reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle F - Curriculum, Programs, and Services › Chapter 29 - Educational Programs › Subchapter B. Bilingual Education and Special Language Programs › Section 29.062. Compliance

Sec. 29.062.  COMPLIANCE.  (a)  The legislature recognizes that compliance with this subchapter is an imperative public necessity.  Therefore, in accordance with the policy of the state, the agency shall evaluate the effectiveness of programs under this subchapter based on the achievement indicators adopted under Section 39.053(c), including the results of assessment instruments.  The agency may combine evaluations under this section with federal accountability measures concerning emergent bilingual students.
(b)  The areas to be monitored shall include:
(1)  program content and design;
(2)  program coverage;
(3)  identification procedures;
(4)  classification procedures;
(5)  staffing;
(6)  learning materials;
(7)  testing materials;
(8)  reclassification of students for either entry into regular classes conducted exclusively in English or reentry into a bilingual education or special education program;  and
(9)  activities of the language proficiency assessment committees.
(c)  Not later than the 30th day after the date of an on-site monitoring inspection, the agency shall report its findings to the school district or open-enrollment charter school and to the division of accreditation.
(d)  The agency shall notify a school district or open-enrollment charter school found in noncompliance in writing, not later than the 30th day after the date of the on-site monitoring.  The district or open-enrollment charter school shall take immediate corrective action.
(e)  If a school district or open-enrollment charter school fails to satisfy appropriate standards adopted by the commissioner for purposes of Subsection (a), the agency shall apply sanctions, which may include the removal of accreditation, loss of foundation school funds, or both.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 201, Sec. 19, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 895 (H.B. 3), Sec. 33, eff. June 19, 2009.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1094 (H.B. 2804), Sec. 12, eff. June 19, 2015.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 807 (H.B. 22), Sec. 4, eff. June 15, 2017.
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 973 (S.B. 2066), Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle F - Curriculum, Programs, and Services › Chapter 29 - Educational Programs › Subchapter B. Bilingual Education and Special Language Programs › Section 29.063. Language Proficiency Assessment Committees

Sec. 29.063.  LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY ASSESSMENT COMMITTEES.  (a)  Each school district that is required to offer bilingual education and special language programs shall establish a language proficiency assessment committee.
(b)  Each committee shall include a professional bilingual educator, a professional transitional language educator, a parent of an emergent bilingual student, and a campus administrator.
(c)  The language proficiency assessment committee shall:
(1)  review all pertinent information on emergent bilingual students, including the home language survey, the language proficiency tests in English and the primary language, each student's achievement in content areas, and each student's emotional and social attainment;
(2)  make recommendations concerning the most appropriate placement for the educational advancement of the emergent bilingual student after the elementary grades;
(3)  review each emergent bilingual student's progress at the end of the school year in order to determine future appropriate placement;
(4)  monitor the progress of students formerly classified as emergent bilingual who have transferred out of the bilingual education or special language program and, based on the information, designate the most appropriate placement for such students; and
(5)  determine the appropriateness of a program that extends beyond the regular school year based on the needs of each emergent bilingual student.
(d)  The agency may prescribe additional duties for language proficiency assessment committees.
(e)  The agency may not require members of a language proficiency assessment committee to complete training to serve on that committee.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 973 (S.B. 2066), Sec. 14, eff. September 1, 2021.
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1045 (S.B. 1267), Sec. 13, eff. June 18, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle F - Curriculum, Programs, and Services › Chapter 29 - Educational Programs › Subchapter B. Bilingual Education and Special Language Programs › Section 29.064. Appeals

Sec. 29.064.  APPEALS.  A parent of a student enrolled in a school district offering bilingual education or special language programs may appeal to the commissioner if the district fails to comply with the requirements established by law or by the agency as authorized by this subchapter.  If the parent disagrees with the placement of the student in the program, the parent may appeal that decision to the board of trustees.  Appeals shall be conducted in accordance with procedures adopted by the commissioner.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle F - Curriculum, Programs, and Services › Chapter 29 - Educational Programs › Subchapter B. Bilingual Education and Special Language Programs › Section 29.065. Assistance by Agency

