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16 Document(s) [ Subject: ]

Committee:	House Public Education
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Education Agency, Texas | Educational accountability | Educational technology | Mental health services | Physical education | School finance | School safety | Special education | Teacher salaries | Texas Virtual Schools Network | Virtual schools |
Library Call Number:	L1836.86 Ed84h
Session:	86th R.S. (2019)
Online version:	View report [34 pages  File size: 1,813 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 86th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following: HB 3, which relates to public school finance and public education. Monitor the Texas Education Agency's (TEA) implementation of the bill, including the extensive rulemaking process and broad unintended consequence authority of the commissioner. Examine the pay raises districts have provided to staff and the various approaches adopted to differentiate these salary increases according to experience. HB 1842, 84th R.S.; HB 22, 85th R.S.; SB 1882, 85th R.S.; and HB 3906 which relate to public school accountability, assessment, interventions, and district-charter partnerships. Monitor the ongoing progress of the TEA's implementation and rulemaking of the A-F rating system, the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR), and public school sanctions and interventions. SB 1873, 85th R.S., which relates to reporting certain school district health and safety information.Review the report on physical education prepared by the TEA and determine what, if any, next steps are needed based on the data collections. Related to Behavioral Health (Joint charge with Committee on Public Health) HB 18, which enhances school safety and mental health resources for students and school personnel and works to reduce the stigma around mental health conditions. Monitor the process by which state agencies coordinate to implement the legislation and their compliance with various requirements, including providing required guidelines and resources to schools. HB 19, which places non-physician mental health professionals at education service centers to provide resources for educators and administrators in school districts and charter schools. HB 906, which creates the Collaborative Task Force on Public School Mental Health Services. SB 11, which creates the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium to facilitate access to mental health care services through telehealth and expands the mental health workforce through training and funding opportunities. Monitor the creation of the consortium and agencies' rulemaking processes. Review how school districts are spending their school safety allotment.
2.	Determine if any barriers exist in providing a digital learning environment for all children, including an evaluation of the competitive marketplace for blended learning products and services. Evaluate the effectiveness of the Technology and Instructional Materials Allotment (TIMA) in providing districts the resources necessary to equip students with instructional materials and technology, including in the review all programs and initiatives funded by set-asides from the TIMA. Monitor the performance and accountability of the state's full-time virtual schools and online courses provided through the Texas Virtual School Network.
3.	Monitor the progress of the TEA's compliance with the Corrective Action Response required by the United States Department of Education, the implementation of the state's Special Education Strategic Plan, and the state’s compliance with other federal requirements regarding special education, including maintenance of state financial support for special education. Recommend solutions to barriers the agency, school districts, students with disabilities, and parents face in accessing a free and appropriate public education and in meeting the milestones of the plan and any measures needed at the state level to ensure that students with disabilities are being located, fully evaluated, and appropriately identified for special education instruction and services.
4.	Monitor the State Auditor's review of agencies and programs under the Committee's jurisdiction. The Chair shall seek input and periodic briefings on completed audits for the 2019 and 2020 fiscal years and bring forth pertinent issues for full committee consideration.
Committee:	Senate Education
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Academically unacceptable schools | Charter schools | Dallas County Schools | Districts of innovation | Early childhood education | Education Agency, Texas | Educational accountability | Educational technology | Harris County Department of Education | High school graduation requirements | Internet | Middle school students | Middle schools | Scholarships | School boards | School choice | School counselors | School finance | School vouchers | Special education | Teacher retention | Teacher training | Teacher-student relationships | Technology education | Video cameras and recordings |
Library Call Number:	L1836.84 Ed83
Session:	84th R.S. (2015)
Online version:	View report [50 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	School Choice: Study school choice programs enacted in states across the nation, examining education savings account and tax credit scholarship programs in particular. Examine the implementation process used in other states and what impact these programs have had on student academics and state and local district budgets. Make recommendations on which choice plan could best serve Texas students.
