance one step on the minimum salary schedule under Section 21.402 for each year of experience as a teacher, librarian, school counselor, or nurse until step 20 is reached.
(b)  For each year of work experience required for certification in a career or technological field, up to a maximum of two years, a certified career or technology education teacher is entitled to salary step credit as if the work experience were teaching experience.
(c)  The commissioner shall adopt rules for determining the experience for which a teacher, librarian, school counselor, or nurse is to be given credit in placing the teacher, librarian, school counselor, or nurse on the minimum salary schedule.  A district shall credit the teacher, librarian, school counselor, or nurse for each year of experience without regard to whether the years are consecutive.
(d)  As long as a teacher or librarian who received a career ladder supplement is employed by the same school district, the teacher or librarian is entitled to:
(1)  placement on the minimum salary schedule at the step above the step on which the teacher would otherwise be placed, if the teacher or librarian received a career ladder supplement for level two of the career ladder on August 31, 1993;  or
(2)  placement on the minimum salary schedule at the step two steps above the step on which the teacher would otherwise be placed, if the teacher or librarian received a career ladder supplement for level three of the career ladder on August 31, 1993.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 921, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1997;  Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 396, Sec. 1.31, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 443 (S.B. 715), Sec. 14, eff. June 14, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter I. Duties and Benefits › Section 21.4031. Professional Staff Service Records

Sec. 21.4031.  PROFESSIONAL STAFF SERVICE RECORDS.  (a)  In this section:
(1)  "Salary schedule" means the minimum salary schedule under Section 21.402 or a comparable salary schedule used by a school district that specifies salary amounts based on an employee's level of experience.
(2)  "Service record" means a school district document that indicates the total years of service provided to the district by a classroom teacher, librarian, school counselor, or nurse.
(b)  On request by a classroom teacher, librarian, school counselor, or nurse or by the school district employing one of those individuals, a school district that previously employed the individual shall provide a copy of the individual's service record to the school district employing the individual.  The district must provide the copy not later than the 30th day after the later of:
(1)  the date the request is made; or
(2)  the date of the last day of the individual's service to the district.
(c)  If a school district fails to provide an individual's service record as required by Subsection (b), the agency shall, to the extent that information is available to the agency, provide the employing school district with information sufficient to enable the district to determine proper placement of the individual on the district's salary schedule.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 370 (H.B. 1365), Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 443 (S.B. 715), Sec. 15, eff. June 14, 2013.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 443 (S.B. 715), Sec. 16, eff. June 14, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter I. Duties and Benefits › Section 21.4032. Reductions in Salaries of Classroom Teachers and Administrators

Sec. 21.4032.  REDUCTIONS IN SALARIES OF CLASSROOM TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS.  (a)  This section applies only to a widespread reduction in the amount of the annual salaries paid to school district classroom teachers based primarily on district financial conditions rather than on teacher performance.
(b)  For any school year in which a school district has reduced the amount of the annual salaries paid to district classroom teachers from the amount paid for the preceding school year, the district shall reduce the amount of the annual salary paid to each district administrator or other professional employee by a percent or fraction of a percent that is equal to the average percent or fraction of a percent by which teacher salaries have been reduced.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 8 (S.B. 8), Sec. 16, eff. September 28, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter I. Duties and Benefits › Section 21.404. Planning and Preparation Time

Sec. 21.404.  PLANNING AND PREPARATION TIME.  Each classroom teacher is entitled to at least 450 minutes within each two-week period for instructional preparation, including parent-teacher conferences, evaluating students' work, and planning.  A planning and preparation period under this section may not be less than 45 minutes within the instructional day.  During a planning and preparation period, a classroom teacher may not be required to participate in any other activity.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter I. Duties and Benefits › Section 21.4045. Planning and Noninstructional Duties of Teachers

