Bill: SB 1403, 83(R) - 2013

Bill Caption

Relating to public school teachers.

Fiscal Notes

Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for SB1403: a negative impact of ($1,100,000) through the biennium ending August 31, 2015. The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill. To the extent that provisions related to admissions requirements for educator preparation programs results in decreased enrollment at institutions of higher education, those institutions would have a decrease in tuition revenue and there could be general revenue savings associated with the formula. TEA estimates a cost of $500,000 in FY2014 and $300,000 in each subsequent year for the annual cost of living analysis required by the bill. TEA estimates a $300,000 cost in FY2014 to contract for the statewide survey of working conditions for public school teachers. No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

Summary: SB 1403 would provide metrics for the current Educator Preparation Program and the requirements for acceptance into the program. Furthermore, this legislation would require satisfactory performance in order for individuals to receive educator certifications, appraisals would be used as part of a teacher's professional development, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) would determine median teacher salaries and post on their website while also performing a comparative analysis of teaching salaries to comparable professions, providing this information to legislatures. Furthermore, this legislation would require TEA to conduct a survey modeled after North Carolina to assess teachers' working conditions by September 1, 2014 and disclose this information to the public, the TEA would audit professional development requirements by August 1, 2014, and this legislation would make a provision to release time for teachers to participate in current mentoring activities. Furthermore, the Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House of Representatives would be required to create an advisory committee by November 1, 2013 to assess teacher mentorship. Lastly, the TEA, State Board of Educator Certification, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board would be required to review and develop best practices for the teaching profession by September 1, 2014.

Analysis: This legislation seeks to establish best practices to the teaching profession in an effort to enhance educators' ability to teach students. This legislation neither directly supports nor offends our Liberty Principles. We are neutral on SB 1403.

Source URL (retrieved on 04/18/2024 08:04 PM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/83r/sb1403?print_view=true