By: Creighton S.B. No. 2253               A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT     relating to the preparation and certification of public school   educators, and certain allotments under the Foundation School   Program.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 01. Section 12A.004(a), Education Code, is amended to   read as follows:          (a)  A local innovation plan may not provide for the   exemption of a district designated as a district of innovation from   the following provisions of this title:                (1)  a state or federal requirement applicable to an   open-enrollment charter school operating under Subchapter D,   Chapter 12;                (2)  Subchapters A, C, D, and E, Chapter 11, except that   a district may be exempt from Sections 11.1511(b)(5) and (14) and   Section 11.162;                (3)  the employment of uncertified classroom teachers   under Section 21.0032;                (4)  parental notification requirements under Section   21.057;                (5)  state curriculum and graduation requirements   adopted under Chapter 28; and                (6)  [(4)] academic and financial accountability and   sanctions under Chapters 39 and 39A.          SECTION 2.  Section 19.007(g), Education Code, is amended to   read as follows:          (g)  In addition to other amounts received by the district   under this section, the district is entitled to:                (1)  state aid in the amount necessary to fund the   salary increases required by Section 19.009(d-2); and                (2)  the preparing and retaining educators through   partnership program allotment under Section 48.157.          SECTION 3.  Section 21.001, Education Code, is amended by   adding Subdivision (3-b) to read as follows:                (3-b)  "Teacher of record" means a person employed by a   school district who teaches the majority of the instructional day   in an academic instructional setting and is responsible for   evaluating student achievement and assigning grades.          SECTION 4.  Subchapter A, Chapter 21, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 21.0032 and 21.0033 to read as follows:           Sec. 21.0032.  EMPLOYMENT OF UNCERTIFIED CLASSROOM TEACHERS.          (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b) and (d), a school   district may not employ as a classroom teacher for a course in the   foundation curriculum under Section 28.002 a person who does not   hold an appropriate certificate or permit issued by the State Board   for Educator Certification under Subchapter B.          (b)  If the commissioner approves a plan submitted by the   school district, the commissioner may delay the application of   Subsection (a) if the plan provides a reasonable timeline and   strategy to come into compliance with Subsection (a) no later than   the 2029-2030 school year.          (c)  Notwithstanding Subsection (a), for the 2026-2027   school year, a school district may employ as a teacher of record for   a course other than a reading language arts or mathematics course in   a grade level at or below grade five a person who does not hold an   appropriate certificate or permit issued by the State Board for   Educator Certification under Subchapter B.          (d)  The requirements of this section do not supersede   waivers under Section 7.056 or authorizations under 21.055.          Sec. 21.0033.  INCENTIVE TO CERTIFY TEACHERS. (a)  From   money appropriated or otherwise available for the purpose, the   agency shall provide to each school district a one-time payment of   $1,000 for each classroom teacher employed by the district who:                (1)  was hired for the 2022-2023 or 2023-2024 school   year as a first-year teacher;                (2)  was uncertified on January 1, 2025;                (3)  earned a standard certificate under Subchapter B   by the end of the 2025-2026 school year; and                (4)  was continuously employed by the district since   the school year described by Subdivision (1).          (b)  This section expires September 1, 2027.          SECTION 5.  Section 21.041, Education Code, is amended by   adding Subsection (e) to read as follows:          (e)  A rule proposed by the board under this section relating   to educator preparation is not subject to Section 2001.0045,   Government Code.          SECTION 6.  Subchapter B, Chapter 21, Education Code, is   amended by adding Sections 21.0412, 21.04421, 21.04422, and   21.04423 to read as follows:          Sec. 21.0412.  TYPES OF TEACHING CERTIFICATES.  (a)  In   proposing rules specifying the types of teaching certificates to be   issued under this subchapter, the board shall provide for a   candidate to be issued:                (1)  a standard certificate if the candidate satisfies   all traditional teacher preparation requirements under Section   21.04421 or all alternative teacher preparation requirements under   Section 21.04423;                (2)  an enhanced standard certificate if the candidate   satisfies all requirements of the teacher residency standard   preparation route established under Section 21.04422;                (3)  an intern with preservice experience certificate,   which expires one year after issuance unless modified by the board,   if the candidate has yet to satisfy all requirements for   certification for a preservice alternative teacher preparation   route established under Section 21.04423(1) but has completed a   sufficient number of preservice practice hours to serve as a   teacher of record; and                (4)  an intern certificate, which expires two years   after issuance unless modified by the board, if the candidate has   yet to satisfy all requirements for certification for an   alternative teacher preparation route established under Section   21.04423(2) but has met all board requirements to serve as a teacher   of record.          (b)  Rules proposed under Subsection (a)(2)  may not require   a candidate to pass a pedagogy examination unless the examination   tests subject-specific content appropriate for the grade level and   subject area for which the candidate seeks certification.          (c)  A candidate for a certification described by Subsection   (a)  must meet all other requirements imposed under this subchapter   or board rule applicable to the candidate's certification.          (d)  This section does not prohibit the board from proposing   rules that provide for certifications other than the certifications   described by Subsection (a), including specialized certifications   and other types and classes of certifications.          Sec. 21.04421.  TRADITIONAL TEACHER PREPARATION.  (a)  In   proposing rules under this subchapter regarding training   requirements for a candidate seeking certification through a   traditional teacher preparation route in which a candidate may   concurrently receive an undergraduate or master's degree and a   certification to teach a subject area at a particular grade level,   the board shall:                (1)  require preservice practice be provided through a   formal partnership between the educator preparation program and a   school district or open-enrollment charter school; and                (2)  require the candidate to complete substantial   preservice practice in a prekindergarten through grade 12 classroom   that includes practicing the skills learned from the instruction   described by Sections 21.0443(b)(3)  and  (4).          (b)  The rules proposed under Subsection  (a)  must require   training to be provided synchronously.  The board may approve   components of the training to be delivered asynchronously on   application by an educator preparation program.          Sec. 21.04422.  TEACHER RESIDENCY PREPARATION.  (a)  The   board shall propose rules under this subchapter to create a teacher   residency standard preparation route.          (b)  In proposing rules for a teacher residency preparation   route under this section, the board must require that the program:                (1)  use research-based best practices for recruiting   and admitting candidates into the program;                (2)  integrate course work, classroom practice, formal   observation, and feedback;                (3)  meet the traditional teacher preparation   requirements under Section 21.04421  (a)(1), (a)(2),  and (b);                (4)  require a candidate to receive preservice   practice, including practice in the skills learned from the   instruction described by Sections 21.0443(b)(3)  and (4), in a   prekindergarten through grade 12 classroom for at least one full   school year; and                (5)  use multiple assessments to measure a candidate's   progress.          Sec. 21.04423.  ALTERNATIVE TEACHER PREPARATION.  In   proposing rules under this subchapter regarding training   requirements for a candidate who has previously earned a degree and   is seeking certification through an alternative teacher   preparation route, the board shall establish:                (1)  a preservice alternative teacher preparation   route that meets:                      (A)  the traditional teacher preparation   requirements under Section 21.04421 (a)(1)  and  (a)(2)  which   includes time spent as a paraprofessional as pre-service practice   hours; and                      (B)  the traditional teacher preparation   requirements under Section 21.04421(b); and                (2)  an alternative teacher preparation route that   allows for flexibility in how a candidate may demonstrate   proficiency for certification.          SECTION 7.  Section 21.0443, Education Code, is amended to   read as follows:          Sec. 21.0443.  EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAM APPROVAL AND   RENEWAL. (a)  The board shall propose rules to establish standards   to govern the approval or renewal of approval of:                (1)  educator preparation programs; [and]                (2)  the teacher preparation routes established under   Sections 21.04421, 21.04422, and 21.04423; and                (3)  certification fields authorized to be offered by   an educator preparation program.          (a-1)  The board may review an educator preparation   program's curriculum:                (1)  before the approval or renewal of approval of the   program; and                (2)  at any time after the approval or renewal of the   approval of the program to ensure that any changes to curriculum   requirements proposed by the board since the most recent review   have been incorporated into the curriculum to maintain approval.          (b)  To be eligible for approval or renewal of approval, an   educator preparation program must:                (1)  incorporate proactive instructional planning   techniques throughout course work and across content areas using a   framework that:                      (A)  provides flexibility in the ways:                            (i)  information is presented;                            (ii)  students respond or demonstrate   knowledge and skills; and                            (iii)  students are engaged;                      (B)  reduces barriers in instruction;                      (C)  provides appropriate accommodations,   supports, and challenges; and                      (D)  maintains high achievement expectations for   all students, including students with disabilities and students of   limited English proficiency;                (2)  integrate inclusive practices for all students,   including students with disabilities, and evidence-based   instruction and intervention strategies throughout course work,   clinical experience, and student teaching;                (3)  incorporate the instructional materials and   training developed under Section 21.067;                (4)  if applicable and approved by the agency for the   grade and subject area for which the program provides instruction,   incorporate the literacy achievement academies and mathematics   achievement academies under Sections 21.4552 and 21.4553;                (5)  ensure that instruction described by Subdivisions   (3) and (4) is delivered by a person approved by the agency to   provide the instruction;                (6)  ensure that the program and the program's   administrators, instructors, and other employees comply with   Section 28.0022 as if:                      (A)  the program were a school district;                      (B) the program's administrators, instructors,   and other employees are administrators, teachers, or other   employees of a school district, as applicable; and                      (C)  candidates in the program were students of a   school district;                (7)  adequately prepare candidates for educator   certification; and                (8)[(4)] meet the standards and requirements of the   board.          (b-1)  The board by rule shall designate the components of a   literacy achievement academy or mathematics achievement academy   under Section 21.4552 or 21.4553, as applicable, that may be   completed after receiving an intern with preservice experience   certificate under Section 21.0412.          (c)  The board shall require that each educator preparation   program be reviewed for renewal of approval at least every five   years.  The board may require each educator preparation program to   be reviewed for renewal of approval at least annually. The board   shall adopt an evaluation process to be used in reviewing an   educator preparation program for renewal of approval.          (d)  In adopting the evaluation process under Subsection   (c), the board shall consider including:                (1)  quality indicators that reflect effective program   practices; and                (2)  measures that provide for the observation of   program practices to ensure program quality.          SECTION 8.  Subchapter B, Chapter 21, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 21.0456 to read as follows:          Sec. 21.0456.  SANCTIONS FOR NONCOMPLIANCE.  (a)  The board   may impose a sanction against an educator preparation program for   noncompliance with a provision of this subchapter or a rule adopted   under this subchapter, including a rule proposed under Section   21.0443, or to address a complaint received under Section 21.0455.   A sanction under this subsection may be one or more of the actions   described by Section 21.0451(a)(2), regardless of whether a program   has been rated as accredited-probation under the Accountability   System for Educator Preparation for a period of at least one year.          (b)  Any action authorized to be taken against an educator   preparation program under Subsection  (a)  may also be taken with   regard to a particular route or field of certification authorized   to be offered by an educator preparation program.          (c)  A revocation must be effective for a period of at least   two years. After two years, the program may seek renewed approval to   prepare educators for state certification.          (d)  The costs of technical assistance or the costs   associated with the appointment of a monitor shall be paid by the   educator preparation program.          SECTION 9.  Section 21.049, Education Code, is amended to   read as follows:          Sec. 21.049.  ALTERNATIVE EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAMS   [CERTIFICATION].  (a)  To provide a continuing additional source of   qualified educators, the board shall propose rules providing that   [for] educator certification programs may be provided by an   institution of higher education or another entity [as an alterative   to traditional educator preparation programs].  The rules may not   provide that a person may be certified under this section only if   there is a demonstrated shortage of educators in a school district   or subject area.          (b)  The board may not require a person employed as a teacher   in an alternative education program under Section 37.008 or a   juvenile justice alternative education program under Section   37.011 for at least three years to complete an alternative educator   preparation [certification] program adopted under this section   before taking the appropriate certification examination.          SECTION 10.  Section 21.057, Education Code, is amended by   adding Subsections (f) and (g) to read as follows:          (f)  If the agency has developed a model notice for purposes   of this section, the superintendent must use that model to provide   the notice required under this section.          (g)  A notice provided under this section, including a notice   provided in accordance with Subsection (e), must include   information regarding eligibility to participate in the public   education grant program under Section 29.202.          SECTION 11.  Subchapter B, Chapter 21, Education Code, is   amended by adding Sections 21.066 and 21.067 to read as follows:           Sec. 21.066. TEMPORARY COMMISSIONER RULEMAKING AUTHORITY.          (a)  Notwithstanding any other law, the commissioner may   adopt rules or amend, repeal, or otherwise modify a rule proposed by   the board under this subchapter to ensure the expedited   implementation of new teacher preparation routes, requirements,   and certificates.          (b)  Notwithstanding any other law, the commissioner shall   adopt initial rules relating to the implementation of Sections   21.0412, 21.04421, 21.04422, and 21.04423 not later than December   31, 2025.          (c)  Section 21.041(e) applies to rules adopted, amended,   repealed, or otherwise modified under this section.          (d)  This section expires September 1, 2028.          Sec. 21.067.  EDUCATOR PREPARATION MATERIALS AND TRAINING.          (a)  The commissioner shall develop and make available:                (1)  instructional materials for use in educator   preparation programs under this subchapter; and                (2)  training for faculty responsible for preparing   educator candidates.          (b)  The materials and training developed under Subsection   (a)  must:                (1)  be research-based;                (2)  support the development of proficiency in the   knowledge and skills specified by rules proposed under Section   21.044(a)(1); and                (3)  allow for an educator candidate to demonstrate the   candidate's proficiency, including proficiency in the knowledge   and skills described by Subdivision (2).          (c)  The commissioner may adopt rules as necessary to   implement this section.          SECTION 12.  