Sec. 21.4045.  PLANNING AND NONINSTRUCTIONAL DUTIES OF TEACHERS.  (a)  A school district may enter into a supplemental agreement with a classroom teacher under which the teacher agrees to perform a duty relating to initial lesson plan design or instructional material selection that is not a duty generally:
(1)  anticipated to be performed during the instructional day; and
(2)  assigned to all classroom teachers of the same subject and grade level under those teachers' employment contracts.
(b)  A school district may not require a classroom teacher for a foundation curriculum course to spend planning and preparation time to which the teacher is entitled under Section 21.404 creating or selecting instructional materials to initially cover the applicable essential knowledge and skills for the course unless the teacher has entered into a supplemental agreement described by Subsection (a).  This subsection may not be construed to prohibit a classroom teacher from choosing to spend the teacher's planning and preparation time creating or selecting instructional materials.
(c)  A supplemental agreement between a school district and a classroom teacher described by Subsection (a) under which a teacher is assigned responsibility for a greater number of duties unrelated to providing instruction than other full-time teachers of the same grade level in the district must explicitly state each of the teacher's duties unrelated to providing instruction.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 818 (H.B. 1605), Sec. 3, eff. June 13, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter I. Duties and Benefits › Section 21.405. Duty-Free Lunch

Sec. 21.405.  DUTY-FREE LUNCH.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (c), each classroom teacher or full-time librarian is entitled to at least a 30-minute lunch period free from all duties and responsibilities connected with the instruction and supervision of students.  Each school district may set flexible or rotating schedules for each classroom teacher or full-time librarian in the district for the implementation of the duty-free lunch period.
(b)  The implementation of this section may not result in a lengthened school day.
(c)  If necessary because of a personnel shortage, extreme economic conditions, or an unavoidable or unforeseen circumstance, a school district may require a classroom teacher or librarian entitled to a duty-free lunch to supervise students during lunch.  A classroom teacher or librarian may not be required to supervise students under this subsection more than one day in any school week.  The commissioner by rule shall prescribe guidelines for determining what constitutes a personnel shortage, extreme economic conditions, or an unavoidable or unforeseen circumstance for purposes of this subsection.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter I. Duties and Benefits › Section 21.406. Denial of Compensation Based on Absence for Religious Observance Prohibited

Sec. 21.406.  DENIAL OF COMPENSATION BASED ON ABSENCE FOR RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE PROHIBITED.  A school district may not deny an educator a salary bonus or similar compensation given in whole or in part on the basis of educator attendance because of the educator's absence from school for observance of a holy day observed by a religion whose places of worship are exempt from property taxation under Section 11.20, Tax Code.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter I. Duties and Benefits › Section 21.407. Requiring or Coercing Teachers to Join Groups, Clubs, Committees, or Organizations: Political Affairs

Sec. 21.407.  REQUIRING OR COERCING TEACHERS TO JOIN GROUPS, CLUBS, COMMITTEES, OR ORGANIZATIONS:  POLITICAL AFFAIRS.  (a)  A school district board of trustees or school district employee may not directly or indirectly require or coerce any teacher to join any group, club, committee, organization, or association.
(b)  A school district board of trustees or school district employee may not directly or indirectly coerce any teacher to refrain from participating in political affairs in the teacher's community, state, or nation.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter I. Duties and Benefits › Section 21.408. Right to Join or Not to Join Professional Association

Sec. 21.408.  RIGHT TO JOIN OR NOT TO JOIN PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION.  This chapter does not abridge the right of an educator to join any professional association or organization or refuse to join any professional association or organization.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter I. Duties and Benefits › Section 21.409. Leave of Absence for Temporary Disability

