TITLE 19.EDUCATION

Part 1. TEXAS HIGHER EDUCATION COORDINATING BOARD

Chapter 5. PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

Subchapter P. TESTING AND DEVELOPMENTAL EDUCATION

19 TAC §5.315

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board proposes amendments to §5.315, concerning levels set for passing scores on alternative tests. Specifically, these amendments will change the passing standards on certain sections of approved alternative tests that may be used in lieu of the Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP) test.

Dr. Leticia Hinojosa, Assistant Commissioner for Participation and Success, has determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications to state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Dr. Hinojosa has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of administering the rule will be a slight decrease in the number of students required to enroll in developmental education for TASP purposes. There is no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the rule as proposed. There is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposed amendments to the rule may be submitted to Dr. Leticia Hinojosa, P.O. Box 12788, Austin, Texas 78711, (512) 427-6505, or by e-mail to Leticia.hinojosa@thecb.state.tx.us.

The amendments to the rule are proposed under the Texas Education Code, §51.306 and §51.3061, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to adopt rules concerning the TASP.

The amendments affect Texas Education Code, §51.306 and §51.3061.

§5.315.Criteria for Meeting TASP Requirements.

(a) - (b) (No change.)

(c) Minimum Passing Standards

(1) (No change.)

(2) Minimum passing scaled score standards for the approved alternative tests are:

(A) ASSET: Reading Skills-- 38 [ 41 ]; Elementary Algebra-- 37 [ 38 ]; Writing Skills (objective)--40; and Written Essay--6.

(B) COMPASS: Reading Skills-- 74 [ 81 ]; Algebra-- 34 [ 39 ]; Writing Skills (objective)--59; and Written Essay--6.

(C) MAPS: Reading Comprehension-- 112 [ 114 ]; Elementary Algebra Skills-- 611 [ 613 ]; Conventions of Written English--310; and Written Essay--6.

(D) ACCUPLACER: Reading Comprehension-- 73 [ 78 ]; Elementary Algebra-- 59 [ 63 ]; Sentence Skills--80; and Written Essay--6.

(3) - (4) (No change.)

(d) (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 November 7, 2002.

TRD-200207311

Jan Greenberg

General Counsel

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Proposed date of adoption: January 30, 2003

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


Chapter 12. PROPRIETARY SCHOOLS

Subchapter B. GENERAL PROVISIONS

19 TAC §12.30

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board proposes amendments to §12.30 of Board rules, concerning the Texas Academic Skills Program test for students graduating from degree-granting proprietary institutions. Specifically, this amendment will put into rule a congruent policy for meeting TASP requirements for students attending degree granting proprietary institutions. Currently, Coordinating Board rules allow exemptions from TASP requirements for students attending public community and technical colleges and universities, such as obtaining certain scores on the ACT, SAT, or TAAS, and allow alternative tests (Asset, Compass, Maps and Accuplacer) to be used in lieu of the TASP test. Further, students can satisfy TASP requirements by either passing the tests or earning a grade of "B" or better in an appropriate course approved by the Board after completing all required developmental education, retaking the appropriate section of the TASP test, and still not passing.

Dr. Glenda Barron, Assistant Commissioner for Student Services, has determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications to state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Dr. Barron has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of administering the rule will be the expanded ability for students attending degree granting proprietary institutions to satisfy the requirements of TASP. There is no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the rule as proposed. There is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposed amendments to the rule may be submitted to Dr. Glenda Barron, P.O. Box 12788, Austin, Texas 78711, (512) 427-6250, or by e-mail to Glenda.Barron@thecb.state.tx.us.

The amendments to the rule are proposed under the Texas Education Code, §132.063, and Chapter 61, Subchapter G, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to adopt policies, enact regulations, and establish rules to enforce minimum standards for the approval and on-going assessment of programs of study leading to associate degrees offered by proprietary institutions.

The amendments affect Texas Education Code, §132.063.

§12.30.Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP).

Any individual who enrolls in an associate degree program at a proprietary institution on or after September 1, 1997, shall pass all sections of a test taken for [ the ] Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP) Test purposes, or otherwise meet TASP requirements as outlined under Chapter 5, Subchapter P, §5.314(a)(3) - (12), §5.34(b)(1) - (11), and §5.315 of this title (relating to Testing and Developmental Education) [ at the level established by the Board ] before the degree may be awarded. Individuals enrolled in an authorized Associate of Occupational Studies degree program are exempt from this requirement.

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 November 7, 2002.

TRD-200207310

Jan Greenberg

General Counsel

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Proposed date of adoption: January 30, 2003

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


Chapter 13. FINANCIAL PLANNING

Subchapter K. TECHNOLOGY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT GRANT PROGRAM

19 TAC §13.194

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board proposes amendments to §13.194, concerning confidentiality of information related to the proposal evaluation for the grant awards under the Technology Workforce Development Grant Program. Specifically, these amendments will make confidential any information related to the evaluation and selection of proposals for the Technology Workforce Development Grant Program except copies of the reviews will be given to each project leader without the identity of the reviewer and the names and affiliations of the reviewers will be published as a group after the review. At the same time, the term "project leader" used in §13.194 was substituted for the term "individual investigator", because the grant programs are not subject to investigation but are projects requiring a leader.

Dr. Linda Domelsmith, Director of Research has determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications to state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Dr. Domelsmith has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of administering the rule will be the protection of proprietary information submitted as part of proposals and assurance to reviewers of the confidentiality of the review process. There is no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the rule as proposed. There is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposed amendments to the rule may be submitted to Dr. Linda Domelsmith, P.O. Box 12788, Austin, Texas 78711, (512) 427-6150, or by e-mail to Linda.Domelsmith@thecb.state.tx.us.

The amendments to the rule are proposed under the Texas Education Code, §51.837(a), which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to award grants under Technology Workforce Development Grant Program on a competitive, peer-review basis and Texas Education Code, §61.051(p), which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to administer trusteed funds, grant programs, research competition awards, and other funds and programs as directed by the legislature.

The amendments affect the Texas Education Code, §51.837.

§13.194.Proposal Evaluation.

(a) - (c) (No change.)

(d) Any information related to the evaluation and selection of proposals for the grant awards shall be confidential unless released by the Board pursuant to subsections (e) and (f) of this section.

(e) [ (d) ] Reviews will not be disclosed to persons outside the Board at any time, except that each project leader [ individual investigator ] (grant applicant) will receive a copy of the reviewers of his or her proposal with the names, affiliations, and any other identifying characteristics of the reviewers redacted; and

(f) [ (e) ] The names and affiliations of reviewers will be released as a group, without an identifying link to any grant application, until after the review process is complete.

(g) [ (f) ] For Fiscal Year 2002, the Commissioner shall make the grant awards. Thereafter, the Board shall make grant awards. Decisions of the Commissioner/Board are final.

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 November 7, 2002.

TRD-200207312

Jan Greenberg

General Counsel

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Proposed date of adoption: January 30, 2003

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


Chapter 14. RESEARCH FUNDING PROGRAMS

Subchapter A. GENERAL PROVISIONS

19 TAC §14.1, §14.2

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board proposes new §14.1 and §14.2, concerning the administration of the Advanced Research Program, Advanced Technology Program, and Technology Development and Transfer Program (Definitions). Specifically, these new rules describe the processes for the application and review of proposals, appeals by denied applicants, and suspension and termination of grants. Provisions regarding the confidentiality of information related to the application and review of proposals are also included in the new sections.

Dr. Linda Domelsmith, Director of Research has determined that for each year of the first five years 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.

Dr. Domelsmith has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of administering the new rules will be the enhanced development and growth of technology and related industries in Texas. This enhancement is expected from the increased number of qualified basic and technology research projects conducted at Texas institutions of higher education. There is no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the rules as proposed. There is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the new rules may be submitted to Dr. Linda Domelsmith, P.O. Box 12788, Austin, Texas 78711, (512) 427-6150, or by e-mail to Linda.Domelsmith@thecb.state.tx.us.

