TITLE 19. EDUCATION

PART 1. TEXAS HIGHER EDUCATION COORDINATING BOARD

CHAPTER 4. RULES APPLYING TO ALL PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN TEXAS

SUBCHAPTER H. P-16 COLLEGE READINESS AND SUCCESS

19 TAC §4.177

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board proposes amendments to §4.177, concerning Criteria for Student Participation and Institutional and Public School Eligibility for Implementing Programs to Enhance Student Success. Specifically, the amendments to this section replace the term "Summer" with "Higher" and clarify that "Higher Education Bridge Programs" will be provided to eligible students during summer or other time frames approved by the Coordinating Board. Social Science will be added to the focus of the summer program. A definition of intensive programs is added and clarifies the purpose of the program, student eligibility, as well as requirements for the implementation of the program. The amendments are mandated by Senate Bill 2258, 81st Texas Legislature, and reflect changes to the program requirements for Higher Education Bridging Programs for the 2010-2011 academic year and later.

Dr. Judy Loredo, Assistant Commissioner for P-16 Initiatives, has determined that for each year of the first five years the section is in effect, there will not be any fiscal implications to state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rules.

Dr. Loredo has also determined that for each year of the first five years the section is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of administering the section will be more clarity regarding program requirements and consistency in administering all higher education bridging programs. There is no effect on small businesses. There are no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the section as proposed. There is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Belinda Perez-Hernandez, P.O. Box 12788, Austin, Texas 78711, (512) 427-6209, belinda.hernandez@thecb.state.tx.us. Comments will be accepted for 30 days following publication of the proposal in the Texas Register.

The amendments are proposed under the Texas Education Code, §61.0762, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to adopt rules to implement higher education bridging programs.

The amendments affect Texas Education Code, §61.0762.

§4.177.Criteria for Student Participation and Institutional and Public School Eligibility for Implementing Programs to Enhance Student Success.

(a) Higher [Summer] education bridge programs. The purpose of this program is for institutions of higher education to provide public high school students and other eligible students who are not college-ready with appropriate instruction and other activities during summer or other timeframes approved by the Coordinating Board [ programs] to ensure eligible students achieve college readiness.

(1) Only institutions offering [summer] bridge programs outlined under Texas Education Code, §61.0762, shall be subject to this subsection.

(2) The [Each year for which the state appropriations or other funding is available, the] commissioner or his/her designee shall issue a request for proposal/application, memorandum of understanding, or other agreement for institutions to implement [summer] bridge programs under this subsection. The focus of these programs shall include mathematics, science, social science, and/or English language arts for the following categories of public high school students:

(A) - (B) (No change.)

(3) Other qualifications or requirements for student participation, public school eligibility, and institutional eligibility for implementing [summer] bridge programs shall be outlined in the request for proposal/application, memorandum of understanding, or other agreement.

(b) Developmental education initiatives. The purpose of this program is to provide incentive funding to institutions who commit to implementing research-based and/or innovative developmental education initiatives.

(1) (No change.)

(2) The [Each year for which the state appropriations or other funding is available, the] commissioner or his/her designee shall issue a request for proposal/application, memorandum of understanding, or other agreement for institutions to implement developmental education initiatives under this subsection. The focus of these programs shall include mathematics, science, social science, and/or English language arts for students who have not met the minimum passing standards for college readiness as outlined under §4.57 of this title [(relating to Minimum Passing Standards) ] or who are not exempt from requirements of the Texas Success Initiative as outlined under §4.54 of this title [(relating to Exemptions/Exceptions)].

(c) Intensive programs. The purpose of this program is for institutions of higher education to provide eligible students who are at risk of dropping out of college with appropriate instruction and other activities during summer or other timeframes approved by the Coordinating Board to ensure students persist and complete an undergraduate credential or degree.

(1) Only institutions offering intensive programs outlined under Texas Education Code, §61.0762, shall be subject to this subsection.

(2) The commissioner or his/her designee shall issue a request for proposal/application, memorandum of understanding, or other agreement for institutions to implement intensive programs under this subsection. The focus of these programs shall include mathematics, science, social science, and/or English language arts. The categories of students to be served by these programs shall be outlined in the request for proposal/application, memorandum of understanding, or other agreement as identified by the commissioner to address the participation and success goals of Closing the Gaps by 2015.

