Part 2. TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY
Chapter 102. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Subchapter BB. COMMISSIONER'S RULES CONCERNING MASTER TEACHER GRANT PROGRAMS
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) adopts the repeal of and new §§102.1011, 102.1013, and 102.1015, concerning master teacher grant programs. The repeals of §§102.1011, 102.1013, and 102.1015 and new §102.1011 are adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the September 28, 2007, issue of the Texas Register (32 TexReg 6716) and will not be republished. New §102.1013 and §102.1015 are adopted with changes to the proposed text as published in the September 28, 2007, issue of the Texas Register. The sections implement provisions relating to the master teacher grant programs for reading, mathematics, and science, respectively. The adopted rule actions update, revise, and reorganize provisions for the master teacher grant programs.
The Master Reading Teacher Grant Program was created by House Bill (HB) 2307, 76th Texas Legislature, 1999. The Master Mathematics Teacher Grant Program was created by HB 1144, 77th Texas Legislature, 2001. The Master Science Teacher Grant Program was created by HB 411, 78th Texas Legislature, 2003. Through 19 TAC §§102.1011, 102.1013, and 102.1015, the commissioner exercised rulemaking authority to adopt rules for implementation of these grant programs. The rules address awarding grants to school districts to pay stipends to selected certified master reading, mathematics, and science teachers who teach at high-need campuses as identified in rule. The commissioner's rules define terms and set forth the procedures for school district applications and administration of grants.
The adopted repeals and new rules update, revise, and reorganize provisions for the Master Teacher Grant programs. Specifically, adopted new 19 TAC §§102.1011, 102.1013, and 102.1015 include the following.
Subsection (a) adds definitions pertinent to the respective Master Teacher Grant program. Each new rule includes an updated definition for "identified high-need campus," and deletes provisions relating to the 2003-2004 and 2004-2005 school years. Definitions for each respective Master Teacher Grant program included in this new subsection maintain language from its corresponding repealed rule.
Subsection (b) specifies the purpose of the respective Master Teacher Grant program.
Subsection (c) clarifies the qualifications of a master reading teacher, master mathematics teacher, and master science teacher, respectively. The adopted qualifications maintain language from the repealed rule, but are reorganized.
At adoption, a technical correction was made in subsection (c) of §102.1013, Master Mathematics Teacher Grant Program, and §102.1015, Master Science Teacher Grant Program. These sections inadvertently listed the requirement of a mathematics specialist certificate and a science specialist certificate for the purposes of becoming a master mathematics teacher and a master science teacher, respectively; however, only a reading specialist certificate exists. Therefore, subsection (c) was modified accordingly in §102.1013 and §102.1015. The qualifications are the same as proposed with the exception of removing the specialist certificate requirement. No modification was needed in §102.1011, Master Reading Teacher Grant Program.
Subsection (d) describes the primary duties of a master teacher. The adopted new rules update and reorganize language retained from the repealed rules.
Subsection (e) reorganizes and updates campus eligibility criteria, including reference to the use of applicable statewide student assessment test scores to identify a high-need campus. The new language changes the allocation of stipends to occur in the school year following the year of notification. This allows school districts sufficient time to hire and schedule master teachers for high-need campuses.
Subsection (f) reorganizes and clarifies language retained from the repealed rules regarding the allocation and use of grant funds.
Subsection (g) adds new language regarding a decision of the commissioner of education concerning the amount of money awarded to a school district. Language from the repealed rules regarding payments is retained with a minor update to a cross reference.
Subsection (h) requires districts to provide proof of master teacher certification of stipend recipients. Language from the repealed rules regarding district designations of stipend recipients is retained, including the timeframe in which state stipends must be paid by local school districts to designated certified master teachers.
Subsection (i) adds new language allowing the commissioner to audit the expenditure of grant funds appropriated for the programs.
The TEA has determined that the adopted amendment will have no adverse economic effect to small businesses or microbusinesses; therefore, no regulatory flexibility analysis, specified in Texas Government Code, §2006.002, is required.
The public comment period on the proposal began September 28, 2007, and ended October 28, 2007. No public comments were received on the proposal.
19 TAC §§102.1011, 102.1013, 102.1015
The repeals are adopted under the Texas Education Code, §§21.410, 21.411, and 21.413, which authorize the commissioner to adopt rules as necessary to implement the master reading, mathematics, and science teacher grant programs, respectively.
The repeals implement the Texas Education Code, §§21.410, 21.411, and 21.413.
This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 19, 2008.
