TITLE 19.EDUCATION

Part 1. TEXAS HIGHER EDUCATION COORDINATING BOARD

Chapter 1. AGENCY ADMINISTRATION

Subchapter A. GENERAL PROVISIONS

19 TAC §1.8

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board proposes amendments to §1.8 of Board rules, concerning Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program. The amendments to the rule will incorporate by reference the rules adopted by the General Services Commission in 1 Texas Administrative Code, §§111.11 - 111.28. The purpose of the amendments to the rule is to comply with the Texas Government Code, Title 10, Subtitle D, Chapter 2161, §21.61.003, which requires state agencies to adopt General Services Commission (GSC) rules governing their HUB program for construction projects and purchases of goods and services paid for with state-appropriated funds. The amendments to the rule conforms to Senate Bill 178, 76th Legislature, which amended Chapter 2161 of the Texas Government Code and directed state agencies to adopt the General Services Commission's rules regarding historically underutilized businesses (HUB) as the agency's own rules.

Gary Prevost, Director of Business Services, has determined that for each year of the first five years these amendments to the rule are in effect, there will be no fiscal impact to state and local governments as a result of the enforcement or administration of the rules. There will be no measurable effect on local employment or the local economy as a result of the proposal.

Mr. Prevost has also determined that for each year of the first five years these proposed amendments to the rules are in effect, the public benefit will be an increased awareness of business opportunities for HUB's and increased opportunities for purchase and contract awards to HUB's. There is no adverse effect on small businesses. There are no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with these sections as proposed. There is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposed amendments to the rule may be submitted to Dr. Don W. Brown, Commissioner of Higher Education, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, P. O. Box 12788, Austin, Texas 78711.

The amendments to the rule is proposed under the Government Code, §2161.003, which requires the board to adopt the rules promulgated by the General Services Commission under Government Code, §2161.002.

The amendments to the rule affect Texas Government Code, Chapter 2161

§1.8.[ Contracts with ] Historically Underutilized Business (HUBs) Program .

In accordance with the Government Code, §2161.003, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (board) adopts by reference the rules of the General Services Commission (GSC) found at Title 1 Texas Administrative Code, §§111.11 - 111.28, concerning the Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program. For purposes of implementing the GSC rules at the board, references to state agency or agency shall be considered to be a reference to the board.

[(a)

A Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) is a business that meets the definition of Historically Underutilized Business as defined in the rules of the General Services Commission.]

[(b)

The Board shall make a good faith effort to utilize HUBs in contracts for construction services, including professional and consulting services, and commodities purchases.]

[(c)

The Board shall make a good faith effort to assist HUBs in receiving a portion of the total contract value of all contracts awarded by the Board in accordance with the percentage goals established by the General Services Commission.]

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on April 30, 2001.

TRD-200102460

Gary Prevost

Director of Business Services

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Proposed date of adoption: July 20, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 427-6162


Chapter 5. PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

Subchapter A. GENERAL PROVISIONS

19 TAC §5.11

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board proposes amendments to §5.11 concerning the Common Admission Application. Specifically, this amendment will bring the rules in line with the method of allocating the cost of the electronic common application among the participating institutions as voted on by the advisory committee

Lois Hollis, Acting Assistant Commissioner for Student Services, has determined that for each year of the first five years the amendments to the rules are in effect, there will be no fiscal implications to state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rules as proposed.

Ms. Hollis has also determined that for each year of the first five years the amendments to the rules are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of administering this amendment to the rules will be that the participating institutions will be charged according to a method voted on by the advisory committee. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic costs to institutions required to comply with the amendments to the rules as proposed. There is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposed amendments to the rules may be submitted to Dr. Don W. Brown, Commissioner of Higher Education, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, P.O. Box 12788, Capitol Station, Austin, Texas 78711.

The amendment to the rules is proposed under the Texas Education Code, §51.763, which provides that the governing board of a university system shall adopt a common admission application form and allow each applicant to apply electronically.

The amendments affect Texas Education Code, §51.763.

§5.11.Common Admission Application.

(a)-(d)

(No change.)

