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16 Document(s) [ Subject: ]

Committee: Senate Education
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Coronavirus | Curriculum | Homestead exemptions | Property taxes | School bonds | School finance | Teacher shortages |
Library Call Number:
Session: 87th R.S. (2021)
Online version: View report [39 pages  File size: 1,510 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Educator Talent Pipeline: Examine the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the public school educator talent pipeline, staffing patterns and practices, and declining student enrollment and attendance. Review any policies and regulatory actions that prevent students from receiving instruction from a highly effective teacher. Monitor the impact of both the Teacher Incentive Allotment and non-administrator compensation increases directed under HB 3, 86th R.S., as well as the teacher pay raises implemented in 2019. Explore innovative models to improve recruitment and make recommendations to maintain a strong educator workforce pipeline, while adapting resilient school strategies to meet emergent demands in public education.
2. Bond Efficiency: Conduct a comprehensive review of the school district bond issuance process. Specifically, review public notice and disclosure requirements, the bond election process, procurement requirements, and how unused bond proceeds may be utilized. Study the best practices implemented by school boards and make recommendations to improve bond issuance efficiencies.
3. Homestead Exemption: Study the use and effect of the optional homestead exemption available to independent school districts. Examine and report on costs to the state if school districts receive incentives to increase the optional percentage exemption.
4. Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Education passed by the 87th Legislature, as well as relevant agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction. Specifically, make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, or complete implementation of the following:
  • SB 3, 87th 2nd C.S., Relating to civics training programs for certain public school social studies teachers and principals, parental access to certain learning management systems, and certain curriculum in public schools, including certain instructional requirements and prohibitions;
  • SB 15, 87th 2nd C.S., Relating to virtual and off-campus electronic instruction at a public school, the satisfaction of teacher certification requirements through an internship teaching certain virtual courses, and the allotment for certain special-purpose school districts under the Foundation School Program;
  • SB 1365, 87th R.S., Relating to public school organization, accountability, and fiscal management;
  • SB 1716, 87th R.S., Relating to a supplemental special education services and instructional materials program for certain public school students receiving special education services;
  • HB 1525, 87th R.S., Relating to the public school finance system and public education;
  • HB 4545, 87th R.S., Relating to the assessment of public school students, the establishment of a strong foundations grant program, and providing accelerated instruction for students who fail to achieve satisfactory performance on certain assessment instruments;
  • HB 3, 86th R.S., relating to public school finance and public education; and
  • HB 3906, 86th R.S., relating to the assessment of public school students, including the development and administration of assessment instruments, and technology permitted for use by students.
Committee: House Higher Education
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Financial investments | Foreign investments | Higher education | Higher education affordability | Higher Education Coordinating Board, Texas | Hinson-Hazlewood College Student Loan Program | Investment of public funds | Job training programs | Permanent University Fund | Russia | School discipline | Student aid | Teacher retention | Teacher retirement | Teacher Retirement System of Texas | Teacher shortages | Teacher training | University finance | Veterans | Workforce |
Library Call Number: L1836.88 Ed84hh
Session: 87th R.S. (2021)
Online version: View report [98 pages  File size: 10,030 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 87th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:
  • SB 1102, 87th R.S. relating to the establishment of the Texas Reskilling and Upskilling through Education (TRUE) Program to support workforce education; and
  • SB 1295, 87th R.S. relating to financial support and incentives for comprehensive regional universities.
2. Review progress toward the goals of the 60x30TX plan, including institutional strategies for responding to changing workforce needs and demands, including workforce education, industry certification, and degree programs to address healthcare shortages.
3. Examine factors that have contributed to the rising costs of higher education, including the effect of statutory tuition and fee waivers and exemptions, the cost of compliance with state and federal mandates, and the increase in the number of non-faculty staff. Make recommendations for controlling these costs and ensuring a sound fiscal approach to managing college affordability for the future.
