H.B. No. 2237
 
 
 
 
AN ACT
  relating to grants and programs for dropout prevention, high school
  success, and college and workforce readiness in public schools.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Sections 7.009(a) and (b), Education Code, are
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  In coordination with the Legislative Budget Board, the
  agency shall establish an online clearinghouse of information
  relating to best practices of campuses and school districts
  regarding instruction, dropout prevention, public school finance,
  resource allocation, and business practices. To the extent
  practicable, the agency shall ensure that information provided
  through the online clearinghouse is specific, actionable
  information relating to the best practices of high-performing and
  highly efficient campuses and school districts rather than general
  guidelines relating to campus and school district operation. The
  information must be accessible by campuses, school districts, and
  interested members of the public.
         (b)  The agency shall solicit and collect from the
  Legislative Budget Board, centers for education research
  established under Section 1.005, and exemplary or recognized school
  districts, campuses, and open-enrollment charter schools, as rated
  under Section 39.072, examples of best practices relating to
  instruction, dropout prevention, public school finance, resource
  allocation, and business practices, including best practices
  relating to curriculum, scope and sequence, compensation and
  incentive systems, bilingual education and special language
  programs, compensatory education programs, and the effective use of
  instructional technology, including online courses.
         SECTION 2.  Subchapter B, Chapter 7, Education Code, is
  amended by adding Section 7.031 to read as follows:
         Sec. 7.031.  STUDY OF BEST PRACTICES FOR DROPOUT PREVENTION.
  (a) The commissioner shall contract with one or more centers for
  education research under Section 1.005 or any other public or
  private entity qualified to conduct education research to:
               (1)  study the best practices of campuses and school
  districts in this state and other states regarding dropout
  prevention programs; and
               (2)  prepare a report regarding the findings of the
  study.
         (b)  The report under Subsection (a) must:
               (1)  identify any high-performing and highly efficient
  dropout prevention programs;
               (2)  identify the dropout prevention programs under
  Subdivision (1) that have the most potential for success in this
  state; and
               (3)  recommend legislation or other actions necessary
  to implement a dropout prevention program identified under
  Subdivision (2).
         (c)  Not later than December 1, 2008, the commissioner shall
  deliver the report produced under Subsection (a) to the governor,
  the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of
  representatives, and the presiding officers of the standing
  committees of each house of the legislature with primary
  jurisdiction over public education.
         (d)  This section expires January 1, 2009.
         SECTION 3.  Subchapter C, Chapter 7, Education Code, is
  amended by adding Section 7.062 to read as follows:
         Sec. 7.062.  SCIENCE LABORATORY GRANT PROGRAM. (a)  In this
  section, "wealth per student" means a school district's taxable
  value of property as determined under Subchapter M, Chapter 403,
  Government Code, or, if applicable, Section 42.2521, divided by the
  district's average daily attendance as determined under Section
  42.005.
         (b)  The commissioner shall establish a program to provide
  competitive grants to school districts for the purpose of
  constructing or renovating high school science laboratories.
         (c)  Except as otherwise provided by this subsection, if the
  commissioner certifies that the amount appropriated for a state
  fiscal year for purposes of Subchapters A and B, Chapter 46, exceeds
  the amount to which school districts are entitled under those
  subchapters for that year, the commissioner shall use the excess
  funds, in an amount not to exceed $20 million in any state fiscal
  year, for the purpose of making grants under this section. The use
  of excess funds under this subsection has priority over any
  provision of Chapter 42 that permits or directs the use of excess
  foundation school program funds, including Sections 42.2517,
  42.2521, 42.2522, and 42.2531. The commissioner is required to use
  excess funds as provided by this subsection only if the
  commissioner is not required to reduce the total amount of state
  funds allocated to school districts under Section 42.253(h).
         (d)  The commissioner shall adopt rules necessary to
  implement the program, including rules addressing eligibility,
  application procedures, and accountability for use of grant funds.
         (e)  The rules must:
               (1)  limit the amount of assistance provided through a
  grant to not more than:
                     (A)  for a construction project, $200 per square
  foot of the science laboratory to be constructed; or
                     (B)  for a renovation project, $100 per square
  foot of the science laboratory to be renovated;
               (2)  require a school district to demonstrate, as a
  condition of eligibility for a grant, that the existing district
  science laboratories are insufficient in number to comply with the
  curriculum requirements imposed for the recommended and advanced
  high school programs under Section 28.025(b-1)(1); and
               (3)  provide for ranking school districts that apply
  for grants on the basis of wealth per student and giving priority in
  the award of grants to districts with low wealth per student.