2.	Charter School Approval, Expansion, Revocation: Study the approval, expansion, and revocation of public charter schools in Texas, including the implementation of SB 2, 83rd R.S. and other legislation. In particular, examine the issues surrounding the disposition of state property when charters are revoked, non-renewed, or cease to operate. Make recommendations regarding policies to ensure an efficient and effective transfer and disposal of state property that preserves state interest while ensuring that certain investment capital and the bond market supporting charter construction remains robust. In addition, make recommendations if needed to clarify policies regarding expansion of existing high-quality charter schools in Texas. Additionally, examine facility funding for charter schools in other states and make recommendations on facility funding assistance for charter schools in Texas.
3.	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 Higher Education)
4.	Efficiency/Productivity Review: Conduct a comprehensive performance review of all public schools in Texas, examining ways to improve efficiency, productivity, and student academic outcomes. Study performance-based funding mechanisms that allocate dollars based upon achievement versus attendance. Identify any state mandates which hinder student performance, district and campus innovation, and efficiency and productivity overall.
5.	Broadband Access: Evaluate digital learning opportunities in classrooms and examine existing barriers to schools' ability to provide a digital learning environment. In particular, study the availability of affordable broadband access to Page 2 of 5 school districts across Texas. Examine different options for improving access to broadband service in all areas of the state, for districts and student homes. Make recommendations on a statewide plan for building the necessary infrastructure to provide a competitive, free-market environment in broadband service.
6.	Teacher-Student Relationships/Student Safety: Study the recent rise of inappropriate teacher-student relationships, the impact of social media interaction between teachers and students, and examine the current efforts by the Texas Education Agency, schools, law enforcement, and the courts to investigate and prosecute any educator engaged in inappropriate relationships. Determine what recommendations, if any, are needed to improve student safety, including increasing agency staff, adjusting penalties, and strengthening efforts to sanction educators' certificates for misconduct. Study and address the issue of prevention through training and education of school employees.
7.	County School Systems: Examine the structure and performance of the two remaining county-based school systems, Harris County Department of Education and Dallas County Schools. In particular, study the efficiency of these entities and determine whether those services are duplicative with education service centers or could be absorbed by education service centers.
8.	School Board Governance, Low-Performing Schools: Examine current school board governance policies and practices and make recommendations that could improve the focus, attitudes, and outcomes of Texas school boards, districts, and students. Study existing board training requirements for public schools and make suggestions to educate school board trustees of policies that could achieve better student outcomes, particularly within the framework set for low-performing schools in House Bill 1842 (HB1842)(84R).
9.	Monitoring Charge: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Education and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Specifically, monitor the following: 1) Legislation establishing state intervention procedures for public schools with academically unsuccessful ratings of at least two consecutive school years; and providing school districts the ability to be designated as a district of innovation; 2) Initiatives to build a high-quality pre-kindergarten grant program; 3) Legislation to raise standards of teacher preparation programs and establish a more consistent, high-quality accountability system; 4) Program to require the placement and use of video cameras in self-contained classrooms or other settings providing special education services to students; 5) Legislation to address training support for counselors, and advising courses for middle school students; and 6) Legislation to establish criteria for alternative measures of assessments to meet high school graduation requirements.
Committee:	House Public Education
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Broadband infrastructure | Career preparedness | Educational accountability | Educational technology | Gifted and talented programs | Middle school students | Middle schools | Teacher-student relationships |
Library Call Number:	L1836.84 Ed84h
Session:	84th R.S. (2015)
Online version:	View report [18 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Examine the accessibility to broadband services for schools, libraries, and institutions of higher education. Study the feasibility and affordability of providing scalable broadband to schools and other public institutions. Research federal and state funding opportunities to support increased access to broadband. Review innovative efforts by school districts to integrate technology in the classroom. Explore ways to enhance high-tech digital learning opportunities in the classroom to improve student achievement and fulfill future workforce demands.
2.	Review current policies and rules to protect students from inappropriate teacher-student relationships. Examine efforts by the Texas Education Agency, school districts, law enforcement and the courts to investigate and prosecute educators for criminal conduct. Recommend needed improvements to promote student safety, including examining current criminal penalties, superintendent reporting requirements, teacher certification sanctions and the documentation provided in school district separation agreements. Review school employee training and educational efforts to promote student safety.
