SB 81, relating to certain providers of subsidized child care, is scheduled for public hearing on 3/3/2009

SB 81 has been scheduled for a public hearing.

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB81

HB 620, referring to behavioral health services for children and establishment of the Children's Behavioral Health..., referred to committee 2/26/2009

HB 620, originally referred to the House committee on Human Services, has had the referral corrected and is now referred to the House committee on Public Health.

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB620

49 Texas legislators have signed on to support TECEC priority bills SB 21 and HB 130!

49 legislators (40 representatives and 9 senators) have become Joint- and Co-Authors of SB 21 and HB 130!

Check out the list below:

SB 21:
Sen. Carona (Joint Author),
Sen. Hinojosa (Joint Author),
Sen. Lucio Jr. (Joint Author),
Sen. Uresti (Joint Author),
Sen. Van de Putte (Joint Author),
Sen. Davis (Co-Author),
Sen. Shapleigh (Co-Author),
Sen. Watson (Co-Author), and
Sen. Wentworth (Co-Author)

HB 130:
Rep. Eissler (Joint Author),
Rep. Anchia (Joint Author),
Rep. Pitts (Joint Author),
Rep. Thompson (Joint Author),
Rep. Allen (Co-Author),
Rep. Alvarado (Co-Author),
Rep. Bohac (Co-Author),
Rep. Bolton (Co-Author),
Rep. Bonnen (Co-Author),
Rep. Burnam (Co-Author),
Rep. Cohen (Co-Author),
Rep. Edwards (Co-Author),
Rep. Farabee (Co-Author),
Rep. Farias (Co-Author),
Rep. Fletcher (Co-Author),
Rep. Flores (Co-Author),
Rep. Gonzales (Co-Author),
Rep. Guillen (Co-Author),
Rep. Gutierrez (Co-Author),
Rep. Donna Howard (Co-Author),
Rep. Jim Jackson (Co-Author),
Rep. Kent (Co-Author)
Rep. Phil King (Co-Author),
Rep. Lucio III (Co-Author),
Rep. Maldanado (Co-Author),
Rep. Martinez Fischer (Co-Author),
Rep. McReynolds (Co-Author),
Rep. Sid Miller (Co-Author),
Rep. Naishtat (Co-Author),
Rep. Pierson (Co-Author),
Rep. Quintanilla (Co-Author),
Rep. Rodriguez (Co-Author),
Rep. Rose (Co-Author),
Rep. Shelton (Co-Author),
Rep. Sylvester Turner (Co-Author),
Rep. Vaught (Co-Author),
Rep. Veasey (Co-Author),
Rep. Villarreal (Co-Author),
Rep. Walle (Co-Author), and
Rep. Woolley (Co-Author)

SB 649, relating to the ability of an employee to participate in certain school related activities of the employee's child, filed 2/3/2009

SB 649, authored by Senator Van de Putte, amends the Texas Labor Code and establishes guidelines for a parent to be absent from a place of employment to attend school functions for a child who is a legal dependent of the employee.

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB649

HB 1393, relating to an exemption for certain facilities from the child-care licensing requirements, filed 2/18/2009

HB 1393, authored by Representative Leibowitz, amends the Human Resources Code and adds an exemption to licensing requirements for facilities that provide focused instruction less than three hours per day.

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB1393

HB 1123, relating to the exemption for certain programs from the child care licensing requirements, filed 2/9/2009

HB 1123, authored by Representative Homer, amends the Human Resources Code and adds an exemption to licensing requirenments for non-profit elementary age recreational programs.

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB1123

HB 1005, relating to the ability of an employee to participate in certain school related activities of the employee's child, filed 2/3/2009

HB 1005, authored by Representative McLendon, amends the Texas Labor Code and establishes guidelines for a parent to be absent from a place of employment to attend school functions for a child who is a legal dependent of the employee. Companion to SB 649 by Van de Putte.