         SECTION 4.  Subchapter J, Chapter 21, Education Code, is
  amended by adding Sections 21.4511, 21.4541, 21.4551, and 21.462 to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 21.4511.  PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES FOR
  TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS.  (a)  From funds appropriated for that
  purpose in an amount not to exceed $2.5 million each year, the
  commissioner may develop and award grants to school districts,
  regional education service centers, nonprofit organizations, and
  institutions of higher education for establishing and providing
  technical assistance and professional development activities in
  the staff development training of public school teachers and
  administrators.
         (b)  The training under this section shall include training
  relating to implementing curriculum and instruction that is aligned
  with the foundation curriculum described by Section 28.002(a)(1)
  and standards and expectations for college readiness, as determined
  by State Board of Education rule under Section 28.008(d).
         (c)  The commissioner may give preference to a school
  district, regional education service center, or institution of
  higher education conducting professional development activities
  under this section that applies for a grant in partnership with a
  state or national organization that has demonstrated success in the
  development and implementation of high school reform strategies.
         Sec. 21.4541.  MATHEMATICS INSTRUCTIONAL COACHES PILOT
  PROGRAM. (a) From funds appropriated for that purpose, the
  commissioner by rule shall establish a pilot program under which
  participating school districts and campuses receive grants to
  provide assistance in developing the content knowledge and
  instructional expertise of teachers who instruct students in
  mathematics at the middle school, junior high school, or high
  school level.
         (b)  A school district or campus is eligible to participate
  in the pilot program under this section if the district or campus
  meets the eligibility criteria established as provided by Section
  39.358.
         (c)  A grant awarded under this section may be used to
  support intensive instructional coaching and professional
  development from a service provider approved by the commissioner.
  Approved service providers may include:
               (1)  academies and training centers established in
  conjunction with a Texas Science, Technology, Engineering, and
  Mathematics (T-STEM) center;
               (2)  regional education service centers;
               (3)  institutions of higher education; and
               (4)  private organizations with significant experience
  in providing mathematics instruction, as determined by the
  commissioner.
         (d)  An instructional coaching or professional development
  program supported by a grant under this section must demonstrate
  significant past effectiveness in improving mathematics
  instruction in middle schools, junior high schools, and high
  schools serving a significant number of students identified as
  students at risk of dropping out of school, as described by Section
  29.081(d). An instructional coaching or professional development
  program may include:
               (1)  providing classes to teachers on effective
  mathematics instruction;
               (2)  providing tutoring or mentoring to teachers
  regarding effective mathematics instruction;
               (3)  providing incentives to teachers to participate in
  the program; or
               (4)  engaging in any other activities determined by the
  commissioner as likely to improve the instructional skills of
  teachers providing mathematics instruction.
         (e)  The commissioner shall adopt rules necessary to
  implement the pilot program.
         Sec. 21.4551.  TEACHER READING ACADEMIES. (a)  The
  commissioner shall develop and make available reading academies for
  teachers who provide instruction to students at the sixth through
  eighth grade levels.
         (b)  A reading academy developed under this section must
  include training in:
               (1)  for a teacher providing instruction in reading to
  students at the seventh or eighth grade level:
                     (A)  administration of the reading instrument
  required by Section 28.006(c-1); and
                     (B)  interpretation of the results of the reading
  instrument required by Section 28.006(c-1) and strategies, based on
  scientific research regarding effective reading instruction, for
  long-term intensive intervention to target identified student
  needs in word recognition, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension;
               (2)  for a teacher providing instruction in reading to
  students at the sixth, seventh, or eighth grade level:
                     (A)  strategies to be implemented in English
  language arts and other subject areas for multisyllable word
  reading, vocabulary development, and comprehension of expository
  and narrative text;
                     (B)  an adaptation framework that enables
  teachers to respond to differing student strengths and needs,
  including adaptations for students of limited English proficiency
  or students receiving special education services under Subchapter
  A, Chapter 29;
                     (C)  collaborative strategies to increase active
  student involvement and motivation to read; and
                     (D)  other areas identified by the commissioner as
  essential components of reading instruction; and
               (3)  for a teacher providing instruction in
  mathematics, science, or social studies to students at the sixth,
  seventh, or eighth grade level:
                     (A)  strategies for incorporating reading
  instruction into the curriculum for the subject area taught by the
  teacher; and
                     (B)  other areas identified by the commissioner.
