87R12726 GCB-F     By: Gates H.B. No. 2554       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to the establishment of joint vocational school districts   to provide eligible high school students with vocational and   educational training under a plan for the issuance of a high school   diploma, the funding of those districts under the foundation school   program, and the operation of certain vocational education charter   programs.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:   ARTICLE 1. JOINT VOCATIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS          SECTION 1.001.  Subtitle C, Title 2, Education Code, is   amended by adding Chapter 12B to read as follows:   CHAPTER 12B.  JOINT VOCATIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS          Sec. 12B.001.  DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:                (1)  "Board" means the State Board of Education.                (2)  "Member district" means a school district that has   formed a joint vocational school district under this chapter with   one or more other school districts.          Sec. 12B.002.  PURPOSE. The purpose of a joint vocational   school district authorized under this chapter is to provide public   education to high school students whose educational needs are   better served by focused vocational education and training.          Sec. 12B.003.  AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH JOINT VOCATIONAL   SCHOOL DISTRICT. (a)  On the petition of the board of trustees of   two or more school districts, the board shall establish a joint   vocational school district to provide vocational education and   training to eligible high school students.          (b)  A petition under this section may be joined by a   municipality or county if:                (1)  the board of trustees of each member district   votes to approve the participation of the municipality or county;   and                (2)  the governing body of each municipality or county   votes to approve participation in the joint vocational school   district.          (c)  The board by rule may impose duties or limitations on   the establishment of joint vocational school districts under this   chapter as necessary to ensure the promotion of the purpose   provided under Section 12B.002.          (d)  The board shall grant to joint vocational school   districts the right to share in the available school fund   apportionment and other privileges as are granted to school   districts.          Sec. 12B.004.  GOVERNANCE. (a)  A joint vocational school   district is governed by a board of trustees appointed as provided by   this section. The board of trustees shall execute the powers and   duties provided under Section 12B.005.          (b)  Subject to Subsection (c), a joint vocational school   district is governed by a board of trustees composed of seven   members appointed under an agreement between the board of trustees   of each member district and, if applicable, the governing body of   each municipality or county that participates in the petition to   establish the joint vocational school district. The board of   trustees shall include:                (1)  at least:                      (A)  one trustee who serves as a trustee of the   board of trustees of each member district; and                      (B)  one trustee appointed by the governing body   of each participating municipality or county; and                (2)  for any remaining trustee positions, individuals   with:                      (A)  relevant experience or knowledge concerning   regional and statewide labor needs; and                      (B)  an understanding of the skills, training, and   education required for current and future employment opportunities   involving vocational skills.          (c)  If a joint vocational school district is established by   seven or more member districts and participating municipalities or   counties, the agreement entered into under Subsection (b) must   provide for the appointment of:                (1)  not more than one trustee who serves as a trustee   of the board of trustees of each member district; and                (2)  not more than one trustee appointed by the   governing body of each participating municipality or county.          (d)  Trustees appointed under this section shall serve   staggered terms of three years in accordance with the agreement   under Subsection (b) entered into by each member district and each   participating municipality or county. If a trustee vacates a term   of office before the term expires, a new trustee shall be appointed   by the member district or participating municipality or county that   appointed the trustee who is vacating.          (e)  The board of trustees of a joint vocational school   district shall annually elect a chair to preside over meetings of   the board of trustees and execute powers and duties assigned to the   chair by the board of trustees.          Sec. 12B.005.  POWERS AND DUTIES OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES;   SUPERINTENDENT. (a) The board of trustees of a joint vocational   school district shall employ a superintendent to exercise the   powers and duties of the district.          (b)  The board of trustees of a joint vocational school   district shall:                (1)  comply with Section 11.0621 in conducting   meetings;                (2)  establish working relationships with other public   entities to increase the effective use of community resources and   serve the needs of the students of the joint vocational school   district;                (3)  adopt a vision statement and comprehensive set of   goals for the joint vocational school district;                (4)  adopt a student code of conduct and other policies   necessary for the operation of the joint vocational school   district;                (5)  ensure the joint vocational school district's   superintendent is accountable for achieving performance results   under the goals adopted under Subdivision (3);                (6)  adopt an annual budget for the joint vocational   school district;                (7)  monitor the joint vocational school district's   finances to ensure the superintendent is properly maintaining   financial procedures and records;                (8)  ensure the fiscal accounts of the joint vocational   school district are audited annually;                (9)  provide to each member district and each   participating municipality or county and the public an end-of-year   financial report for the joint vocational school district; and                (10)  carry out duties applicable to a joint vocational   school district provided under any other law.          (c)  The board of trustees of a joint vocational school   district may, in the name of the district:                (1)  enter contracts;                (2)  acquire and hold real and personal property;                (3)  sue and be sued; and                (4)  receive gifts, grants, and donations of money or   other property.          Sec. 12B.006.  APPLICABILITY OF OPEN MEETINGS AND PUBLIC   INFORMATION LAWS. (a)  With respect to the operation of a joint   vocational school district, the board of trustees of the district   is considered to be a governmental body for purposes of Chapters 551   and 552, Government Code.          (b)  With respect to the operation of a joint vocational   school district, any requirement in Chapter 551 or 552, Government   Code, or another law that concerns open meetings or the   availability of information, that applies to a school district, the   board of trustees of a school district, or public school students   applies to the joint vocational school district, the board of   trustees of the joint vocational school district, or students   enrolled in the joint vocational school district.          Sec. 12B.007.  APPLICABILITY OF LAWS RELATING TO LOCAL   GOVERNMENT RECORDS. (a) With respect to the operation of a joint   vocational school district, the district is considered to be a   local government for purposes of Subtitle C, Title 6, Local   Government Code, and Subchapter J, Chapter 441, Government Code.          (b)  Records of a joint vocational school are government   records for all purposes under state law.          (c)  Any requirement in Subtitle C, Title 6, Local Government   Code, or Subchapter J, Chapter 441, Government Code, that applies   to a school district, the board of trustees of a school district, or   an officer or employee of a school district applies to a joint   vocational school district, the board of trustees of the joint   vocational school district, or an officer or employee of a joint   vocational school district.          Sec. 12B.008.  APPLICABILITY OF LAWS RELATING TO PUBLIC   PURCHASING AND CONTRACTING. (a) A joint vocational school   district is considered to be:                (1)  a governmental entity for purposes of:                      (A)  Subchapter D, Chapter 2252, Government Code;   and                      (B)  Subchapter B, Chapter 271, Local Government   Code;                (2)  a political subdivision for purposes of Subchapter   A, Chapter 2254, Government Code; and                (3)  a local government for purposes of Sections   2256.009-2256.016, Government Code.          (b)  A requirement in a law listed in this section that   applies to a school district or the board of trustees of a school   district applies to a joint vocational school district or the board   of trustees of a joint vocational school district.          Sec. 12B.009.  STATE FUNDING. (a) A joint vocational school   district is entitled to receive funding under Chapter 48 equal to   the amount of funding per student in weighted average daily   attendance, excluding the adjustment under Section 48.052, the   funding under Sections 48.101, 48.106, 48.111, and 48.112, and   enrichment funding under Section 48.202(a), to which the joint   vocational school district would be entitled under Chapter 48 if   the joint vocational school district were a school district without   a tier one local share under Section 48.266.          (b)  In determining funding for a joint vocational school   district under Subsection (a), the amount of the allotment under   Section 48.102 is based solely on the basic allotment to which the   joint vocational school district is entitled and does not include   any amount based on the allotment under Section 48.101.          (c)  In addition to the funding provided by Subsection (a), a   joint vocational school district is entitled to receive an   allotment per student in average daily attendance in an amount   equal to the difference between:                (1)  the product of:                      (A)  the quotient of:                            (i)  the total amount of funding provided to   eligible school districts under Section 48.101(b) or (c); and                            (ii)  the total number of students in   average daily attendance in school districts that receive an   allotment under Section 48.101(b) or (c); and                      (B)  the sum of one and the quotient of:                            (i)  the total number of students in average   daily attendance in school districts that receive an allotment   under Section 48.101(b) or (c); and                            (ii)  the total number of students in   average daily attendance in school districts statewide; and                (2)  $125.          (d)  In addition to the funding provided by Subsections (a)   and (c), a joint vocational school district is entitled to receive   enrichment funding under Section 48.202 based on the state average   tax effort.          (e)  In addition to the funding provided by Subsections (a),   (c), and (d), a joint vocational school district is entitled to   receive funding under Sections 48.110 and 48.112 and Subchapter D,   Chapter 48, if the joint vocational school district would be   entitled to the funding if the joint vocational school district   were a school district.          (f)  In addition to other amounts provided by this section, a   joint vocational school district is entitled to receive funding per   student in average daily attendance in an amount equal to the   guaranteed level of state and local funds per student per cent of   tax effort under Section 46.032(a) multiplied by the lesser of:                (1)  the state average interest and sinking fund tax   rate imposed by school districts for the current year; or                (2)  a rate that would result in a total amount to which   school districts are entitled for the current year.          (g)  A joint vocational school district is entitled to funds   that are available to school districts from the agency or the   commissioner in the form of grants or other discretionary funding   unless the statute authorizing the funding explicitly provides that   joint vocational school districts are not entitled to the funding.          (h)  The commissioner may adopt rules to provide and account   for state funding of joint vocational school districts under this   section.          Sec. 12B.010.  FACILITIES. Each member district and the   board of trustees of a joint vocational school district may:                (1)  make provisions for adequate facilities for use by   the joint vocational school district;                (2)  individually or collectively lease, purchase,   finance, construct, or rehabilitate physical facilities   appropriate to the needs of the joint vocational school district;                (3)  lease district facilities to the joint vocational   school district for administrative and instructional purposes; and                (4)  solicit, accept, and administer gifts, grants, or   donations of any kind and from any source for facilities and   equipment.          Sec. 12B.011.  DESIGNATION AS CHARTER DISTRICT FOR PURPOSES   OF BOND GUARANTEE. (a) On the application of the board of trustees   of a joint vocational school district, the commissioner shall grant   designation as a charter district to a joint vocational school   district that meets financial standards adopted by the   commissioner. The financial standards must require the district to   have an investment grade credit rating as specified by Section   45.0541.          (b)  A joint vocational school district that is designated as   a charter district may apply for bonds issued under Chapter 53,   including refunding and refinanced bonds, to be guaranteed by the   permanent school fund under Chapter 45.          Sec. 12B.012.  ENROLLMENT ELIGIBILITY. A student is   eligible to attend school in a joint vocational school district if:                (1)  the joint vocational school district has received   the form indicating informed consent for the student under Section   12B.013; and                (2)  the student:                      (A)  attends a campus of a member district and has   completed the student's 10th grade year;                      (B)  does not attend school in a member district   but attends a public or private high school in this state, has   earned 10 or more high school credits, and has been administered any   assessment instruments required under applicable federal law to be   administered to students in grades 9 and 10; or                      (C)  is not enrolled in a public or private high   school in this state but meets minimum requirements established   under rule of the board for the enrollment of those students in a   joint vocational school district.          Sec. 12B.013.  INFORMED CONSENT. (a) Before a student may   enroll in a joint vocational school district, the student and the   student's parent, guardian, or other person standing in parental   relation to the student must be advised by a school counselor of the   school the student attends or of the joint vocational school   district concerning:                (1)  specific benefits of graduating under the   foundation high school program established under Section 28.025;                (2)  specific benefits of graduating under a vocational   education program with a diploma and earning industry-recognized   credentials through the joint vocational school district; and                (3)  the differences between the curriculum   requirements for obtaining a diploma at a joint vocational school   district and the curriculum requirements for obtaining a diploma   under the foundation high school program.          (b)  After receiving the required counseling described by   Subsection (a), the student's parent, guardian, or other person   standing in parental relation to the student may provide written   permission for the student to enroll in the joint vocational school   district, on a form adopted by the agency, to the school counselor.   If the school counselor is not employed by the joint vocational   school district, the person shall forward the form indicating   informed consent for the student to the joint vocational school   district at which the student intends to enroll.          Sec. 12B.014.  COMPETITIONS. (a)  Subject to Subsection   (b), a student enrolled in a joint vocational school district may   participate in:                (1)  a competition or other activity sanctioned or   conducted by the University Interscholastic League as if the   student attends a campus in the school district the student would   otherwise be zoned to attend; and                (2)  an academic competition or nonathletic activity   sanctioned or conducted by the University Interscholastic League,   if the competition or activity is offered through the joint   vocational school district.          (b)  If a student participates in nonathletic competitions   and activities under Subsection (a)(2), the student may participate   in athletic competitions and activities only under Subsection   (a)(1).          Sec. 12B.015.  REMOVAL AND EXPULSION OF STUDENTS. (a) The   board of trustees of a joint vocational school district shall adopt   a code of conduct for the district and each campus of the district.   