Sec. 29.065.  ASSISTANCE BY AGENCY.  The agency shall develop tools to assist school districts and open-enrollment charter schools in implementing bilingual education and special language programs under this chapter.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 943 (H.B. 3), Sec. 2.016, eff. June 12, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle F - Curriculum, Programs, and Services › Chapter 29 - Educational Programs › Subchapter C. Compensatory Education Programs › Section 29.0821. Optional Flexible Year Program

Sec. 29.0821.  OPTIONAL FLEXIBLE YEAR PROGRAM.  (a)  A school district may provide a flexible year program for students who did not or are likely not to perform successfully on an assessment instrument administered under Section 39.023 or who would not otherwise be promoted to the next grade level.
(b)  To enable a school district to provide additional instructional days for a program under this section, with the approval of the commissioner, a school district may:
(1)  provide a number of days of instruction during the regular school year that is not more than 10 days fewer than the number required under Section 25.081(a);  and
(2)  use for instructional purposes not more than five days that would otherwise be used for staff development or teacher preparation.
(c)  Notwithstanding any reduction in the number of instructional days in the regular school year or in the number of staff development days, each educator employed under a 10-month contract must provide the minimum days of service required under Section 21.401.
(d)  A school district may require educational support personnel to provide service as necessary for an optional flexible year program.
(e)  The commissioner may adopt rules for the administration of programs provided under this section.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 824, Sec. 1, eff. June 20, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle F - Curriculum, Programs, and Services › Chapter 29 - Educational Programs › Subchapter C. Compensatory Education Programs › Section 29.083. Student Retention Information

Sec. 29.083.  STUDENT RETENTION INFORMATION.  The agency shall collect data from school districts through the Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) relating to grade level retention of students.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle F - Curriculum, Programs, and Services › Chapter 29 - Educational Programs › Subchapter C. Compensatory Education Programs › Section 29.084. Tutorial Services

Sec. 29.084.  TUTORIAL SERVICES.  (a)  Each school district may provide tutorial services at the district's schools.
(b)  A district that provides tutorial services shall require a student whose grade in a subject for a grade reporting period is lower than the equivalent of 70 on a scale of 100 to attend tutorials.
(c)  A district may provide transportation for a student who is required to attend tutorial services and who is eligible for regular transportation services.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle F - Curriculum, Programs, and Services › Chapter 29 - Educational Programs › Subchapter C. Compensatory Education Programs › Section 29.085. Life Skills Program for Student Parents

Sec. 29.085.  LIFE SKILLS PROGRAM FOR STUDENT PARENTS.  (a)  A school district may provide an integrated program of educational and support services for students who are pregnant or who are parents.
(b)  The program shall include:
(1)  individual counseling, peer counseling, and self-help programs;
(2)  career counseling and job readiness training;
(3)  day care for the students' children on the campus or at a day-care facility in close proximity to the campus;
(4)  transportation for children of students to and from the campus or day-care facility;
(5)  transportation for students, as appropriate, to and from the campus or day-care facility;
(6)  instruction related to knowledge and skills in child development, parenting, and home and family living;  and
(7)  assistance to students in the program in obtaining available services from government agencies or community service organizations, including prenatal and postnatal health and nutrition programs.
(c)  The district shall solicit recommendations for obtaining community support for the students and their children from organizations for parents of students in the district and from other community organizations.
(d)  School districts may operate shared services arrangement programs under this section.
(e)  From funds appropriated for the purpose, the commissioner shall distribute funds for programs under this section.  In distributing those funds, the commissioner shall give preference to school districts that received funds for a program under this section for the preceding school year and then to the districts that have the highest concentration of students who are pregnant or who are parents.  To receive funds for a program under this section, a school district must apply to the commissioner.  A program established under this section is required only in school districts in which the program is financed by funds distributed under this subsection and any other funds available for the program.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1328 (H.B. 3646), Sec. 19, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle F - Curriculum, Programs, and Services › Chapter 29 - Educational Programs › Subchapter C. Compensatory Education Programs › Section 29.086. Basic Skills Programs for High School Students