3.	Examine partnerships between higher education institutions, public school districts, and workforce that promote postsecondary readiness. Provide coordination recommendations to ensure vocational, career, and technical education programs are more accessible. Determine the most effective ways to invest in these partnerships and programs to direct at-risk students to stable career paths. Examine current rules and laws limiting employers from providing meaningful internships, apprenticeships, and other opportunities. Consider new methods to finance workforce training programs and associated assets in high schools and postsecondary schools, including ways to reduce or eliminate these costs and options to incentivize businesses to invest in training equipment for schools. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Economic & Small Business Development)
4.	Review the state's current education policies and initiatives regarding middle grades. Make recommendations to ensure a comprehensive, research-based state strategy for preparing students at the middle grades for high school retention, success, and postsecondary readiness. This review should include an examination of school-based strategies and best practices that encourage at-risk youth to finish school.
5.	Review current public education programs that address the needs of high performing students. Identify the adequacy of these programs statewide in meeting the needs of this specific student group and explore additional means to promote high quality programs designed to meet the educational needs of these students. Study ways to increase the recognition of the performance of higher performing students on test-based and non-test based measures. Examine whether the current and proposed state accountability systems adequately promote districts’ addressing the needs of students across the performance spectrum, including those students significantly outperforming their peers. Recommend whether the academic performance of high achieving students should be specifically addressed as a separate indicator in the accountability system.
6.	Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction and the implementing of relevant legislation passed by the 84th Legislature, specifically including HB 4, HB 743, HB 2205, and SB 149. In conducting this oversight, the committee should: a. consider any reforms to state agencies to make them more responsive to Texas taxpayers and citizens; b. identify issues regarding the agency or its governance that may be appropriate to investigate, improve, remedy, or eliminate; c. determine whether an agency is operating in a transparent and efficient manner; and d. identify opportunities to streamline programs and services while maintaining the mission of the agency and its programs.
Supporting documents
Committee:	House Public Education
Title:	Committee meeting handouts and testimony, May 11, 2016 (Broadband and instructional technology, inappropriate teacher-student relationships)
Library Call Number:
Session:	84th R.S. (2015)
Online version:	View document [75 pages  File size: 5,747 kb]
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:	House Public Education
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Academic performance | Curriculum | Dallas County Schools | Educational accountability | Educational technology | Educational tests | Harris County | High school graduation requirements | School boards | School discipline | School superintendents | Teacher evaluations | Teacher quality | Teacher training | Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills | Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System | Truancy |
Library Call Number:	L1836.83 Ed84h
Session:	83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version:	View report [48 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Monitor the implementation of HB 5, 83rd R.S. and report on recommendations for improvement. Work with the Texas Education Agency, the State Board of Education, and public and higher education stakeholders to ensure the creation of additional rigorous mathematics and science courses needed to address the current and projected needs of the state's workforce.
2.	Explore innovative, research-based options for improving student achievement beyond standardized test scores. Evaluate standards for effective campus management as well as teacher preparation, certification, and training. Review current teacher evaluation tools and instructional methods, such as project-based learning, and recommend any improvements that would promote improved student achievement. Engage stakeholders on how to recruit and retain more of our "best and brightest" into the teaching profession.
3.	Solicit input from leading authorities on the traits and characteristics of good governance, effective checks and balances between the board and administration and the effective relationship between a board and the superintendent. Review current oversight authority by the Texas Education Agency over school board policies on governance. Make recommendations on trustee training, potential sanctions, and means of grievances, as well as recommendations on whether the role of trustee or superintendent needs to be more clearly defined.
4.	Review successful strategies and methods that have improved student achievement at chronically underperforming schools. Identify alternatives that could be offered to current students who are attending these schools and determine how to turn these schools around. Identify the benefits and concerns with alternative governance of underperforming schools.
5.	Review the broad scope and breadth of the current TEKS in the tested grades, including the format, testing calendar, and the limitation on instructional days available. Recommend options to streamline the assessment of TEKS and focus on core concepts. Review current federal testing requirements in grades 3-8 to determine if testing relief is possible.