TRD-200801506
Cristina De La Fuente-Valadez
Director, Policy Coordination
Texas Education Agency
Effective date: April 8, 2008
Proposal publication date: September 28, 2007
For further information, please call: (512) 475-1497
19 TAC §§102.1011, 102.1013, 102.1015
The new sections are adopted under the Texas Education Code, §§21.410, 21.411, and 21.413, which authorize the commissioner to adopt rules as necessary to implement the master reading, mathematics, and science teacher grant programs, respectively.
The new sections implement the Texas Education Code, §§21.410, 21.411, and 21.413.
§102.1013.Master Mathematics Teacher Grant Program.
(a) Definitions. The following words and terms, when used in this section, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
(1) Identified high-need campus--An identified high-need campus is a campus where the percentage of students reported passing the statewide assessment in mathematics averages less than or equal to a percentage designated by the commissioner of education. An identified high-need campus does not include:
(A) a discipline alternative education program operated under the Texas Education Code (TEC), §37.008;
(B) a juvenile justice alternative education program; and
(C) a campus where fewer than 30 students took the statewide assessment in mathematics over the previous three school years for which data are considered.
(2) Master mathematics teacher--An educator who is employed by a school district and has satisfactorily completed the requirements for master mathematics teacher certification. The master mathematics teacher teaches mathematics and serves as a mathematics teacher mentor to other teachers.
(3) Master Mathematics Teacher Grant Program--An annual grant program established in accordance with the TEC, §21.411, under which a school district may apply to the commissioner of education for a grant to pay stipends to selected certified master mathematics teachers who teach at high-need campuses, in accordance with the provisions of this section.
(4) School district--For the purposes of this section, the definition of school district includes open-enrollment charter school.
(5) School district board of trustees--For the purposes of this section, the definition of a school district board of trustees includes a charter holder board.
(b) Purpose. The Master Mathematics Teacher Grant Program is established to encourage teachers to:
(1) become certified as master mathematics teachers; and
(2) work with other teachers and with students in order to improve student mathematics performance.
(c) Qualifications. A certified master mathematics teacher is a person who holds a teaching certificate who:
(1) has at least three years of teaching experience;
(2) has satisfactorily completed a course of instruction approved by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) for the purpose of becoming a master mathematics teacher; and
(3) has successfully performed on the master mathematics teacher certification examination prescribed by the SBEC.
(d) Primary duties. The primary duties of a master mathematics teacher are to teach mathematics and to serve as a mathematics teacher mentor to other teachers for the amount of time and in the manner established by the school district.
(1) Teaching mathematics is performed when a teacher:
(A) applies knowledge of the interrelated components of mathematics, including number concepts, patterns and algebra, geometry and measurement, probability and statistics, and mathematical processes, and uses expertise in mathematics instruction at the primary, intermediate/middle, or high school level to select, design, implement, and monitor appropriate mathematics instruction;
(B) selects, constructs, and administers appropriate mathematics assessments on an ongoing basis and uses the results to design, inform, and adjust mathematics instruction to promote student achievement;
(C) applies knowledge of a range of mathematical achievement (e.g., advanced learners, students demonstrating mathematics difficulties) and effective instructional approaches to facilitate and promote mathematics achievement;
(D) designs and implements instruction based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) in mathematics at the appropriate grade level; and
(E) creates a positive learning environment that promotes positive student attitudes toward mathematics and provides equitable opportunities for all students to achieve at a high level.
(2) A mathematics teacher mentor:
(A) provides mentoring and leadership that facilitate appropriate standards-based and research-based mathematics instruction;
(B) communicates and collaborates with educational professionals, parents, and others;
(C) coaches and consults with colleagues;
(D) provides professional development opportunities for faculty; and
(E) makes instructional decisions based on data and supported by evidence from research.
(e) Campus eligibility. Test score averages for the statewide assessment in mathematics for the three previous years will be used to identify a high-need campus.
(1) The commissioner shall determine, based upon student enrollment, whether a district may receive a grant to pay stipends to one or two certified master mathematics teachers per identified high-need campus.
(A) A school district may receive a grant to pay state stipends to two certified master mathematics teachers per identified high-need campus having a large student population as determined annually by the commissioner.
(B) A school district may receive a grant to pay state stipends to one certified master mathematics teacher per identified high-need campus having a small student population as determined annually by the commissioner.
(2) Following the initial year of the grant, a district is not required to reapply for a grant for two consecutive years if the district:
(A) continues to pay a stipend as provided by this subsection;
(B) notifies the commissioner, in accordance with the application instructions, that the circumstances on which the grant was based have not changed; and
(C) notifies the commissioner of changes in the circumstances on which the grant was based, including:
(i) number of months of the teacher's service under master mathematics teacher certification;
(ii) new designated master mathematics teachers on previously unserved identified high-need campuses, as defined in this subsection;
(iii) changes in designated master mathematics teachers on already served identified high-need campuses; and
(iv) additional changes affecting the Master Mathematics Teacher Grant Program, including any information required by the commissioner.