Sec. 21.409.  LEAVE OF ABSENCE FOR TEMPORARY DISABILITY.  (a)  Each full-time educator employed by a school district shall be given a leave of absence for temporary disability at any time the educator's condition interferes with the performance of regular duties.  The contract or employment of the educator may not be terminated by the school district while the educator is on a leave of absence for temporary disability. "Temporary disability" in this section includes the condition of pregnancy.
(b)  A request for a leave of absence for temporary disability must be made to the superintendent of the school district.  The request must be accompanied by a physician's statement confirming inability to work and must state the date requested by the educator for the leave to begin and the probable date of return as certified by the physician.
(c)  The board of trustees of a school district may adopt a policy providing for placing an educator on leave of absence for temporary disability if, in the board's judgment and in consultation with a physician who has performed a thorough medical examination of the educator, the educator's condition interferes with the performance of regular duties.  A policy adopted under this subsection must reserve to the educator the right to present to the board testimony or other information relevant to the educator's fitness to continue the performance of regular duties.
(d)  The educator must notify the superintendent of the desire to return to active duty not later than the 30th day before the expected date of return.  The notice must be accompanied by a physician's statement indicating the educator's physical fitness for the resumption of regular duties.
(e)  An educator returning to active duty after a leave of absence for temporary disability is entitled to an assignment at the school where the educator formerly taught, subject to the availability of an appropriate teaching position.  In any event, the educator must be placed on active duty not later than the beginning of the next term.
(f)  The length of a leave of absence for temporary disability shall be granted by the superintendent as required by the individual educator.  The board of trustees of a school district may establish a maximum length for a leave of absence for temporary disability, but the maximum length may not be less than 180 days.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter I. Duties and Benefits › Section 21.414. Classroom Supply Reimbursement Program

Sec. 21.414.  CLASSROOM SUPPLY REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM.  (a)  The commissioner shall establish a reimbursement program under which the commissioner provides funds to a school district for the purpose of reimbursing classroom teachers in the district who expend personal funds on classroom supplies.  A school district must match any funds provided to the district under the reimbursement program with local funds to be used for the same purpose.
(b)  The commissioner shall adopt rules for the local allocation of funds provided to a school district under the reimbursement program.  A school district shall allow each classroom teacher in the district who is reimbursed under the reimbursement program to use the funds in the teacher's discretion, except that the funds must be used for the benefit of the district's students.  A school district may not use funds received under the reimbursement program to replace local funds used by the district for the same purpose.
(c)  The commissioner shall identify state and federal funds available for use under the reimbursement program, including funds subject to the Education Flexibility Partnership Act of 1999 (20 U.S.C. Section 5891a et seq.), and its subsequent amendments, as well as consolidated administrative funds.
(d)  The commissioner shall establish the reimbursement program for implementation beginning not later than the 2005-2006 school year.  The commissioner may implement the reimbursement program only if funds are specifically appropriated by the legislature for the program or if the commissioner identifies available funds, other than general revenue funds, that may be used for the program.
(e)  Expired.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 201, Sec. 17, eff. Sept. 1, 2003;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 263, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 2003.
Renumbered from Education Code, Section 21.413 by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 728 (H.B. 2018), Sec. 23.001(12), eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter I. Duties and Benefits › Section 21.415. Employment Contracts

Sec. 21.415.  EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS.  (a)  A school district shall provide in employment contracts that qualifying employees may receive an incentive payment under an awards program established under Subchapter O if the district participates in the program.
(b)  The district shall indicate that any incentive payment distributed is considered a payment for performance and not an entitlement as part of an employee's salary.
Added by Acts 2006, 79th Leg., 3rd C.S., Ch. 5 (H.B. 1), Sec. 4.06, eff. May 31, 2006.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1328 (H.B. 3646), Sec. 10, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter J. Staff Development › Section 21.4511. Professional Development Activities for Teachers and Administrators

Sec. 21.4511.  PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES FOR TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS.  (a)  From funds appropriated for that purpose in an amount not to exceed $2.5 million each year, the commissioner may develop and award grants to school districts, regional education service centers, nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education for establishing and providing technical assistance and professional development activities in the staff development training of public school teachers and administrators.
(b)  The training under this section shall include training relating to implementing curriculum and instruction that is aligned with the foundation curriculum described by Section 28.002(a)(1) and standards and expectations for college readiness, as determined by State Board of Education rule under Section 28.008(d).
(c)  The commissioner may give preference to a school district, regional education service center, or institution of higher education conducting professional development activities under this section that applies for a grant in partnership with a state or national organization that has demonstrated success in the development and implementation of high school reform strategies.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1058 (H.B. 2237), Sec. 4, eff. June 15, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter J. Staff Development › Section 21.4513. Professional Development Requirements Audit