4. Evaluate the impact of the pandemic on the state’s teacher workforce and current practices to improve the recruitment, preparation, and retention of high-quality educators. Explore the impact of the educator preparation program regulatory environment. Make recommendations to improve educator recruitment, retention, and preparation throughout the state. (Joint Charge with Committee on Public Education)
5. Review the impact of investments of endowment and other trust funds, including the Permanent University Fund, by university systems and institutions of higher education in businesses and funds owned or controlled by the Russian government or Russian nationals, and determine the need for investment restrictions. Consider the impact of any proposed investment restrictions on fund performance.
Committee: House Public Education
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Border education | Border issues | Career preparedness | Children's mental health | Coronavirus | Educational accountability | Educational tests | Federal funds | Parent-school relationships | Public schools | School finance | Sex education | Special education | State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness | Teacher retention | Teacher retirement | Teacher Retirement System of Texas | Teacher salaries | Teacher shortages | Teacher training | Undocumented immigrant students |
Library Call Number: L1836.87 Ed84h
Session: 87th R.S. (2021)
Online version: View report [118 pages  File size: 5,785 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Examine the impact, including any financial impact, to the Texas public school system of an increase in the number of children crossing the Texas-Mexico border. Review the history, any applicable precedents, and the legal landscape regarding the education of migrant children in Texas’s public schools.
2. Review the ongoing development of federal laws, rules, and regulations associated with the distribution of the federal pandemic recovery funds, including reporting requirements, and make recommendations to the House Committee on Appropriations for use of the funds to respond to the Texas-Mexico border crisis.
3. Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 87th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:
  • HB 1525, 87th R.S., and HB 3, 86th R.S., relating to public school finance and public education;
  • HB 4545, 87th R.S., relating to assessment of public school students and providing accelerated instruction;
  • SB 1365, 87th R.S., relating to public school organization, accountability, and fiscal management;
  • SB 1716, 87th R.S., relating to supplemental special education services and instructional materials for certain public school students; and
  • HB 3906, 86th R.S., relating to the assessment of public school students, including the development and administration of assessment instruments, and technology permitted for use by students.
4. Complete study of assigned charges related to the Texas-Mexico border issued in June 2021.
5. Identify and examine efforts to ensure that parents have a meaningful role in their children’s education. Recommend necessary changes in both independent school district board and open- enrollment charter governing board governance to protect the right of parents to participate in their child’s education.
6. Examine partnerships between K-12, higher education institutions, and employers that promote postsecondary and career readiness and identify current obstacles that public schools, higher education institutions, and employers face. Make recommendations to ensure career and technical education programs, internships, apprenticeships, and other opportunities are more accessible.
7. Evaluate the impact of the pandemic on the state’s teacher workforce, and current practices to improve the recruitment, preparation, and retention of high-quality educators. Explore the impact of the educator preparation program regulatory environment. Make recommendations to improve educator recruitment, retention, and preparation throughout the state. (Joint charge with Committee on Higher Education)
8. Study the effects of COVID-19 on K-12 learning loss and best practices that exist to address learning loss. Monitor the implementation of state and local plans to address students' achievement gaps. Make recommendations for supporting the state and local efforts to increase academic development.
9. Examine the impact of COVID-19 on students' mental health, including the availability and workload of mental health professionals across the state and their role in the public school system. Make recommendations to reduce or eliminate existing barriers to providing mental health services in a traditional classroom setting or through teletherapy.
10. Study the unfulfilled recommendations from the 2016 Commission on Next Generation Assessments and Accountability. Evaluate the state’s progress on assessments and accountability and consider possible legislation to support the recommendations from the report. Study and recommend measures needed at the state level to prevent unintended consequences to students, campuses, and districts, including changes that could improve the system for students or help public schools serving a disproportionate number of educationally disadvantaged students impacted by the pandemic.
Committee: House Public Education
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Academic performance | Charter schools | Dyslexia | Educational accountability | Hurricane Harvey | Learning disabilities | Natural disasters | Public schools | School finance | Special education | Student Success Initiative | Teacher incentive plans | Teacher retention | Teacher salaries | Teacher shortages | Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills |
Library Call Number: L1836.85 Ed84h
Session: 85th R.S. (2017)
Online version: View report [90 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Determine, to the extent possible, the scope of financial losses, including facilities, that resulted from Harvey. Recommend possible state actions, such as changes to student counts or property valuation, to mitigate any negative impact on districts and ensure governance structures and parameters allow for effective responses.