In addition to establishing standards for behavior, the code of   conduct shall outline generally the types of prohibited behaviors   and the possible consequences of the behavior. The code of conduct   shall also outline the school's due process procedures with respect   to expulsion. Notwithstanding any other law, a decision of the   board of trustees of a joint vocational school district with   respect to actions taken under the code of conduct is final and may   not be appealed.          (b)  A joint vocational school district may not expel a   student for a reason that is not authorized by Section 37.007 or   specified in the school's code of conduct as conduct that may result   in expulsion.          (c)  Notwithstanding any other law, Section 37.002 is not   applicable to a joint vocational school district unless the board   of trustees of the district determines it is applicable.          Sec. 12B.016.  VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAM. (a) Each   joint vocational school district established under this chapter   shall offer students who enroll in the district a vocational   education program that is aligned with:                (1)  industry-recognized credentials and certificates   included in the inventory required by Section 29.189; or                (2)  industry-defined and industry-recognized skill   standards developed under Section 2308.109, Government Code.          (b)  The board shall establish minimum curriculum   requirements for a vocational education program under this section.   In providing curriculum requirements, the board may not require the   successful completion of more than 12 credits for graduation.          (c)  A joint vocational school district may require the   completion of additional credits that are not included in the   minimum curriculum requirements established by the board, as   requirements for graduation and the issuance of a diploma under a   vocational education program.          (d)  In providing the minimum curriculum requirements under   Subsection (b), the board shall require one-half credit in a course   that provides instruction in the basic knowledge and skills   necessary to:                (1)  successfully run an independent business; and                (2)  develop entrepreneurship.          (e)  The board by rule may provide curriculum standards for   the course described by Subsection (d).          (f)  In offering a vocational education program under this   section, a joint vocational school district may form partnerships   between the district and public junior colleges, public technical   institutes, public state colleges, and any other public   postsecondary institutions in this state offering academic or   technical education or vocational training under a certificate   program or an associate degree program.          (g)  A joint vocational school district may use state funding   received under Section 12B.009 that is available for the purpose to   pay tuition costs for district students receiving academic or   technical education or vocational training from a college or   institution under a partnership entered into under Subsection (f).          Sec. 12B.017.  VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA.   Notwithstanding any other law, agency rule, or district policy, a   student who successfully completes the course requirements for a   vocational school program is entitled to receive a high school   diploma from the joint vocational school district in accordance   with commissioner rules concerning high school graduation   requirements.          Sec. 12B.018.  ASSESSMENT INSTRUMENTS. (a) A joint   vocational school district may adopt and administer assessment   instruments necessary for a student enrolled in the district to   earn an industry-recognized license, credential, or certificate.          (b)  Notwithstanding any other law, the commissioner may not   require that a student enrolled in a joint vocational school   district be administered an assessment instrument under Section   39.023 that is not required to be administered to the student under   federal law.          (c)  The commissioner may not waive the application of   Subsection (b) under Section 7.056 or any other law. This   subsection does not prohibit the commissioner from waiving the   administration of assessment instruments otherwise required to be   administered to students under federal law, in accordance with   waiver authority granted to the commissioner by the United States   Department of Education.          Sec. 12B.019.  EXAM SUBSIDY. A student enrolled in a joint   vocational school district is entitled to an exam subsidy for an   exam administered under Section 12B.018 that qualifies the student   for an industry-recognized license, credential, or certificate.          Sec. 12B.020.  ACHIEVEMENT INDICATORS. (a) The   commissioner shall adopt a set of achievement indicators for joint   vocational school districts based on recommendations provided by   the Texas Workforce Investment Council.          (b)  The achievement indicators adopted by the commissioner   must measure outcomes for joint vocational school districts with   respect to:                (1)  preparing students for success in:                      (A)  achieving industry-recognized licenses,   credentials, and certificates;                      (B)  postsecondary occupational training   programs; and                      (C)  entering the workforce;                (2)  reducing outcome differentials among students   from different racial and ethnic groups and socioeconomic   backgrounds; and                (3)  informing parents and employers regarding the   performance of joint vocational school districts and students who   attended a joint vocational school district.          (c)  Each joint vocational school district shall submit to   the commissioner all relevant information the commissioner   determines necessary to evaluate the joint vocational school   district based on the achievement indicators adopted under this   section.          (d)  The commissioner shall annually publish a report on the   performance of joint vocational school districts based on the   achievement indicators.          Sec. 12B.021.  MINIMUM INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATIONS. (a) A   person employed by a joint vocational school district as an   instructor must have demonstrated subject matter expertise related   to the subject taught, including:                (1)  professional work experience;                (2)  formal training and education;                (3)  holding a relevant, active, industry-recognized   license, credential, or certificate; or                (4)  any combination of Subdivisions (1), (2), and (3).          (b)  A person employed by a joint vocational school district   as an instructor must have received at least 20 hours of classroom   management training as determined by the board of trustees of the   joint vocational school district.          Sec. 12B.022.  REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYMENT OF CERTAIN   EMPLOYEES. A person may not be employed by or serve as a teacher,   librarian, educational aide, administrator, or school counselor at   a joint vocational school district campus unless:                (1)  the person has been approved by the agency   following a review of the person's national criminal history record   information as provided by Section 22.0832; and                (2)  the school has confirmed that the person is not   included in the registry under Section 22.092.          Sec. 12B.023.  MEMBERSHIP IN TEACHER RETIREMENT SYSTEM OF   TEXAS. (a) An employee of a joint vocational school district who   qualifies for membership in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas   shall be covered under the system to the same extent a qualified   employee of a school district is covered.          (b)  For each employee covered under the system, the joint   vocational school district is responsible for making any   contribution that otherwise would be the legal responsibility of   the school district, and the state is responsible for making   contributions to the same extent it would be legally responsible if   the employee were a school district employee.          Sec. 12B.024.  BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS. (a) A   joint vocational school district may partner with private sector   businesses to ensure students have sufficient opportunities to   participate in apprenticeship training programs and other   workplace-based education.          (b)  A joint vocational school district may sponsor   apprenticeship training programs under Chapter 133 in the same   manner as a school district.          SECTION 1.02.  Sections 48.110(c), (d), (e), (f), and (h),   Education Code, are amended to read as follows:          (c)  Each year, the commissioner shall determine for each   school district and each joint vocational school district the   minimum number of annual graduates in each cohort described by   Subsection (b) who would have to demonstrate college, career, or   military readiness as described by Subsection (f) in order for the   district to achieve a percentage of college, career, or military   readiness for that cohort equal to the threshold percentage   established for that cohort under Subsection (b).          (d)  For each annual graduate in a cohort described by   Subsection (b) who demonstrates college, career, or military   readiness as described by Subsection (f) in excess of the minimum   number of students determined for the applicable district cohort   under Subsection (c), a school district or joint vocational school   district is entitled to an annual outcomes bonus of:                (1)  if the annual graduate is educationally   disadvantaged, $5,000;                (2)  if the annual graduate is not educationally   disadvantaged, $3,000; and                (3)  if the annual graduate is enrolled in a special   education program under Subchapter A, Chapter 29, $2,000,   regardless of whether the annual graduate is educationally   disadvantaged.          (e)  A school district or joint vocational school district is   entitled to an outcomes bonus under each subdivision of Subsection   (d) for which an annual graduate qualifies.          (f)  For purposes of this section, an annual graduate   demonstrates:                (1)  college readiness if the annual graduate:                      (A)  achieves college readiness standards used   for accountability purposes under Chapter 39 on the ACT, the SAT, or   an assessment instrument designated by the Texas Higher Education   Coordinating Board under Section 51.334; and                      (B)  during a time period established by   commissioner rule, enrolls at a postsecondary educational   institution;                (2)  career readiness if:                      (A)  the annual graduate:                            (i) [(A)]  achieves college readiness   standards used for accountability purposes under Chapter 39 on the   ACT, the SAT, or an assessment instrument designated by the Texas   Higher Education Coordinating Board under Section 51.334; and                            (ii) [(B)]  during a time period established   by commissioner rule, earns an industry-accepted certificate; or                      (B)  the annual graduate earns an   industry-recognized license, credential, or certificate under a   vocational education program provided under Chapter 12B; and                (3)  military readiness if the annual graduate:                      (A)  achieves a passing score set by the   applicable military branch on the Armed Services Vocational   Aptitude Battery; and                      (B)  during a time period established by   commissioner rule, enlists in the armed forces of the United   States.          (h)  On application by a school district, the commissioner   may allow annual graduates from the district to satisfy the   requirement for demonstrating career readiness under Subsection   (f)(2)(A)(ii) [(f)(2)(B)] by successfully completing a coherent   sequence of courses required to obtain an industry-accepted   certificate.  The district must demonstrate in the application that   the district is unable to provide sufficient courses or programs to   enable students enrolled at the district to earn an   industry-accepted certificate within the time period established   by the commissioner under Subsection (f)(2)(A)(ii) [(f)(2)(B)].     The commissioner by rule shall provide the criteria required for an   application under this subsection.   ARTICLE 2.  VOCATIONAL EDUCATION CHARTER PROGRAMS          SECTION 2.01.  Section 12.056, Education Code, is amended by   adding Subsection (c) to read as follows:          (c)  Notwithstanding Subsection (b), requirements related to   high school graduation under Section 28.025 do not apply to the   issuance of a diploma under a vocational education program for   which a charter is granted under this subchapter if the program is   administered in the same manner as a vocational education program   under Section 12B.016 and in accordance with any applicable rules   of the State Board of Education regarding those programs.   ARTICLE 3.  CONFORMING AMENDMENTS          SECTION 3.01.  Section 21.006(a)(2), Education Code, is   amended to read as follows:                (2)  "Other charter entity" means:                      (A)  a school district operating under a home-rule   school district charter adopted under Subchapter B, Chapter 12;                      (B)  a campus or campus program operating under a   charter granted under Subchapter C, Chapter 12; [and]                      (C)  an entity that contracts to partner with a   school district under Section 11.174(a)(2) to operate a district   campus under a charter granted to the entity by the district under   Subchapter C, Chapter 12; and                      (D)  a joint vocational school district operating   under Chapter 12B.          SECTION 3.02.  Section 21.009(a), Education Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (a)  An applicant for a position described by Section   21.003(a) or (b) with a school district, joint vocational school   district, district of innovation, open-enrollment charter school,   private school, regional education service center, or shared   services arrangement must submit, using a form adopted by the   agency, a pre-employment affidavit disclosing whether the   applicant has ever been charged with, adjudicated for, or convicted   of having an inappropriate relationship with a minor.          SECTION 3.03.  Section 28.016(b), Education Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (b)  The instruction must include information regarding:                (1)  the creation of a high school personal graduation   plan under Section 28.02121;                (2)  the distinguished level of achievement described   by Section 28.025(b-15);                (3)  each endorsement described by Section   28.025(c-1);                (4)  college readiness standards; [and]                (5)  potential career choices and the education needed   to enter those careers; and                (6)  programs of study offered through a joint   vocational school district, if the district is a member district of   a joint vocational school district established under Chapter 12B.          SECTION 3.04.  Section 29.182(b), Education Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (b)  The state plan must include procedures designed to   ensure that:                (1)  all secondary and postsecondary students have the   opportunity to participate in career and technology education   programs;                (2)  the state complies with requirements for   supplemental federal career and technology education funding;                (3)  career and technology education is established as   a part of the total education system of this state and constitutes   an option for student learning that provides a rigorous course of   study consistent with the required curriculum under Section 28.002   and under which a student may receive specific education in a career   and technology program that:                      (A)  incorporates competencies leading to   academic and technical skill attainment;                      (B)  leads to:                            (i)  an industry-recognized license,   credential, or certificate; or                            (ii)  at the postsecondary level, an   associate or baccalaureate degree;                      (C)  includes opportunities for students to earn   college credit for coursework; [and]                      (D)  includes, as an integral part of the program,   participation by students and teachers in activities of career and   technical student organizations supported by the agency and the   State Board of Education; and                      (E)  includes the opportunity for students to   participate in focused vocational education through a vocational   education program offered by a joint vocational school district;   and                (4)  a school district provides, to the greatest extent   possible, to a student participating in a career and technology   education program opportunities to enroll in dual credit courses   designed to lead to a degree, license, or certification as part of   the program.          SECTION 3.05.  Section 48.1101(a), Education Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (a)  The agency shall conduct a study on alternative career   readiness measures for small and rural school districts to   determine if annual graduates demonstrate career readiness under   Section 48.110(f)(2)(A)(ii) [48.110(f)(2)(B)].   ARTICLE 4.  TRANSITION; EFFECTIVE DATE          SECTION 4.01.  This Act applies beginning with the 2021-2022   school year.          SECTION 4.02.  This Act takes effect immediately if it   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, this Act takes effect September 1, 2021.