Sec. 21.4513.  PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS AUDIT.  (a)  Using only available funds and resources from public or private sources, the agency shall periodically conduct an audit of the professional development requirements applicable to educators in this state, including state and federal requirements and requirements imposed by school districts.
(b)  Based on audit results, the agency shall seek to eliminate conflicting requirements and consolidate duplicative requirements through the following methods, as appropriate:
(1)  taking administrative action;
(2)  encouraging school districts to make appropriate changes to district policies; or
(3)  recommending statutory changes to the legislature.
(c)  The agency shall provide guidance to school districts regarding high-quality professional development and the outcomes expected to result from providing that caliber of professional development.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1282 (H.B. 2012), Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter J. Staff Development › Section 21.4514. Continuing Education and Training Clearinghouse; Advisory Group

Sec. 21.4514.  CONTINUING EDUCATION AND TRAINING CLEARINGHOUSE; ADVISORY GROUP.  (a)  In this section:
(1)  "Board" means the State Board for Educator Certification.
(2)  "Clearinghouse advisory group" means the clearinghouse advisory group established under Subsection (d).
(b)  The board shall publish a comprehensive clearinghouse of information regarding continuing education and training requirements for:
(1)  educators; and
(2)  other school personnel.
(c)  The clearinghouse must:
(1)  include best practices and industry recommendations for the frequency for training of educators and other school personnel; and
(2)  be published in consultation with the clearinghouse advisory group.
(d)  The board shall establish a clearinghouse advisory group consisting of educators, including classroom teachers, and representatives of organizations that represent educators to review and provide input regarding the best practices and industry recommendations included in the clearinghouse.  In publishing the clearinghouse, the board shall ensure the clearinghouse reflects input provided by the clearinghouse advisory group.
(e)  Not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year, the clearinghouse advisory group shall complete a review of the clearinghouse and submit a report to the legislature of the group's recommendations regarding whether any required continuing education or training may be reduced, eliminated, or consolidated with other existing continuing education or training.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1045 (S.B. 1267), Sec. 5, eff. June 18, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter J. Staff Development › Section 21.4515. Annual Adoption of Professional Development Policy

Sec. 21.4515.  ANNUAL ADOPTION OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY.  (a)  The board of trustees of a school district and the governing body of an open-enrollment charter school, to the extent applicable, shall annually review the clearinghouse published under Section 21.4514 and adopt a professional development policy that must:
(1)  be guided by the recommendations for training in the clearinghouse;
(2)  note any differences in the policy adopted by the district or school from the recommendations in the clearinghouse; and
(3)  include a schedule of all training required for educators or other school personnel at the district or school.
(b)  To the extent of any conflict, a frequency requirement for the completion of training provided by statute prevails over a frequency requirement for that training included in the policy adopted by the board of trustees of a school district or the governing body of an open-enrollment charter school under Subsection (a).
(c)  The commissioner may not adopt rules regarding a required frequency for the completion of training unless:
(1)  a frequency is provided by statute for that training; and
(2)  the commissioner is granted explicit rulemaking authority related to that training.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1045 (S.B. 1267), Sec. 5, eff. June 18, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter J. Staff Development › Section 21.452. Developmental Leaves of Absence

Sec. 21.452.  DEVELOPMENTAL LEAVES OF ABSENCE.  (a)  The board of trustees of a school district may grant a developmental leave of absence for study, research, travel, or another suitable purpose to an employee who:
(1)  is employed in a position requiring a permanent teaching certificate;  and
(2)  has served in the same school district at least five consecutive school years.
(b)  The board may grant a developmental leave of absence for one school year at one-half salary or for one-half of a school year at full salary paid to the employee in the same manner, on the same schedule, and with the same deductions as if the employee were on full-time duty.
(c)  An employee on developmental leave continues to be a member of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas and is entitled to participate in programs, hold memberships, and receive benefits afforded by employment in the school district.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter J. Staff Development › Section 21.453. Staff Development Account