[(c) Financial aid for college readiness and college entrance assessments. The purpose of this program is to obtain early assessments of college readiness and preparation of high school students.]

[(1) Financial aid shall be provided for each eligible high school student on an annual basis as determined by the commissioner.]

[(2) Each year for which state appropriations or other funding is available, the commissioner or his/her designee shall determine the college readiness and college entrance assessments that will be funded under this subsection.]

(d) Professional development for higher education faculty. The purpose of this program is to provide higher education faculty with professional development programs or activities on college readiness standards and the implications of these standards on instruction.

(1) (No change.)

(2) The [Each year for which state appropriations or other funding is available, the] commissioner or his/her designee shall issue a request for proposal/application, memorandum of understanding, or other agreement for institutions to implement activities or programs of professional development for faculty under this subsection. The focus of these programs shall be limited to faculty who have responsibilities for developmental education and entry-level courses and to the knowledge and skills, reflected in the college readiness standards, that faculty can reasonably expect students to have achieved who are entering those courses from public schools.

(3) (No change.)

(e) (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 July 14, 2009.

TRD-200902875

Bill Franz

General Counsel

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Proposed date of adoption: October 29, 2009

For further information, please call: (512) 427-6114


SUBCHAPTER L. INTENSIVE SUMMER PROGRAM GRANTS

19 TAC §§4.210 - 4.214

(Editor's note: The text of the following sections proposed for repeal will not be published. The sections may be examined in the offices of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin, Texas.)

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board proposes the repeal of §§4.210 - 4.214, concerning Intensive Summer Program Grants.

Specifically, these sections are proposed for repeal in order to incorporate Intensive Summer Programs into §4.177, which would implement Senate Bill 2258, 81st Texas Legislature. Senate Bill 2258 moves the statutory authority for the higher education Intensive Summer Programs into Texas Education Code, §61.0762, Programs to Enhance Student Success. Section 4.177 of Coordinating Board rules address all the programs established by this section of Texas statutes.

Dr. Judy Loredo, Assistant Commissioner for P-16 Initiatives, has determined that for each year of the first five years the repeal is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications to state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the repeal as proposed.

Dr. Loredo has also determined that for each year of the first five years the repeal is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of administering the repeal will be more clarity regarding program requirements and consistency in administering all higher education bridging programs. There is no effect on small businesses. There are no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the repeal as proposed. There is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Belinda Perez-Hernandez, P.O. Box 12788, Austin, Texas 78711, (512) 427-6209, belinda.hernandez@thecb.state.tx.us. Comments will be accepted for 30 days following publication of the proposal in the Texas Register.

The repeal is proposed under the Texas Education Code, §61.0762 which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to adopt rules to implement the program.

The repeal affects Texas Education Code, §61.0762.

§4.210.Purpose and Authority.

§4.211.Definitions.

§4.212.Eligible Students.

§4.213.Eligible Institutions.

§4.214.Grant Administration.

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 July 14, 2009.

TRD-200902876

Bill Franz

General Counsel

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Proposed date of adoption: October 29, 2009

For further information, please call: (512) 427-6114


PART 2. TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY

CHAPTER 97. PLANNING AND ACCOUNTABILITY

SUBCHAPTER FF. COMMISSIONER'S RULES CONCERNING THE JOB CORPS DIPLOMA PROGRAM

19 TAC §97.2001

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) proposes amendment to §97.2001, concerning the Job Corps diploma program. The section implements the requirements of the Texas Education Code (TEC), §18.006, that the commissioner develop and implement a system of accountability to rate the annual performance of the Job Corps diploma program. The section also adopts the most recently published Job Corps diploma program accountability procedures manual. The proposed amendment would adopt the Job Corps Diploma Program Accountability Procedures Manual, dated August 2008, and incorporate other applicable updates to the rule.