(e)

The Coordinating Board shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with a public institution of higher education to design and implement an electronic common application system for use by the public in applying for admission to Texas general academic teaching institutions and for distribution of the electronic application system to the university(s) designated by the applicant. After the system is implemented, operating costs of the system will be paid for by participating institutions. Each institution will pay a portion of the cost based on the percentage of their enrollment [ or number of applications received ] compared to the total statewide public higher education enrollment based on the pervious year's certified enrollment data [ averaged over the previous five years of certified data ]. The Coordinating Board will monitor the cost of the system and notify the institutions on an annual basis of their share of the cost. Billings for the services for the coming year will be calculated and sent to the institutions in December and payments must be received by September 1.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on April 30, 2001.

TRD-200102457

Gary Prevost

Director of Business Services

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Proposed date of adoption: July 20, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 427-6162


Subchapter T. TOBACCO LAWSUIT SETTLEMENT FUNDS

19 TAC §5.421

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board proposes amendments to §5.421 concerning the Permanent Fund for Minority Health Research and Education. The Coordinating Board first approved rules for the Permanent Fund for Minority Health Research and Education (Texas Education Code §§63.301 - 63.302) in January 2000. The proposed amendments clarify legislative intent by providing an additional criterion for the award of grant funds. The Fund was created by the 76th Legislature to provide funding to higher education institutions from receipts of the Texas Tobacco Lawsuit Settlement. The Coordinating Board is directed to use investment returns from the Fund for the purpose of providing grants to institutions of higher education, including Centers for Teacher Education, that conduct research or education programs that address minority health issues or form partnerships with minority organizations, colleges or universities to conduct research and educational programs that address minority health issues.

Marshall A. Hill, Assistant Commissioner for Universities and Health-Related Institutions, has determined that for each year of the first five years the proposed amendments to the rule are in effect, there will be no fiscal implications to state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule as proposed.

Dr. Hill also has determined that each of the first five years the proposed amendments to the rule is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of administering the section will be the implementation of new or expanded research and educational programs that address minority health issues. There will be no effect on small business. Additional funds provided to individual institutions may have a positive residual effect on local employment.

Comments on the proposed amendments to the rule may be submitted to Dr. Don W. Brown, Commissioner of Higher Education, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, P.O. Box 12788, Capitol Station, Austin, Texas 78711.

The amendments to the rule is proposed under Texas Education Code §63.302, which directs the Coordinating Board to adopt rules for the award of grants from investment returns of the Permanent Fund.

The amendments to the rule affect Texas Education Code, §63.302.

§5.421.Minority Health Research and Education Grant Program.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

General Information. The program, as it applies to this section:

(1)-(6)

(No change.)

(7)

General Selection Criteria - Competitive. Designed to award grants that provide the best overall value to the state. Selection criteria shall be based on:

(A)-(C)

(No change.)

(D)

Other factors to be considered by the Board, including financial ability to perform program, state and regional needs and priorities, whether the eligible institution has been designated as an Historically Black or Hispanic Serving institution by the U.S. Department of Education, ability to continue program after grant period, and past performance.

(8)-(10)

(No change.)

(c)-(h)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on April 30, 2001.

TRD-200102459

Gary Prevost

Director of Business Services

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Proposed date of adoption: July 20, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 427-6162


Chapter 21. STUDENT SERVICES

Subchapter A. GENERAL PROVISIONS

19 TAC §21.3

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board proposes amendments to §21.3 concerning Loan Repayment Deferral and Loan Forgiveness for Emergency Tuition Loans made under the Texas Education Code, §56.051. Specifically, these amendments will clarify that the loans are for both tuition and fees and that institutions are required to offer deferrals to students who would otherwise be deprived of an education due to a lack of financial ability. In addition, the amendments will clarify the dates when repayment must begin if a deferral is granted and clarify that institutions are required to forgive emergency loans to individuals who meet the forgiveness criteria outlined in Board rules.

Lois Hollis, Acting Assistant Commissioner for Student Services has determined that for each year of the first five years the amendments to the rules are in effect, there will be no fiscal implications to state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rules as proposed.

Ms. Hollis has also determined that for each year of the first five years the amendments to the rules are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of administering these amendments to the rules will be an increased number of students given additional time to repay their loans or to have their loans forgiven (in case of severe hardship). This additional time can relieve some of the financial pressure on students and enable them to more successfully concentrate on their studies. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic costs to institutions required to comply with the amendments to the rules as proposed. There is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposed amendments to the rules may be submitted to Dr. Don W. Brown, Commissioner of Higher Education, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, P.O. Box 12788, Capitol Station, Austin, Texas 78711.