Sec. 21.453.  STAFF DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT.  (a)  The staff development account is an account in the general revenue fund.  The account consists of gifts, grants, donations, appropriations for the purpose of staff development under this subchapter, and any other money transferred by law to the account.  Funds in the account may be used only as provided by this section.
(b)  The commissioner may allocate funds from the account to regional education service centers to provide staff development resources to school districts that:
(1)  are rated academically unacceptable;
(2)  have one or more campuses rated as academically unacceptable; or
(3)  are otherwise in need of assistance as indicated by the academic performance of students, as determined by the commissioner.
(c)  A school district that receives resources under this section must pay to the commissioner for deposit in the account an amount equal to one-half of the cost of the resources provided to the district.
(d)  The commissioner may adopt rules governing the allocation and use of funds under this section.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 931, Sec. 3, eff. Aug. 30, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2006, 79th Leg., 3rd C.S., Ch. 5 (H.B. 1), Sec. 3.04, eff. May 31, 2006.
For expiration of this section, see Subsection (f).
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter J. Staff Development › Section 21.4553. Teacher Mathematics Achievement Academies

Sec. 21.4553.  TEACHER MATHEMATICS ACHIEVEMENT ACADEMIES.  (a)  The commissioner shall develop and make available mathematics achievement academies for teachers who provide mathematics instruction to students at any grade level.
(b)  A mathematics achievement academy developed under this section must, if appropriate for the grade level at which the teacher provides instruction, include training in:
(1)  effective and systematic instructional practices in mathematics, including problem solving, the place value system, whole number operations, and fractions;
(2)  the underlying mathematical skills required to be taught; and
(3)  mathematical instruction techniques that, through scientific testing, have been proven effective.
(c)  The commissioner shall adopt criteria for selecting teachers who may attend a mathematics achievement academy.  In adopting selection criteria under this subsection, the commissioner shall:
(1)  require granting a priority to teachers employed by a school district at a campus at which 50 percent or more of the students enrolled are educationally disadvantaged; and
(2)  provide a process through which a teacher not employed at a campus described by Subdivision (1) may attend the academy if the academy has available space and the school district employing the teacher pays the costs of the teacher's attendance.
(d)  From funds appropriated for that purpose, a teacher who attends a mathematics achievement academy is entitled to receive a stipend in the amount determined by the commissioner.  A stipend received under this subsection is not considered in determining whether a district is paying the teacher the minimum monthly salary under Section 21.402.
(e)  On request of the commissioner, regional education service centers shall assist the commissioner and agency with training and other activities relating to the development and operation of mathematics achievement academies.
(f)  This section expires September 1, 2027.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 202 (S.B. 934), Sec. 1, eff. May 28, 2015.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1045 (S.B. 1267), Sec. 7, eff. June 18, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter J. Staff Development › Section 21.4556. Civics Training Program Advisory Board

Sec. 21.4556.  CIVICS TRAINING PROGRAM ADVISORY BOARD.  (a)  The commissioner shall establish an advisory board to advise the commissioner in developing the civics training programs under Section 21.4555.
(b)  The advisory board is composed of nine members appointed by the commissioner.
(c)  Each member must be a current or former educator with at least 10 years of experience.
(d)  Members are not entitled to reimbursement for travel or other expenses.
(e)  The advisory board is not subject to Chapter 551 or 552, Government Code.
(f)  Chapter 2110, Government Code, does not apply to the advisory board.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch. 9 (S.B. 3), Sec. 1, eff. December 2, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter J. Staff Development › Section 21.456. Science Training

Sec. 21.456.  SCIENCE TRAINING.  (a)  The commissioner shall develop and have approved by the board training materials and other teacher training resources for a school district to use in assisting science teachers in developing:
(1)  expertise in the appropriate science curriculum;  and
(2)  comprehension of the instructional approaches that, through scientific testing, have been proven effective in improving student science skills.
(b)  To the extent practicable, the training materials and other teacher training resources required under Subsection (a) shall address instructional approaches designed to reduce any identified disparities in student science performance between groups of students.
(c)  The commissioner shall develop materials and resources under this section in consultation with appropriate faculty members at institutions of higher education.
(d)  The commissioner shall make the training materials and other teacher training resources required under Subsection (a) available to science teachers through a variety of mechanisms, including distance learning, mentoring programs, small group inquiries, computer-assisted training, and mechanisms based on trainer-of-trainer models.
(e)  The commissioner shall use funds appropriated for the purpose to administer this section.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 430, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter J. Staff Development › Section 21.457. Training for Teachers of Emergent Bilingual Students