Effective December 10, 2006, the commissioner adopted 19 TAC §97.2001, exercising rulemaking authority over developing and implementing a system of accountability consistent with the TEC, Chapter 39, where appropriate, to be used in assigning an annual performance rating to Job Corps diploma programs consistent with the ratings assigned to school districts under the TEC, §39.072. Section 97.2001 includes the Job Corps Diploma Program Accountability Procedures Manual, dated August 2007, in rule as a figure. The intention is to annually update 19 TAC §97.2001 to refer to the most recently published Job Corps Diploma Program Accountability Procedures Manual.

The proposed amendment to 19 TAC §97.2001 would update the rule to adopt the Job Corps Diploma Program Accountability Procedures Manual, dated August 2008, as a figure. The proposed amendment to adopt the new manual would prescribe the specific procedures, standards, and performance indicators by which Job Corps diploma programs will be evaluated and rated in 2009.

Revisions in the new manual include: (1) updates to year references to make the document current; (2) a change in the manner by which the TEA will release data and rating reports; and (3) other applicable clarifications such as updating the name of the TEA office to which program information must be submitted.

The proposed amendment to 19 TAC §97.2001 would also update rule text, as follows.

Technical edits would be made in subsections (c) and (f)(1)(A) to clarify the student performance assessment requirements for the Job Corps diploma program. Corresponding technical edits would also be made in the Job Corps Diploma Program Accountability Procedures Manual.

Subsection (d) would be updated to reference the 2008 Job Corps Diploma Program Accountability Procedures Manual, dated August 2008, and ratings issued in 2009. Additionally, subsection (d) would be updated to specify that the manual adopted for each year prior to 2009 would remain in effect for the applicable school year.

Technical edits would be made in subsection (g) to clarify reference to statute.

The proposed amendment to 19 TAC §97.2001 would continue the reporting requirements to address the characteristics of the students served by the Job Corps diploma program. Alternative collection methods were considered; however, based on the number and frequency of data submissions to the TEA, it was determined that electronic submission via the TEA Secure Environment (TEASE) would incur higher costs to the TEA than simple paper submission. The proposed amendment would not require additional paperwork beyond that already maintained.

Julie Harris-Lawrence, deputy associate commissioner for student services and GED, has determined that for the first five-year period the amendment is in effect there will be no additional costs for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment.

Ms. Harris-Lawrence has determined that for each year of the first five years the amendment is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule action will be to continue to inform the public of the existence of the procedure manual and current procedures, standards, and performance indicators by which the diploma programs are evaluated and rated. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the proposed amendment.

There is no direct adverse economic impact for small businesses and microbusinesses; therefore, no regulatory flexibility analysis, specified in Texas Government Code, §2006.002, is required.

The public comment period on the proposal begins July 31, 2009, and ends August 31, 2009. Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Cristina De La Fuente-Valadez, Policy Coordination Division, Texas Education Agency, 1701 North Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701, (512) 475-1497. Comments may also be submitted electronically to rules@tea.state.tx.us or faxed to (512) 463- 0028. A request for a public hearing on the proposal submitted under the Administrative Procedure Act must be received by the commissioner of education not more than 15 calendar days after notice of the proposal has been published in the Texas Register on July 31, 2009.

The amendment is proposed under the Texas Education Code, §18.006, which requires the commissioner to develop and implement a system of accountability consistent with the TEC, Chapter 39, where appropriate, to be used in assigning an annual performance rating to Job Corps diploma programs consistent with the ratings assigned to school districts.

The amendment implements the Texas Education Code, §18.006.

§97.2001.Job Corps Diploma Program Accountability Procedures.

(a) Intent and purpose. The Job Corps diploma program develops and implements educational programs specifically designed for persons eligible for enrollment in a Job Corps training program established by the U.S. Department of Labor. The Job Corps diploma program was established in order for eligible students to satisfy the requirements necessary to receive a high school diploma.

(b) Student eligibility. A person is eligible to participate in the Job Corps diploma program if the person is enrolled in an established Job Corps training program and has not satisfied the state requirements to receive a high school diploma. Any person enrolled in good standing in the Job Corps diploma program is eligible for programs or services under the Texas Education Code (TEC), Chapter 18. A person's eligibility for programs and services under the TEC, Chapter 18, does not make a person ineligible for an education program or service under any other chapter of the TEC.

(c) Program requirements. The TEC, §1.001, applies to a Job Corps diploma program operated by or under contract with the U.S. Department of Labor.