Sec. 29.086.  BASIC SKILLS PROGRAMS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS.  (a)  A school district may apply to the commissioner for funding of special programs for students in grade nine who are at risk of not earning sufficient credit or who have not earned sufficient credit to advance to grade 10 and who fail to meet minimum skills levels established by the commissioner.  A school district may, with the consent of a student's parent or guardian, assign a student to a program under this section.  A program under this section may not exceed 210 instructional days.
(b)  A program under this section must emphasize basic skills in areas of the required curriculum under Section 28.002 and must offer students the opportunity to increase credits required for high school graduation under state or school district policy.  A program under this section may be provided by a school district or an entity contracting with a school district to provide the program.
(c)  The commissioner shall award funds to districts in accordance with a competitive grant process developed by the commissioner.  A grant may be made to a consortium of school districts.  The criteria by which the commissioner awards a grant must include the quality of the proposed program and the school district's demonstrated need for the program.  An approved program must include criteria that permit measurement of student progress, and the district shall:
(1)  annually evaluate the progress of students in the program;  and
(2)  submit the results of the evaluation to the commissioner at the end of the school year.
(d)  The commissioner shall establish minimum levels of student enrollment and standards of student progress required for continued funding of a program under this section.  The commissioner may eliminate funding for a program in a subsequent school year if the program fails to achieve sufficient levels of student progress.
(e)  The amount of a grant under this section must take into account funds distributed to the school district under Chapter 48.
(f)  The commissioner may adopt rules for the administration of programs under this section.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 396, Sec. 2.02, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 943 (H.B. 3), Sec. 3.031, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle F - Curriculum, Programs, and Services › Chapter 29 - Educational Programs › Subchapter C. Compensatory Education Programs › Section 29.088. After-School and Summer Intensive Mathematics Instruction Programs

Sec. 29.088.  AFTER-SCHOOL AND SUMMER INTENSIVE MATHEMATICS INSTRUCTION PROGRAMS.  (a)  A school district may provide an intensive after-school program or an intensive program during the period that school is recessed for the summer to provide mathematics instruction to:
(1)  students who are not performing at grade level in mathematics to assist those students in performing at grade level;
(2)  students who are not performing successfully in a mathematics course to assist those students in successfully completing the course;  or
(3)  students other than those described by Subdivision (1) or (2), as determined by the district.
(b)  Before providing a program under this section, the board of trustees of a school district must adopt a policy for:
(1)  determining student eligibility for participating in the program that:
(A)  prescribes the grade level or course a student must be enrolled in to be eligible;  and
(B)  provides for considering teacher recommendations in determining eligibility;
(2)  ensuring that parents of or persons standing in parental relation to eligible students are provided notice of the program;
(3)  ensuring that eligible students are encouraged to attend the program;
(4)  ensuring that the program is offered at one or more locations in the district that are easily accessible to eligible students;  and
(5)  measuring student progress on completion of the program.
(c)  The commissioner by rule shall:
(1)  prescribe a procedure that a school district must follow to apply for and receive funding for a program under this section;
(2)  adopt guidelines for determining which districts receive funding if there is not sufficient funding for each district that applies;
(3)  require each district providing a program to report student performance results to the commissioner within the period and in the manner prescribed by the rule;  and
(4)  based on district reports under Subdivision (3) and any required analysis and verification of those reports, disseminate to each district in this state information concerning instructional methods that have proved successful in improving student performance in mathematics.
(d)  A program provided under this section shall be paid for with funds appropriated for that purpose.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 834, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.  Renumbered from Education Code Sec. 29.087 by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1275, Sec. 2(15), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle F - Curriculum, Programs, and Services › Chapter 29 - Educational Programs › Subchapter C. Compensatory Education Programs › Section 29.0881. Strong Foundations Grant Program