The new rules are proposed under the Texas Education Code, §142.003 and §143.004 which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to administer the Advanced Research Program and the Advanced Technology Program.

The new rules affect the Texas Education Code, Chapters 142 and 143.

§14.1.Definitions.

The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(1) Coordinating Board--the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

(2) Commissioner--the Commissioner of Higher Education.

(3) Advisory Committee--the Advisory Committee on Research Programs appointed by the Coordinating Board pursuant to Texas Education Code, §142.003 and §143.004.

(4) Research program--the Advanced Research Program.

(5) Technology program--the Advanced Technology Program.

(6) Technology transfer program--the Technology Development and Transfer Program.

(7) Research funding programs--the Advanced Research Program, Advanced Technology Program, and Technology Development and Transfer Program.

(8) Eligible public institution--an institution of higher education, as defined by Texas Education Code, §61.003(8).

(9) Eligible independent institution--a private institution of higher education eligible to grant degrees in Texas as defined in Texas Education Code, §61.003(15).

(10) Investigator--an applicant whose name appears as a principal investigator or co-principal investigator on a pre-proposal or proposal submitted for any of the research funding programs.

(11) Supplemental grants program--the Supplemental Grants Program for High School Teachers.

§14.2.Authority and Scope.

(a) Authority for this chapter is provided in the Texas Education Code, Chapters 142 and 143 respectively, on the Advanced Research Program and Advanced Technology Program.

(b) Unless otherwise specified, this chapter applies to the Coordinating Board, any Texas institution of higher education seeking funding under the programs in this chapter and any tenured or tenure-track faculty member of such institution or research professional in a permanent position in such institution.

(c) This chapter provides the Coordinating Board the regulating rules applicable to the administration of the Advanced Research Program, Advanced Technology Program, Technology Development and Transfer Program, and other related programs.

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 November 7, 2002.

TRD-200207313

Jan Greenberg

General Counsel

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Proposed date of adoption: January 30, 2003

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


Subchapter B. ADVANCED RESEARCH PROGRAM

19 TAC §§14.11 - 14.13

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board proposes new §§14.11 - 14.13, concerning the administration of the Advanced Research Program, Advanced Technology Program, and Technology Development and Transfer Program (Advanced Research Program). Specifically, these new rules describe the processes for the application and review of proposals, appeals by denied applicants, and suspension and termination of grants. Provisions regarding the confidentiality of information related to the application and review of proposals are also included in the new sections.

Dr. Linda Domelsmith, Director of Research has determined that for each year of the first five years 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.

Dr. Domelsmith has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of administering the new rules will be the enhanced development and growth of technology and related industries in Texas. This enhancement is expected from the increased number of qualified basic and technology research projects conducted at Texas institutions of higher education. There is no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the rules as proposed. There is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the new rules may be submitted to Dr. Linda Domelsmith, P.O. Box 12788, Austin, Texas 78711, (512) 427-6150, or by e-mail to Linda.Domelsmith@thecb.state.tx.us.

The new rules are proposed under the Texas Education Code, §142.003 and §143.004 which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to administer the Advanced Research Program and the Advanced Technology Program.

The new rules affect the Texas Education Code, Chapters 142 and 143.

§14.11.Purpose.

(a) The research program supports research designed to attract and retain the best students and researchers and to help provide the knowledge base needed for innovation.

(b) The research program is established to encourage and provide support for basic research conducted in eligible public institutions in Texas in the research areas specified by Texas Education Code, §142.002 and as revised by the Advisory Committee.

§14.12.Eligibility.

(a) Only eligible public institutions may apply for the research program.

(b) An eligible public institution must be accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

(c) An eligible public institution must have adopted an intellectual property policy meeting the minimal standards set out in Texas Education Code, §51.680. A copy of the policy must be approved by the Commissioner and be on file at the Coordinating Board.

§14.13.Evaluation Criteria.

(a) Proposals for the research program shall be evaluated on the basis of merit and soundness of the proposal, capability of the investigator, student involvement and research training opportunities, and adequacy of institutional commitment and resources.

(b) The Coordinating Board and the Advisory Committee may delete or add any relevant criteria for evaluating the proposals for the research program.

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 November 7, 2002.

TRD-200207314

Jan Greenberg

General Counsel

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Proposed date of adoption: January 30, 2003

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


Subchapter C. ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

19 TAC §§14.31 - 14.33

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board proposes new §§14.31 - 14.33, concerning the administration of the Advanced Research Program, Advanced Technology Program, and Technology Development and Transfer Program (Advanced Technology Program). Specifically, these new rules describe the processes for the application and review of proposals, appeals by denied applicants, and suspension and termination of grants. Provisions regarding the confidentiality of information related to the application and review of proposals are also included in the new sections.

Dr. Linda Domelsmith, Director of Research has determined that for each year of the first five years 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.

Dr. Domelsmith has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of administering the new rules will be the enhanced development and growth of technology and related industries in Texas. This enhancement is expected from the increased number of qualified basic and technology research projects conducted at Texas institutions of higher education. There is no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the rules as proposed. There is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the new rules may be submitted to Dr. Linda Domelsmith, P.O. Box 12788, Austin, Texas 78711, (512) 427-6150, or by e-mail to Linda.Domelsmith@thecb.state.tx.us.

The new rules are proposed under the Texas Education Code, §142.003 and §143.004 which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to administer the Advanced Research Program and the Advanced Technology Program.

The new rules affect the Texas Education Code, Chapters 142 and 143.

§14.31.Purpose.

(a) The technology program is established to promote the State's economic growth and diversification by increasing the number and quality of scientists and engineers in Texas, enlarging the technology base available to business and industry, creating new products and services, and attracting new industries to Texas.

(b) The technology program is designed to provide support for technology research conducted in eligible public or independent institutions in Texas in the research areas specified by Texas Education Code, §143.003.

§14.32.Eligibility.

(a) Any eligible institutions whether public or independent may apply for the technology program.

(b) An eligible public or independent institution must be accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

(c) An eligible public or independent institution must have adopted an intellectual property policy meeting the minimal standards set out in Texas Education Code, §51.680. A copy of the policy must be approved by the Commissioner and be on file at the Coordinating Board.

§14.33.Evaluation Criteria.

(a) Proposals for the technology program shall be evaluated on the basis of merit and soundness of the proposal, capability of the investigator, student involvement and research training opportunities, and adequacy of institutional commitment and resources.

(b) Prospects for leveraged funds and technology transfer may be considered when evaluating proposals for the technology program.

(c) The Coordinating Board and the Advisory Committee may delete or add any relevant criteria for evaluating the proposals for the technology program.

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 November 7, 2002.

TRD-200207315

Jan Greenberg

General Counsel

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Proposed date of adoption: January 30, 2003

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


Subchapter D. TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSFER PROGRAM

19 TAC §§14.51 - 14.53

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board proposes new §§14.51 - 14.53, concerning the administration of the Advanced Research Program, Advanced Technology Program, and Technology Development and Transfer Program (Technology Development and Transfer Program). Specifically, these new rules describe the processes for the application and review of proposals, appeals by denied applicants, and suspension and termination of grants. Provisions regarding the confidentiality of information related to the application and review of proposals are also included in the new sections.

Dr. Linda Domelsmith, Director of Research has determined that for each year of the first five years 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.

Dr. Domelsmith has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of administering the new rules will be the enhanced development and growth of technology and related industries in Texas. This enhancement is expected from the increased number of qualified basic and technology research projects conducted at Texas institutions of higher education. There is no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the rules as proposed. There is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the new rules may be submitted to Dr. Linda Domelsmith, P.O. Box 12788, Austin, Texas 78711, (512) 427-6150, or by e-mail to Linda.Domelsmith@thecb.state.tx.us.

The new rules are proposed under the Texas Education Code, §142.003 and §143.004 which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to administer the Advanced Research Program and the Advanced Technology Program.