(1) The Job Corps diploma program shall provide a course of instruction that includes the required curriculum under the TEC, §28.002, §74.1 of this title (relating to Essential Knowledge and Skills), and §74.3 of this title (relating to Description of a Required Secondary Curriculum).

(2) The Job Corps diploma program shall offer, annually, at least all the courses required for an eligible student to graduate under the applicable minimum high school program described in Chapter 74 of this title (relating to Curriculum Requirements).

(3) A student enrolled in the Job Corps diploma program must satisfy the appropriate Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills assessments required for graduation [ under the TEC, §39.025,] before receiving a high school diploma.

(d) Accountability procedures. Job Corps diploma program evaluations and ratings issued in 2009 [2008] are based upon specific procedures, standards, and performance indicators, which are described in the Job Corps Diploma Program Accountability Procedures Manual, dated August 2008, [August 2007,] provided in this subsection. The specific procedures, standards, and performance indicators used in the Job Corps Diploma Program Accountability Procedures Manual adopted for use prior to 2009 [2008 ] remain in effect for all purposes, including accountability, data standards, and audits, with respect to the applicable school year.

Figure: 19 TAC §97.2001(d) (.pdf)

[Figure: 19 TAC §97.2001(d)]

(e) Annual review. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) shall conduct an annual review to evaluate Job Corps diploma program performance based on indicators provided in the Job Corps Diploma Program Accountability Procedures Manual described in subsection (d) of this section. The diploma program shall comply with all applicable requirements of state laws and rules.

(f) Performance indicators. Annually, the commissioner of education shall review and determine the student performance indicators appropriate to the characteristics of the students served by the Job Corps diploma program. The performance of the Job Corps diploma program shall be evaluated on the basis of the specific indicators as determined by the commissioner of education.

(1) The annual evaluation shall be based on, at a minimum, the following performance indicators:

(A) student performance on appropriate grade levels and subject areas assessed by the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills [assessment instruments required under the TEC, §39.023];

(B) dropout rate for the grade levels served; and

(C) diploma program completion rate.

(2) To the extent appropriate, the annual performance review shall incorporate other indicators from the Academic Excellence Indicator System (AEIS) under the TEC, Chapter 39.

(g) Accountability ratings and criteria. The procedures for determining the Job Corps diploma program accountability ratings are established in the Job Corps Diploma Program Accountability Procedures Manual described in subsection (d) of this section.

(1) The Job Corps diploma program performance on selected AEIS indicators shall be used by the TEA in determining the annual performance rating of the Job Corps diploma program.

(2) A performance rating assigned to the Job Corps diploma program may be appealed to the commissioner of education in accordance with the procedures established in the Job Corps Diploma Program Accountability Procedures Manual described in subsection (d) of this section.

(3) The commissioner of education may lower the Job Corps diploma program accountability rating based on the findings of an on-site investigation conducted under the TEC, Chapter 39 [§39.074].

(4) If a Job Corps diploma program is below a [any] standard set under the TEC, Chapter 39, for an accountability indicator used for performance ratings [§39.073(b)], the program is considered a low-performing program. If the Job Corps diploma program is low performing for a period of two consecutive years or more, the commissioner of education may close the program.

(h) Reporting of data. The Job Corps diploma program shall report to the TEA accountability data on a submission schedule determined by the TEA. Performance data shall be disaggregated with respect to student attributes as determined by the commissioner of education.

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 July 17, 2009.

TRD-200902927

Cristina De La Fuente-Valadez

Director, Policy Coordination

Texas Education Agency

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 30, 2009

For further information, please call: (512) 475-1497


CHAPTER 150. COMMISSIONER'S RULES CONCERNING EDUCATOR APPRAISAL

SUBCHAPTER AA. TEACHER APPRAISAL

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) proposes amendments to §§150.1001, 150.1003 - 150.1007, and 150.1010 and the repeal of §150.1008, concerning teacher appraisal. The rules in 19 TAC Chapter 150, Subchapter AA, address provisions relating to the Professional Development and Appraisal System (PDAS). The proposed revisions would update and clarify PDAS provisions.