         (c)  The commissioner by rule shall require a teacher to
  attend a reading academy if the teacher provides instruction in
  reading, mathematics, science, or social studies to students at the
  sixth, seventh, or eighth grade level at a campus that is considered
  academically unacceptable under Section 39.132 on the basis of
  student performance on the reading assessment instrument
  administered under Section 39.023(a) to students in any grade level
  at the campus.
         (d)  The commissioner shall adopt criteria for selection of
  teachers, other than teachers described by Subsection (c), who may
  attend a reading academy.
         (e)  From funds appropriated for that purpose, a teacher who
  attends a reading academy is entitled to receive a stipend in the
  amount determined by the commissioner. A stipend received under
  this subsection is not considered in determining whether a district
  is paying the teacher the minimum monthly salary under Section
  21.402.
         (f)  On request of the commissioner, regional education
  service centers shall assist the commissioner and agency with
  training and other activities relating to the development and
  operation of reading academies.  The commissioner may seek
  additional assistance from other public and private providers.
         (g)  From funds appropriated for purposes of this section,
  the commissioner shall conduct or contract with a public or private
  entity to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the reading
  academies developed under this section. The evaluation must:
               (1)  use qualitative, quantitative, and expert review
  methodologies, including:
                     (A)  direct observations;
                     (B)  follow-up interviews and surveys with
  participating teachers and administrators; and
                     (C)  analysis of student data submitted through
  the Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) and
  student assessment results to measure reading progress achieved by
  students receiving instruction from teachers who attended a reading
  academy in comparison to:
                           (i)  reading progress achieved by those
  students in preceding years; and
                           (ii)  reading progress achieved by students
  receiving instruction from teachers who did not attend a reading
  academy; and
               (2)  include an analysis of financial data to assess
  the cost-effectiveness of the reading academies.
         (h)  Not later than December 1, 2010, the commissioner shall
  prepare and deliver to each member of the legislature a report
  describing the results of the evaluation required by Subsection
  (g). Subsection (g) and this subsection expire September 1, 2011.
         Sec. 21.462.  MATHEMATICS, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY TEACHER
  PREPARATION ACADEMIES. (a) From funds appropriated for that
  purpose, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall
  establish academies at institutions of higher education to improve
  the instructional skills of teachers certified under Subchapter B
  and train students enrolled in a teacher preparation program to
  perform at the highest levels in mathematics, science, and
  technology. The coordinating board may adopt rules as necessary to
  administer this section.
         (b)  Before an institution of higher education establishes
  an academy under this section, the institution must apply through a
  competitive process, as determined by the Texas Higher Education
  Coordinating Board, and meet any requirements established by the
  coordinating board for designation as an academy under this section
  and continued funding. The institution of higher education must
  have a teacher preparation program approved by the State Board for
  Educator Certification or be affiliated with a program approved by
  the board.
         (c)  A participant in an academy program must be:
               (1)  an experienced teacher who:
                     (A)  is recommended by a school district; and
                     (B)  has at least five years experience teaching
  mathematics, science, or technology in assignments for which the
  teacher met all certification requirements; or
               (2)  a teacher preparation program candidate who has or
  will graduate with a degree in mathematics, science, or technology.
         (d)  An academy program shall:
               (1)  offer a masters-level degree as part of the
  program on a schedule that allows a teacher participant to complete
  the program and degree while employed as a teacher;
               (2)  coordinate with the mathematics, science, and
  technology departments of the institution of higher education
  operating the program to facilitate the ability of:
                     (A)  academy participants to take advanced
  courses and qualify for degrees; and
                     (B)  teacher preparation program candidates
  pursuing mathematics, science, or technology degrees to
  participate in academy programs;
               (3)  integrate advanced subject-matter coursework with
  instructional methodology and curriculum delivery; and
               (4)  focus on strengthening instructional skills.
         (e)  An academy program may:
               (1)  provide financial assistance for the purpose of
  allowing participants to complete the program and obtain a master
  teacher certificate under Section 21.0482, 21.0483, or 21.0484;
               (2)  include programs in leadership skills to develop
  training, mentoring, and coaching skills;
               (3)  deliver coursework electronically for some or all
  of the program; and
               (4)  provide for ongoing professional development and
  coordination with specific public school instructional programs.