The amendments to the rules are proposed under the Texas Education Code, §56.051, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to adopt rules under which each institution of higher education may establish an emergency loan program under which students are loaned money to pay tuition and fees.

The amendments affect Texas Education Code, §56.051.

§21.3.Loan Repayment Deferral and Loan Forgiveness for Emergency Tuition and Fee Loans Made Under Texas Education Code, §56.051.

(a)

An institution shall [ may ] defer the repayment of emergency tuition and fee loans [ made under the provisions of the Texas Education Code, §56. 051 ], in accordance with guidelines adopted by the governing board of the institution. The deferred repayment, however, must begin on the earlier of the following dates: the first day of the ninth month after the last month in which the borrower was enrolled in a public institution of higher education, or the fifth anniversary of the date on which the loan was executed. An institution may extend the time for repayment of loans for students who enroll in graduate or professional degree programs for up to three years, but not longer than one year beyond the time when the student fails to be enrolled in the institution on at least a half-time basis.

(b)

An institution shall [ may ] forgive an emergency loan [ made under provisions of the Texas Education Code, §56. 051 ] to an individual who has been certified by a physician as being physically or mentally incapable of employment , resulting in a financial hardship that [ which ] would make repayment infeasible [ feasible ]. The physician's certification would need to indicate that the individual's extreme financial hardship condition is expected to continue and would likely make repayment infeasible for the succeeding five years.

(c)

An institution shall maintain documentation [ Documentation ] justifying the deferral of repayments or the forgiveness [ forgiving ] of emergency loans [ made under the Education Code §56.051shall be maintained ] for review by the State Auditor.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on April 30, 2001.

TRD-200102455

Gary Prevost

Director of Business Services

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Proposed date of adoption: July 20, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 427-6162


Chapter 22. GRANT AND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS

Subchapter A. GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR ALL GRANT AND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS DESCRIBED IN THIS CHAPTER

19 TAC §22.6

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board proposes amendments to §22.6 concerning the General Provisions for all Grant and Scholarship Programs Described in Chapter 22. Specifically, these amendments will allow for increased efficiency in awarding grant monies to eligible students by allowing for flexibility in setting reallocation dates and by allowing certain financial aid programs to be administered as campus-based programs whereby all awarding and adjustments would be handled locally at the institution of higher education.

Lois Hollis, Acting Assistant Commissioner for Student Services, has determined that for each year of the first five years the amendments to the rules are in effect, there will be no fiscal implications to state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rules as proposed.

Ms. Hollis has also determined that for each year of the first five years the amendments to the rules are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of administering these amendments to the rules will be the increased number of students served. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic costs to institutions required to comply with the amendments to the rules as proposed. There is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposed amendments to the rules may be submitted to Dr. Don W. Brown, Commissioner of Higher Education, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, P.O. Box 12788, Capitol Station, Austin, Texas 78711.

The amendments to the rules are proposed under the Texas Education Code, §56.002, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to establish financial assistance programs to enable qualified students to receive a postsecondary education; §56.503, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to administer the TEXAS Grant program; §61.221, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to provide tuition equalization grants to Texas residents enrolled in any approved private Texas college or university; §61.652, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to establish a scholarship program for professional and vocational nursing students; §61.751, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to establish and administer scholarships for fifth-year accounting students; and Texas Education Code, §61.027.

The amendments affect Texas Education Code, §§56.002, 56.303, 61.221, 61.652, and 61.751; and the Texas Transportation Code, Subchapter F.

§22.6.Awards and Adjustments.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

Allocations and Reallocations. Unless otherwise indicated, institutions will have until a date specified by the Coordinating Board [ November 30 of each year ] to certify all funds allocated to their students. As of that date [ December 1 ], uncertified funds are available for reallocation to students at other institutions on a first come/first served basis. If necessary for ensuring the full use of funds, a second reallocation deadline will be set by the Board, after which time reallocations are continuous until all funds are awarded and disbursed. Reallocation dates are to be announced prior to the start of each year to enable institutions to plan accordingly [ Once all uncertified funds are reallocated, allotments to students at each institution are fixed until March 15. After March 15, reallocations are continuous until all funds are awarded and disbursed ].