The 74th Texas Legislature, 1995, created the requirements for appraisal of teacher performance. In accordance with the Texas Education Code (TEC), §21.351, the commissioner exercised rulemaking authority to adopt 19 TAC Chapter 150, Commissioner's Rules Concerning Educator Appraisal, Subchapter AA, Teacher Appraisal, establishing the PDAS. The rules in 19 TAC Chapter 150, Subchapter AA, address provisions on appraisals, data source documentation, conferences, intervention plans, written responses, appraiser qualifications, and teacher orientation. The proposed revisions to 19 TAC Chapter 150, Subchapter AA, would update and clarify the PDAS requirements, as follows.

Section 150.1001, General Provisions, would be amended by adding new subsection (d) to specify in rule the commissioner's authority to appoint a regional education service center to manage the instructional and management aspects of the PDAS. Subsection (d) would also specify in rule the policy that has been in effect since 2001 that the designated regional education service center may collect appropriate fees.

Section 150.1003, Appraisals, Data Sources, and Conferences, would be amended throughout to clarify that the term "appraiser" refers to an individual who is actually a "certified appraiser."

Section 150.1004, Teacher in Need of Assistance, would be amended in subsection (b) to define who would be considered a teacher's supervisor. Clarification of the term "certified appraiser" would also be made in subsections (b) and (f) as well as minor, technical corrections throughout the section.

Section 150.1005, Teacher Response and Appeals, would be amended throughout to clarify the term "certified appraiser." Minor, technical corrections would also be made throughout the section.

Section 150.1006, Appraiser Qualifications, would be amended by adding new subsection (b) to define campus administrator and specify that a qualified campus administrator would conduct a teacher's appraisal. Clarifications and technical corrections would be made in subsection (c). New subsection (d) would clarify existing provisions relating to a certified appraiser who is a classroom teacher.

Section 150.1007, Teacher Orientation, would be amended in subsection (a) to add the requirement that teachers to be appraised shall be provided with an annual review of 19 TAC Chapter 150, Subchapter AA.

Section 150.1008, Training of Teacher Participants, would be repealed since it is obsolete and no longer needed.

Section 150.1010, District Notification to Regional Education Service Center, would be amended to add new subsection (b) requiring each school district to report the summary of the evaluation scoring of PDAS appraisals for all campuses in the school district. The section title would also be updated accordingly.

The proposed amendment to 19 TAC §150.1010 would require each school district to report campus-level information on teacher ratings to its regional education service center. This reporting will be required whether a district uses PDAS or a locally adopted instrument. The proposed amendments and repeal would not require additional locally maintained paperwork beyond what is already maintained. Districts already have the evaluation scoring of their employees.

Jerel Booker, associate commissioner for educator quality and standards, has determined that for the first five-year period the amendments and repeal are in effect there will be no additional costs for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the amendments and repeal. The new language in 19 TAC §150.1001 relating to collection of fees specifies in rule the policy that has been in effect since 2001. The new language in 19 TAC §150.1010 relating to reporting evaluation scoring should not create a new cost since the information is already collected from districts.

Mr. Booker has determined that for each year of the first five years the amendments and repeal are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule actions will be improved standardization of teacher appraisals throughout the state. This improvement should provide for improved accuracy in teacher appraisals leading to increased rigor for students in classrooms. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the proposed amendments and repeal.

There is no direct adverse economic impact for small businesses and microbusinesses; therefore, no regulatory flexibility analysis, specified in Texas Government Code, §2006.002, is required.

The public comment period on the proposal begins July 31, 2009, and ends August 31, 2009. Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Cristina De La Fuente-Valadez, Policy Coordination Division, Texas Education Agency, 1701 North Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701, (512) 475-1497. Comments may also be submitted electronically to rules@tea.state.tx.us or faxed to (512) 463-0028. A request for a public hearing on the proposal submitted under the Administrative Procedure Act must be received by the commissioner of education not more than 15 calendar days after notice of the proposal has been published in the Texas Register on July 31, 2009.

19 TAC §§150.1001, 150.1003 - 150.1007, 150.1010

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 amendments implement the Texas Education Code, §21.351 and §21.352.

§150.1001.General Provisions.