Sec. 29.0881.  STRONG FOUNDATIONS GRANT PROGRAM.  (a)  The commissioner shall establish and administer a strong foundations grant program for campuses or a program at a campus serving students enrolled in prekindergarten through grade five to implement a rigorous school approach that combines high-quality instruction, materials, and support structures.
(b)  The commissioner shall adopt components that school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, and campuses of the districts or schools must implement under the strong foundations grant program.  The components must include:
(1)  use of high-quality instructional materials, curricula, and curricular tools;
(2)  use of aligned diagnostic and formative assessments;
(3)  aligned professional supports;
(4)  practices designed to ensure high-quality supports for students with disabilities;
(5)  evidence-based practices to increase and maintain parental engagement; and
(6)  measurement of fidelity of implementation of the program.
(c)  Grants provided under the strong foundations grant program may be in the form of funds, in-kind resources, or both.
(d)  The commissioner shall use funds appropriated, federal funds, and other funds available for the strong foundations grant program to assist school districts and open-enrollment charter schools in implementing the program.
(e)  A school district or open-enrollment charter school that receives grant funds under this section may use the funds to:
(1)  financially support or train or otherwise prepare educators and other staff;
(2)  pay for agreements with other entities to provide prekindergarten services; or
(3)  pay for accelerated instruction provided under Section 28.0211.
(f)  The commissioner may accept gifts, grants, and donations from any source, including private and nonprofit organizations, for the program.  A private or nonprofit organization that contributes to the program may receive an award under Section 7.113.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 910 (H.B. 4545), Sec. 4, eff. June 16, 2021.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 404 (H.B. 1416), Sec. 3, eff. June 9, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle F - Curriculum, Programs, and Services › Chapter 29 - Educational Programs › Subchapter C. Compensatory Education Programs › Section 29.089. Mentoring Services Program

Sec. 29.089.  MENTORING SERVICES PROGRAM.  (a)  Each school district may provide a mentoring services program to students at risk of dropping out of school, as defined by Section 29.081.
(b)  The commissioner, in consultation with the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of representatives, by rule shall determine accountability standards under this section for a school district providing a mentoring services program using funds allocated under Section 48.104.
(c)  The board of trustees of the district shall obtain the consent of a student's parent or guardian before allowing the student to participate in the program.
(d)  The board of trustees of the district may arrange for any public or nonprofit community-based organization to come to the district's schools and implement the program.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 783, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 943 (H.B. 3), Sec. 3.033, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle F - Curriculum, Programs, and Services › Chapter 29 - Educational Programs › Subchapter C. Compensatory Education Programs › Section 29.090. After-School and Summer Intensive Science Instruction Programs

Sec. 29.090.  AFTER-SCHOOL AND SUMMER INTENSIVE SCIENCE INSTRUCTION PROGRAMS.  (a)  A school district may provide an intensive after-school program or an intensive program during the period that school is recessed for the summer to provide science instruction to:
(1)  students who are not performing at grade level in science to assist those students in performing at grade level;
(2)  students who are not performing successfully in a science course to assist those students in successfully completing the course;  or
(3)  students other than those described by Subdivision (1) or (2), as determined by the district.
(b)  Before providing a program under this section, the board of trustees of a school district must adopt a policy for:
(1)  determining student eligibility for participating in the program that:
(A)  prescribes the grade level or course a student must be enrolled in to be eligible;  and
(B)  provides for considering teacher recommendations in determining eligibility;
(2)  ensuring that parents of or persons standing in parental relation to eligible students are provided notice of the program;
(3)  ensuring that eligible students are encouraged to attend the program;
(4)  ensuring that the program is offered at one or more locations in the district that are easily accessible to eligible students;  and
(5)  measuring student progress on completion of the program.
(c)  The commissioner by rule shall:
(1)  prescribe a procedure that a school district must follow to apply for and receive funding for a program under this section;
(2)  adopt guidelines for determining which districts receive funding if there is not sufficient funding for each district that applies;
(3)  require each district providing a program to report student performance results to the commissioner within the period and in the manner prescribed by the rule;  and
(4)  based on district reports under Subdivision (3) and any required analysis and verification of those reports, disseminate to each district in this state information concerning instructional methods that have proved successful in improving student performance in science.
(d)  A program provided under this section shall be paid for with funds appropriated for that purpose.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 430, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Renumbered from Education Code, Section 29.089 by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 728 (H.B. 2018), Sec. 23.001(14-a), eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle F - Curriculum, Programs, and Services › Chapter 29 - Educational Programs › Subchapter C. Compensatory Education Programs › Section 29.094. Intensive Reading or Language Intervention Pilot Program