(c)

Certification and Disbursement Procedures. Unless otherwise indicated, on receipt of certification by the program officer of the amount of the grant or scholarship for which the student is eligible, the commissioner or another designated member of the staff of the board shall request such funds from the state comptroller's office and forward the funds to the institution for disbursement to the student or for crediting to the student's account. Institutions approved to administer a grant program as a campus-based program shall periodically be disbursed funds in lump-sum amounts based on receipt of certification by the Program Officer of the amounts required to meet recent disbursements to students, or to cover disbursements to be made within three days of the receipt of the state funds.

(d)-(h)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on April 30, 2001.

TRD-200102456

Gary Prevost

Director of Business Services

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Proposed date of adoption: July 20, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 427-6162


Subchapter I. PROVISIONS FOR THE FIFTH-YEAR ACCOUNTING STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

19 TAC §22.163

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board proposes an amendment to §22.163 concerning the Fifty-Year Accounting Student Scholarship Program. Specifically, this amendment will require recipients to have completed at least 15 hours of accounting when they receive their scholarships, thus increasing the probability that an award recipient will pursue a career in accounting.

Lois Hollis, Acting Assistant Commissioner for Student Services has determined that for each year of the first five years the amendments to the rules are in effect, there will be no fiscal implications to state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rules as proposed.

Ms. Hollis has also determined that for each year of the first five years the amendment to the rules is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of administering this amendment to the rules will be an increased percentage of the students receiving scholarships who go on to sit for the Texas Certified Public Accountancy examination and pursue careers in accounting. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic costs to institutions required to comply with the amendments to the rules as proposed. There is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposed amendments to the rules may be submitted to Dr. Don W. Brown, Commissioner of Higher Education, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, P.O. Box 12788, Capitol Station, Austin, Texas 78711.

The amendment to the rules is proposed under the Texas Education Code, §61.751, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to establish and administer scholarships for fifth-year accounting students.

The amendments affect Texas Education Code, §61.751.

§22.163.Eligible Students.

(a)

To receive funds, a student must

(1)

meet the general eligibility requirements of this chapter,

(2)

have completed at least 120 credit hours of college work, including at least 15 hours of accounting, and

(3)

(No change.)

(b)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on April 30, 2001.

TRD-200102458

Gary Prevost

Director of Business Services

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Proposed date of adoption: July 20, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 427-6162


Part 2. TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY

Chapter 150. COMMISSIONER'S RULES CONCERNING EDUCATOR APPRAISAL

Subchapter AA. TEACHER APPRAISAL

19 TAC §150.1006, §150.1008

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) proposes amendments to §150.1006 and §150.1008, concerning the educator appraisal system. Section 150.1006 establishes qualifications of teacher appraisers, including required training. Section 150.1008 describes appraisal training opportunities that are to be available for teachers. The proposed amendments revise the requirements to become a certified appraiser for the commissioner's recommended teacher appraisal system, the Professional Development System (PDAS), and expand professional development opportunities for teachers.

The Texas Teacher Appraisal System (TTAS) was developed and implemented in the spring of 1986 to support the Texas Teacher Career Ladder. All administrators who were appraisers at the time were trained and certified. Simultaneously, Instructional Leadership Training (ILT) was developed and implemented. The ILT was a 36-hour training program designed to help appraisers understand and identify quality instruction in order to help teachers use more effective instruction in the classroom as they were implementing TTAS. In 1991, the 72nd Texas Legislature deleted the Texas Teacher Career Ladder and allowed districts to continue using TTAS or to develop their own teacher appraisal system with the commissioner's approval. In 1995, the 74th Texas Legislature approved provisions for a teacher appraisal system to be recommended by the commissioner that would hold teachers accountable for discipline management procedures and for the performance of the teachers' students.

In 1997, the PDAS was developed and implemented, fulfilling the requirement of the legislation. Since this time districts could adopt PDAS or develop their own teacher appraisal system with the review of the district decision-making committee and the approval of the local board of trustees. Currently, more than 90 percent of Texas school districts are using the PDAS. In order for incoming administrators to be more effective instructional leaders in the implementation of the PDAS, the commissioner directed staff and other educators to develop Instructional Leadership Development (ILD) training.

Currently, 19 TAC §150.1006 requires satisfactory completion of ILT to become a certified appraiser for PDAS. The proposed amendment to this section would incorporate the requirement of satisfactory completion of the revised ILD training to become a certified appraiser for PDAS and establishes dates to phase in the new ILD training as a replacement for ILT. Section 150.1008 lists ILT as training in which all teachers are eligible to participate. The proposed amendment to this section adds ILD training as an available professional development opportunity.