Sec. 21.457.  TRAINING FOR TEACHERS OF EMERGENT BILINGUAL STUDENTS.  The commissioner shall develop and make available training materials and other teacher training resources to assist teachers in developing the expertise required to enable emergent bilingual students to meet state performance expectations.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1212, Sec. 6, eff. June 20, 2003.
Renumbered from Education Code, Section 21.456 by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 728 (H.B. 2018), Sec. 23.001(13), eff. September 1, 2005.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 973 (S.B. 2066), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter J. Staff Development › Section 21.4571. Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System Training

Sec. 21.4571.  TEXAS ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY ASSESSMENT SYSTEM TRAINING.  (a)  The commissioner may not require a school district employee to repeat training or online calibration activities the employee has previously successfully completed related to administering the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System, except that the commissioner may require the employee to complete training or online calibration activities if the administration of or assessment using the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System has changed significantly since the employee completed the training.
(b)  The school district employee assigned to oversee the administration of the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System at a district campus may, with discretion, require other district employees involved in administering the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System to complete training or online calibration activities described by Subsection (a).
(c)  A school district employee may not be required to complete a training or online calibration activity described by Subsection (a) in one sitting.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1045 (S.B. 1267), Sec. 8, eff. June 18, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter J. Staff Development › Section 21.459. Bible Course Training

Sec. 21.459.  BIBLE COURSE TRAINING.  (a)  The commissioner shall develop and make available training materials and other teacher training resources for a school district to use in assisting teachers of elective Bible courses in developing:
(1)  expertise in the appropriate Bible course curriculum;
(2)  understanding of applicable supreme court rulings and current constitutional law regarding how Bible courses are to be taught in public schools objectively as a part of a secular program of education;
(3)  understanding of how to present the Bible in an objective, academic manner that neither promotes nor disparages religion, nor is taught from a particular sectarian point of view;
(4)  proficiency in instructional approaches that present course material in a manner that respects all faiths and religious traditions, while favoring none; and
(5)  expertise in how to avoid devotional content or proselytizing in the classroom.
(b)  The commissioner shall develop materials and resources under this section in consultation with appropriate faculty members at institutions of higher education.
(c)  The commissioner shall make the training materials and other teacher training resources required under Subsection (a) available to Bible course teachers through access to in-service training.
(d)  The commissioner shall use funds appropriated for the purpose to administer this section.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 856 (H.B. 1287), Sec. 2, eff. June 15, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter J. Staff Development › Section 21.462. Resources Regarding Students With Mental Health or Substance Abuse Conditions

Sec. 21.462.  RESOURCES REGARDING STUDENTS WITH MENTAL HEALTH OR SUBSTANCE ABUSE CONDITIONS.  The agency, in coordination with the Health and Human Services Commission, shall establish and maintain an Internet website to provide resources for school district or open-enrollment charter school employees regarding working with students with mental health conditions or who engage in substance abuse.  The agency must include on the Internet website information about:
(1)  grief-informed and trauma-informed practices;
(2)  building skills related to managing emotions, establishing and maintaining positive relationships, and responsible decision-making;
(3)  positive behavior interventions and supports; and
(4)  a safe and supportive school climate.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 522 (S.B. 179), Sec. 9, eff. September 1, 2017.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 352 (H.B. 18), Sec. 1.06, eff. December 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter J. Staff Development › Section 21.464. Prekindergarten Teacher Training Course

Sec. 21.464.  PREKINDERGARTEN TEACHER TRAINING COURSE.  (a)  The commissioner shall develop a prekindergarten teacher training course to be offered to prekindergarten teachers employed by a school district or open-enrollment charter school.
(b)  A course provided under this section shall provide instruction in the development and operation of effective prekindergarten classes, including training in:
(1)  the prekindergarten guidelines established by the agency;
(2)  effective and systematic instructional techniques for teaching prekindergarten students using the prekindergarten guidelines; and
(3)  designing and implementing a comprehensive curriculum in the classroom.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 142 (H.B. 4), Sec. 8, eff. May 28, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter J. Staff Development › Section 21.465. Autism Training