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB1005

HB 862, relating to eligibility for the child health plan, filed 1/29/2009

HB 862, authored by Representative Naishtat, amends the Texas Health and Safety Code to reestablish eligibility for enrollment at 300 percent of federal poverty level. Further establishes criteria for enrollment of ineligible children in families who do not meet the requirements because of family income above the established threshold.

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB862

HB 326, relating to limits on the size of prekindergarten classes in public schools, referred to committee on 2/17/2009

HB 326 has been referred to the House committee on Public Education.

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB326

HB 188, relating to the rights of children and the education of parents regarding their duties as parents, referred to committee 2/12/2009

HB 188 has been referred to the House committee on Human Services.

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB188

SB 648, relating to the right of a parent of a child enrolled in special education..., referred to committee 2/23/2009

SB 648 has been referred to the Senate committee on Business & Commerce.

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB648

SB 648, relating to the right of a parent of a child enrolled in special education to take time off work to meet with school personnel, filed 2/3/2009

SB 648, authored by Senator Van de Putte, amends the Texas Labor Code to establish the rights of a parent guaranteeing leave time when meeting with persons involved in the care and education of a child enrolled in a special education program. Companion to HB 615 by Turner.

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB648

SB 572, relating to the provision of transportation safety training requirements for certain child-care providers, referred to committee on 2/23/2009

SB 572 has been referred to the Senate committee on Health and Human Services.

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB572

SB 572, relating to the provision of transportation safety training requirements for certain child-care providers, filed 1/28/2009

SB 572, authored by Senator Shapiro, amends the Texas Human Resources Code mandating annual training for child care providers about safety of children younger than nine years of age being transported while under the care of a facility responsible for the care of the child.

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB572

SB 451, relating to staff development requirements in public schools, referred to committee on 2/17/2009

SB 451 has been referred to the Senate committee on Education.

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB451

SB 382, relating to a competitive grant program to fund promotion of early literacy programs in some communities, referred to committee on 2/17/2009

SB 382 has been referred to the Senate committee on Education.

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB382

HB 1001, relating to limits on the size of public school classes in prekindergarten, kindergarten, and grades 1-4, referred to committee on 2/23/2009

HB 1001 has been referred to the House committee on Public Education.

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB1001

HB 1001, relating to limits on the size of public school classes in prekindergarten, kindergarten, and grades one through four, filed 2/03/2009

HB 1001, authored by Representative Bolton, amends the Texas Education Code to expand the guidelines regarding limitations on class sizes to include prekindergarten programs. The bill also modifiues the exceptions to class size limitations for public school programs only.

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB1001

Watch Senate Education Committee hearing in progress now, 2/24/09

The Senate Committee on Public Education is meeting right now. You can watch at:

http://www.senate.state.tx.us/ram/helix/ch7.ram

An amazing 42 legislators have signed on in support of HB 130 and SB 21!, TECEC priority bills!

42 Texas Legislators have been named as Joint or Co-authors of SB 21 and HB 130

The growing list is below:

SB 21:
Senator Zaffirini (Author)
Senator Carona (Joint Author)
Senator Hinojosa (Joint Author)
Senator Lucio (Joint Author)
Senator Uresti (Joint Author)
Senator Van de Putte (Joint Author)
Senator Wendy Davis (Co-Author)
Senator Shapleigh
Senator Watson
Senator Wentworth

HB 130:

Representative Patrick (Author)
Representative Eissler (Joint Author)
Representative Anchia (Joint Author)
Representative Pitts (Joint Author)
Representative Thompson (Joint Author)
Representative Allen (Co-Author)
Representative Alvarado (Co-Author)
Representative Bohac (Co-Author)
Representative Bonnen (Co-Author)
Representative Burnam (Co-Author)
Representative Cohen (Co-Author)
Representative Edwards (Co-Author)
Representative Farias (Co-Author)
Representative Fletcher (Co-Author)
Representative Gonzales (Co-Author)
Representative Gutierrez (Co-Author)
Representative Jim Jackson (Co-Author)
Representative Phil King (Co-Author)
Representative Lucio III (Co-Author)
Representative Maldonado (Co-Author)
Representative Martinez Fischer (Co-Author)
Representative Sid Miller (Co-Author)
Representative Naishtat (Co-Author)
Representative Pierson (Co-Author)
Representative Quintanilla (Co-Author)
Representative Rose (Co-Author)
Representative Shelton (Co-Author)
Representative Sylvester Turner (Co-Author)
Representative Vaught (Co-Author)
Representative Veasey (Co-Author)
Representative Villarreal (Co-Author)
Representative Walle (Co-Author)

