SB 21, TECEC PRIORITY BILL, relating to full-day high-quality pre-k programs,Co-authors added, 1/27/09

Senator Kirk Watson and Senator Jeff Wentworth have recently signed on as Co-authors of Senate Bill 21.

SB 21 is a TECEC PRIORITY BILL: Take action to support this important legislation

SB 21, authored by Senator Zaffirini et al, amends the Texas Education Code and 1) authorizes the operation of half and/or full day prekindergarten program, and 2) establishes criteria for class sizes, staffing, and curriculum, and, 3) authorizes the formation of partnerships between school districts and community providers to provide a percentage of the services offered by the expanded pre K program and establishes exceptions to the community partnerships, and 4) defines criteria for eligibility of community partners, and 5) requires a written contractual agreement between the school district and community providers, and 6) delineates criteria for minimum funding for community providers, and 7) establishes annual reporting standards, and 8) establishes duties of the commissioner and authorizes the commissioner to adopt rules needed to implement the program, and 9) delineates restrictions of funding for the program, and 10) establishes a funded requirement for an annual evaluation of the enhanced pre K program. This bill also amends the Texas Education Code authorizing eligibility of enhanced pre K students for school funding and establishing criteria for calculating funding for eligible students. The Companion bill to this bill is HB 130, authored by Representative Diane Patrick.

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/SB00021I.htm