The new rules affect the Texas Education Code, Chapters 142 and 143.

§14.51.Purpose.

The technology transfer program is established to support technology development and the transfer of that technology to the private sector in Texas.

§14.52.Eligibility.

(a) Any eligible institutions whether public or independent may apply for the technology transfer program.

(b) An eligible public or independent institution must be accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

(c) An eligible public or independent institution must have adopted an intellectual property policy meeting the minimal standards set out in Texas Education Code, §51.680. A copy of the policy must be approved by the Commissioner and be on file at the Coordinating Board.

(d) An institution must show that it has external matching contributions from an industrial or private entity that intends to commercialize the technology in an amount equal to or greater than the amount of grant funds requested.

§14.53.Evaluation Criteria.

(a) Criteria for evaluating the proposals for the technology transfer program shall include potential importance of the technology, technical merit and soundness of the proposal, personnel and physical resources available to the project, and the quality of the product development and technology transfer plan.

(b) The proposals for the technology transfer program shall be reviewed to determine whether matching contributions from the industrial collaborator(s) meet the program guidelines.

(c) The Coordinating Board and the Advisory Committee may delete or add any relevant criteria for evaluating the proposals for the technology transfer program.

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 November 7, 2002.

TRD-200207316

Jan Greenberg

General Counsel

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Proposed date of adoption: January 30, 2003

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


Subchapter E. PROCEDURAL ADMINISTRATION OF THE RESEARCH FUNDING PROGRAMS

19 TAC §§14.71 - 14.79

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board proposes new §§14.71 - 14.79, concerning the administration of the Advanced Research Program, Advanced Technology Program, and Technology Development and Transfer Program (Procedural Administration of the Research Funding Programs). Specifically, these new rules describe the processes for the application and review of proposals, appeals by denied applicants, and suspension and termination of grants. Provisions regarding the confidentiality of information related to the application and review of proposals are also included in the new sections.

Dr. Linda Domelsmith, Director of Research has determined that for each year of the first five years 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.

Dr. Domelsmith has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of administering the new rules will be the enhanced development and growth of technology and related industries in Texas. This enhancement is expected from the increased number of qualified basic and technology research projects conducted at Texas institutions of higher education. There is no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the rules as proposed. There is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the new rules may be submitted to Dr. Linda Domelsmith, P.O. Box 12788, Austin, Texas 78711, (512) 427-6150, or by e-mail to Linda.Domelsmith@thecb.state.tx.us.

The new rules are proposed under the Texas Education Code, §142.003 and §143.004 which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to administer the Advanced Research Program and the Advanced Technology Program.

The new rules affect the Texas Education Code, Chapters 142 and 143.

§14.71.Advisory Committee.

(a) The Advisory Committee shall consist of experts in the specified research areas.

(b) The Advisory Committee shall advise the Coordinating Board concerning the development of research priorities, guidelines, funding allocations, and procedures for the selection of specific projects for awards on a competitive, peer review basis.

(c) The Advisory Committee shall determine funding to be allocated to each research area.

(d) The Chairman of the Coordinating Board shall appoint members of the Advisory Committee, who shall serve for a term of three years. In making appointments the chairman shall include both representatives of Texas industry and Texas higher education.

§14.72.Pre-proposals and Proposal Solicitation.

(a) At least five weeks prior to the pre-proposal due date, the Coordinating Board shall issue a Program Announcement that describes key information about the research funding programs including investigator eligibility, pre-proposal and proposal formats, funding allocations, evaluation criteria, and schedules.

(b) Investigators who have failed to submit any required reports such as progress and final reports for previous research funding program grants shall not be eligible to submit pre-proposals or proposals to the research funding programs.

(c) Investigators who have knowingly submitted false information or engaged in misconduct in science, engineering, and education in previous research funding program grants shall not be eligible to submit pre-proposals or proposals to the research funding programs.

(d) Institutions shall submit their pre-proposals in the manner and format specified by the Coordinating Board with all requested information included.

(e) An institution applying for the technology transfer program shall provide in the pre-proposal a listing of external industrial or private support in an amount equal to or greater than the amount of grant funds requested from the technology transfer program.

(f) Each pre-proposal shall be evaluated by at least one reviewer with recognized expertise in the general subject area.

(g) Reviewers may, at their discretion, shift pre-proposals submitted under one research funding program to another, except that pre-proposals from independent institutions may not be moved into the research program.

(h) An institution submitting a pre-proposal accepted by the reviewers shall be invited to submit a full proposal that must expand upon the accepted pre-proposal.

(i) Any significant change in a proposal made from an original pre-proposal may be subject to restrictions imposed by the Coordinating Board.

§14.73.Proposal Evaluation.

(a) The full proposals that may be submitted shall be made in the manner and format specified by the Coordinating Board with all requested information included.

(b) Pursuant to Texas Education Code, §142.006 and §143.007, the Coordinating Board shall appoint as many review panels as necessary that consist of scientists and engineers with recognized expertise recruited from academic, government laboratories, non-profit research centers, and industries under the condition that employees of any institution of higher education in Texas shall not be reviewers.

(c) A review panel shall evaluate each proposal, and each review panel shall rank those proposals they consider eligible for funding and select those proposals to be funded.

(d) A review panel shall evaluate the budget for each ranked proposal and may recommend a budget that is different from that submitted by the participating institution(s).

(e) The Advisory Committee shall review the review panels' selections and then recommend the final list of proposals for funding to the Coordinating Board.

§14.74.Confidentiality.

(a) Any information either submitted by investigators or their institutions to the Coordinating Board or kept by the Coordinating Board related to the evaluation and selection of research projects to be funded by any of the research funding programs under this chapter shall be confidential unless released by the Coordinating Board pursuant to the following subsections of this section.

(b) The contents of pre-proposals and proposals submitted under the research funding programs shall be confidential. Reviewers shall be required to sign a confidentiality agreement prior to reviewing pre-proposals and proposals. No information shall be released to the general public on the content of unfunded proposals. Information released on funded proposals shall be limited to an overall statement of work approved by the affected institutions.

(c) Pre-proposals and proposals submitted by investigators or their institutions shall not be available to persons or entities other than the submitting investigators or their institutions at any time, except that the copies of the project summaries of awarded research project may be made available in a manner specified by the Coordinating Board.

(d) Reviews shall not be disclosed to persons or entities outside the Coordinating Board at any time, except that each individual investigator shall receive a copy of the reviews of his or her proposal with the names, affiliations, and any other identifying characteristics of the reviewers redacted.

(e) Only after the grant awards are complete, the names and affiliations of reviewers shall be released as a group without an identifying link to any grant application.

§14.75.Appeals Procedure for Declined Applicants.

(a) Only the chancellor or president of an eligible public or independent institution which retains a declined applicant for funds under any of the research funding programs may appeal a decision of declination to the Coordinating Board. Such an appeal must be made within 30 days after the date that the declination, including reviews, is made available to the applicant.

(b) The appealing claim should be in writing and should explain the specific reasons why the institution believes that the declination is unwarranted.

(c) The Chair of the Advisory Committee shall designate a panel consisting of at least three members to review appeals. The appeal panel will select its own chair. The appeal panel, in consultation with the original reviewers or members of the original peer review panel, shall determine whether the declination of the application was fair and reasonable, taking into account availability of funds, the rankings of other applications that have been recommended for continuation or funding in that research area, and the policies and priorities of the research funding programs and the Coordinating Board in addition to the reasons provided in the appealing claim.

(d) Within 30 days after the date of the appeal, the chair of the appeal panel shall provide in writing either the results of the determination as to the appeal claim or an explanation of the need for more time indicating the date when the results can be expected if results cannot be furnished within 30 days.

(e) The appeal panel shall make a recommendation to the Commissioner regarding the declination. The Commissioner shall inform the institution of the determination. If the appeal panel's decision overturns the declination, the Commissioner shall inform the institution of any deadlines regarding full proposal submission and review in the case of overturned pre-proposal declinations or the award amount and effective grant term in the case of overturned award declinations for full proposals.

