89R15286 AND-D     By: McQueeney H.B. No. 4963       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to the assignment of family engagement specialists at   public schools.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Subchapter Z, Chapter 33, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 33.918 to read as follows:          Sec. 33.918.  FAMILY ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST. (a) A school   district or open-enrollment charter school shall assign at least   one family engagement specialist to each district or school campus.          (b)  The duties of a family engagement specialist assigned   under this section may include:                (1)  supporting strategies for building relationships   between parents and students to increase parent involvement and   empowerment;                (2)  assisting teachers and staff with contacting   parents of students daily, especially regarding academic support   and attendance concerns;                (3)  educating families of students regarding   communication tools and opportunities;                (4)  facilitating parent learning opportunities,   outreach, and informational sessions that emphasize early   education for career and college readiness;                (5)  coordinating with support staff to assist families   of students with accessing school- and community-based support   services;                (6)  assisting with communication and interaction   throughout the campus to provide increased opportunities for parent   involvement;                (7)  communicating with the principal and staff to   ensure the campus exceeds the requirements for parent and family   engagement under Title I, Elementary and Secondary Education Act of   1965 (20 U.S.C. Section 6318); and                (8)  supporting and promoting activities that   contribute to a positive school experience for students and their   families.          SECTION 2.  A school district and open-enrollment charter   school shall assign an employee to act as a family engagement   specialist at each district or school campus as required by Section   33.918, Education Code, as added by this Act, as soon as practicable   after the effective date of this Act.          SECTION 3.  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, 2025.