HB 368, relating to site-based public school discipline policy committees, referred to committee, 2/17/09

HB 368 was referred to the House Committee on Public Education, 2/17/09

HB 415, Relating to the regulation of employer-based day-care facilitie, referred to committee 2/18

HB 415 was referred to the House Committee on Human Services, 2/18/09

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/HB00415I.htm

HB 415, Relating to a competitive grant program to fund promotion of early literacy programs in certain communities.., referred to committee 2/18

HB was referred to the House Committee on Higher Education 2/18/09

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/HB00415I.htm

HB 429, relating to a competitive grant program to fund...early literacy programs in certain communities in this state, referred to committee 2/18

HB 429 was referred to the House Committee on Higher Education 2/18/09

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/HB00429I.htm

HB 484, relating to reports of incidents of bulling at public schools and public school activities, referred to committee 2/19/09

HB 484 was referred to the House Committee on Public Education on 2/18/09

Full Text: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/HB00484I.htm

HB 504, an offense for a parent's contribution to a child's failure to comply w/ a .. court order on a..disruption of class, referred to commitee 2/18

HB 504 was referred to the House Committee on Public Education on 2/18/09

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/HB00504I.htm

HB 511, relating to staff development requirements in public schools, referred to committee 2/18/09

HB 511 has been referred to the House Committee on Public Education

Full Text: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/HB00511I.htm

HB 540, bullying as a ground for removing a..student from class and..for... a disciplinary alternative ed. program, referred to committee 2/18/09

HB 540 has been referred to the House Committee on Public Education

Full Text: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/HB00540I.htm

HB 601, Relating to licensing requirements of DFPS for certain facilities and homes providing child care, referred to committee on 2/18/09

HB 601 has been referred to the House Committee on Human Services

Full Text: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/HB00601I.htm

HB 615..the right of.. a parent of a child..in spec. ed. to take time off..to meet w/persons affecting the education..., referred to committe 2/18/09

HB 615 has been referred to the House Committee on Business and Industry

Full Text: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/HB00615I.htm

HB 620, relating to behavioral health services for children and establishment of the Children's Behavioral Health Council, referred to committee, 2/18

HB 620, has been referred to the the House Committee on Human Services.

Full Text: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/HB00620I.htm

HB 635, ...authority of the TEA to seek...and distribute grants available for the benefit of public ..education, referred to committee, 2/18/09

HB 635 has been referred to the House Committee on Public Education.

Full Text: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/HB00620I.htm

32 Texas Legislators have joined in support of HB 130 and SB 21! TECEC PRIORITY BILLS

22 Texas House Representatives have signed on as either a Joint Author or Co-Author of HB 130. New Co-authors include:
Representative Alma Allen, Representative Carol Alvarado, Representative Phil King, Representative Diana Maldonado, Representative Mark Shelton, Representative Allen Vaught, and Representative Marc Veasey.

10 Texas Senators have signed on as Joint Authors or Co-Authors of SB 21.
Senator Wendy Davis has been added as the latest Co-Author of SB 21!

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

at 11:30 PM

HB 85, relating to the salary paid to certain professional employees of public schools, referred to committee, 2/10/09

HB 85 has been referred to the House Committee on Public Education

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/HB00085I.htm

HB 88, relating to the use of revenue from a tax increment fund to acquire, construct...educational facilities, referred to committee 2/10/09

HB 88 has been referred to the House Committee on Way and Means

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/HB00088I.htm

HB 130, TECEC PRIORITY BILL, relating to full-day high quality pre-k programs, referred to committee 2/12/09

HB 130 has been referred to the House Committee on Public Education

HB 130 is a TECEC PRIORITY BILL: Take Action on this important Legislation

HB 130, authored by Representative Patrick, 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. Companion to SB 21 introduced by Zaffirini, et al.