2. Recommend any measures needed at the state level to prevent unintended punitive consequences to both students and districts in the state accountability system as a result of Harvey and its aftermath.
3. Examine the educational opportunities offered to students displaced by Harvey throughout the state and the process by which districts enroll and serve those students. Recommend any changes that could improve the process for students or help districts serving a disproportionate number of displaced students.
4. Review current state mechanisms for identifying and rewarding educators through state-level strategies. Examine how providing additional funding to enhance compensation in districts facing a shortage of experienced, highly rated teachers would affect retention and teacher quality, in addition to whether it would encourage teachers to provide additional services through extracurricular activities, tutoring, and mentoring.
5. Examine research-based options for evaluating student achievement beyond standardized test scores, including adaptive and portfolio assessments. Examine the scope of the current Texas essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) in grades with the state assessment, including the format, assessment calendar, and the limits of instructional days, if any. Determine if it is appropriate to limit TEKS to readiness standards that can be taught in less than the school year. Review current Student Success Initiative testing and make recommendations on its continuation or repeal. Review the ability of the state to waive standardized testing for students with significant cognitive disabilities.
6. Examine programs in public schools that have proven results meeting the needs of and improving student achievement for students with disabilities, with an emphasis on programs specializing in autism, dysgraphia, and dyslexia. Recommend ways to support and scale innovative programs for these students, including providing supplemental services, or incentivizing public-private partnerships or inter district and charter school collaborations. Monitor the implementation and funding for the pilot programs authorized in H.B. 21 (85R) and review the Texas Education Agency's compliance with S.B. 160 (85R), which prohibits special education student caps.
7. Review the charter school system in Texas. Determine if changes are needed in the granting, renewal, or revocation of charter schools, including the timeline for expansions and notification of expansions to surrounding districts. Review the educational outcomes of students in charter schools compared to those in traditional schools, and to what extent schools participate in the alternative accountability system. Monitor the implementation of facilities funding for charter schools. Consider differences in state funding for charter schools compared to their surrounding districts and the impact on the state budget. Consider admissions policies for charters, including appropriate data collection to assess demand for additional charter enrollment, compliance with access by students with disabilities and the effect of exclusions of students with criminal or disciplinary histories. Consider differences in charter and district contributions to the Teacher Retirement System on behalf of their employees and make appropriate recommendations to support the retirement benefits of all public school teachers.
8. Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 85th Legislature. In conducting this oversight, the committee will also specifically include: H.B. 21 (85R), H.B. 22 (85R), and S.B. 179 (85R).
9. Review the effectiveness of schools' current multi-hazard emergency operation plans. Determine any areas of deficiency and make recommendations to ensure student safety. Research violence prevention strategies, such as threat assessment, that are available for school personnel to identify students who might pose a threat to themselves or others. Identify resources and training available to schools to help them develop intervention plans that address the underlying problems that caused the threatening behavior.
10. Examine current school facilities and grounds. Consider any research-based 'best practices' when designing a school to provide a more secure environment. Review the effectiveness of installing metal detectors, cameras, safety locks, streaming video of school security cameras, and other measures designed to improve school safety.
11. Consider testimony provided at the May 17 House Public Health Committee hearing regarding improving mental health services for children. Identify specific strategies that would enhance overall school safety. Study ways to help parents, youth and primary care providers support school personnel in their efforts to identify and intervene early when mental health problems arise. In addition to school-based trauma-informed programs and those that treat early psychosis, consider the benefits of universal screening tools and expanding the Child Psychiatry Access Program (CPAP). Make recommendations to enhance collaboration among the Health and Human Services Commission, the Texas Education Agency, local mental health authorities, and education service centers.