6.	Examine the role of the Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) in serving school districts. Review the programs and services of HCDE, specifically the department’s ability to assist school districts to operate more efficiently. Report any costs or savings the HCDE provides districts and taxpayers. Make recommendations to improve the operation of the HCDE.
7.	Study the impact of SB 393, 83rd R.S. and SB 1114, 83rd R.S.. Assess the impact of school discipline and school-based policing on referrals to the municipal, justice, and juvenile courts, and identify judicial policies or initiatives designed to reduce referrals without having a negative impact on school safety. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Corrections)
8.	Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of the agencies and programs under the committee’s jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 83rd Legislature. In conducting this oversight, the committee should: a. consider any reforms to state agencies to make them more responsive to Texas taxpayers and citizens; b. identify issues regarding the agency or its governance that may be appropriate to investigate, improve, remedy, or eliminate; c. determine whether an agency is operating in a transparent and efficient manner; and d. identify opportunities to streamline programs and services while maintaining the mission of the agency and its programs.
Committee:	Senate Higher Education
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Associate's degrees | Community college students | Developmental education | Distance education | Educational technology | Graduate-on-time programs | Higher education | Higher Education Coordinating Board, Texas | Immunizations | Math education | Meningitis | Nontraditional students | P-16 councils | Persons with disabilities | Student aid | Texas B-on-Time loans | Texas State Technical College | Toward EXcellence, Access & Success Grant Program | Undocumented immigrant students | University graduation rates | University student transfers |
Library Call Number:	L1836.82 Ed83h
Session:	82nd R.S. (2011)
Online version:	View report [72 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study and make recommendations regarding more cost-effective funding of financial aid, including ways to restructure financial aid programs to incentivize student success, particularly among low-income students, and the efficacy of current exemptions and waivers offered to students at institutions of higher education, including in-state tuition for undocumented students. Examine student loan debt, state and federal loan forgiveness programs, and institutional default rates.
2.	Study and make recommendations regarding more effective means of using technology, including the effectiveness of online learning and online coursework for underprepared students. Examine the cost and funding of online education. Examine how electronic coursework and technology impacts students with disabilities, and make recommendations to ensure all students have access to electronic materials and courses. Review and make recommendations concerning statewide or inter-system cooperation for blended and online learning.
3.	Study developmental education programs in public higher education institutions. Include a demographic analysis of students who require developmental education, and identify alternative means of assessing the need for developmental education, the effectiveness of delivery of developmental education programs, and the role of P-16 councils in addressing solutions for better preparing students for higher education. Review alternative means of offering and financing developmental education courses and identify potential cost savings.
4.	Examine the existing transfer systems and the potential development of a 2+2 transfer system between public junior colleges and universities. Examine the transfer of credit between degree-granting private sector colleges, public junior colleges, and public universities. Examine the impact of national, regional, and professional accrediting associations on course credit transfer.
5.	Study and make recommendations regarding academic and non-academic barriers to non-traditional students, including students with disabilities. Focus on ways to restructure course and program delivery, student support services, financial barriers, and remediation and academic advising. Study and make recommendations to reduce time-to-degree, incentivize on-time graduation, and increase graduation rates to meet the goals of Closing the Gaps by 2015 and beyond.
6.	Consistent with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's legislative directive to work with the Texas State Technical College System (TSTC) and other appropriate state agencies to develop a returned value funding model for TSTC, examine the benefits and challenges such an approach will have on technical education in Texas.
7.	Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Higher Education, 82nd Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance and/or complete implementation. Specifically, monitor the following: SB 5, relating to the administration and business affairs of public institutions of higher education; SB 28, relating to eligibility for a TEXAS grant and to administration of the TEXAS grant program; HB 9, relating to student success-based funding; HB 33, relating to measures to increase the affordability of textbooks used for courses at public or private institutions of higher education; SB 1107, Relating to the vaccination against bacterial meningitis of entering students at public and private or independent institutions of higher education; HB 1000, relating to the distribution of money appropriated from the National Research University Fund.
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 Higher Education
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Interim report / Senate Higher Education Committee.