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/HB00130I.htm

HB 136, relating to providing notification to parents of eligible children of the availability of pre-k classes

HB 136, has been referred to the House Committee on Public Education.

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/HB00136I.htm

HB 159, relating to unstructured activity requirements for public elementary school students, referred to committee 2/12/09

HB 159, has been referred to the House Committee on Public Education

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/HB00159I.htm

HB 172, relating to the ...notice of a parent of a...school student of disciplinary action taken against the student, referred to Committee 2/10/09

HB 172, Has been referred to the House Committee on Public Education

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/HB00172I.htm

HB 174, relating to adoption of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, referred to committee 2/12/09

HB 174, has been referred to the House Committee on Public Education.

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/HB00174I.htm

HB 54, relating to the information required to be provided in or with an ad valorem tax bill for school district taxes, referred to committee 2/12/200

HB 54 was referred to the House Ways and Means committee 2/12/2009.

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB54

HB 53, relating to the equalized wealth level and the guaranteed yield under the school finance system, referred to committee 2/12/2009

HB 53 was referred to the House committee on Public Education 2/12/2009.

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB53

HB 41, relating to the creation of a public education voucher program for certain children, referred to committee 2/12/2009

HB 41 was referred to the House committee on Public Education on 2/12/2009

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB41

New House Committee Appointments Announced Today! 2/11/09

Speaker of the House, Representative Joe Straus, announced his House Committee appointments today. You can read all of the Committee Appointments here.

Of particular interest to early education advocates, the House Public Education appointments are as follows:

Chair:	Rep. Rob Eissler
Vice Chair:	Rep. Scott Hochberg
Members:	Rep. Alma Allen
	Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock
	Rep. Harold V. Dutton, Jr.
	Rep. Joe Farias
	Rep. Jim Jackson
	Rep. Dora Olivo
	Rep. Diane Patrick
	Rep. Mark Shelton
	Rep. Randy Weber

SB 308, Relating to the number of charters the State Board of Education may grant for open-enrollment charter schools, referred to Committee, 2/11/09

SB 308 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Education

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/SB00308I.htm

SB 300, relating to eliminating certain mandates on school districts, referred to Committee, 2/11/09

SB 300, has been referred to the Senate Committee on Education

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/SB00300I.htm

SB 205, Relating to the Texas Partnership for Children in Nature, referred to Committee 2/11/09

SB 205 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture on Rural Affairs

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/SB00205I.htm

30 Texas Legislators have joined in support of HB 130 and SB 21! TECEC PRIORITY BILLS

**repost
20 Texas House Representatives have signed on as either a Joint Author or Co-Author of HB 130. New Co-authors include:
Representative Carol Alvarado, Representative Phil King, Representative Diana Maldonado, Representative Mark Shelton, Representative Allen Vaught, and Representative Marc Veasey.

10 Texas Senators have signed on as Joint Authors or Co-Authors of SB 21.
Senator Wendy Davis has been added as the latest Co-Author of SB 21!

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

SB 21, TECEC PRIORITY BILL, relating to full-day high-quality pre-k programs, referred to committee 2/10/09

SB 21 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Education

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.

SB 49, relating to certain requirements applicable to the State Center for Early Childhood Development, referred to committee 2/10/09

SB 49 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Education

FULL TEXT: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/SB00049I.htm

SB 59, relating to training for employees and operators of certain child care facilities, referred to committee 2/10/09

SB 59 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services

FULL TEXT: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/SB00059I.htm

SB 67 relating to background checks for operators & employees of...facilities…serving children...or...the disabled, referred to committe, 2/10/09

SB 67 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services

FULL TEXT: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/SB00067I.htm

SB 68, relating to licensing and inspection requirements of the DFPS for...facilities and homes providing child care, referred to Committee, 02/10/09

SB 68 Relating to licensing and inspection requirements of the Department of Family and Protective Services for certain facilities and homes providing child care; providing penalties, referred to Senate Sub Committee on Health and Human Services.