         SECTION 5.  Section 25.091, Education Code, is amended by
  adding Subsection (b-1) to read as follows:
         (b-1)  A peace officer who has probable cause to believe that
  a child is in violation of the compulsory school attendance law
  under Section 25.085 may take the child into custody for the purpose
  of returning the child to the school campus of the child to ensure
  the child's compliance with compulsory school attendance
  requirements.
         SECTION 6.  Section 28.006, Education Code, is amended by
  adding Subsections (c-1) and (g-1) to read as follows:
         (c-1)  Each school district shall administer at the
  beginning of the seventh grade a reading instrument adopted by the
  commissioner to each student whose performance on the assessment
  instrument in reading administered under Section 39.023(a) to the
  student in grade six did not demonstrate reading proficiency, as
  determined by the commissioner. The district shall administer the
  reading instrument in accordance with the commissioner's
  recommendations under Subsection (a)(1).
         (g-1)  A school district shall provide additional reading
  instruction and intervention to each student in seventh grade
  assessed under Subsection (c-1), as appropriate to improve the
  student's reading skills in the relevant areas identified through
  the assessment instrument. Training and support for activities
  required by this subsection shall be provided by regional education
  service centers and teacher reading academies established under
  Section 21.4551, and may be provided by other public and private
  providers.
         SECTION 7.  Section 28.008, Education Code, is amended by
  adding Subsection (d-1) to read as follows:
         (d-1)  Beginning with the 2008-2009 school year, the State
  Board of Education shall incorporate college readiness standards
  and expectations into the essential knowledge and skills of the
  foundation curriculum under Section 28.002(a)(1) for courses in
  which students in grades nine through 12 generally enroll, as
  determined by board rule. This subsection expires December 1,
  2012.
         SECTION 8.  (a)  Subchapter A, Chapter 28, Education Code, is
  amended by adding Section 28.014 to read as follows:
         Sec. 28.014.  COLLEGE PREPARATORY COURSES. (a) The
  commissioner of education and the commissioner of higher education
  shall develop and recommend to the State Board of Education for
  adoption under Section 28.002 the essential knowledge and skills of
  courses in college preparatory mathematics, science, social
  studies, and English language arts. The courses must be designed:
               (1)  for students at the 12th grade level who do not
  meet college readiness standards on an end-of-course assessment
  instrument required under Section 39.023(c); and
               (2)  to prepare students for success in entry-level
  college courses.
         (b)  A student who successfully completes a course developed
  under this section may use the credit earned in the course toward
  satisfying the applicable mathematics or science curriculum
  requirement for the recommended or advanced high school program
  under Section 28.025.
         (c)  The agency, in consultation with the Texas Higher
  Education Coordinating Board, shall adopt an end-of-course
  assessment instrument for each course developed under this section
  to ensure the rigor of the course. A school district shall, in
  accordance with State Board of Education rules, administer the
  end-of-course assessment instrument to a student enrolled in a
  course developed under this section.  Each school district shall
  adopt a policy that requires a student's performance on the
  end-of-course assessment instrument to account for 15 percent of
  the student's final grade for the course. A student's performance
  on an end-of-course assessment instrument administered under this
  subsection may be used, on a scale of 0-40, in calculating whether
  the student satisfies the graduation requirements established
  under Section 39.025.
         (d)  The agency, in coordination with the Texas Higher
  Education Coordinating Board, shall adopt a series of questions to
  be included in an end-of-course assessment instrument administered
  under Subsection (c) to be used for purposes of Section 51.3062.
  The questions must be developed in a manner consistent with any
  college readiness standards adopted under Sections 39.113 and
  51.3062. A student's performance on a question adopted under this
  subsection may not be used to determine the student's performance
  on an end-of-course assessment instrument.
         (e)  The State Board of Education shall adopt instructional
  materials for a course developed under this section in accordance
  with Chapter 31. The instructional materials must include
  technology resources that enhance the effectiveness of the course
  and draw on established best practices.
         (f)  To the extent applicable, the commissioner shall draw
  from curricula and instructional materials developed under
  Sections 28.008 and 61.0763 in developing a course and related
  instructional materials under this section. Not later than
  September 1, 2010, the State Board of Education shall adopt
  essential knowledge and skills for each course developed under this
  section. The State Board of Education shall make each course
  developed under this section and the related instructional
  materials available to school districts not later than the
  2014-2015 school year. As required by Subsection (c), a school
  district shall adopt a policy requiring a student's performance on
  an end-of-course assessment instrument administered under that
  subsection to account for 15 percent of the student's grade for a
  course developed under this section not later than the 2014-2015
  school year.  This subsection expires September 1, 2015.