Committee: Senate Higher Education
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Bachelor's degrees | Career preparedness | College preparatory curriculum | Community college finance | Community colleges | Curriculum | Dual credit high school programs | Early college high schools | English as second language | Higher education affordability | Medical education | Nursing education | Student aid | Student loans | Teacher quality | Teacher retention | Teacher shortages | Teacher training | Tuition | Tuition deregulation | University finance |
Library Call Number: L1836.84 Ed83h
Session: 84th R.S. (2015)
Online version: View report [93 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. HB 5 Implementation, 60x30TX/Higher Education Alignment: Monitor the ongoing implementation of HB 5, 83rd R.S., and examine current projections for preparation of Texas high school students for postsecondary education and workforce training. Examine best practices and recommend strategies to align the implementation with the 60x30TX higher education plan, including, but not limited to, dual credit, credit transferability, and fields of study. (Joint Charge with Senate Education)
2. Performance Funding for GAIs and Community Colleges: Study current funding methods for both general academic institutions and community colleges, examining current performance-based methods of funding for community colleges. Review funding methods used in other states and make recommendations on how to incorporate and/or change student outcome measures in institutional funding to benefit students and promote the education needs of a rapidly growing and changing workforce.
3. Tuition Deregulation and Student Debt: Examine and make recommendations regarding tuition and student debt at public institutions of higher education in Texas. Specifically, study how Texas compares to peer states, variance between institutions, how accountability measures can be used to impact tuition, and increases in tuition since 2003.
4. Tuition/Fee Waivers, Tuition Set-Asides, Financial Aid: Conduct a review of all tuition and fee waivers and exemptions, as well as tuition set-asides currently in law, and examine how students who do not receive the benefits of either bear these resulting costs. Study how other states treat similar populations, whether federal benefits are available, and make recommendations to ensure the efficacy of waivers and exemptions, and tuition set-asides. Examine current financial aid programs, studying their efficacy, and make recommendations on how to provide programs to meet the needs of all students in light of the recent repeal of the state's Top 10% Scholarship program and B-On-Time program.
5. General Academic Institution(GAI)/Health Related Institution(HRI) Funding: Conduct a comprehensive review of funding for GAIs and HRIs, examining whether the methodology for funding the same courses is equitable and productive. Make recommendations on how to update and streamline the current funding methods, to provide a consistent methodology that focuses on student success and innovative strategies. Include in the review a focus on tuition-revenue generating special items and formula and research funding for new medical schools.
6. Baccalaureate Degrees at Community Colleges: Study regional workforce needs in the state and make recommendations on whether metrics should be applied to authorize public community colleges to offer certain baccalaureate degrees in order to meet the regional workforce needs.
7. Monitoring Charge: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Higher Education and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Specifically, monitor the following: 1) Initiatives designed to create effective, clear transfer pathways for students, including the newly enacted multidisciplinary studies associate degree; 2) Implementation and progress of the Math and Science Scholars Loan Repayment Program; and 3) The progress of the pilot program enacted by the 83rd legislature relating to improving student loan default rates and financial aid literacy among postsecondary students.
8. Teacher Preparation, Retention, Shortages: Study teacher shortage and retention issues in Texas and evaluate educator preparation programs to determine if these programs are preparing educators for the rigors of the 21st century classroom. In particular, examine the shortages of ELL, special education, and STEM educators across the state and identify the issues creating a shortage. Make recommendations to improve educator preparation throughout the state and increase certification rates. (Joint Charge with Senate Education)
Committee: Senate Higher Education
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Bachelor's degrees | College preparatory curriculum | College preparedness | Community colleges | Curriculum | Developmental education | Distance education | Dual credit high school programs | Early college high schools | Educational technology | Higher education | Higher Education Coordinating Board, Texas | Immunizations | Teacher shortages | Teacher training | Texas Success Initiative | Toward EXcellence, Access & Success Grant Program | University curriculum |
Library Call Number: L1836.83 Ed83h
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View report [62 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Review and evaluate the success of Closing the Gaps by 2015, the strategic plan for higher education adopted in 2000. Coordinate with the Higher Education Coordinating Board on the next set of long term goals for higher education and monitor their progress.