Section 21.402, Education Code, is amended by   adding Subsections (f-1), (f-2), (f-3), and (f-4) to read as   follows:          (f-1)  A school district must pay to a classroom teacher with   zero years of experience who holds a certificate under Section   21.0412(a) (1), (2), or (3) a minimum salary that is greater than   the minimum salary paid to a classroom teacher with zero years of   experience who does not hold a certificate under Section 21.0412(a)   (1), (2), or (3).          (f-2)  The board of trustees of a school district may adopt   minimum salaries to satisfy the requirements of Subsection (f-1) as   follows:                (1)  for a classroom teacher who holds a standard   certificate or intern with preservice experience certificate under   Section 21.0412(a)(1) or (3), $3,000; and                (2)  for a classroom teacher who holds a residency   standard certificate under Section 21.0412(a)(2), $6,000.          (f-3)  Subsection (f-1) does not apply to a stipend or other   form of compensation not included in a classroom teacher's minimum   salary under this section.          (f-4)  A school district may not adopt a salary schedule that   differentiates classroom teacher salaries based solely on a   teacher's certification for teachers who have five or more years of   teaching experience.          SECTION 13.  Section 21.4552(f), Education Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (f)  From money appropriated or otherwise available for the   purpose, including an allotment under Section 48.108, a school   district shall provide to the educator preparation program for each   classroom teacher who holds an intern with preservice experience   certificate under Section 21.0412(a)(3) and completes a literacy   achievement academy under this section while employed by the   district a one-time payment of $1,000 or another amount set by the   agency [This section expires September 1, 2027].          SECTION 14.  Section 21.4553(f), Education Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (f)  From money appropriated or otherwise available for the   purpose, including an allotment under Section 48.108, a school   district shall provide to the educator preparation program for each   classroom teacher who holds an intern with preservice experience   certificate under Section 21.0412(a)(3) and completes a   mathematics achievement academy under this section while employed   by the district a one-time payment of $500 or another amount set by   the agency [This section expires September 1, 2027].          SECTION 15.  Chapter 21, Education Code, is amended by   adding Subchapter R to read as follows:          SUBCHAPTER R.  PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH                            PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM          Sec. 21.901.  DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:                (1)  "Alternative preservice partnership program"   means the Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership   Alternative Preservice Program established under Section 21.905.                (2)  "Board" means the State Board for Educator   Certification.                (3)  "Cooperating teacher" means a classroom teacher   who:                      (A)  has at least three full school years of   teaching experience with a superior record of assisting students in   achieving improvement in student performance;                      (B)  is employed as a teacher of record by a school   district or open-enrollment charter school participating in a   preservice partnership program or grow your own partnership program   under this subchapter and paired with one or more preservice   teacher candidates or grow your own participants at the district or   school; and                      (C)  provides coaching to one or more teacher   candidates who participate in grow your own or preservice   preparation in the teacher's classroom.                (4)  "Grow your own partnership program" means the   Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership Grow Your Own   Program established under Section 21.906.                (5)  "Mentor teacher" means a mentor teacher as   described by Section 21.458.                (6)  "Preservice partnership programs" means the   Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership Preservice   Programs established under Section 21.902.                (7)  "Residency preservice partnership program" means   the Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership   Residency Preservice Program established under Section 21.904.                (8)  "Teacher candidate" means a person enrolled in an   educator preparation program participating in a program under the   preservice partnership program.                (9)  "Traditional preservice partnership program"   means the Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership   Traditional Preservice Program established under Section 21.903.          Sec. 21.902. PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH   PARTNERSHIP PRESERVICE PROGRAMS.  (a)  The commissioner shall   establish the Preparing and Retaining Educators through   Partnership Preservice Programs to enable qualified educator   preparation programs to form partnerships with school districts and   open-enrollment charter schools to provide preservice practice   opportunities in a prekindergarten through grade 12 classroom for   teacher candidates at the district or school through the   traditional partnership program, the residency partnership   program, or the alternative partnership program.          (b)  A preservice partnership program must be designed to:                (1)  allow teacher candidates to receive field-based   experience working with cooperating teachers in prekindergarten   through grade 12 classrooms; and                (2)  gradually increase the amount of time a teacher   candidate spends engaging in instructional responsibilities,   including observation, co-teaching, and lead-teaching   responsibilities.          (c)  A school district or open-enrollment charter school   participating in a preservice partnership program shall:                (1)  enter into a written agreement with an approved   educator preparation program to:                      (A)  provide a teacher candidate with clinical   teaching opportunities at the district or school in the subject   area and grade level for which the candidate seeks certification;   and                      (B)  pair the teacher candidate with a cooperating   teacher who has successfully completed a training program for   cooperating teachers that, if required by the agency, must be   established or adopted by the agency;                (2)  use money received under Section 48.157 only to   implement the preservice partnership program;                (3)  ensure that a teacher candidate is mentored by a   mentor teacher who has completed mentorship training under Section   21.907 for the candidate's first two years as a teacher of record   after completing a preservice partnership program; and                (4)  provide any information required by the agency   regarding the district's or school's implementation of a preservice   partnership program.          (d)  A school district or open-enrollment charter school may   only pair a teacher candidate with a cooperating teacher who agrees   to participate in that role in a preservice partnership program at   the district or school.          (e)   While completing preservice practice hours, a teacher   candidate may not be employed or assigned by a school district or   open-enrollment charter school as:                (1)  a teacher; or                (2)  in a position that has primary or sole   responsibility for student instruction or supervision, except for   limited purposes to gain experience which may not exceed the time   the teacher of record for those students has primary or sole   responsibility for the instruction or supervision.          Sec. 21.903.  PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH   PARTNERSHIP TRADITIONAL PRESERVICE PROGRAM.  (a)  The commissioner   shall establish the Preparing and Retaining Educators through   Partnership Traditional Preservice Program as a preservice   partnership program to enable qualified educator preparation   programs that meet the traditional teacher preparation   requirements under Section 21.04421 to form partnerships with   school districts or open-enrollment charter schools to help prepare   candidates for a standard certificate.          (b)  The program must be designed to:                (1)  meet the requirements of a preservice partnership   program under Section 21.902; and                (2)  allow a teacher candidate to satisfy the   traditional teacher preparation requirements under Section   21.04421.          (c)  A school district or open-enrollment charter school   participating in the traditional partnership program shall use   money received under Section 48.157(b)(1) to provide compensation   to:                (1)  teacher candidates for preservice practice hours   at the district or school in an amount of at least $3,000 for   salary; and                (2)  cooperating teachers who are paired with teacher   candidates at the district or school in an amount of at least   $1,000.          (d)  In addition to the amount provided by Subsection (c)(1),   a school district shall provide compensation to teacher candidates   in any amount above the amount provided by that subdivision for   salary using money received under Section 48.157 or from any other   available source.          Sec. 21.904.  PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH   PARTNERSHIP RESIDENCY PRESERVICE PROGRAM. (a) The commissioner   shall establish the Preparing and Retaining Educators through   Partnership Residency Preservice Program as a preservice   partnership program to enable qualified educator preparation   programs that meet the teacher residency standard preparation   requirements under Section 21.04422 to form partnerships with   school districts or open-enrollment charter schools to help prepare   candidates for a residency standard certificate.          (b)  The program must be designed to:                (1)  meet the requirements of a preservice partnership   program under Section 21.902; and                (2)  allow a teacher candidate to satisfy the teacher   residency standard preparation requirements under Section   21.04422.          (c)  A school district or open-enrollment charter school   participating in the residency partnership program shall use money   received under Section 48.157(b) (2) to provide compensation to:                (1)  teacher candidates for preservice practice hours   at the district or school in an amount of at least $10,000 for   salary; and                (2)  cooperating teachers who are paired with teacher   candidates at the district or school in an amount of at least   $2,000.          (d)  In addition to the amount provided by Subsection (c)(1),   a school district shall provide compensation to teacher candidates   in an amount of at least $10,000 for salary using money received   under Section 48.157 or from any other available source.          (e)  For the 2025-2026 school year, an educator preparation   program is not required to incorporate the instruction described by   Sections 21.0443(b) (3) and (4) to be eligible to participate in a   residency partnership program.  This subsection expires September   1, 2026.          Sec. 21.905.  PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH   PARTNERSHIP ALTERNATIVE PRESERVICE PROGRAM. (a)  The commissioner   shall establish the Preparing and Retaining Educators through   Partnership Alternative Preservice Program as a preservice   partnership program to enable qualified educator preparation   programs that meet the preservice alternative teacher preparation   requirements under Section 21.04423 to form partnerships with   school districts or open-enrollment charter schools to help prepare   candidates for an intern with preservice experience certificate or   standard certificate.          (b)  The program must be designed to:                (1)  meet the requirements of a preservice partnership   program under Section 21.902; and                (2)  allow a teacher candidate to satisfy the   preservice alternative teacher preparation requirements under   Section 21.04423(1).          (c)  A school district or open-enrollment charter school   participating in the alternative partnership program shall use   money received under Section 48.157(b)(3) to provide compensation   to:                (1)  teacher candidates for preservice practice hours   at the district or school in an amount of at least $3,000 for   salary; and                (2)  cooperating teachers who are paired with teacher   candidates at the district or school in an amount of at least   $1,000.          (d)  In addition to the amount provided by Subsection (c)(1),   a school district shall provide compensation to teacher candidates   in any amount above the amount provided by that subdivision for   salary using money received under Section 48.157 or from any other   available source.          Sec. 21.906.  PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH   PARTNERSHIP GROW YOUR OWN PROGRAM. (a) The commissioner shall   establish the Preparing and Retaining Educators through   Partnership Grow Your Own Program to enable qualified institutions   of higher education and educator preparation programs, as   determined by the commissioner, to form partnerships with school   districts or open-enrollment charter schools to establish   innovative staffing pipelines to ensure the availability of   high-quality educators to benefit future district or school   students.          (b)  The grow your own partnership program must be designed   to form partnerships that support:                (1)  high school students in completing career and   technical education courses that help prepare the students to   become classroom teachers; or                (2)  district or school employees who do not hold a   teaching certificate in completing a bachelor's degree to enable   the person to become a classroom teacher while employed by the   district or school.          (c)  A school district or open-enrollment charter school may   participate in a grow your own partnership program only if the   district or school has been approved to participate in a preservice   partnership program.          (d)  A school district or open-enrollment charter school   participating in the grow your own partnership program shall:                (1)  for a partnership described by Subsection (b)(1),   provide:                      (A)  authentic opportunities, which may be paid or   unpaid, for students to practice teaching under the supervision of   one or more cooperating teachers; and                      (B)  guidance and other transition supports as a   student begins an undergraduate degree program that offers a route   to teacher preparation;                (2)  for a partnership described by Subsection (b)(2),   provide for a district or school employee:                      (A)  scheduled release time to support completion   of a bachelor's degree;                      (B)  authentic opportunities to practice teaching   under the supervision of one or more cooperating teachers;                      (C)  on-the-job training aligned with the   standards for educator certification established by the board;                      (D)  a job assignment that includes instructional   support for students enrolled in the district or school;                      (E)  guidance and other transition supports as the   employee begins a program to satisfy the teacher preparation   requirements under Section 21.04421, 21.04422, or 21.04423; and                (3)  enter into a written agreement with an institution   of higher education;                (4)  require an employee participating in a partnership   described by Subsection (b)(2) to, as a condition for   participation, earn a bachelor's degree and enroll in an educator   preparation program within three years; and                (5)  provide any information required by the agency   regarding the district's or school's implementation of the grow   your own partnership program.          (e)  A school district or open-enrollment charter school may   use money received under Section 48.157 to implement the grow your   own partnership program and pay tuition and fees for students or   employees participating in the program.          (f)  A school district or open-enrollment charter school may   only pair a student or employee participating in the program with a   cooperating teacher who agrees to participate in that role in a grow   your own partnership program at the district or school.          (g)  A student or employee participating in the program may   not serve:                (1)  as a teacher of record; or                (2)  in a position that has primary or sole   responsibility for student instruction or supervision except for   limited purposes to gain experience which may not exceed the time   the teacher of record for those students has primary or sole   responsibility for the instruction or supervision.          Sec. 21.907.  PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH   PARTNERSHIP MENTORSHIP PROGRAM.  (a)  The commissioner shall   establish a preparing and retaining educators through partnership   mentorship program through which participating school districts or   open-enrollment charter schools implement a mentoring program that   meets the requirements of Section 21.458 for classroom teachers who   have less than two years of teaching experience.          (b)  A school district or open-enrollment charter school   participating in the program must require a classroom teacher who   serves as a mentor teacher to annually complete a training program   for mentor teachers established or adopted by the agency.          (c)  A school district or open-enrollment charter school   shall use money received under Section 48.157(b)(5) only to provide   stipends for mentor teachers in an amount of at least $1,000.          (d)  If any money remains after providing a stipend to mentor   teachers in accordance with Subsection (c), the district may use   that money to provide:                (1)  scheduled release time for mentor teachers and   classroom teachers being mentored to meet and engage in mentoring   activities; and                (2)  support for mentor teachers through mentor   training and strategic staffing training.          Sec. 21.908.  AGENCY SUPPORT.  