(f) Allocation and use of funds. A school district may apply to the commissioner for grants for each identified high-need campus as defined in subsection (a)(3) of this section to be used to pay a year-end stipend to certified master mathematics teachers in accordance with this section.
(1) The application must contain a certification by the school superintendent that the grants will be used only for the purpose set forth in the TEC, §21.411.
(2) Applications and reports must be filed with the commissioner during the school year in which a stipend is to be paid in accordance with the application instructions.
(3) Grant funds can only be used for the purpose of paying a year-end stipend to a master mathematics teacher, as defined in subsections (a)(4) and (c) of this section, whose primary duties are to teach mathematics and to serve as a mathematics teacher mentor to others for the amount of time and in the manner established by the school district.
(g) Payments. A decision of the commissioner concerning the amount of money to which a school district is entitled under this section is final and may not be appealed. The commissioner shall reduce payments to a school district proportionately to the extent an eligible teacher does not meet the requirements under subsection (c) of this section for the entire school year. In the event a teacher qualifies as a master mathematics teacher for a partial month, the district's written policy will determine how the district counts the partial month (e.g., as no month served or as an entire month served). Only whole months shall be entered on the application by the district on the teacher's behalf.
(h) Designations by the district. A district that employs more certified master mathematics teachers than the number of grants available under this section shall designate which certified master mathematics teacher(s) to assign the duties required to receive the state stipend(s).
(1) The designation is based on a written policy adopted by the board of trustees of the district.
(2) Each district shall provide to the commissioner proof acceptable to the commissioner of the master mathematics teacher certification of a teacher to whom the district is paying a stipend under this section.
(3) The district shall pay a state stipend for only one designated master mathematics teacher per designated slot on an identified high-need campus.
(4) In unforeseen circumstances (e.g., teacher becomes seriously ill and cannot continue), the district may request from the commissioner an exception to the provisions in this subsection to be considered on a case-by-case basis and only under extreme circumstances.
(5) A decision of the district under this subsection is final and may not be appealed.
(6) The district may use local money to pay additional stipends in amounts determined by the district.
(7) State stipends to certified master mathematics teachers must be paid by local school districts no later than 30 days after receipt of the grant by the school district.
(i) Audit of expenditures. The commissioner may audit the expenditure of grant funds appropriated for purposes of this section.
§102.1015.Master Science Teacher Grant Program.
(a) Definitions. The following words and terms, when used in this section, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
(1) Identified high-need campus--An identified high-need campus is a campus where the percentage of students reported passing the statewide assessment in science averages less than or equal to a percentage designated by the commissioner of education. An identified high-need campus does not include:
(A) a discipline alternative education program operated under the Texas Education Code (TEC), §37.008;
(B) a juvenile justice alternative education program; and
(C) a campus where fewer than 30 students took the statewide assessment in science over the previous three school years for which data are considered.
(2) Master science teacher--An educator who is employed by a school district and has satisfactorily completed the requirements for master science teacher certification. The master science teacher teaches science and serves as a science teacher mentor to other teachers.
(3) Master Science Teacher Grant Program--An annual grant program established in accordance with the TEC, §21.413, under which a school district may apply to the commissioner of education for a grant to pay stipends to selected certified master science teachers who teach at high-need campuses, in accordance with the provisions of this section.
(4) School district--For the purposes of this section, the definition of school district includes open-enrollment charter school.
(5) School district board of trustees--For the purposes of this section, the definition of a school district board of trustees includes a charter holder board.
(b) Purpose. The Master Science Teacher Grant Program is established to encourage teachers to:
(1) become certified as master science teachers; and
(2) work with other teachers and with students in order to improve student science performance.
(c) Qualifications. A certified master science teacher is a person who holds a teaching certificate who:
(1) has at least three years of teaching experience;
(2) has satisfactorily completed a course of instruction approved by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) for the purpose of becoming a master science teacher; and
(3) has successfully performed on the master science teacher certification examination prescribed by the SBEC.
(d) Primary duties. The primary duties of a master science teacher are to teach science and to serve as a science teacher mentor to other teachers for the amount of time and in the manner established by the school district.