(f) The decision made under this section is final.

§14.76.Funding and Grants.

(a) Funding for the research funding programs are subject to Texas Education Code, §142.004 and §143.005.

(b) Limitations on the number of awards that an individual investigator may receive will be recommended by the Advisory Committee and published in the Program Announcements.

(c) Budgets recommended by a review panel may be adjusted to comply with Program Announcements. Budgets recommended by a review panel for a proposal that is in line for funding but has not yet been funded may be decreased to allow award of any remaining funds in the final stages of the funding assignment process.

(d) The Coordinating Board staff shall assign funding to all proposals in order of rank by review panels and the Advisory Committee until the money assigned to that research area allocation is depleted. However, no more than 70 percent of the funds in each of the research program and the technology program may be awarded to eligible institutions from The University of Texas System and the Texas A&M University System.

(e) There is no upper limit to the percentage of funds that can be awarded to eligible institutions outside of The University of Texas System and the Texas A&M University System.

(f) The Advisory Committee shall recommend research projects and allocation of funds to the Commissioner and the Board of the Coordinating Board.

(g) The Coordinating Board shall make the final selection of research projects and allocation of funds after considering the recommendations of the Commissioner and the Advisory Committee.

(h) Prior to expenditure of funds for any grant, the institution must have an approved budget on file with the Coordinating Board.

(i) The Coordinating Board shall work with the Comptroller of Public Accounts to ensure that grants funds are forwarded to the institutions in a timely manner. Funds for the selected awards at public institutions will be held on account with the Comptroller. Funds for independent institutions will be forwarded by warrant in quarterly payments after a contract between the Coordinating Board and the institution is fully executed.

(j) An eligible institution and its grant participants to be funded by any of the research funding programs are subject to grant conditions provided by the Coordinating Board.

§14.77.Progress Reports.

(a) An institution funded by any of the research funding programs under this chapter shall report on the progress of the funded research to the Coordinating Board not later than the dates specified by the Coordinating Board.

(b) The due dates specified by the Coordinating Board for the progress reports are subject to Texas Education Code, §142.005 and §143.006.

(c) The progress reports shall be in the manner and format specified by the Coordinating Board and shall provide all requested information.

(d) The Coordinating Board shall report on the progress of active grants by annually posting information on the research funding programs' web site. Each year, the Coordinating Board shall notify the Governor and the Legislative Budget Board of the date and location of the posting.

§14.78.Merit Review.

(a) The Coordinating Board shall appoint an external evaluation committee to evaluate the effectiveness of the research funding programs in the second year of each biennium.

(b) The external evaluation committee shall consist of nationally or internationally recognized experts with experience in the physical sciences, engineering, medicine, and Texas industry.

(c) The committee will meet in Austin to discuss the research funding programs with representatives of the State government, institutional research offices, investigators, industry, the Advisory Committee, and the Coordinating Board research staff.

(d) The chair of the external review committee will present the committee's findings to the Coordinating Board.

§14.79.Suspension and Termination of Funding.

(a) A grant awarded under any of the research funding programs may be suspended or terminated in whole or in part after the Coordinating Board's finding that a funded institution or its grant participant has failed to perform suitably or failed to conform to grant conditions.

(b) A grant awarded under any of the research funding programs may be suspended or terminated in whole or in part after the Coordinating Board's finding that a funded institution or its grant participant has made a false statement in information submitted to the Coordinating Board.

(c) A grant awarded under any of the research funding programs may be suspended or terminated in whole or in part after the Coordinating Board's finding that a funded institution or its grant participant has engaged in any misconduct in science, engineering, and education, such as falsification, fabrication, and plagiarism.

(d) A grant awarded to an institution under any of the research funding programs may be terminated in whole or in part if all of the original investigator(s) leave the institution. However, if the original investigator(s) moves to another eligible institution, any remaining grant funds may be transferred to the new institution if the participating institutions and the Coordinating Board staff agree to the transfer.

(e) The Coordinating Board may require reimbursement of grant funds in whole or in part if a grant is suspended or terminated under subsections (a) - (c) of this section.

(f) Funds not expended or encumbered for purposes of the grant during the term of the grant shall be returned to the Coordinating Board.

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 November 7, 2002.

TRD-200207317

Jan Greenberg

General Counsel

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Proposed date of adoption: January 30, 2003

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


Subchapter F. SUPPLEMENTAL GRANTS PROGRAM FOR HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS

19 TAC §§14.91 - 14.95

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board proposes new §§14.91 - 14.95, concerning the administration of the Advanced Research Program, Advanced Technology Program, and Technology Development and Transfer Program (Supplemental Grants Program for High School Teachers). Specifically, these new rules describe the processes for the application and review of proposals, appeals by denied applicants, and suspension and termination of grants. Provisions regarding the confidentiality of information related to the application and review of proposals are also included in the new sections.

Dr. Linda Domelsmith, Director of Research has determined that for each year of the first five years 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.

Dr. Domelsmith has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of administering the new rules will be the enhanced development and growth of technology and related industries in Texas. This enhancement is expected from the increased number of qualified basic and technology research projects conducted at Texas institutions of higher education. There is no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the rules as proposed. There is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the new rules may be submitted to Dr. Linda Domelsmith, P.O. Box 12788, Austin, Texas 78711, (512) 427-6150, or by e-mail to Linda.Domelsmith@thecb.state.tx.us.

The new rules are proposed under the Texas Education Code, §142.003 and §143.004 which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to administer the Advanced Research Program and the Advanced Technology Program.

The new rules affect the Texas Education Code, Chapters 142 and 143.

§14.91.Purpose.

(a) The supplemental grants program is intended to provide research experiences to active science and mathematics teachers in Texas high schools.

(b) The supplemental grants program is established to enable such teachers to participate in existing research activities funded by the research program and the technology program under the mentorship of university scientists or engineers.

§14.92.Eligibility.

(a) Institutions and their investigators that are currently receiving award grants under either the research program or the technology program are eligible to participate in the supplemental grants program.

(b) Each investigator who must be present to mentor the teachers during the grant period may have no more than one active supplemental grant at any given time.

(c) Teachers supported under the supplemental grants program must have a standard certificate to teach science or mathematics and must have a signed statement from a high school principal indicating that the school intends to offer the teacher a contract to teach full-time at a Texas high school during the academic year subsequent to the grant period.

(d) Teachers supported under the supplemental grants program must be qualified to make positive contributions to the goals of the research projects and must work full-time on the project for the grant period.

(e) Teachers supported under the supplemental grants program are not required to be students at the institution receiving the supplemental grants.

§14.93.Application and Review Procedure.

(a) An application must be submitted in the manner and format specified by the Coordinating Board with all requested information included and attached.

(b) An application must be signed by the investigator and the teacher involved, and must be approved by responsible officials at the teacher's high school and the investigator's institution.

(c) The Coordinating Board shall review applications accepted during the period specified by the Coordinating Board in the order they are received.

(d) After review, the Coordinating Board will notify applying investigators within two weeks of its decision on applications.

§14.94.Grants and Grant Conditions.

(a) Grant amounts will be in addition to the original award amounts granted under the research program or the technology program.

(b) Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

(c) The term of the grant will be four to nine contiguous weeks as designated in applications during the summer period that shall be specified by the Coordinating Board.

(d) Dollar amounts of awards are tied to the length of the research period proposed.

(e) The Coordinating Board shall determine the grant amounts and their use.

(f) The Coordinating Board reserves the right to terminate any grants under the supplemental grants program at any time.

§14.95.Reporting Requirements.

(a) Principal investigators and teachers supported by the grants shall complete brief reports of activities conducted as a part of the research experience.

(b) Final expenditure reports from the institutions shall be required.

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 November 7, 2002.