The agency shall provide   technical assistance, planning, and support to school districts,   open-enrollment charter schools, and educator preparation   programs, which must include:                (1)  providing model forms and agreements a district,   school, or educator preparation program may use to comply with the   requirements of this subchapter;                (2)  support for district and school strategic staffing   and compensation models to incentivize participation in a   partnership program;                (3)  support for district, school, and educator   preparation program partners in implementing strong partnership   practices, including through participation in the grow your own   partnership program, and providing high-quality mentorship as   required under this subchapter; and                (4)  support for educator preparation programs in   implementing the partnership programs under this subchapter.          Sec. 21.909.  AUTHORITY TO ACCEPT CERTAIN MONEY.  The   commissioner may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations   from public and private entities to use for the purposes of this   subchapter.          Sec. 21.910.  APPROVAL AND ACCOUNTABILITY.  (a)  The   commissioner shall establish standards for partnership programs   under this section, including identifying qualifying preparation   programs.          (b)  The commissioner shall establish performance goals for   partnership programs under this Subchapter.          (c)  The commissioner shall periodically review the   performance of partnership programs in meeting the standards and   performance goals.          (d)  If the commissioner determines that a partnership   program fails to meet the performance goals, the commissioner shall   remove authorization of the partnership program under this   Subchapter for a period not to exceed five years.          Sec. 21.911.  RULES; POLICIES.  (a)  The commissioner shall   adopt rules as necessary to implement this subchapter.          (b)  The agency, board, a school district, or an open   enrollment charter may not adopt a rule, policy, practice, or goal   intended to recruit participants based on race, sex, color, or   ethnicity.          SECTION 16.  Section 29.202(a), Education Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (a)  A student is eligible to receive a public education   grant or to attend another public school in the district in which   the student resides under this subchapter if the student is   assigned to:                (1)  attend a public school campus assigned an   unacceptable performance rating that is made publicly available   under Section 39.054; or                (2)  a classroom teacher or substitute teacher who does   not hold an appropriate certification under Subchapter B, Chapter   21, as a teacher of record in a course in the foundation curriculum   under Section 28.002(a)(1) for more than 30 instructional days.          SECTION 17.  Section 29.204, Education Code, is amended to   read as follows:          Sec. 29.204.  NOTIFICATION. (a) Not later than January 1 of   each year the commissioner shall, based on the most recent   information available, provide notice to each school district in   which a campus described by Section 29.202(a)(1)[29.202] is located   that:                (1)  identifies each campus in the district that meets   the description in Section 29.202(a)(1) [29.202]; and                (2)  informs the district that the district must comply   with Subsection (b).          (b)  Not later than February 1 of each year, a school   district shall notify the parent of each student in the district   assigned to attend a campus described by Section 29.202(a)(1)   [29.202] that the student is eligible for a public education grant.   The notice must contain a clear, concise explanation of the public   education grant program and of the manner in which the parent may   obtain further information about the program.          SECTION 18.  Subchapter D, Chapter 48, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 48.157 to read as follows:          Sec. 48.157.  PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH   PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM ALLOTMENT.  (a)  In this section, "teacher   candidate" has the meaning assigned by Section 21.901.          (b)  Subject to Subsections (f) and (g), a school district is   entitled to an annual allotment equal to each of the following   applicable amounts:                (1)  for each teacher candidate completing preservice   practice hours at the district under Section 21.903, the sum of:                      (A)  $10,000; and                      (B)  the high needs and rural factor, as   determined under Subsection (c), multiplied by $2,000;                (2)  for each teacher candidate completing preservice   practice hours at the district under Section 21.904, the sum of:                      (A)  $24,000; and                      (B)  the high needs and rural factor, as   determined under Subsection (c), multiplied by $3,000;                (3)  for each teacher candidate completing preservice   practice hours at the district under Section 21.905, the sum of:                      (A)  $10,000; and                      (B)  the high needs and rural factor, as   determined under Subsection (c), multiplied by $2,000;                (4)  for each district employee participating in a   partnership described by Section 21.906(b)(2), the sum of:                      (A)  $8,000; and                      (B)  the high needs and rural factor, as   determined under Subsection (c), multiplied by $1,000; and                (5)  for each classroom teacher being mentored under   the preparing and retaining educators through partnership   mentorship program established under Section 21.907, $3,000.          (c)  The high needs and rural factor is the lesser of:                (1)  the average of the point value assigned to each   student at a district campus under Sections 48.112(e) and (f); or                (2)  4.0.          (d)  In addition to the funding under Subsection (b), a   district is entitled to an additional $2,000 for each teacher   candidate described by Subsection (b)(1), (2), or (3) who is a   candidate for certification in bilingual education or special   education.          (e)  The Texas School for the Deaf and the Texas School for   the Blind and Visually Impaired are entitled to an allotment under   this section. If the commissioner determines that assigning point   values under Subsection (c) to students enrolled in the Texas   School for the Deaf or the Texas School for the Blind and Visually   Impaired is impractical, the commissioner may use the average point   value assigned for those students' home districts for purposes of   calculating the high needs and rural factor.          (f)  Unless a greater number of individuals is provided for   by appropriation for that school year, a school district may   receive an allotment for a school year for not more than:                (1)  40 individuals under each of Subsections (b)(2),   (4), and (5); and                (2)  a total of 80 individuals under Subsections (b)(1)   and (3).          (f-1)  If a school district has individuals that otherwise   qualify for funding under (b)(2) in excess of the cap under (f)(1),   the school district may receive funding under (b)(1) for those   individuals up to the cap under (f)(2).          (g)  For purposes of offsetting tuition, fees, and   administrative costs, using money to which a school district is   otherwise entitled under Subsection (b), the commissioner shall   provide to a teacher candidate's educator preparation program each   of the following applicable amounts and reduce the district's   allotment under that subsection accordingly:                (1)  $5,000 for each teacher candidate who completed a   partnership program under Section 21.903 who obtains a standard   certificate and has completed one year of employment with the   district;                (2)  $10,000 for each teacher candidate who completed a   partnership program under Section 21.904 who obtains an enhanced   standard certificate and has completed one year of employment with   the district; and                (3)  $2,500 for each teacher candidate participating in   the alternative preservice partnership program under Section   21.905 who holds an intern with preservice experience certificate   and an additional $2,500 for each teacher candidate who   subsequently holds a standard certificate.          (g-l) Institutions of higher education that receive funds   under Subsection (g), must spend no less than 85% of those funds   within the teacher preparation program.          (h)  The agency shall only provide:                (1)  $4,000 of the money the school district is   entitled to receive under Subsection (b)(1) until a teacher   candidate has successfully completed the requirements of a   partnership program under Section 21.903 by the deadline   established by the agency;                (2)  $12,000 of the money the school district is   entitled to receive under Subsection  (b)(2)  until a teacher   candidate has successfully completed the requirements of a   partnership program under Section 21.904 by the deadline   established by the agency;                (3)  $4,000 of the money the school district is   entitled to receive under Subsection (b)(3)  until a district   employee has been issued an intern with preservice experience   certificate and has successfully completed the applicable   requirements of a partnership program under Section 21.905 by the   deadline established by the agency; and                (4)  50 percent of the money the school district is   entitled to receive under Subsection (b)(4)  until the district   employee has successfully earned a bachelor's degree by the   deadline established by the agency.          SECTION 19.  Subchapter G, Chapter 48, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 48.310 to read as follows:          Sec. 48.310.  ALLOTMENT FOR COMPLETION OF TEACHER LITERACY   OR MATHEMATICS ACHIEVEMENT ACADEMIES.  An educator preparation   program that offers a teacher preparation route described by   Section 21.04421, 21.04422, or 21.04423(1) is entitled to an annual   allotment for each teacher candidate who completes a literacy   achievement academy or mathematics achievement academy under   Section 21.4552 or 21.4553 approved by the agency for the purpose in   the amount of:                (1)  $1,000, or a greater amount set by appropriation   for that school year, for the completion of a literacy achievement   academy; or                (2)  $500, or a greater amount set by appropriation for   that school year, for the completion of a mathematics achievement   academy.          SECTION 20.  (a) The following provisions of the Education   Code are repealed:                (1)  Section 21.051(a);                (2)  Subchapter Q, Chapter 21; and                (3)  Section 48.114.          (b)  Section 825.4092(f), Government Code, is repealed.          SECTION 21.  Section 12A.004(a), Education Code, as amended   by this article, applies to each local innovation plan adopted   under Chapter 12A, Education Code, regardless of whether the plan   was adopted before, on, or after the effective date of this article.   A local innovation plan adopted or renewed before the effective   date of this article must comply with Section 12A.004(a), Education   Code, as amended by this article, not later than September 1, 2026.          SECTION 22.  (a)  Except as otherwise provided by this Act   and by Subsection (b) of this section, the changes made by this Act   apply beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.          (b)  Section 21.0032, Education Code, as added by this Act,   and Section 21.402, Education Code, as amended by this Act, apply   beginning with the 2026-2027 school year.          SECTION 23.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b) of   this section, this Act takes effect September 1, 2025.          (b)  The changes made by this Act take effect immediately if   this Act receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to   each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas   Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for   immediate effect, those changes take effect September 1, 2025.