(a) Beginning with the 1997-1998 school year, all school districts have two choices in selecting a method to appraise teachers: a teacher-appraisal system recommended by the Texas commissioner of education or a local teacher-appraisal system.

(b) The commissioner's recommended teacher-appraisal system, the Professional Development and Appraisal System (PDAS), was developed in accordance with Texas Education Code (TEC), §21.351.

(c) The superintendent of each school district, with the approval of the school district board of trustees, may select the PDAS. Each school district or campus wanting to select or develop an alternative teacher-appraisal system must follow TEC, §21.352.

(d) The commissioner may designate a regional education service center to serve as the PDAS certification provider for the state. The designated regional education service center may collect appropriate fees under TEC, §8.053, from school districts and open-enrollment charter schools for training and certification.

§150.1003.Appraisals, Data Sources, and Conferences.

(a) Each teacher must be appraised each school year, except as provided by subsection (l) of this section. Whenever possible, an appraisal shall be based on the teacher's performance in fields and teaching assignments for which he or she is certified.

(b) The annual teacher appraisal shall include:

(1) at least one classroom observation of a minimum of 45 minutes as identified in subsection (g) of this section, with additional walk-throughs and observations conducted at the discretion of the certified appraiser;

(2) a written summary of each observation, which shall be given to teachers within ten working days after the completion of an observation, with a pre- and post-observation conference conducted at the request of the teacher or certified appraiser;

(3) completion of Section I of the Teacher Self-Report Form that shall be presented to the principal:

(A) within the first three weeks from the day of completion of the Professional Development and Appraisal System (PDAS) orientation as described in §150.1007 of this title (relating to Teacher Orientation);

(B) within the first three weeks from the day of completion of the PDAS orientation as described in §150.1007 of this title for teachers new to the PDAS; or

(C) within the first three weeks of instruction in the school years when the PDAS orientation is not required pursuant to §150.1007 of this title.

(4) revision of Section I (if necessary) and completion of Sections II and III of the Teacher Self-Report Form that shall be presented to the principal at least two weeks prior to the summative annual conference;

(5) cumulative data of written documentation collected regarding job-related teacher performance, in addition to formal classroom observations;

(6) a written summative annual appraisal report; and

(7) a summative annual conference.

(c) A teacher may be given advance notice of the date or time of an appraisal, but advance notice is not required.

(d) Each school district shall establish a calendar for the appraisal of teachers. The appraisal period for each teacher must include all of the days of a teacher's contract. Observations during the appraisal period must be conducted during the required days of instruction for students during one school year. The appraisal calendar shall:

(1) exclude observations in the three weeks following the day of completion of the PDAS orientation in the school years when an orientation is required as described in §150.1007 of this title;

(2) exclude observations in the three weeks following the day of completion of the PDAS orientation for teachers new to the PDAS as described in §150.1007 of this title;

(3) exclude observations in the first three weeks of instruction in the school years when the PDAS orientation is not required pursuant to §150.1007 of this title;

(4) prohibit observations on the last day of instruction before any official school holiday or on any other day deemed inappropriate by the school district board of trustees; and

(5) indicate a period for summative annual conferences that ends no later than 15 working days before the last day of instruction for students.

(e) During the appraisal period, the certified appraiser shall evaluate and document teacher performance specifically related to the domain criteria as identified in §150.1002(b) of this title (relating to Assessment of Teacher Performance).

(f) The certified appraiser is responsible for documentation of the cumulative data identified in subsection (b)(5) of this section. Any third-party information from a source other than the certified appraiser [ teacher's supervisor] that the certified appraiser wishes to include as cumulative data shall be verified and documented by the certified appraiser. Any documentation that will influence the teacher's summative annual appraisal report must be shared in writing with the teacher within ten working days of the certified appraiser's knowledge of the occurrence. The principal shall also be notified in writing when the certified appraiser is not the teacher's principal.

(g) By mutual consent of the teacher and the certified appraiser, the required minimum of 45 minutes of observation may be conducted in shorter time segments. The time segments must aggregate to at least 45 minutes.

(h) A written summative annual appraisal report shall be shared with the teacher no later than five working days before the summative conference and no later than 15 working days before the last day of instruction for students. The written summative annual appraisal report shall be placed in the teacher's personnel file by the end of the appraisal period.