TRD-200207318

Jan Greenberg

General Counsel

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Proposed date of adoption: January 30, 2003

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


Chapter 21. STUDENT SERVICES

Subchapter E. TUITION EQUALIZATION GRANTS PROGRAM

19 TAC §21.132

(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 Higher Education Coordinating Board or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board proposes the repeal of §21.132, concerning affirmations for the Tuition Equalization Grant Program. Specifically, the repeal of this section will correct an error made in 1995, when state grant program rules were re-written and adopted as Chapter 22 of Board rules. This section of Chapter 21 was inadvertently left behind, although new rules governing the Tuition Equalization Grant Program were adopted as Subchapter B, Chapter 22.

Lois Hollis, Assistant Commissioner for Student Services, has determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is eliminated, there will be no fiscal implications to state or local government as a result of the repeal.

Ms. Hollis 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 the repeal will be a uniform grant refund policy. There is no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the repeal as proposed. There is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposed repeal of the rule may be submitted to Lois Hollis, P.O. Box 12788, Austin, Texas 78711, (512) 427-6465, or by e-mail to Lois.hollis@thecb.state.tx.us.

The repeal of the rule is proposed under the Texas Education Code, §61.229, which gives the Coordinating Board the authority to make any regulations consistent with the purposes and policies of the Program and to enforce its requirements, conditions, and limitations.

The repeal affects Texas Education Code, §61.229.

§21.132.Student Affirmation Form.

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 November 7, 2002.

TRD-200207302

Jan Greenberg

General Counsel

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Proposed date of adoption: January 30, 2003

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


Subchapter G. TEXAS PUBLIC EDUCATIONAL GRANTS PROGRAM

19 TAC §21.182

(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 Higher Education Coordinating Board or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board proposes the repeal of §21.182, concerning affirmations for the Texas Public Educational Grant Program. Specifically, the repeal of this section will correct an error made in 1995, when state grant program rules were re-written and adopted as Chapter 22 of Board rules. This section of Chapter 21 was inadvertently left behind, although new rules governing the Texas Public Educational Grant program were adopted as Subchapter D, Chapter 22.

Lois Hollis, Assistant Commissioner for Student Services, has determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is eliminated, there will be no fiscal implications to state or local government as a result of the repeal.

Ms. Hollis 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 the repeal will be a uniform grant refund policy. There is no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the repeal as proposed. There is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposed repeal of the rule may be submitted to Lois Hollis, P.O. Box 12788, Austin, Texas 78711, (512) 427-6465, or by e-mail to Lois.hollis@thecb.state.tx.us.

The repeal of the rule is proposed under the Texas Education Code, §61.229, which gives the Coordinating Board the authority to make any regulations consistent with the purposes and policies of the Program and to enforce its requirements, conditions, and limitations.

The repeal affects Texas Education Code, §61.229.

§21.182.Student Affirmation Form.

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 November 7, 2002.

TRD-200207301

Jan Greenberg

General Counsel

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Proposed date of adoption: January 30, 2003

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

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board proposes amendments to §22.6, concerning the general provisions for all grants and scholarships described in Chapter 22. Specifically, these amendments will make the general provisions applicable to all programs described in Chapter 22, rather than containing an exception for the Tuition Equalization Grant and the Scholarships for Professional Nursing Students.

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

Ms. Hollis has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of administering the rule will be a uniform grant refund policy. There is no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the rule as proposed. There is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposed amendments to the rule may be submitted to Lois Hollis, P.O. Box 12788, Austin, Texas 78711, (512) 427-6505, or by e-mail to Lois.hollis@thecb.state.tx.us.

The amendments to the rule are proposed under the Texas Education Code, §61.027, which provides the Coordinating Board with the general authority to adopt rules to effectuate the provisions of the chapter; Texas Education Code, §61.229, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to make reasonable regulations to enforce the requirements, conditions, and limitations of the Tuition Equalization Grant; Texas Education Code, §56.034, which gives the Coordinating Board the implied authority to adopt regulations for the Texas Public Educational Grants; Texas Education Code, §61.656, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to adopt rules necessary for the administration of the Scholarship Program for Professional Nursing and Vocational Nursing Students; Texas Education Code, §61.755, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to adopt rules necessary for the administration of the Scholarships for Fifth-Year Accounting Students; Texas Education Code, §56.303(a), which provides the Coordinating Board with the general authority to adopt rules to implement the provisions of the chapter; as well as Texas Education Code, §56.353(a), which provides the Coordinating Board with the general authority to adopt rules to implement the provisions of the chapter.

The amendments affect Texas Education Code, §§56.303, 56.353, 61.027, 61.229, 61.656, and 61.755.

§22.6.Awards and Adjustments.

(a) - (d) (No change.)

(e) Refunds

(1) (No change.)

(2) Institutions [ Except in the Tuition Equalization Grant Program and Scholarship Programs for Professional Nurses, which have their own refund schedules, institutions ] are to follow their general institutional refund policies in making refunds to the grant and scholarship programs described in this chapter.

(3) (No change.)

(f) - (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 November 7, 2002.

TRD-200207304

Jan Greenberg

General Counsel

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Proposed date of adoption: January 30, 2003

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


Subchapter B. PROVISIONS FOR THE TUITION EQUALIZATION GRANT PROGRAM

19 TAC §22.25

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board proposes amendments to §22.25, concerning refunds for the Tuition Equalization Grant Program. Specifically, these amendments will make the refund provision consistent with the refund policies of the other grants administered by the Board and in accordance with the General Provisions of §22.6 of this title (relating to Awards and Adjustments).

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

Ms. Hollis has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of administering the rule will be a uniform grant refund policy. There is no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the rule as proposed. There is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposed amendments to the rule may be submitted to Lois Hollis, P.O. Box 12788, Austin, Texas 78711, (512) 427-6505, or by e-mail to Lois.hollis@thecb.state.tx.us.

The amendments to the rule are proposed under the Texas Education Code, §61.221, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to administer Tuition Equalization Grants and Texas Education Code, §61.229, which gives the Coordinating Board the authority to make any regulations consistent with the purposes and policies of the Program and to enforce its requirements, conditions, and limitations.

The amendments affect Texas Education Code, §61.221 and §61.229.

§22.25.Refunds.

If a student withdraws officially for any reason refunds should be done in accordance with the general provisions of Chapter 22, Subchapter A, §22.6 of this title (relating to General Provisions for all Grant and Scholarship Programs Described in this Chapter). [ If a student withdraws officially for any reason during the first week of class work, a refund of 70% of the tuition equalization grant will be returned to the board for reallocation; during the second week, 60%; during the third week, 40%; during the fourth week, 20%; during the fifth week and thereafter, nothing. ]

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 November 7, 2002.

TRD-200207305

Jan Greenberg

General Counsel

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Proposed date of adoption: January 30, 2003

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


Subchapter E. TEXAS NEW HORIZONS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

19 TAC §22.84

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board proposes amendments to §22.84, concerning selection of recipients for the Texas New Horizons Scholarship program. Specifically, these amendments will make the eligibility requirements reflect the legislative intent to phase out the Program, as evidenced by its repeal of the statutory basis for the Program, Texas Education Code, §54.216.

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

Ms. Hollis has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of administering the rule will be a clear statement of program eligibility requirements. There is no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the rule as proposed. There is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposed amendments to the rule may be submitted to Lois Hollis, P.O. Box 12788, Austin, Texas 78711, (512) 427-6505, or by e-mail to Lois.hollis@thecb.state.tx.us.

The amendments to the rule are proposed under the Texas Education Code, §61.027, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to adopt rules to effectuate the programs under its administration.

The amendments affect no current statute since Texas Education Code, §54.216 has been repealed.

§22.84.Selection of Recipients.