Robert Muller, associate commissioner for continuing education and school improvement, has determined that for the first five-year period the sections are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the sections.

Mr. Muller and Criss Cloudt, associate commissioner for accountability reporting and research, have determined that for each year of the first five years the sections are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the sections will be that administrators are better prepared to support teachers in enhancing student learning. There will not be an effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the sections as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Criss Cloudt, Accountability Reporting and Research, 1701 North Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701, (512) 463-9701. Comments may also be submitted electronically to rules@tea.state.tx.us or faxed to (512) 475-3499. All requests for a public hearing on the proposed sections submitted under the Administrative Procedure Act must be received by the commissioner of education not more than 15 calendar days after notice of a proposed change in the sections has been published in the Texas Register .

The amendments are proposed under the Texas Education Code, §21.351, which authorizes the commissioner of education to adopt a recommended appraisal process and criteria on which to appraise the performance of teachers.

The proposed amendments implement the Texas Education Code, §21.351.

§150.1006.Appraiser Qualifications.

(a)

The teacher-appraisal process requires at least one appraiser.

(b)

The teacher's supervisor shall conduct the teacher's appraisal and must hold a superintendent, mid-management (principal), or supervisor certification, or must hold comparable certificates established by the State Board for Educator Certification. An appraiser other than the teacher's supervisor must be approved by the school district board of trustees, hold a valid teaching certificate, and have at least three years of prekindergarten, elementary, or secondary teaching experience.

(c)

An appraiser who is a classroom teacher may not appraise the performance of another classroom teacher who teaches at the same school campus at which the appraiser teaches, unless it is impractical because of the number of campuses or unless the appraiser is the chair of a department or grade-level whose job description includes classroom observation responsibilities.

(d)

Before conducting an appraisal, an appraiser must be certified by having satisfactorily completed uniform appraiser training, including required Instructional Leadership Training (ILT) or Instructional Leadership Development (ILD) training , with a trainer and curriculum approved by the commissioner of education. Periodic recertification and training shall be required.

(1)

Educators certified as appraisers for the Texas Teacher Appraisal System (TTAS) before January 1997 shall be required to take only the Professional Development and Appraisal System (PDAS) training to qualify as a certified appraiser for the new system. Beginning June 1, 2002, individuals seeking to become PDAS appraisers must comply with requirements specified in subsection (d)(3) of this section.

(2)

Educators seeking certification as an appraiser for the PDAS after January 1, 1997, and no later than June 1, 2002, holding no prior TTAS certification, shall be required to complete the ILT or ILD training and the PDAS training with the successful completion of ILT or ILD training as a prerequisite to the PDAS training .

(3)

Educators seeking certification as an appraiser for the PDAS after June 1, 2002, shall be required to complete ILD training and the PDAS training with successful completion of ILD training as a prerequisite to the PDAS training.

§150.1008.Training of Teacher Participants.

(a)

In the initial year of adoption and implementation of the Professional Development and Appraisal System (PDAS), selected teachers from each campus shall be given the opportunity to participate in the appraisal training for purposes of disseminating information to colleagues on their campus and assisting, at the discretion of the principal, in the orientation of all campus teachers. These teachers shall be designated as appraisal-orientation facilitators.

(1)

Each campus shall offer the opportunity to participate in appraisal training to a number of teachers equal to the number of campus administrators; however, each campus shall have at least one teacher participant.

(2)

The principal shall select representative teachers from nominations submitted by the site-based decision making (SBDM) committee created in accordance with Texas Education Code, §11.251. The principal may select representatives other than those nominated by the SBDM committee when nominated teachers are unable to attend appraisal training.

(3)

Each school district shall pay the training fees for its teachers attending the PDAS appraisal training.

(b)

School districts and regional education service centers shall make available additional training for teachers as part of the district's and education service center's menu of professional development opportunities. All teachers are eligible to participate in appraisal and/or Instructional Leadership Training or Instructional Leadership Development training at their own expense. Executive directors of regional education service centers may prescribe appropriate registration fees to offset the cost of providing these services.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on May 3, 2001.

TRD-200102529

Criss Cloudt

Associate Commissioner, Accountability Reporting and Research

Texas Education Agency

Earliest possible date of adoption: June 17, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-9701