(1) Teaching science is performed when a teacher:
(A) applies knowledge of the interrelated components of science, including scientific principles, such as systems and models, properties and patterns, constancy and change; scientific processes, such as inquiry in the laboratory and field, critical thinking and problem-solving; and science concepts, such as relationship between force and motion and interdependence among living systems, and uses expertise in science instruction at the primary, intermediate/middle, or high school level to select, design, implement, and monitor appropriate science instruction. The master science teacher understands ethics in science investigation and laboratory and field safety techniques and employs appropriate pedagogy techniques;
(B) selects, constructs, and administers appropriate science assessments on an ongoing basis and uses the results to design, inform, and adjust science instruction to promote student achievement;
(C) applies knowledge of a range of scientific achievement (e.g., advanced learners, students demonstrating science difficulties) and effective instructional approaches to facilitate and promote science achievement;
(D) designs and implements instruction based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) in science at the appropriate grade level; and
(E) creates a positive learning environment that promotes positive student attitudes toward science and provides equitable opportunities for all students to achieve at a high level.
(2) A science teacher mentor:
(A) provides mentoring and leadership that facilitate appropriate standards-based and research-based science instruction;
(B) communicates and collaborates with educational professionals, parents, and others;
(C) coaches and consults with colleagues;
(D) provides professional development opportunities for faculty; and
(E) makes instructional decisions based on data and supported by evidence from research.
(e) Campus eligibility. Test score averages for the statewide assessment in science for the three previous years will be used to identify a high-need campus.
(1) The commissioner shall determine, based upon student enrollment, whether a district may receive a grant to pay stipends to one or two certified master science teachers per identified high-need campus.
(A) A school district may receive a grant to pay state stipends to two certified master science teachers per identified high-need campus having a large student population as determined annually by the commissioner.
(B) A school district may receive a grant to pay state stipends to one certified master science teacher per identified high-need campus having a small student population as determined annually by the commissioner.
(2) Following the initial year of the grant, a district is not required to reapply for a grant for two consecutive years if the district:
(A) continues to pay a stipend as provided by this subsection;
(B) notifies the commissioner, in accordance with the application instructions, that the circumstances on which the grant was based have not changed; and
(C) notifies the commissioner of changes in the circumstances on which the grant was based, including:
(i) number of months of the teacher's service under master science teacher certification;
(ii) new designated master science teachers on previously unserved identified high-need campuses, as defined in this subsection;
(iii) changes in designated master science teachers on already served identified high-need campuses; and
(iv) additional changes affecting the Master Science Teacher Grant Program, including any information required by the commissioner.
(f) Allocation and use of funds. A school district may apply to the commissioner for grants for each identified high-need campus as defined in subsection (a)(3) of this section to be used to pay a year-end stipend to certified master science teachers in accordance with this section.
(1) The application must contain a certification by the school superintendent that the grants will be used only for the purpose set forth in the TEC, §21.413.
(2) Applications and reports must be filed with the commissioner during the school year in which a stipend is to be paid in accordance with the application instructions.
(3) Grant funds can only be used for the purpose of paying a year-end stipend to a master science teacher, as defined in subsections (a)(4) and (c) of this section, whose primary duties are to teach reading and to serve as a reading teacher mentor to others for the amount of time and in the manner established by the school district.
(g) Payments. A decision of the commissioner concerning the amount of money to which a school district is entitled under this section is final and may not be appealed. The commissioner shall reduce payments to a school district proportionately to the extent an eligible teacher does not meet the requirements under subsection (c) of this section for the entire school year. In the event a teacher qualifies as a master science teacher for a partial month, the district's written policy will determine how the district counts the partial month (e.g., as no month served or as an entire month served). Only whole months shall be entered on the application by the district on the teacher's behalf.
(h) Designations by the district. A district that employs more certified master science teachers than the number of grants available under this section shall designate which certified master science teacher(s) to assign the duties required to receive the state stipend(s).
(1) The designation is based on a written policy adopted by the board of trustees of the district.
(2) Each district shall provide to the commissioner proof acceptable to the commissioner of the master science teacher certification of a teacher to whom the district is paying a stipend under this section.
(3) The district shall pay a state stipend for only one designated master science teacher per designated slot on an identified high-need campus.
(4) In unforeseen circumstances (e.g., teacher becomes seriously ill and cannot continue), the district may request from the commissioner an exception to the provisions in this subsection to be considered on a case-by-case basis and only under extreme circumstances.
(5) A decision of the district under this subsection is final and may not be appealed.
(6) The district may use local money to pay additional stipends in amounts determined by the district.
(7) State stipends to certified master science teachers must be paid by local school districts no later than 30 days after receipt of the grant by the school district.
(i) Audit of expenditures. The commissioner may audit the expenditure of grant funds appropriated for purposes of this section.
This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 19, 2008.
TRD-200801505
Cristina De La Fuente-Valadez
Director, Policy Coordination
Texas Education Agency
Effective date: April 8, 2008
Proposal publication date: September 28, 2007
For further information, please call: (512) 475-1497