2. Study and make recommendations regarding the impact of technology on higher education instruction, including online courses and massive open online courses (MOOCs), and their impact on higher education excellence, cost, and funding requirements.
3. Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Higher Education, 83rd Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance and/or complete implementation. Specifically, monitor the following:
  • SB 414, relating to a study and report regarding authorizing certain public junior colleges to offer baccalaureate degree programs to address regional workforce needs;
  • SB 62, relating to the vaccination against bacterial meningitis of entering students at public and private or independent institutions of higher education;
  • SB 28 (2011), relating to eligibility for a TEXAS grant and to administration of the TEXAS grant program; and
  • HB 1244 (2011), relating to developmental education and the assessment of student readiness under the Texas Success Initiative and to students enrolled in developmental education at public institutions of higher education.
4. Examine and make recommendations regarding improvements in teacher preparation and certification programs to address any misalignment with school district shortages and problems with retaining new teachers.
5. Review and make recommendations regarding the use of dual credit coursework and other secondary school programs for college credit, including the academic rigor of such programs and predictive value for college success.
6. Examine and make recommendations regarding alignment between high school coursework and expectations in freshman level college coursework. Study the impact of particular coursework, specifically mathematics (including Algebra II) and science courses, as predictors of college readiness and success.
Committee: Senate Education
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: Report to the 82nd Legislature / Senate Committee on Education.
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 | Limited English speakers | 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
Session: 81st R.S. (2009)
Online version: View report [64 pages  File size: 1,615 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
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.
4. Examine cost drivers in education including state requirements that impact school district budgets. Recommend opportunities for achieving cost efficiencies.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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)
8. 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: Senate Education
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: Senate Committee on Education report to the 79th Legislature.
Subjects: ACT test | Advanced Placement programs | Child care | Corporate sponsorships | Early childhood education | Educational accountability | Educational test preparation | No Child Left Behind Act | Scholastic Assessment Test | School dropout statistics | School dropouts | School ratings | Teacher certification | Teacher incentive plans | Teacher quality | Teacher salaries | Teacher shortages | Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills | Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills | Textbooks |
Library Call Number: L1836.78 Ed83
Session: 78th R.S. (2003)
Online version: View report [69 pages  File size: 1,172 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study the implementation of SB 186, 78th R.S., (relating to the computation of public school dropout and completion rates) and make recommendations for improvements to current statutes and programs. Explore opportunities for maximizing current resources and identifying additional state, federal, and privately-sponsored programs for at-risk students that offer innovative delivery of educational services that encourage students to finish school. Focus on mentoring programs, including, but not limited to Communities in Schools, and the use of technology to provide instruction.
2. Study the performance of high school students on TAKS, the new state assessment instrument. Make recommendations to improve any performance deficiencies that are identified by the review, including alternative school schedules, mentoring programs, technology-based applications, and other innovative solutions.
3. Study progress of implementation of SB 76 (relating to the provision of subsidized child-care services). Evaluate and make recommendations on opportunities for Texas to increase the educational component of the Head Start program. Examine and make recommendations relating to access to quality early education, including estimated costs, teacher availability, learning requirements, and access to services for students with special needs.
4. Evaluate opportunities and make recommendations on increasing the supply of qualified teachers and improving their working conditions. The evaluation and recommendations should focus on preparation, recruitment, certification, and retention of qualified teachers, while not restricting alternative certification. Conduct an assessment of the impact of teacher incentives, including mentoring programs and other creative options for retaining teachers, and develop recommendations for implementing incentive programs.
5. Study and make recommendations relating to the effectiveness of the current process of selecting, funding, and distributing textbooks. Identify areas where the current process can be made more cost efficient, including recommendations relating to innovative methods of providing instruction such as online distance learning, and the use of interactive software to address the specific challenges of remedial students and advanced readers. Identify costs and benefits of using technology to provide current and innovative instructional materials, including staffing and hardware requirements.