Prior year recipients will continue to receive the scholarship as long as they continue to meet the eligibility requirements of the Texas New Horizons Scholarship Program. [ In the initial selection of recipients, institutions are to give priority consideration to applicants who meet the criteria listed below. The Coordinating Board will advise institutions as to the relative weight to be given each of the criteria. In addition, priority may be given to prior year recipients as long as they continue to meet the eligibility requirements of the program. The selection criteria are: ]

[(1) the applicant's socioeconomic background, which suggests disadvantages in preparing for college, measured in terms of the student's family income relative to the designated poverty level of income and whether or not the family has been receiving some type of welfare assistance;]

[(2) the relative wealth of the school district in which the student graduated from high school compared to the average wealth of school districts throughout the state;]

[(3) one or more of the following criteria, as determined by the institution attended by the student:]

[(A) levels of responsibility demonstrated by the student through work at school, in the community, the family or with an outside job to help support the family while attending high school, as attested to via recommendations from at least two disinterested third parties;]

[(B) the applicant's performance on standardized tests as compared to the performance of other students with similar socioeconomic backgrounds;]

[(C) whether the student's parents ever attended college; and,]

[(D) the applicant's performance on standardized tests compared to the performance of all applicants for an award under this subchapter.]

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 November 7, 2002.

TRD-200207308

Jan Greenberg

General Counsel

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Proposed date of adoption: January 30, 2003

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


Subchapter G. PROVISIONS FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS FOR PROFESSIONAL NURSING STUDENTS

19 TAC §22.128

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board proposes amendments to §22.128, concerning refunds for the Scholarship Programs for Professional Nursing Students. Specifically, these amendments will make the refund provision consistent with the refund policies of the other grants administered by the Board and in accordance with the General Provisions of §22.6 of this title (relating to Awards and Adjustments).

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

Ms. Hollis has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of administering the rule will be a uniform grant refund policy. There is no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the rule as proposed. There is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposed amendments to the rule may be submitted to Lois Hollis, P.O. Box 12788, Austin, Texas 78711, (512) 427-6505, or by e-mail to Lois.hollis@thecb.state.tx.us.

The amendments to the rule are proposed under the Texas Education Code, §61.652, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to administer funds for the Scholarship Programs for Professional Nursing Students as well as Texas Education Code, §61.656(b), which provides the Coordinating Board the authority to adopt rules relating to the establishment of the scholarship program.

The amendments affect Texas Education Code, §61.652 and §61.656.

§22.128.Refunds.

If a student withdraws officially for any reason, refunds should be done in accordance with the general provisions of Chapter 22, Subchapter A, §22.6 of this title (relating to General Provisions for all Grant and Scholarship Programs Described in this Chapter). [ In any semester, should a student withdraw from classes prior to the end of the term, funds disbursed to the student from the scholarship program that semester or term shall be returned to the program in accordance with the following schedule: ]

[(1) Prior to the first class day--100%;]

[(2) During the first five days of class--80%;]

[(3) During the second five days of class--70%;]

[(4) During the third five days of class--50%;]

[(5) During the fourth five days of class--25%;]

[(6) After the fourth five days of class--0%.]

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 November 7, 2002.

TRD-200207306

Jan Greenberg

General Counsel

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Proposed date of adoption: January 30, 2003

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


Subchapter J. PROVISIONS FOR THE TEXAS TUITION ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM

19 TAC §22.183

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board proposes amendments to §22.183, concerning the eligible students provisions for the Texas Tuition Assistance Grant Program. Specifically, these amendments will make the eligibility requirements reflect the legislative intent to phase out the Program, as evidenced by its repeal of the statutory basis for the Program, Texas Education Code, §§56.101 - 56.108.

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

Ms. Hollis has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of administering the rule will be a clear statement of program eligibility requirements. There is no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the rule as proposed. There is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposed amendments to the rule may be submitted to Lois Hollis, P.O. Box 12788, Austin, Texas 78711, (512) 427-6505, or by e-mail to Lois.hollis@thecb.state.tx.us.

The amendments to the rule are proposed under the Texas Education Code, §61.027, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to adopt rules to effectuate the programs under its administration.

The amendments affect no current statute since Texas Education Code, §§56.101 - 56.108 have been repealed.

§22.183.Eligible Students.

[(a) Initial award recipients must:]

[(1) meet general eligibility requirements of this chapter; and]

[(2) be enrolled on a full-time basis in an eligible institution;]

[(3) be from a low-income or middle-income family;]

[(4) have graduated from a secondary school within two years preceding the student's grant application;]

[(5) have a cumulative secondary school grade point average that is equal to or greater than the equivalent of 80 on a scale of 100;]

[(6) have applied for any available financial aid;]

[(7) not have been granted a baccalaureate degree; or]

[(8) not have been convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude, unless the person has met all initial award eligibility requirements and has:]

[(A) received a certificate of discharge by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice or a correctional facility or completed a period of probation ordered by a court, and at least two years have elapsed from the date of the receipt or completion; or]

[(B) been pardoned or otherwise released from the resulting ineligibility to participate in the Texas Tuition Assistance Grant Program.]

[ (b) ] Continuation award recipients must

(1) make steady academic progress toward a baccalaureate degree as determined by the institution;

(2) maintain full-time enrollment for at least two semesters in any academic year;

(3) have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale; [ and ]

(4) have applied for financial aid; and

(5) [ (4) ] meet all the general eligibility requirements of this chapter [ for students receiving initial awards as listed in §22.183 of this title (relating to Provisions for the Texas Tuition Assistance Grant Program) ].

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 November 7, 2002.

TRD-200207307

Jan Greenberg

General Counsel

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Proposed date of adoption: January 30, 2003

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


Subchapter K. PROVISIONS FOR THE TEXAS EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANT PROGRAM

19 TAC §§22.201 - 22.205

(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.)

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board proposes the repeal of §§22.201 - 22.205, concerning the Texas Educational Opportunity Grant Program. Specifically, the repeal of these rules will make the rules consistent with the actual and current statutory status of the program, since the Legislature has repealed this grant program.

Lois Hollis, Assistant Commissioner for Student Services, has determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are eliminated, there will be no fiscal implications to state or local government as a result of the repeal.

Ms. Hollis 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 of the rules will be to eliminate confusion about the current status of the program. There is no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the repeal of the rules as proposed. There is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposed repeal of the rules may be submitted to Lois Hollis, P.O. Box 12788, Austin, Texas 78711, (512) 427-6465, or by e-mail to Lois.hollis@thecb.state.tx.us.

The repeal of the rules is proposed under the Texas Education Code, §61.027, the Coordinating Board's general rulemaking authority that grants the power to make rules that effectuate the provisions of the chapter.

The repeal of these rules will have no statutory affect, as this program has been repealed.

§22.201.Purpose.

§22.202.Eligible Institutions.

§22.203.Eligible Students.

§22.204.Award Amounts.

§22.205.Allocations and Reallocations.

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 November 7, 2002.

TRD-200207303

Jan Greenberg

General Counsel

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Proposed date of adoption: January 30, 2003

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


Subchapter L. TOWARD EXCELLENCE, ACCESS, AND SUCCESS (TEXAS) GRANT PROGRAM

19 TAC §§22.226, 22.228, 22.229, 22.232

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board proposes amendments to §§22.226, 22.228, 22.229, and 22.232, concerning the definitions, student eligibility requirements, hardship provisions and awards and adjustments for the Toward Excellence, Access and Success Grant Program. Specifically, these amendments will clarify information needed on the report submitted to the Board regarding encumbering funds, remove references to the Teach for Texas Conditional Grant, clarify that a student must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree or certificate program, clarify if a student graduates from a private high school that the high school must be accredited by the Texas Education Agency, clarify that a student must enroll in higher education within 16 months of high school graduation, and clarify requirements for receiving an award through the program.

Lois Hollis, Assistant Commissioner for Student Services, has determined that for each year of the first five years 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.

Ms. Hollis has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of administering the rules will be clarification of program requirements. There is no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the rules as proposed. There is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposed amendments to the rules may be submitted to Lois Hollis, P.O. Box 12788, Austin, Texas 78711, (512) 427-6505, or by e-mail to Lois.hollis@thecb.state.tx.us.

The amendments to the rules are proposed under the Texas Education Code, §56.302, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to provide a grant of money to enable eligible students to attend public and private institutions of higher education in this state.