Subjects:	Automatic admissions | Community colleges | Developmental education | Distance education | Dual credit high school programs | Educational technology | Flagship universities | Higher education accountability | Higher education affordability | Higher Education Coordinating Board, Texas | Job training programs | Student aid | Student transfers | Texas B-on-Time loans | Toward EXcellence, Access & Success Grant Program | Tuition | University finance | University student transfers |
Library Call Number:	L1836.81 Ed83h
Session:	81st R.S. (2009)
Online version:	View report [145 pages  File size: 1,161 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study and make recommendations regarding more cost-effective funding of financial aid, including ways to restructure financial aid programs to promote student success and the efficacy of the current $365 million in current exemptions and waivers offered to students at institutions of higher education. Examine the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and determine the impact on eligibility for existing Texas financial aid programs and on data availability resulting from the simplification. Include recommendations on how to expand the TEXAS Grant and B-on-Time programs.
2.	Review community college service areas to ensure that student needs are being met in the most effective and efficient manner. Study and make recommendations to improve the productivity and cost-effectiveness of the community college/university model for producing baccalaureate degrees, including identifying proven best practices; analyzing success rates of similar cohorts of students by comparing those who begin at community colleges with those who begin at four-year institutions; and analyzing transfer issues including dual admissions programs and academic advising services to facilitate a seamless transfer from two-year to four-year institutions. Include an assessment of the role of technical and vocational training programs and their impact on jobs.
3.	Study and make recommendations regarding improving developmental education, which costs the state over $100 million per year, with a focus on enhancing student success in these courses.
4.	Study and make recommendations regarding the current accountability system and ways to measure student progress, faculty workload, and student advising; and to improve time-to-degree. Examine the quality of academic advising services to ensure that students are taking courses relevant to their degree program and are on path for graduation. Study and make recommendations to eliminate unnecessary or duplicative reporting requirements.
5.	Examine cost drivers in higher education. Recommend opportunities for achieving cost efficiencies including reporting requirements, three-year degree programs, and community college baccalaureate degree programs. Study and make recommendations regarding more effective means of using technology, including digital textbooks and online degree programs, to improve access, enhance quality, and reduce the cost of higher education while preserving excellence.
6.	Review the structure and operation of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Evaluate the board's data collection systems, including costs to higher education institutions, and make recommendations for improvements. Include an assessment of higher education reporting requirements and make recommendations to eliminate duplicate requirements and streamline reporting.
7.	Review endowed funds at institutions of higher education to ensure compliance with all state laws and, in particular, the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act. Study and make recommendations for requiring all institutions of higher education to report annually to donors on the use of gifts and endowed funds. Review state laws to determine if they provide adequate oversight of these funds. Study the manner in which scholarship and other funds are given and bequeathed to institutions of higher education and make recommendations for ensuring that donors' wishes are honored while institutions are allowed appropriate flexibility with the use of the funds.
8.	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 Education Committee)
9.	Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Higher Education, 81 st Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance and/or complete implementation. Specifically, focus the following, as well as tuition legislation: HB 51 relating to emerging research Tier 1 universities; SB 175 relating to top ten percent.
Committee:	House Public Education
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Databases | Distance education | Early childhood education | Educational technology | Elementary education | Secondary education | Teacher quality | Teacher retention | Teacher training |
Library Call Number:	L1836.80 Ed84h
Session:	80th R.S. (2007)
Online version:	View report [47 pages  File size: 4,601 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study best practices in instructional technology, including online course delivery, professional development, and supplementary instruction and course support. Examine the costs and benefits of these applications versus traditional delivery models.
2.	Review the functions of the agencies and boards under the committee's jurisdiction. Evaluate the capacities of these agencies and boards versus their appropriate roles in supporting instruction in public schools.
3.	Evaluate early childhood education programs in public schools and study the impact of different instructional and funding models on students' school-readiness and schools' operational efficiency.
4.	Research and evaluate state-supported policies and programs designed to attract, train, and support effective teachers and instructional leaders, including programs designed to recruit and retain teachers in hard-to-staff schools.