Sec. 29.094.  INTENSIVE READING OR LANGUAGE INTERVENTION PILOT PROGRAM.  (a)  In this section, "pilot program" means the intensive reading or language intervention pilot program.
(b)  The commissioner by rule shall establish a pilot program in which a participating campus provides intensive reading or language intervention to participating students.
(c)  A campus may apply to the commissioner to participate in the pilot program.  The commissioner may select for participation in the pilot program only campuses that have failed to improve student performance in reading according to standards established by the commissioner.  The standards established by the commissioner for purposes of this subsection must be based on reading performance standards considered for student promotion under Section 28.021.
(d)  The commissioner shall adopt minimum criteria that a program must meet to be selected by a participating campus for use in providing intensive reading or language intervention.  The criteria must include neuroscience-based, scientifically validated methods, scientifically based reading interventions, or instructional tools that have been proven to accelerate language acquisition and reading proficiency for struggling readers.  A participating campus shall submit a summary of the campus's proposed intensive intervention program to the commissioner for approval.  The commissioner may approve only a program that follows the minimum criteria adopted under this subsection.
(e)  The principal of a participating campus, in consultation with classroom teachers at the campus, shall select students to participate in the pilot program based on assessment data.  Benchmark measures shall be administered at the beginning and end of the program.
(f)  Not later than December 31, 2008, any vendor of an intensive intervention program approved under Subsection (d), in consultation with the agency and each school district with which the vendor contracts under this section, shall provide the legislature with a report describing student progress under the assessments administered to participating students under Subsection (e).
(g)  Notwithstanding any other law, the commissioner shall provide funding for the pilot program using not more than $6 million of funding appropriated for purposes of Section 28.0211.
(h)  The commissioner shall adopt rules necessary to implement this section.
(i)  The commissioner shall make the pilot program available to participating campuses during the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 school years.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1165 (H.B. 3468), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.
Reenacted and amended by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1015 (H.B. 1270), Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2007.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 895 (H.B. 3), Sec. 34, eff. June 19, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle F - Curriculum, Programs, and Services › Chapter 29 - Educational Programs › Subchapter D. Educational Programs for Gifted and Talented Students › Section 29.121. Definition

Sec. 29.121.  DEFINITION.  In this subchapter, "gifted and talented student" means a child or youth who performs at or shows the potential for performing at a remarkably high level of accomplishment when compared to others of the same age, experience, or environment and who:
(1)  exhibits high performance capability in an intellectual, creative, or artistic area;
(2)  possesses an unusual capacity for leadership;  or
(3)  excels in a specific academic field.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle F - Curriculum, Programs, and Services › Chapter 29 - Educational Programs › Subchapter D. Educational Programs for Gifted and Talented Students › Section 29.122. Establishment

Sec. 29.122.  ESTABLISHMENT. (a) Using criteria established by the State Board of Education, each school district shall adopt a process for identifying and serving gifted and talented students in the district and shall establish a program for those students in each grade level. A district may establish a shared services arrangement program with one or more other districts.
(b)  Each school district shall adopt a policy regarding the use of funds to support the district's program for gifted and talented students.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 943 (H.B. 3), Sec. 2.017, eff. June 12, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle F - Curriculum, Programs, and Services › Chapter 29 - Educational Programs › Subchapter D. Educational Programs for Gifted and Talented Students › Section 29.123. State Plan; Assistance

Sec. 29.123.  STATE PLAN;  ASSISTANCE.  The State Board of Education shall develop and periodically update a state plan for the education of gifted and talented students to guide school districts in establishing and improving programs for identified students.  The regional education service centers may assist districts in implementing the state plan.  In addition to obtaining assistance from a regional education service center, a district may obtain other assistance in implementing the plan.  The plan shall be used for accountability purposes to measure the performance of districts in providing services to students identified as gifted and talented.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle F - Curriculum, Programs, and Services › Chapter 29 - Educational Programs › Subchapter E. Kindergarten and Prekindergarten Programs › Section 29.151. Free Kindergarten

Sec. 29.151.  FREE KINDERGARTEN.  The board of trustees of each school district shall establish and maintain one or more kindergartens for the training of children residing in the district who are at least five years of age on September 1 of the school year.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle F - Curriculum, Programs, and Services › Chapter 29 - Educational Programs › Subchapter E. Kindergarten and Prekindergarten Programs › Section 29.152. Operation of Kindergartens on Half-Day or Full-Day Basis

Sec. 29.152.  OPERATION OF KINDERGARTENS ON HALF-DAY OR FULL-DAY BASIS.  A public school kindergarten may be operated on a half-day or a full-day basis at the option of the board of trustees of 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 F - Curriculum, Programs, and Services › Chapter 29 - Educational Programs › Subchapter E. Kindergarten and Prekindergarten Programs › Section 29.1531. Tuition-Supported and District-Financed Prekindergarten