The amendments affect the Texas Education Code, Chapter 56, Subchapter M.

§22.226.Definitions.

The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(1) Encumber funds (for the TEXAS Grant Program)--To commit specific award amounts to specific students, documented by a report submitted to the Board, which includes at a minimum, the number of students to receive funds and the total amount to be issued to them [ a list of student recipient social security numbers, number of hours taken and dollar amounts awarded ].

(2) - (3) (No change.)

[(4) Fifth-year certification student--A student at an approved institution enrolled in a fifth-year educator program.]

(4) [ (5) ] Initial award--The grant award made in the first semester in which a student is eligible.

(5) [ (6) ] Recommended or advanced high school curriculum--The curriculum specified in the Texas Education Code, §28.002 or §28.025.

§22.228.Eligible Students.

(a) To receive an initial award through the TEXAS Grant Program, a student must:

(1) - (4) (No change.)

(5) be enrolled in an undergraduate degree or certificate program and not have been granted a baccalaureate degree;

(6) (No change.)

(7) if a graduate of a public high school certified by its district [ in a school district certified ] not to offer all the courses necessary to complete all parts of the recommended or advanced high school curriculum, have completed all courses at the high school offered toward the completion of such a curriculum and enroll in an eligible institution not later than the end of the 16th month after the month of high school graduation (unless granted a hardship extension in keeping with §22.229 of this title); and

(8) if a graduate of a [ an accredited ] private high school, graduate from a high school identified by the Texas Education Agency as accredited so the high school transcript can be accepted as equivalent to the recommended or higher curriculum offered by public high schools. [ present an official transcript or diploma that includes information indicating that the student has completed or is on schedule to complete the equivalent of the recommended or advanced high school curriculum. ]

(b) To receive a continuation award through the TEXAS Grant Program, a student must:

(1) - (3) (No change.)

(4) be enrolled in an undergraduate degree or certificate program at an eligible institution [ unless enrolled as a fifth-year certification student in a five-year educator certification program and receiving a Teach for Texas Grant as provided in Chapter 21, Subchapter N of this title (relating to Teach for Texas Conditional Grant Program) ];

(5) - (8) (No change.)

(c) Unless granted a hardship postponement in keeping accordance §22.229(c) of this title (relating to Hardship Provisions), a student's eligibility for a TEXAS grant ends six years from the start of the semester or term in which the student received his or her initial award of a TEXAS grant if the student's eligibility for a TEXAS Grant was based on his or her high school performance. Unless granted a hardship postponement in accordance with §22.229(c) of this title [ (relating to Hardship Provisions) ], a student's eligibility ends four years from the date [ start ] of the semester or term in which the student received his or her initial award of a TEXAS grant if the student's eligibility was based on receiving an associate's degree.

(d) - (e) (No change.)

§22.229.Hardship Provisions.

(a) - (c) (No change.)

(d) A student must enroll in higher education [ student's first award must be received ] within 16 months of high school graduation. However, the financial aid director may allow a student to receive his/her first award after more than 16 months have passed if the student and/or the student's family has suffered a hardship that would now make the student rank as one of the institution's neediest. Documentation justifying the exception must be kept in the student's files.

§22.232.Awards and Adjustments.

(a) - (c) (No change.)

(d) Amount of Grant.

(1) The maximum amount that may be received in a given semester or term by a student through the TEXAS Grant Program is an amount equal to the average tuition and required fees charged students enrolled in similar institutions for the statewide average full-time load for financial aid recipients [ 12 semester credit hours or their equivalent ]. The maximum award for recipients enrolled at eligible private or independent institutions is based on the average tuition and required fees at public universities. The maximum award for students enrolled in public community colleges is based on the average in-district tuition and fee charges for such institutions. The Board shall determine and announce award maximum amounts prior to the start of each fiscal year.

(2) - (3) (No change.)

(e) (No change.)

(f) Packaging with Other Awards. The amount of a TEXAS grant may not be reduced by any gift aid for which the person is eligible, unless the total amount of a person's grant plus any gift aid received exceeds the student's financial need [ total cost of attendance at an eligible institution ].

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 November 7, 2002.

TRD-200207309

Jan Greenberg

General Counsel

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Proposed date of adoption: January 30, 2003

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


Part 7. STATE BOARD FOR EDUCATOR CERTIFICATION

Chapter 232. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO ALL CERTIFICATES ISSUED

Subchapter R. CERTIFICATE RENEWAL AND CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

19 TAC §232.851

The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) proposes an amendment to §232.851, relating to the number of required continuing professional education hours by classes of certificates. The proposed amendment to §232.851 would require holders of the new standard reading specialist certificate (proposed elsewhere in this same issue) to complete 200 hours of continuing professional education every five years in order to renew the certificate. This renewal requirement is consistent with the requirements for other student services certificates (e.g., school counselor, educational diagnostician).

Steve Wright, Chief Financial Officer, State Board for Educator Certification, has determined that, for the first five-year period the rules are in effect, enforcing or administering the proposed rule would not have foreseeable implications relating to cost or revenues of state or local governments.

Dan Junell, General Counsel, State Board for Educator Certification, has determined that, for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect, the public benefits expected as a result of adoption of the proposed rule will be to ensure school administrators and students and their parents that holders of the standard reading specialist certificate continually update their knowledge of current best practices based on scientifically based research and best available technology to enhance their roles in providing reading learning services. Holders of the standard reading specialist certificate may incur costs in obtaining appropriate continuing professional education not provided through districts as part of their regular professional development program. There will be no affect to small or micro businesses.

In accordance with §2001.022, Government Code, SBEC has determined that the adopted rule will not impact local economies and, therefore, has not filed a request for a local employment impact statement with the Texas Workforce Commission.

If adopted, the proposed rule would be a governmental action regulating renewal of an educator certificate, a statutory privilege, issued by SBEC, in accordance with Chapter 21, Subchapter B, Education Code, and therefore would not affect private real property under the Private Real Property Preservation Act in Government Code, Chapter 2007.

Comments regarding the proposed amendments may be submitted to Dan Junell, General Counsel, State Board for Educator Certification, 4616 West Howard Lane, Suite 120, Austin, Texas 78728, or by e-mail at "djunell@sbec.state.tx.us."

The amendment is proposed under the statutory authority of the following Education Code sections: §21.031(a), which vests SBEC with the authority to regulate and oversee all aspects of the certification, continuing education, and standards of conduct of public school educators; and §21.041(b)(1), Education Code, which requires SBEC to propose rules that provide for the regulation of educators and the general administration of Chapter 21, Subchapter B, in a manner consistent with that subchapter; §21.041(b)(2), which requires SBEC to specify the classes of certificates to be issued; §21.041(b)(3), which requires SBEC to specify the period for which each class of educator certificate is valid; §21.041(b)(4), which requires SBEC to specify the requirements for the issuance and renewal of an educator certificate; and §21.041(b)(9), which requires SBEC to provide for continuing education requirements.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the proposed amendment.

§232.851.Number of Required Continuing Professional Education Hours by Classes of Certificates.

(a) Holders of the Standard Superintendent Certificate must complete 200 clock hours of continuing professional education every five years. Specific requirements are contained in §242.30 of this title (relating to Requirements for Continuing Education and the Renewal of the Standard Superintendent Certificate).

(b) Holders of the Standard Principal Certificate must complete 200 clock hours of continuing professional education every five years. Specific requirements are contained in §241.30 of this title (relating to Requirements to Renew the Standard Principal Certificate).

(c) Holders of the Standard School Counselor Certificate must complete 200 clock hours of continuing professional education every five years.

(d) Holders of the Standard Learning Resources Specialist Certificate must complete 200 clock hours of continuing professional education every five years.

(e) Holders of the Standard Educational Diagnostician Certificate must complete 200 clock hours of continuing professional education every five years.

(f) Holders of the Standard Reading Specialist Certificate must complete 200 clock hours of continuing professional education every five years.

