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14 Document(s) [ Subject: Teachers ]

Committee:

Senate Education, 81st R.S. (2009)

Title:

Interim Report

Document type:

Report

Subjects:

Academic promotion and retention | At-risk youth | Charter schools | Children with disabilities | Dual credit high school programs | Dual language programs | Educational accountability | Educational technology | English as second language | English immersion instruction | English language learners | Middle school students | Middle schools | School dropout statistics | School dropouts | School finance | Special education | State mandates | Teacher certification | Teacher incentive plans | Teacher quality | Teacher retention | Teacher salaries | Teacher shortages | Teacher training | Teachers | Textbooks | Virtual schools |

Library Call Number:

L1836.81 Ed83

Description:

[64 pages File size: 1,615 kb]

Charges:
1. Review the performance and accountability of the state's charter schools. Specifically, study the following:
  - Options for increasing the number of outstanding charter schools;
  - Best practices employed by high performing charter schools and make recommendations for ways to implement these strategies in other charter and public schools;
  - Feasibility of operating charter schools focused on providing high quality education for students with disabilities, such as autism;
  - Charter school initiatives in other states, specifically including incentives for public education campuses to become charter schools;
  - Options for development and funding of a charter schools facilities program.
2. Review the state's education policy and initiatives regarding middle grades. Make recommendations to ensure a comprehensive state strategy for preparing students at the middle grades for high school retention and success. This review should include an examination of school-based strategies and best practices that encourage at-risk youth to finish school and that deter delinquency, drug abuse and violence.
3. Review teacher compensation, evaluations, professional development, certification and training programs. Specifically, review the following:
  - Teacher compensation including the Minimum Salary Schedule, incentive pay, merit pay, and stipends;
  - How teacher evaluations can be effective mechanisms for increasing student achievement and improving instructional practices by including multiple measures, particularly student achievement data based on growth. Evaluate how teacher evaluations can direct district decisions on providing professional development, mentoring, intervention, and possible dismissal in response to underperforming teachers;
  - State sponsored professional development initiatives including the alignment of professional development with curriculum and real work experiences and the value of professional development for bilingual, ESL and special education teachers in increasing student achievement.
  - Need to adopt statewide standards for teacher certification and in-service training programs for regular and special education teachers at both the pre-service and inservice levels to ensure all teachers are highly qualified to teach students with disabilities.
  - Examine cost drivers in education including state requirements that impact school district budgets. Recommend opportunities for achieving cost efficiencies.
  - Study the efficacy of immersion versus dual-language instruction of English as a second language students. Make recommendations for improving programs and instituting best practices.
  - Study the effectiveness of Texas school districts' special education programs. Review the range of needs of special education students, districts' ability to provide an appropriate education for these students, and assess the effectiveness of programs currently funded for special education. Make recommendations for improvement.
  - Review dual credit courses including the cost of delivery, funding mechanisms, and possibility of a statewide dual credit system. This review should also include an examination of the rigor, quality and consistency of dual credit courses. (Joint charge with Senate Higher Education Committee)
  - Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Education, 81st Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Review the implementation of legislation related to the state's accountability system including the revised dropout rate calculation, textbooks, and the virtual school network. Specifically, monitor the following:
    
    HB 3, relating to public school accountability;
    HB 2488, relating to open-source textbooks, and HB 4294, relating to textbooks and the use of technology;
    HB 3646, relating to public school finance and programs; and
    SB 174, relating to an accountability system for educator preparation programs.
Committee:

House Public Education, 78th R.S. (2003)

Title:

Interim Report

Document type:

Report

Subjects:

High school graduation rates | Lobbyists | Military families | School dropouts | School finance | School year | Special education | Teacher certification | Teachers | Textbooks | University Interscholastic League |

Library Call Number:

L1836.78 Ed84h

Description:

[61 pages File size: 383 kb]