Sec. 29.1531.  TUITION-SUPPORTED AND DISTRICT-FINANCED PREKINDERGARTEN.  (a)  A school district may offer on a tuition basis or use district funds to provide:
(1)  an additional half-day of prekindergarten classes to children who are eligible for classes under Section 29.153 and are under four years of age; and
(2)  half-day and full-day prekindergarten classes to children not eligible for classes under Section 29.153.
(b)  A district that offers a prekindergarten program on a tuition basis:
(1)  may not adopt a tuition rate for the program that is higher than necessary to cover the added costs of providing the program, including any costs associated with collecting, reporting, and analyzing data under Section 29.1532(c);  and
(2)  must submit the proposed tuition rate to the commissioner for approval.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 596, Sec. 1, eff. June 11, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 943 (H.B. 3), Sec. 2.020, eff. June 12, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle F - Curriculum, Programs, and Services › Chapter 29 - Educational Programs › Subchapter E. Kindergarten and Prekindergarten Programs › Section 29.1532. Prekindergarten Program Requirements

Sec. 29.1532.  PREKINDERGARTEN PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS.  (a)  A school district's prekindergarten program shall be designed to develop skills necessary for success in the regular public school curriculum, including language, mathematics, and social skills.
(b)  If a school district contracts with a private entity for the operation of the district's prekindergarten program, the program must at a minimum comply with:
(1)  the applicable child-care licensing standards adopted by the Department of Family and Protective Services under Section 42.042, Human Resources Code; and
(2)  the class size requirement for prekindergarten classes imposed under Section 25.112(a).
(c)  A school district that offers prekindergarten classes shall include the following information in the district's Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) report:
(1)  demographic information, as determined by the commissioner, on students enrolled in district and campus prekindergarten classes, including the number of students who are eligible for classes under Section 29.153;
(2)  the numbers of half-day and full-day prekindergarten classes offered by the district and campus;
(3)  the number of half-day prekindergarten classes for which the district has received an exemption from full-day operation under Section 29.153(d);
(4)  the sources of funding for the prekindergarten classes;
(5)   the class size and ratio of instructional staff to students for each prekindergarten program class offered by the district and campus;
(6)   if the district elects to administer an assessment instrument under Section 29.169 to students enrolled in district and campus prekindergarten program classes, a description and the results of each type of assessment instrument; and
(7)   curricula used in the district's prekindergarten program classes.
(d)  Information required under this section to be included in a school district's Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) report may not be used for purposes of determining a district's accreditation or a campus or district performance rating under Subchapter C, Chapter 39.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 596, Sec. 1, eff. June 11, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 142 (H.B. 4), Sec. 4, eff. May 28, 2015.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 943 (H.B. 3), Sec. 2.021, eff. June 12, 2019.
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 974 (S.B. 2081), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle F - Curriculum, Programs, and Services › Chapter 29 - Educational Programs › Subchapter E. Kindergarten and Prekindergarten Programs › Section 29.1533. Establishment of New Prekindergarten Program

Sec. 29.1533.  ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW PREKINDERGARTEN PROGRAM.  Before establishing a new prekindergarten program, a school district shall consider the possibility of sharing use of an existing Head Start or other child-care program site as a prekindergarten site.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 790, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle F - Curriculum, Programs, and Services › Chapter 29 - Educational Programs › Subchapter E. Kindergarten and Prekindergarten Programs › Section 29.1534. Notification of Prekindergarten Programs

Sec. 29.1534.  NOTIFICATION OF PREKINDERGARTEN PROGRAMS.  (a)  In this section, "prekindergarten program" includes prekindergarten programs provided by a private entity through a partnership with the school district.
(b)  The agency shall develop joint strategies with other state agencies regarding methods to increase community awareness of prekindergarten programs through programs that provide information relating to public assistance programs.
(c)  The agency may develop outreach materials for use by school districts to increase community awareness of prekindergarten programs.
(d)  Expired.
(e)  The agency shall provide information to school districts regarding effective methods to communicate to the parent of an eligible child the availability of prekindergarten programs, including information regarding prekindergarten programs through public, private, and nonprofit institutions that provide assistance and support to families with children eligible for prekindergarten programs.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 592 (H.B. 136), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle F - Curriculum, Programs, and Services › Chapter 29 - Educational Programs › Subchapter E. Kindergarten and Prekindergarten Programs › Section 29.154. Evaluation of Prekindergarten Programs