(g) [ (f) ] Holders of the Standard Master Teacher Certificate must complete 200 clock hours of continuing professional education every five years.

(h) [ (g) ] Holders of the Standard Classroom Teacher Certificate must complete 150 clock hours of continuing professional education every five years. Specific requirements are contained in §232.850 of this title (relating to Number and Content of Required Continuing Professional Education Hours).

(i) [ (h) ] Holders of the Standard Educational Aide Certificate are exempt from the provisions of §232.850 of this title (relating to Number and Content of Required Continuing Professional Education Hours).

(j) [ (i) ] Holders of Professional Certificates issued prior to September 1, 1999, who opt in to the Standard Certificate pursuant to §232.810 of this chapter (relating to Voluntary Renewal of Current Texas Educators) must complete 200 clock hours of continuing professional education every five years.

(k) [ (j) ] Holders of Provisional Certificates issued prior to September 1, 1999, who opt into the Standard Certificate pursuant to §232.810 of this chapter must complete 150 clock hours of continuing professional education every five years.

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 November 7, 2002.

TRD-200207259

William Franz

Executive Director

State Board for Educator Certification

Earliest possible date of adoption: December 22, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 469-3011


Chapter 239. STUDENT SERVICES CERTIFICATES

Subchapter D. READING SPECIALIST CERTIFICATE

19 TAC §§239.90 - 239.95

The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) proposes new Subchapter D, related to the reading specialist certificate, of 19 TAC Chapter 239, related to student services certificates. The following new sections are proposed: §239.90, related to general provisions for issuance of the reading specialist certificate; §239.91, related to minimum requirements for admission to a reading specialist preparation program; §239.92, related to preparation requirements; §239.93, related to requirements for the issuance of the reading specialist certificate; §239.94, related to requirements to renew the standard reading specialist certificate; and §239.95, related to transition and implementation dates.

The proposed experience requirements for the new standards-based Reading Specialist Certificate are consistent with those for the other new student services certificates (school librarian, school counselor, and educational diagnostician). They differ, however, from the current Reading Specialist requirements in that the proposed rules require two years of classroom teaching experience in a public or accredited private school.

Proposed new §239.95, related to transition and implementation dates, provides for the new reading specialist certificate to be offered beginning September 1, 2003, and provides for the current reading specialist certificate to be discontinued effective September 1, 2004. The Examination for the Certification of Educators in Texas (ExCET) reading specialist test is scheduled for deletion on August 31, 2003, and the new Texas Examination of Educator Standards (TExES) reading specialist test has been available since September 1, 2003. Under the proposed rule, candidates who have passed the reading specialist ExCET prior to September 1, 2003, will have until August 31, 2004, to meet all other requirements for the current (ExCET-based) reading specialist certificate issued under 19 TAC §230.310. That is, candidates who have passed the reading specialist ExCET before September 1, 2003, but who have not acquired the required three years of teaching experience or have not completed required coursework will have an additional year to meet these requirements.

Steve Wright, Chief Financial Officer, State Board for Educator Certification, has determined that, for the first five-year period the rules are in effect, enforcing or administering the proposed rule would not have foreseeable implications relating to cost or revenues of state or local governments.

Dan Junell, General Counsel, State Board for Educator Certification, has determined that, for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect, the public benefits expected as a result of adoption of the proposed rules will be to ensure that certified reading specialists meet current professional standards founded on scientifically based research. Implementation of the proposed rules will not affect small or micro businesses.

In accordance with §2001.022, Government Code, SBEC has determined that the adopted rule will not impact local economies and, therefore, has not filed a request for a local employment impact statement with the Texas Workforce Commission.

If adopted, the proposed rule would be a governmental action regulating renewal of an educator certificate, a statutory privilege, issued by SBEC, in accordance with Chapter 21, Subchapter B, Education Code, and therefore would not affect private real property under the Private Real Property Preservation Act in Government Code, Chapter 2007.

Comments regarding the proposed new rules may be submitted to Dan Junell, General Counsel, State Board for Educator Certification, 4616 West Howard Lane, Suite 120, Austin, Texas 78728, or by e-mail at "djunell@sbec.state.tx.us."

The new rules are proposed under the statutory authority of the following Education Code sections: §21.031(a), which vests SBEC with the authority to regulate and oversee all aspects of the certification, continuing education, and standards of conduct of public school educators; and §21.041(b)(1), Education Code, which requires SBEC to propose rules that provide for the regulation of educators and the general administration of Chapter 21, Subchapter B, in a manner consistent with that subchapter; §21.041(b)(2), which requires SBEC to specify the classes of certificates to be issued; §21.041(b)(3), which requires SBEC to specify the period for which each class of educator certificate is valid; §21.041(b)(4), which requires SBEC to specify the requirements for the issuance and renewal of an educator certificate; and §21.048, which requires SBEC to propose rules prescribing comprehensive examinations for the reading specialist certificate.

Because the proposed rules change the requirements for obtaining the reading specialist certificate, they indirectly affect §21.0481, Education Code, which provides special eligibility conditions for holders of the reading specialist certificate seeking the master reading teacher certificate. No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the proposed new rules.

§239.90.General Provisions.

(a) Because the reading specialist plays a critical role in campus effectiveness and student achievement, the State Board for Educator Certification adopts the rules in this subchapter to ensure that each candidate for the reading specialist certificate is of the highest caliber and possesses the knowledge and skills necessary to improve the performance of the diverse student population of this state.

(b) Each individual serving as a reading specialist is expected to actively participate in professional development activities to continually update his or her knowledge and skills. Currency in best practices and research as related to both campus leadership and student learning is essential.

§239.91.Minimum Requirements for Admission to a Reading Specialist Preparation Program.

(a) Prior to admission to a preparation program leading to the Standard Reading Specialist Certificate, an individual must:

(1) hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education; and

(2) meet the requirements for admission to an educator preparation program under Chapter 227 of this title (relating to Provisions for Educator Preparation Students).

(b) Preparation programs may adopt requirements for admission in addition to those required in subsection (a) of this section.

§239.92.Preparation Requirements.

(a) Structured, field-based training must be focused on actual experiences with each of the standards identified in the State Board for Educator Certification-approved Standards for Reading Specialist to include experiences at diverse types of campuses.

(b) Each preparation program must develop and implement specific criteria and procedures that allow admitted individuals to substitute professional reading specialist training or experience directly related to the standards identified in subsection (a) of this section for part of the preparation coursework or other program requirements.

§239.93.Requirements for the Issuance of the Reading Specialist Certificate.

To be eligible to receive the Standard Reading Specialist Certificate under this subchapter, the individual must:

(1) successfully complete a reading specialist preparation program that meets the requirements of §239.92 of this title (relating to Preparation Requirements) of this subchapter;

(2) successfully complete the assessments required under this title;

(3) hold a master's degree from an accredited institution of higher education; and

(4) have two school years of classroom teaching experience in a public or accredited private school.

§239.94.Requirements to Renew the Standard Reading Specialist Certificate.

(a) Each individual issued a Standard Reading Specialist Certificate under this title is subject to Chapter 232, Subchapter R of this title (relating to Certificate Renewal and Continuing Professional Education Requirements).

(b) An individual who holds a valid Texas reading specialist certificate issued prior to September 1, 1999, may voluntarily comply with the requirements of this section under procedures adopted by the executive director under §232.810 of this title (relating to Voluntary Renewal of Current Texas Educators).

§239.95.Transition and Implementation Dates.

Section 239.93 of this title (relating to Requirements for the Issuance of the Standard Reading Specialist Certificate) shall be implemented on September 1, 2003, and shall supersede all conflicting provisions in this title on September 1, 2004. All other sections of this subchapter shall take effect pursuant to Texas Government Code, §2001.036, relating to Effective Date of Rules.

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 November 7, 2002.

TRD-200207260

William Franz

Executive Director

State Board for Educator Certification

Earliest possible date of adoption: December 22, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 469-3011