5.	Monitor the implementation of legislation passed by the 79th and 80th Legislatures.
6.	Study innovations in state educational data systems. Develop recommendations for a comprehensive state educational system that will ensure the best available information for educators and policymakers, include unique student records that may be transferred easily among authorized institutions, minimize duplicative or onerous reporting requirements, and meed federal privacy requirements in a manner consistent with the practices of leading states. Recommend statutory changes necessary to facilitate the implementation of the new data system and to eliminate unnecessary reporting requirements. (Joint Interim Charge with the House Committee on Higher Education.)
7.	Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction.
Committee:	Senate Education, Interim
Title:	Interim report
Library Catalog Title:	Report to the 76th Legislature.
Subjects:	Alternative schools | Bilingual education | Charter schools | Drug rehabilitation programs | Dyslexia | Education Service Centers | Educational technology | English as second language | Internet | Juvenile justice alternative education programs | Learning disabilities | Limited English speakers | School choice | School safety | Teachers | Texas Academic Skills Program |
Library Call Number:	L1836.75 ed83
Session:	75th R.S. (1997)
Online version:	View report [60 pages  File size: 2,563 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
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:	Senate Funding Issues in Education, Interim
Title:	Interim report
Library Catalog Title:	Report to the 76th Legislature.
Subjects:	College preparatory curriculum | College preparedness | Educational technology | Foundation School Program | Higher Education Assistance Fund | Permanent School Fund | Permanent University Fund | Recommended High School Program | Scholarships | School finance | Student aid | Textbooks | University budgets | University enrollment | University finance | University graduates | University graduation rates |
Library Call Number:	L1836.75 f962
Session:	75th R.S. (1997)
Online version:	View report [55 pages  File size: 2,414 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study the current status of student financial assistance and tuition exemption/waiver programs. Identify possible criteria to be considered by the Legislature in evaluating such proposals and to establish priorities for these programs in the future.
2.	Review the appropriateness of current allotments, weights, and set-asides under the Foundation School Program to fund school districts.
3.	Study the management, investment, and distribution of funds dedicated to public and higher education, including the Permanent School Fund, Available School Fund, Permanent University Fund, Available University Fund, and Higher Education Fund. The Committee should review the purpose of these funds and the ability of these funds to continue to meet the needs of the state.
4.	Study the factors affecting undergraduate enrollment and graduation rates at public colleges and universities in Texas, and make recommendations for any necessary legislative action. The Committee should consider the costs of higher education and the availability of financial assistance to students; collaborative efforts between higher education and public education systems; and student recruitment and retention efforts. The Committee should also consider methods to effectively measure institutions' performance in meeting enrollment and graduation goals set by the Legislature.
5.	Evaluate and, if needed, make recommendations to determine need and allocation of funds for higher education budget special items, medical schools and Texas A&M Service agencies.
6.	Study the costs of textbooks for public schools and, if necessary, make recommendations to improve the purchasing process to ensure that Texas schools are receiving the best price possible. In its work, the Committee should examine the use of computers and other technological resources as alternative teaching aids to textbooks and consider whether these alternative resources are more economical and efficient in enhancing the learning capacities of children
Committee:	Joint Public Education, Select
Title:	Interim Report - Executive Summary and Recommendations
Library Catalog Title:	Executive summary and report of the Edit and Review Committee: report and recommendations. / Select Committee on Public Education.
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
Session:	67th R.S. (1981)
Online version:	View report [28 pages  File size: 1,498 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
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
Title:	Interim Report - Technology
Library Catalog Title:	Changing technology in instruction : report and recommendations / submitted to the Sixty-Eighth Legislature [by] Select Committee on Public Education.
Subjects:	Bilingual education | Curriculum | Education | Educational technology | School finance | Teacher quality | Teachers | Technology education |
Library Call Number:	L1836.67 ed84 3
Session:	67th R.S. (1981)
Online version:	View report [61 pages  File size: 3,337 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
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.
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:	House Public Education
Title:	Cost and Student Data Based on G.O.E.R. Property Values
Library Catalog Title:	Minutes
Library Call Number:	L1801.9 ED83H 65
Session:	65th R.S. (1977)
Online version:	View document [549 pages]

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

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