Sec. 29.154.  EVALUATION OF PREKINDERGARTEN PROGRAMS.  The commissioner of education, in consultation with the commissioner of human services, shall monitor and evaluate prekindergarten programs as to their developmental appropriateness.  The commissioners shall also evaluate the potential for coordination on a statewide basis of prekindergarten programs with government-funded early childhood care and education programs such as child care administered under Chapter 44, Human Resources Code, and federal Head Start programs.  That evaluation shall use recommendations contained in the report to the 71st Legislature required by Chapter 717, Acts of the 70th Legislature, Regular Session, 1987.  For the purpose of providing cost-effective care for children during the full workday with developmentally appropriate curriculum, the commissioners shall investigate the use of existing child-care program sites as prekindergarten sites.  Following the evaluation required by this section, the commissioners, in cooperation with school districts and other program administrators, shall integrate programs, staff, and program sites for prekindergarten, child-care, and federal Head Start programs to the greatest extent possible.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle F - Curriculum, Programs, and Services › Chapter 29 - Educational Programs › Subchapter E. Kindergarten and Prekindergarten Programs › Section 29.1543. Early Education Reports

Sec. 29.1543.  EARLY EDUCATION REPORTS.  The agency shall produce and make available to the public on the agency's Internet website annual district and campus-level reports containing information from the previous school year on early education in school districts and open-enrollment charter schools. A report under this section must contain:
(1)  the information required by Section 29.1532(c) to be reported through the Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS);
(2)  a description of the diagnostic reading instruments administered in accordance with Section 28.006(c) or (c-2);
(3)  the number of students who were administered a diagnostic reading instrument administered in accordance with Section 28.006(c) or (c-2);
(4)  the number of students whose scores from a diagnostic reading instrument administered in accordance with Section 28.006(c) or (c-2) indicate reading proficiency;
(5)  the number of kindergarten students who were enrolled in a prekindergarten program in the previous school year in the same district or school as the district or school in which the student attends kindergarten;
(6)  the number and percentage of students who perform satisfactorily on the third grade reading or mathematics assessment instrument administered under Section 39.023, disaggregated by whether the student was eligible for free prekindergarten under Section 29.153;
(7)  the number of students described by Subdivision (6) who attended kindergarten in the district, disaggregated by:
(A)  whether the student met the kindergarten readiness standard on the reading instrument adopted under Section 28.006;
(B)  whether the student attended prekindergarten in the district; and
(C)  the type of prekindergarten the student attended, if applicable; and
(8)  the information described by Subdivisions (6) and (7) disaggregated by whether the student is educationally disadvantaged.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 142 (H.B. 4), Sec. 5, eff. May 28, 2015.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 943 (H.B. 3), Sec. 2.022, eff. June 12, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle F - Curriculum, Programs, and Services › Chapter 29 - Educational Programs › Subchapter E. Kindergarten and Prekindergarten Programs › Section 29.1544. Reporting of Certain Information Regarding Prekindergarten Programs; Agency Report

Sec. 29.1544.  REPORTING OF CERTAIN INFORMATION REGARDING PREKINDERGARTEN PROGRAMS; AGENCY REPORT.  (a) The agency by rule shall require each school district that offers a prekindergarten program under Section 29.153 and each private entity that provides a prekindergarten program under contract with a school district to report the following information in the form and manner prescribed by the agency for each prekindergarten class offered by the district or private entity:
(1)  the number of students in each prekindergarten class;
(2)  the number of certified teachers in each prekindergarten class;
(3)  the number of teacher's aides in each prekindergarten class;
(4)  whether each prekindergarten class is full-day or half-day; and
(5)  if the district offers half-day classes, whether the district offers two half-day classes per day.
(b)  From the information submitted under Subsection (a), the agency shall determine the total number of teachers and teacher's aides in prekindergarten classes in this state.
(c)  From the information submitted under Subsection (a) and for purposes of calculating the student/teacher ratio for each prekindergarten class offered by a school district or private entity that provides a prekindergarten program under contract with a school district, the agency shall count each teacher or teacher's aide:
(1)  once for a full-day class; and
(2)  twice for a half-day class if the district offers two half-day classes per day.
(d)  Not later than August 1 of each year, the agency shall prepare and submit a report to the legislature based on the information collected under Subsection (a).
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 943 (H.B. 3), Sec. 2.023, eff. June 12, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle F - Curriculum, Programs, and Services › Chapter 29 - Educational Programs › Subchapter E. Kindergarten and Prekindergarten Programs › Section 29.155. Kindergarten and Prekindergarten Grants