FULL TEXT: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/SB00068I.htm

SB 81, relating to certain providers of subsidized child care, referred to Committee, 02/10/09

SB Relating to certain providers of subsidized child care, referred to Senate Sub Committee on Health and Human Services.

FULL TEXT: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/SB00081I.htm

SB 90, relating to adoption of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, referred to Committee, 02/10/09

SB 90 Relating to adoption of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, referred to Senate Sub Committee of Veteran Affairs of Military Installations.

FULL TEXT: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/SB00090I.htm

SB 100, relating...to...teachers and paraprofessionals regarding education of students with disabilities, referred to Committee, 02/10/09

SB 100: Relating to professional development institutes for public school teachers and paraprofessionals regarding education of students with disabilities, referred to Senate Sub Committee on Education.

FULL TEXT: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/SB00100I.htm

SB 122, relating to the availability of free prekindergarten programs in public schools, referred to Committee, 02/10/09

SB Relating to the availability of free prekindergarten programs in public schools, referred to Senate Sub Committee on Education.

FULL TEXT: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/SB00122I.htm

SB 156, relating to limits on the size of prekindergarten classes in public schools, referred to Committee, 02/10/09

SB 156 Relating to limits on the size of prekindergarten classes in public schools, was referred to the Senate Sub Committee on Education.

FULL TEXT: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/SB00156I.htm

SB 186, Relating to eligible recipients of certain grants awarded by the commissioner of education, referred to committee, 02/10/09

SB 186, Relating to eligible recipients of certain grants awarded by the commissioner of education, was referred to the Senate Sub Committee on Education.

FULL TEXT: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/SB00186I.htm

SB 196, Relating to an allotment under the foundation school program for certain students who are military dependents, referred to Committee, 2/10/09

SB 196, Relating to an allotment under the foundation school program for certain students who are military dependents, was referred to the Senate Sub Committee on Base Realignment and Closure.

FULL TEXT: www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/SB00196I.htm

30 Texas Legislators have joined in support of HB 130 and SB 21! TECEC PRIORITY BILLS

20 Texas House Representatives have signed on as either a Joint Author or Co-Author of HB 130. New Co-authors include:
Representative Carol Alvarado, Representative Phil King, Representative Diana Maldonado, Representative Mark Shelton, Representative Allen Vaught, and Representative Marc Veasey.

10 Texas Senators have signed on as Joint Authors or Co-Authors of SB 21.
Senator Wendy Davis has been added as the latest Co-Author of SB 21!

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

SB 21,TECEC PRIORITY BILL, relating to full-day high quality pre-k programs, Co-author added, 2/02/09

Senator Eliot Shapleigh has been added as a co-author of SB 21!


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

Congratulate Senate Committee on Education appointees: take action

The pace is picking up in the Texas Legislature! As you may know already, last Friday, Texas Senate Committee appointments were made.

The Senate Committee on Education always plays a critical role in the passage of high-quality early care and education bills, so we wanted to give our supporters the opportunity to congratulate the members of that committee. On the first day of the Texas Legislature, TECEC supporters were among some of the most active advocates, sending an amazing number of emails to legislators in support of our #1 priority, Senate Bill 21 and House Bill 130, relating to full-day high-quality pre-k programs with an emphasis on community based partnerships.

TECEC members, be the first to congratulate Senate Commitee on Education members on their recent appointment!

Senate Committee on Education appointees: Senator Florence Shapiro (Chair) Senator Dan Patrick (Vice Chair) Senator Kip Averitt Senator Wendy Davis Senator Mario Gallegos Jr. Senator Steve Ogden Senator Leticia Van de Putte Senator Royce West Senator Tommy Williams

We hope that early education advocates will take this opportunity to welcome the Senate Committee on Education members and get the message out to them about the importance of passing Senate Bill 21 and its companion, HB 130!