         (b)  This section takes effect only if S.B. No. 1031, Acts of
  the 80th Legislature, Regular Session, 2007, takes effect.  If S.B.
  No. 1031, Acts of the 80th Legislature, Regular Session, 2007, does
  not take effect, this section has no effect.
         SECTION 9.  Section 28.0211, Education Code, is amended by
  adding Subsection (l-1) and amending Subsection (m) to read as
  follows:
         (l-1)  The commissioner may adopt rules requiring a school
  district that receives federal funding under Title I of the
  Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. Section
  6301 et seq.) to use that funding to provide supplemental
  educational services under 20 U.S.C. Section 6316 in conjunction
  with the accelerated instruction provided under this section,
  provided that the rules may not conflict with federal law governing
  the use of that funding.
         (m)  The commissioner shall certify, not later than July 1 of
  each school year or as soon as practicable thereafter, whether
  sufficient funds have been appropriated statewide for the purposes
  of this section. A determination by the commissioner is final and
  may not be appealed. For purposes of certification, the
  commissioner may not consider Foundation School Program funds.
  This section may be implemented only if the commissioner certifies
  that sufficient funds have been appropriated during a school year
  for administering the accelerated instruction programs specified
  under this section, including teacher training for that purpose.
         SECTION 10.  Section 28.0212, Education Code, is amended by
  adding Subsections (d) and (e) to read as follows:
         (d)  The agency shall establish minimum standards for a
  personal graduation plan under this section.
         (e)  Each school district is encouraged to establish for each
  student entering grade nine a personal graduation plan that
  identifies a course of study that:
               (1)  promotes:
                     (A)  college and workforce readiness; and
                     (B)  career placement and advancement; and
               (2)  facilitates the student's transition from
  secondary to postsecondary education.
         SECTION 11.  Subchapter C, Chapter 29, Education Code, is
  amended by adding Sections 29.095 through 29.098 to read as
  follows:
         Sec. 29.095.  GRANTS FOR STUDENT CLUBS. (a) In this
  section:
               (1)  "Council" means the High School Completion and
  Success Initiative Council established under Subchapter L, Chapter
  39.
               (2)  "Student at risk of dropping out of school" has the
  meaning assigned by Section 29.081(d).
         (b)  The commissioner shall administer a pilot program to
  provide grants to school districts to fund student club activities
  for students at risk of dropping out of school. From funds
  appropriated for purposes of this subchapter, the commissioner
  shall spend an amount not to exceed $4 million in any state fiscal
  biennium on the program.
         (c)  The commissioner may award a grant  in an amount not to
  exceed $5,000 in a school year to a school district on behalf of a
  student club at a district high school campus that is eligible under
  the criteria established under Section 39.358. To be eligible for a
  grant, the student club and the club's sponsor must be sanctioned by
  the campus and district. A grant awarded under this program must be
  matched by other federal, state, or local funds, including
  donations, in an amount equal to the amount of the grant. A district
  shall seek donations or sponsorships from local businesses or
  community organizations to raise the matching funds. The
  commissioner may award a grant on behalf of more than one student
  club at a campus in the same school year.
         (d)  The commissioner shall establish application criteria
  for receipt of a grant under this section. The criteria must require
  confirmation that the appropriate campus-level planning and
  decision-making committee established under Subchapter F, Chapter
  11, and the school district board of trustees have approved a plan
  that includes:
               (1)  a description of the student club;
               (2)  a statement of the student club's goals, intent,
  and activities;
               (3)  a statement of the source of funds to be used to
  match the grant;
               (4)  a budget for the student club;
               (5)  a statement showing that the student club's
  finances are sustainable; and
               (6)  any other information the council requires.
         (e)  The commissioner shall establish the minimum
  requirements for a local grant agreement, including requiring:
               (1)  the agreement to be signed by the sponsor of a
  student club receiving a grant and another authorized school
  district officer; and
               (2)  the district and the student club to participate
  in an evaluation, as determined by the council, of the club's
  program and the program's effect on student achievement and dropout
  rates.