Sec. 29.155.  KINDERGARTEN AND PREKINDERGARTEN GRANTS.  (a)  From amounts appropriated for the purposes of this section, the commissioner may make grants to school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to implement or expand kindergarten and prekindergarten programs by:
(1)  operating an existing half-day kindergarten or prekindergarten program on a full-day basis;  or
(2)  implementing a prekindergarten program at a campus that does not have a prekindergarten program.
(b)  A school district or open-enrollment charter school may use funds received under this section to employ teachers and other personnel for a kindergarten or prekindergarten program and acquire curriculum materials or equipment, including computers, for use in kindergarten and prekindergarten programs.
(c)  To be eligible for a grant under this section, a school district or open-enrollment charter school must apply to the commissioner in the manner and within the time prescribed by the commissioner.
(d)  In awarding grants under this section, the commissioner shall give priority to districts and open-enrollment charter schools in which the level of performance of students on the assessment instruments administered under Section 39.023 to students in grade three is substantially below the average level of performance on those assessment instruments for all school districts in the state.
(e)  The commissioner may adopt rules to administer this section.
(f)  Notwithstanding Section 7.056(e)(3)(I), the commissioner may waive a requirement prescribed by this subchapter to the extent necessary to implement a grant awarded under this section or Section 29.156.
(g)  From amounts appropriated for the purposes of this subsection, the commissioner may also provide for:
(1)  coordinating early childhood care and education programs;
(2)  developing and disseminating for programs described by Subdivision (1) prekindergarten instructional materials and school-readiness information for parents;  and
(3)  developing standards for model early childhood care and education coordination.
(h)  The model program standards developed under Subsection (g) must focus on pre-literacy skills, including language acquisition, vocabulary development, and phonological awareness.
(i)  In carrying out the purposes of Subsection (g), a school district or open-enrollment charter school may use funds granted to the district or school under this subsection in contracting with another entity, including a private entity.
(j)  If a school district or open-enrollment charter school returns to the commissioner funds granted under this section, the commissioner may grant those funds to another entity, including a private entity, for the purposes of Subsection (g).
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 396, Sec. 2.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 790, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle F - Curriculum, Programs, and Services › Chapter 29 - Educational Programs › Subchapter E. Kindergarten and Prekindergarten Programs › Section 29.156. Grants for Educational Component of Head Start

Sec. 29.156.  GRANTS FOR EDUCATIONAL COMPONENT OF HEAD START.  (a)  From funds appropriated for the purpose, the commissioner shall make grants for use in providing an educational component to federal Head Start programs or similar government-funded early childhood care and education programs.
(b)  The commissioner shall adopt rules for implementation of this section, including rules prescribing eligibility criteria for receipt of a grant and for expenditure of grant funds.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 396, Sec. 2.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle F - Curriculum, Programs, and Services › Chapter 29 - Educational Programs › Subchapter E. Kindergarten and Prekindergarten Programs › Section 29.1561. Administration of Early Childhood Care and Education Programs

Sec. 29.1561.  ADMINISTRATION OF EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS.  (a)  The commissioner may waive a law or rule relating to early childhood care and education programs:
(1)  to the extent that the law or rule is more restrictive than required by federal law;  or
(2)  to the extent necessary to comply with federal law.
(b)  Notwithstanding any restriction imposed by this title, the commissioner may administer grants for early childhood care and education programs under Section 29.155 or 29.156, including Head Start and Early Head Start programs, in a manner that provides the greatest flexibility allowed under federal law.
(c)  The commissioner by rule may establish a program to provide incentives to providers of early childhood care and education programs that, to the greatest extent practicable, provide coordinated services authorized under Section 29.158(c).
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 790, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 275 (S.B. 23), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.