(i) Unless waived in writing by the teacher, a summative conference shall be held within a time frame specified on the school district calendar and no later than 15 working days before the last day of instruction for students. The summative conference shall focus on the written summative report and related data sources.

(j) In cases where the certified appraiser is not an administrator on the teacher's campus, either the principal, assistant principal, or another supervisory staff member designated as an administrator on the campus must [will] participate in the summative annual conference.

(k) Any documentation collected after the summative conference but before the end of the contract term during one school year may be considered as part of the appraisal of a teacher. If the documentation affects the teacher's evaluation in any domain, another summative report shall be developed and another summative conference shall be held to inform the teacher of the change(s).

(l) Except as otherwise provided by this subsection, appraisal must be done at least once during each school year. A teacher may be appraised less frequently if the teacher agrees in writing and the teacher's most recent appraisal rated the teacher as at least proficient, or the equivalent, and did not identify any area of deficiency. A teacher who is appraised less frequently than annually must be appraised at least once during each period of five school years.

(1) District policy may stipulate:

(A) whether the appraisal option is to be made available to teachers;

(B) whether the appraisal option is to be adopted districtwide or is to be campus specific;

(C) if the appraisal accompanying a teacher new to a district or campus meets the option as specified in this subsection, whether the appraisal is to be accepted or whether that teacher is to be appraised by the new campus administrator; and

(D) whether a certified [an] appraiser may place a teacher on the traditional appraisal cycle as a result of performance deficiencies documented in accordance with subsections (b)(5) and (f) of this section.

(2) A school district may choose annually to review the written agreement with the teacher. However, at the conclusion of the school year, the district may modify appraisal options through board policy and may make changes to expectations for appraisals that apply to all teachers regardless of a teacher's participation in the appraisal option in the previous year(s).

(3) For purposes of this subsection, in the teacher-appraisal system recommended by the commissioner, an area of deficiency is a domain. A teacher must be rated as at least proficient for each domain (i.e., for all domains) to be eligible for less frequent appraisals under this subsection.

§150.1004.Teacher in Need of Assistance.

(a) A teacher whose performance meets one [any ] of the following circumstances will be designated as a "teacher in need of assistance":

(1) a teacher who is evaluated as unsatisfactory in one or more domains; or

(2) a teacher who is evaluated as below expectations in two or more domains.

(b) When a teacher is designated as a teacher in need of assistance, the certified appraiser and [ and/or] the teacher's supervisor, defined as department chair, instructional facilitator, mentor, or other instructional supervisory staff as designated by the certified appraiser, shall, in consultation with the teacher, develop an intervention plan that includes the following:

(1) domain(s) that designate a teacher as a teacher in need of assistance;

(2) directives or recommendations for professional improvement activities;

(3) evidence that is used to determine successful completion of professional improvement activities;

(4) directives for changes in teacher behavior;

(5) evidence that is used to determine if teacher behavior has changed; and

(6) specific time line for successful completion.

(c) In cases when the teacher's appraiser is not the teacher's principal, the principal shall be involved in the development and evaluation of the intervention plan.

(d) A teacher who has not met all requirements of the intervention plan for teachers in need of assistance by the time specified may be considered for separation from the assignment, campus, and/or district.

(e) The intervention plan shall include options for professional development activities designed to enhance teacher proficiency. At least one option shall not place significant financial burden on either the teacher or the school district.

(f) An intervention plan may be developed at any time at the discretion of the certified appraiser when the certified appraiser has documentation that would potentially produce an evaluation rating of "below expectations" or "unsatisfactory. "[.]

§150.1005.Teacher Response and Appeals.

(a) A teacher may submit a written response or rebuttal at one or both of the following times:

(1) after receiving a written observation summary, or any other written documentation associated with the teacher's appraisal; or [and/or]

(2) after receiving a written summative annual appraisal report.

(b) Any written response or rebuttal must be submitted within ten working days of receiving a written observation summary, a written summative annual appraisal report, or any other written documentation associated with the teacher's appraisal. At the discretion of the certified appraiser, the time period may be extended to 15 working days.