Charges:
1. Assess the textbook adoption and distribution system. Investigate alternative methods of delivering educational resources using technology.
2. Evaluate the extent to which public school tax dollars are used directly or indirectly to promote or oppose legislation.
3. Perform a comprehensive analysis of state law with respect to educator contracts and certification. Make recommendations for changes which would improve student performance.
4. Examine and assess the effectiveness and efficiency of statewide educational initiatives, including programs to reduce dropout and increase graduation rates.
5. Investigate and assess the mission and performance of University Interscholastic League and other quasi-educational organizations in terms of their role in improving student achievement.
6. Compare special education laws in Texas to other states and to federal standards. Make recommendations for reducing state and local administrative costs to increase resource allocation for direct services to students.
7. Examine the impact on students, schools and local economies from changes to the school start date.
8. Examine issues related to state aid to school districts for debt service, including issues related to the type of facilities that should be eligible for state support.
9. Study and monitor issues related to the educational needs of dependents of military service men and women, including records transfer and implementation of reciprocity agreements with other states.
Committee:

Senate Education, 76th R.S. (1999)

Title:

Interim Report

Document type:

Report

Subjects:

College preparedness | Early childhood education | Education | Higher education | Math education | School dropouts | School finance | Teacher certification | Teacher salaries | Teacher shortages | Teachers |

Library Call Number:

L1836.76 ed83

Description:

[92 pages File size: 5,055 kb]

Charges:
1. Study the involvement of institutions of higher education in the state's public K-12 schools related to: (1) preparing students for college, and (2) creating greater access to college. The Committee shall identify successful practices and the necessary legislative role (if any) in expanding or enhancing such partnerships.
2. Study the issues of teacher shortages and teacher utilization, including: projected public school student enrollment growth; recruitment strategies and resources for the production of teachers by universities or other providers; university-based and other teacher preparation program production levels; the impact of alternative teacher certification programs; the sufficiency of preparation of beginning teachers, particularly as it relates to growth in at-risk student populations; the benefits of creating additional state-funded teacher stipend programs in the areas of math and science; and strategies for attraction and retention of teachers, including the impact of competitive salaries and benefits, performance pay, and master teacher and critical shortage area incentives.
3. Study issues related to the state's current method for reporting public school dropouts and the accuracy of the information provided by these methods. The Committee shall identify possible criteria to be considered by state and local agencies in ensuring the accuracy of such data.
4. Monitor the implementation of the following bills enacted during the 76h R.S.: SB 4, 76th R.S., relating to appropriations regarding public school finance, property tax relief, and public education; SB 103, 76th R.S., relating to state assessments of public school students; SB 104, 76th R.S., relating to keeping school campuses open after school hours for recreational purposes, latchkey programs, and tutoring; SB 875, 76th R.S., relating to the financial accountability of school districts; SB 955, 76th R.S., relating to pre-reading instruction for certain children; HB 2075, 76th R.S., relating to the public notice required to be provided by a school district before adopting a proposed budget and tax rate; and HB 2307, 76th R.S., relating to assistance to certain low-performing public school districts. Particular attention should be paid to SB 4, 76th R.S., with emphasis on evaluating the legislation's impact on changes in teacher compensation and benefits; the effect on fast growth school districts; the overall impact on school finance system equity; the effect of the instructional facilities allotment and Tier 3; the initial implementation of provisions related to ending the practice of social promotion; and the enhancement of pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and ninth grade programs.
Committee:

Senate Education, Interim, 75th R.S. (1997)

Title:

Interim report

Document type:

Report

Subjects:

Alternative schools | Bilingual education | Charter schools | Drug rehabilitation programs | Dyslexia | Education Service Centers | Educational technology | English as second language | English language learners | Internet | Juvenile justice alternative education programs | Learning disabilities | School choice | School safety | Teachers | Texas Academic Skills Program |

Library Call Number:

L1836.75 ed83

Description:

[60 pages File size: 2,563 kb]

Charges:
1. Study issues related to the safety of students, teachers and visitors on public school campuses, and, if necessary, make recommendations for legislative action. The Committee should determine the amount and sources of funds spent on security efforts; consider the accountability of security officers and police officers on campuses; and review the reporting of security practices to appropriate education and law enforcement officials.
2. Review the availability of drug and alcohol prevention and treatment services to students in public schools, and consider whether legislative action is necessary. The Committee should consider the services provided by schools, the amount and sources of available funds, and the existence and implementation of standards to determine the effectiveness of the services.
3. Evaluate programs and services in public schools to assist students with dyslexia, hearing difficulties, or vision problems to determine whether any improvements are needed.
4. Evaluate bilingual education efforts in public schools to determine the impact of such efforts.
5. Monitor implementation of key legislation passed by the 75th Legislature during the 1997 regular session, including: SB 133, 75th R.S., relating to safe schools; HB 318, 75th R.S., relating to school choice and charter schools; SB 1158, 75th R.S., relating to use and funding of Education Service Centers; and SB 148, 75th R.S., relating to the applicability of the Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP).
6. Supplemental Charge: Evaluate whether the State should provide public school teachers with home access to computers and consider other means to promote computer literacy among public school teachers.
Committee:

House Public Education, 67th R.S. (1981)

Title:

Interim Report

Document type:

Report

Subjects:

Education Service Centers | Educational tests | Low-income students | Migrant labor | Public schools | State agency budgets | State agency performance measures | Teacher retirement | Teacher Retirement System of Texas | Teachers |

Library Call Number:

L1836.67 ed83p

Description:

[102 pages File size: 2,903 kb]

Charges:
1. Examine the mutual responsibility of provisions of enforcement of employment contracts in public schools.
2. Investigate and determine the need for current federal regulations relating to the testing of migrant students in Texas. Specifically address the question of whether federal dollars are being used to promote the principal goal and objective of teaching rather than testing.
3. Oversight functions shall be conducted for all appropriations-related actions of those agencies assigned to this committee during the 67th Regular Session of the Legislature. In addition, a study should be made of the impact of any federal cuts, and the differences in the operational aspect of the agencies under block vs. categorical grants. Close scrutiny should be given to each agency to ascertain if legislative intent is being carried out in the rules promulgated by the agency and if the rules are feasible and practical in their application. These agencies include: State Board of Education Central Education Agency School for the Blind School for the Deaf Advisory Council for Technical-Vocational Education
4. Study the effect of unified reporting formats and governance structure in regards to Regional Education Service Centers.
5. Study the use of state funds for retirement contributions for the salary of public employees who are paid from other than with state funds.
Committee:

Joint Public Education, Select, 67th R.S. (1981)

Title:

Interim Report - Education Code

Document type:

Report

Subjects:

Bilingual education | Curriculum | Education | School finance | Statutory revision | Teacher quality | Teachers |

Library Call Number:

L1836.67 ed84 6

Description:

[122 pages File size: 6,362 kb]

Charges:
1. Review the Texas Education code relative to the need for recodification. Determine if a proposed revision should be substantive or nonsubstantive, what the timetable should be and the appropriate structure for the project. *
2. Study the issues and concerns relating to public education in Texas, including curriculum reform, bilingual education, requirements relating to teacher competency, and alternative methods of financing.
Committee:

Joint Public Education, Select, 67th R.S. (1981)

Title:

Interim Report - Construction, Repair and Debt

Document type:

Report

Subjects:

Bilingual education | Curriculum | Education | School budgets | School buildings | School finance | Teacher quality | Teachers |

Library Call Number:

L1836.67 ed84 4

Description:

[56 pages File size: 2,816 kb]

Charges:
1. Study the financial implications involved in the construction and renovation of public school facilities. Make recommendations on alternative approaches to financing which would help school districts minimize interest rates and construction costs. Consider whether using the Permanent School fund to guarantee school bonds is a feasible method of assisting school districts in the capital debt situation. *
2. Study the issues and concerns relating to public education in Texas, including curriculum reform, bilingual education, requirements relating to teacher competency, and alternative methods of financing.
Committee:

Joint Public Education, Select, 67th R.S. (1981)

Title:

Interim Report - Educational Personnel

Document type:

Report

Subjects:

Statutory revision | Teacher shortages | Teachers |

Library Call Number:

L1836.67 ed84 7

Description:

[53 pages File size: 2,593 kb]

Charges:
1. Study the recruitment, hiring and retention of educational personnel, especially with regard to current and projected classroom teacher shortages. *
2. Review the Texas Education code relative to the need for recodification. Determine if a proposed revision should be substantive or nonsubstantive, what the timetable should be and the appropriate structure for the project. *
Committee:

Joint Public Education, Select, 67th R.S. (1981)

Title:

Interim Report - Legislative Implementation and Finance Formulas

Document type:

Report

Subjects:

Bilingual education | Curriculum | Education | Education reform | School finance | Teacher quality | Teachers |

Library Call Number:

L1836.67 ed84 5

Description:

[77 pages File size: 4,051 kb]

Charges:
1. Review the history of Texas educational system prior to the 67th session, and evaluate the changes made by the 67th session, particularly legislation relating to: entry and exit competency tests for teachers, bilingual education, statewide curriculum reforms, summer school pilot programs, vocational education, school-community guidance centers and school finance. *
2. Study the issues and concerns relating to public education in Texas, including curriculum reform, bilingual education, requirements relating to teacher competency, and alternative methods of financing.
Committee:

Joint Public Education, Select, 67th R.S. (1981)

Title:

Interim Report - Alternative Instruction

Document type:

Report

Subjects:

Alternative schools | Bilingual education | Curriculum | Education | Gifted and talented programs | High school graduation requirements | Magnet schools | School finance | Teacher quality | Teachers |

Library Call Number:

L1836.67 ed84 2

Description:

[53 pages File size: 2,625 kb]

Charges:
1. Examine alternative education programs, magnet schools, and the merit of the twelfth grade in high school. Make recommendations on high school graduation requirements. *
2. Study the issues and concerns relating to public education in Texas, including curriculum reform, bilingual education, requirements relating to teacher competency, and alternative methods of financing.
Committee:

Joint Public Education, Select, 67th R.S. (1981)

Title:

Interim Report - Executive Summary and Recommendations

Document type:

Report

Subjects:

Alternative schools | Bilingual education | Curriculum | Education | Educational technology | Gifted and talented programs | High school graduation requirements | Magnet schools | School budgets | School buildings | School finance | Teacher quality | Teachers | Technology education |

Library Call Number:

L1836.67 ed84 1

Description:

[28 pages File size: 1,498 kb]

Charges:
1. Examine alternative education programs, magnet schools, and the merit of the twelfth grade in high school. Make recommendations on high school graduation requirements. *
2. Study the various methodologies of instruction used in public schools relative to modern and anticipated technological advances. *
3. Study the financial implications involved in the construction and renovation of public school facilities. Make recommendations on alternative approaches to financing which would help school districts minimize interest rates and construction costs. Consider whether using the Permanent School fund to guarantee school bonds is a feasible method of assisting school districts in the capital debt situation. *
4. Study the issues and concerns relating to public education in Texas, including curriculum reform, bilingual education, requirements relating to teacher competency, and alternative methods of financing.
Committee:

Joint Public Education, Select, 67th R.S. (1981)

Title:

Interim Report - Technology

Document type:

Report

Subjects:

Bilingual education | Curriculum | Education | Educational technology | School finance | Teacher quality | Teachers | Technology education |

Library Call Number:

L1836.67 ed84 3

Description:

[61 pages File size: 3,337 kb]

Charges:
1. Study the various methodologies of instruction used in public schools relative to modern and anticipated technological advances. *
2. Study the issues and concerns relating to public education in Texas, including curriculum reform, bilingual education, requirements relating to teacher competency, and alternative methods of financing.
Committee:

Joint Public Education, Select, 67th R.S. (1981)

Title:

SCR 22, 1st C.S.

Document type:

Supporting document

Library Call Number:

SCR 22, 1st C.S.

Description:

[4 pages File size: 889 kb]
Committee:

House Higher Education, 66th R.S. (1979)

Title:

Interim Report

Document type:

Report

Subjects:

Higher education | Medical education | Student aid | Student loans | Teacher certification | Teacher quality | Teachers | University faculty |

Library Call Number:

L1836.66 ed73

Description:

[102 pages File size: 2,689 kb]

Charges:
1. Study present policies of granting tenure to faculty members at public institutions of higher education and determine the impact of these policies in recruitment and promotion of minority and/or young faculty, as well as on academic freedom.
2. Review the funding of medical education in Texas, comparing funding trends with other states.
3. Study teacher education as it relates to teacher certification and other related matters at public institutions of higher education in Texas.
4. Review the structure and operation of Higher Education Authorities including their actual and intended purposes and activities, along with a review of the State's statutory responsibility toward and control over existing authorities.

* This represents an abstract of the report contents. Charge text is incomplete or unavailable.

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