Sec. 21.465.  AUTISM TRAINING.  (a)  A school district may provide a salary incentive or similar compensation to a teacher who completes training provided by a regional education service center relating to autism.
(b)  A school district that decides to provide an incentive or compensation under Subsection (a) shall adopt a policy to implement this section.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 943 (H.B. 3), Sec. 2.010, eff. June 12, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter K. Texas Troops to Teachers Program › Section 21.501. Definition

Sec. 21.501.  DEFINITION.  In this subchapter, "program" means the Texas Troops to Teachers Program.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 396, Sec. 2.07(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter K. Texas Troops to Teachers Program › Section 21.502. Establishment of Program

Sec. 21.502.  ESTABLISHMENT OF PROGRAM.  The agency shall establish a program to:
(1)  assist persons who have served in the armed forces of the United States and are separated from active duty to obtain certification as an elementary or secondary school teacher in this state;  and
(2)  facilitate the employment of those persons by school districts that have a shortage of teachers.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 396, Sec. 2.07(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter K. Texas Troops to Teachers Program › Section 21.503. Eligibility

Sec. 21.503.  ELIGIBILITY.  A person is eligible for the program if the person:
(1)  has served in the armed forces of the United States;
(2)  is honorably discharged, retired, or released from active duty on or after October 1, 1990, after at least six years of continuous active duty service immediately before the discharge, retirement, or release;
(3)  has received a baccalaureate or advanced degree from a public or private institution of higher education accredited by a regional accrediting agency or group that is recognized by a nationally recognized accreditation board;  and
(4)  satisfies any other criteria for selection jointly prescribed by the agency and the State Board for Educator Certification.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 396, Sec. 2.07(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter K. Texas Troops to Teachers Program › Section 21.504. Information and Applications

Sec. 21.504.  INFORMATION AND APPLICATIONS.  (a)  The agency shall develop an application for the program.
(b)  The agency and the State Board for Educator Certification shall distribute the applications and information regarding the program.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 396, Sec. 2.07(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter K. Texas Troops to Teachers Program › Section 21.505. Selection of Participants

Sec. 21.505.  SELECTION OF PARTICIPANTS.  (a)  The agency shall select persons to participate in the program on the basis of applications submitted to the agency.
(b)  Each application must be submitted:
(1)  in the form and contain the information the agency requires;  and
(2)  in a timely manner.
(c)  An application is considered to be submitted in a timely manner for purposes of Subsection (b)(2) if the application is submitted:
(1)  not later than October 5, 1999, in the case of an applicant discharged, retired, or released from active duty before January 19, 1999;  or
(2)  except as provided by Subdivision (1), not later than the first anniversary of the date of the applicant's discharge, retirement, or release from active duty.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 396, Sec. 2.07(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter K. Texas Troops to Teachers Program › Section 21.506. Limitation on Implementation

Sec. 21.506.  LIMITATION ON IMPLEMENTATION.  The agency may not select a person to participate in the program unless the agency has sufficient state appropriations to pay the stipend provided by Section 21.509 at the time of the selection.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 396, Sec. 2.07(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter K. Texas Troops to Teachers Program › Section 21.507. Preferences

Sec. 21.507.  PREFERENCES.  (a)  In selecting persons to participate in the program, the agency shall give preference to a person who:
(1)  has significant educational or military experience in science, mathematics, or engineering and agrees to seek employment as a teacher in one of those subjects in a public elementary or secondary school in this state;  or
(2)  has significant educational or military experience in a field other than science, mathematics, or engineering identified by the agency as a field important for state educational objectives and agrees to seek employment as a teacher in a subject related to that field in a public elementary or secondary school in this state.
(b)  The commissioner shall determine the level of experience considered significant for purposes of this section.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 396, Sec. 2.07(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1999.