6. Study the TEA's implementation of the state's new accountability system and make recommendations to resolve any problems found. Examine the impact of the federal No Child Left Behind law on the state's accountability system and make recommendations for changes to state law to meet the federal legislation. Examine the ability of the current PEIMS database to meet future information needs and recommend changes, if necessary. Review and make recommendations on innovative alternatives for tracking student performance.
7. Study successful partnerships between school districts and the business community and make recommendations for maximizing the use of effective partnerships, improving the delivery of education services, and enhancing educational opportunities for Texas students, especially at-risk students.
Committee: Senate Education
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: Report to the 77th Legislature / Senate Committee on Education.
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
Session: 76th R.S. (1999)
Online version: View report [92 pages  File size: 5,055 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
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: House Pensions and Investments
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: House Committee on Pensions and Investments, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2000 : a report to the House of Representatives, 77th Texas Legislature.
Subjects: Employees Retirement System of Texas | Public retirement systems | Securities Board, State | State comparisons | State employee turnover | State employees | Teacher Retirement System of Texas | Teacher shortages |
Library Call Number: L1836.76 p387
Session: 76th R.S. (1999)
Online version: View report [79 pages  File size: 162 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Review the adequacy of the state's monitoring of local retirement systems.
2. Evaluate the pros and cons of defined contribution retirement plans that do not guarantee members any specific level of benefits upon retirement. Plans adopted in other jurisdictions should be considered and compared with Texas' state plans in regard to their ability to provide security to retirees, cost, and fairness to diverse employee groups.
3. Consider a general policy for the state regarding the re-employment of people who have retired under a state retirement plan.
4. Review the need for multiple cash and reduced annuity options such as lump sum and "DROP" plans.
5. Conduct active oversight of the agencies under the committee's jurisdiction.
Committee: Joint Public Education, Select
Title: Interim Report - Educational Personnel
Library Catalog Title: Educational personnel : report and recommendations / submitted to the Sixty-Eighth Legislature [by] Select Committee on Public Education.
Subjects: Statutory revision | Teacher shortages | Teachers |
Library Call Number: L1836.67 ed84 7
Session: 67th R.S. (1981)
Online version: View report [53 pages  File size: 2,593 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
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. *
Supporting documents
Committee: Joint Public Education, Select
Title: SCR 22, 1st C.S.
Library Call Number: SCR 22, 1st C.S.
Session: 67th R.S. (1981)
Online version: View document [4 pages  File size: 889 kb]
Committee: Joint Public School System (Hale-Aikin Committee of Twenty-Four)
Title: Interim Report - Citizens of Texas recommend a public school program to meet the needs of their children.
Library Catalog Title: Citizens of Texas recommend a public school program to meet the needs of their children.
Subjects: Curriculum | School finance | Teacher shortages |
Library Call Number: L1836.55 H13c
Session: 55th R.S. (1957)
Online version: View report [49 pages  File size: 3,328 kb]
Charge: This report should address the charge below.
1. Survey the needs of the public school system as related to curriculum, teacher supply, classroom facilities and other related areas including adequate financing of the public school program.
Committee: Joint Public School System (Hale-Aikin Committee of Twenty-Four)
Title: Interim Report - Proposals to improve public education in Texas.
Library Catalog Title: Proposals to improve public education in Texas.
Subjects: Curriculum | School finance | Teacher shortages |
Library Call Number: L1836.55 H13p
Session: 55th R.S. (1957)
Online version: View report [47 pages  File size: 1,429 kb]
Charge: This report should address the charge below.
1. Survey the needs of the public school system as related to curriculum, teacher supply, classroom facilities and other related areas including adequate financing of the public school program.
Supporting documents
Committee: Joint Public School System (Hale-Aikin Committee of Twenty-Four)
Title: Interim Report - Guide for the study of Texas public schools.
Library Catalog Title: Guide for the study of Texas public schools.
Library Call Number: L1836.55 H13g
Session: 55th R.S. (1957)
Committee: Joint Public School System (Hale-Aikin Committee of Twenty-Four)
Title: Interim Report - Tentative draft
Library Catalog Title: Tentative draft of the final report.
Library Call Number: L1836.55 H13rt
Session: 55th R.S. (1957)

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

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