Relating to improving training and staff development for primary and secondary educators to enable them to more effectively serve all students.

SB 293 would require the State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) to propose rules specifying what each educator is expected to know with regard to students with disabilities and the minimum amount of academic qualifications required for a certificate. This bill would also require training requirements to include: (1) demonstration of basic knowledge of each disability category under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and how each category can affect student learning; (2) competence in the use of proactive instructional planning techniques; and (3) competence in the use of evidence-based inclusive instructional practices.

This bill would also require the minimum academic qualification for a certificate to require that the person receive, as part of the training to obtain that certificate, instruction in detection and education of students with dyslexia. It would delete the requirement that any minimum academic qualifications for a certificate that require a person to possess a bachelor's degree also require that the person receives instruction and detection and education of students with dyslexia.

Texas Action remains neutral on SB 293 because it does not affect our liberty principles.