(c) A teacher may request a second appraisal by another certified appraiser at one or both of the following times:

(1) after receiving a written observation summary with which the teacher disagrees; or [and/or]

(2) after receiving a written summative annual appraisal report with which the teacher disagrees.

(d) The second appraisal must be requested within ten working days of receiving a written observation summary or a written summative annual appraisal report. At the discretion of the certified appraiser, the time period may be extended to 15 working days.

(e) A teacher may be given advance notice of the date or time of a second appraisal, but advance notice is not required.

(f) The second appraiser shall appraise the teacher in all domains. The second appraiser shall make observations and walk-throughs as necessary to evaluate Domains I through V. The second appraiser shall use the Teacher Self-Report Form and cumulative data from the first appraisal to evaluate Domains VI through VIII. Cumulative data may also be used by the second appraiser to evaluate other domains.

(g) Each school district shall adopt written procedures for a teacher to present grievances and receive written comments in response to the written annual report. Each district shall also adopt written procedures for determining the selection of second appraisers. These procedures shall be disseminated to each teacher at the time of employment and updated annually or as needed.

§150.1006.Appraiser Qualifications.

(a) The teacher-appraisal process requires at least one certified appraiser.

(b) Under the Professional Development and Appraisal System (PDAS), a campus administrator includes a principal, an assistant principal, or other supervisory staff designated as an administrator of an open-enrollment charter school or as an administrator who holds a comparable administrator/supervisor certificate established by the State Board for Educator Certification. A campus administrator who is a certified PDAS appraiser and approved by the school district board of trustees shall conduct a teacher's appraisal. Only in the event of the circumstances identified in subsection (d) of this section may an individual other than a campus administrator act as a certified 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.]

(c) [(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) certification [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 PDAS [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 certified PDAS appraisers must comply with requirements specified in paragraph (3) of this subsection [ 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 certification [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 certification [training] as a prerequisite to the PDAS training.

(d) A certified 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 certified appraiser teaches, unless it is impractical because of the number of campuses or unless the certified appraiser is the chair of a department or grade-level whose job description includes classroom observation responsibilities. A teacher who acts as a certified appraiser must complete the applicable requirements specified in subsection (c) of this section to become a certified appraiser.

§150.1007.Teacher Orientation.

(a) A school district shall ensure that all teachers are provided with an orientation of the Professional Development and Appraisal System (PDAS) no later than the final day of the first three weeks of school and at least three weeks before the first observation.

(1) Additional orientations shall be provided any time substantial changes occur in the PDAS.

(2) A teacher new to the district shall be provided with an orientation of the PDAS at least three weeks before the teacher's first observation.

(3) At least three weeks prior to the first formal observation, all teachers to be appraised under the PDAS shall be provided an annual review of this subchapter and district policy regarding teacher appraisal.

(b) Teachers' orientation shall include materials approved by the commissioner of education. These materials shall include all state and local appraisal policies, the local appraisal calendar, and information on the requirements for the completion of the Teacher Self-Report Form. In addition to the orientation, campuses may hold other sessions sufficient in length allowing teachers to actively participate in a discussion of the PDAS specifics and to have their questions answered.

§150.1010.District Submissions [ Notification ] to Regional Education Service Center.

(a) For purposes of providing training and support, the superintendent shall notify the executive director of its [the] regional education service center of the district's choice of appraisal system(s) by a time designated by the commissioner of education.

(b) Each school district shall submit annually to its regional education service center a summary of the Professional Development and Appraisal System evaluation scoring from all campuses in the school district in a manner prescribed by the commissioner.

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 July 17, 2009.

TRD-200902928

Cristina De La Fuente-Valadez

Director, Policy Coordination

Texas Education Agency

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 30, 2009

For further information, please call: (512) 475-1497


19 TAC §150.1008

(Editor's note: The text of the following section proposed for repeal will not be published. The section may be examined in the offices of the Texas Education Agency or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin, Texas.)

The repeal is 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 repeal implements the Texas Education Code, §21.351 and §21.352.

§150.1008.Training of Teacher Participants.

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 July 17, 2009.

TRD-200902929

Cristina De La Fuente-Valadez

Director, Policy Coordination

Texas Education Agency

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 30, 2009

For further information, please call: (512) 475-1497