         (f)  A student club may use funds awarded under this section
  to support academic or co-curricular club activities, other than
  athletics, in which at least 50 percent of the participating
  students have been identified as students at risk of dropping out of
  school. A student club may use funds for materials, sponsor
  stipends, and other needs that directly support the club's
  activities. A student club must use the entire amount of the grant
  to directly fund the club's activities described in the plan
  approved as provided by Subsection (d). A student club may not use
  more than 50 percent of a grant to pay sponsor stipends.
         (g)  The school district board of trustees shall ensure that
  funds awarded under this section are expended in compliance with
  Subsection (f). At the end of the school year, a student club that
  receives a grant must submit a report to the board of trustees
  summarizing the club's activities and the extent to which the club
  met the club's goals and achieved the club's intent. The decision
  of the board of trustees under this subsection relating to
  compliance with Subsection (f) is final and may not be appealed.
         Sec. 29.096.  COLLABORATIVE DROPOUT REDUCTION PILOT
  PROGRAM. (a) In this section, "council" means the High School
  Completion and Success Initiative Council established under
  Subchapter L, Chapter 39.
         (b)  Using funds appropriated for that purpose in an amount
  not to exceed $4 million each year, the commissioner shall
  establish a pilot program under which a school district or
  open-enrollment charter school may receive a grant to implement a
  local collaborative dropout reduction program.
         (c)  A school district or open-enrollment charter school is
  eligible to participate and receive a grant under this section
  under the eligibility criteria established under Section 39.358.
         (d)  The commissioner shall establish application criteria
  for receiving a grant under this section.  The criteria must require
  a school district or open-enrollment charter school that applies
  for a grant to collaborate with local businesses, other local
  governments or law enforcement agencies, nonprofit organizations,
  faith-based organizations, and institutions of higher education to
  deliver proven, research-based intervention services. The goal of
  the program is to coordinate services and programs among local
  entities to:
               (1)  comprehensively reduce the number of students who
  drop out of school in that community; and
               (2)  increase the job skills, employment
  opportunities, and continuing education opportunities of students
  who might otherwise have dropped out of school.
         (e)  The commissioner shall establish minimum standards for
  a local collaborative agreement, including a requirement that the
  agreement must be signed by an authorized school district or
  open-enrollment charter school officer and an authorized
  representative of each of the other participating entities that is
  a partner in the collaboration. The program must:
               (1)  limit participation in the program to students
  authorized to participate by a parent or other person standing in
  parental relationship;
               (2)  have as a primary goal graduation from high school
  under at least the recommended high school program;
               (3)  provide for local businesses or other employers to
  offer paid employment or internship opportunities and advanced
  career and vocational training;
               (4)  include an outreach component and a lead
  educational staff member to identify and involve eligible students
  and public and private entities in participating in the program;
               (5)  serve a population of students of which at least 50
  percent are identified as students at risk of dropping out of
  school, as described by Section 29.081(d);
               (6)  allocate not more than 15 percent of grant funds
  and matching funds, as determined by the commissioner, to
  administrative expenses;
               (7)  include matching funds from any of the
  participating entities; and
               (8)  include any other requirements as determined by
  the council.
         (f)  A local collaborative agreement under this section may:
               (1)  be coordinated with other services provided to
  students or their families by public or private entities;
               (2)  provide for local businesses to support the
  program, including:
                     (A)  encouraging employees to engage in mentoring
  students and other school-related volunteer activities; and
                     (B)  using matching funds to provide paid time off
  for volunteer activities under Paragraph (A) and other activities
  related to encouraging school involvement of parents of students
  enrolled in the program;
               (3)  allow grant funds to reimburse reasonable costs of
  participating entities;
               (4)  provide for electronic course delivery by a school
  district, an open-enrollment charter school, or an institution of
  higher education; and
               (5)  be hosted or housed by a chamber of commerce, local
  workforce agency, local employer, or other public or private
  participating entity.
         (g)  The commissioner may approve innovative instructional
  techniques for courses in the enrichment curriculum leading to high
  school graduation under a local collaborative dropout reduction
  program and shall develop accountability measures appropriate to
  those programs. From funds appropriated, the commissioner may fund
  electronic courses that are part of a collaborative program and
  that are otherwise eligible for state funds. Funding for an
  electronic course may not exceed the total amount of state and local
  funding for a student to which the school district or
  open-enrollment charter school would otherwise be entitled.
         (h)  Nothing in this section authorizes the award of a high
  school diploma other than in compliance with Section 28.025.
         (i)  The commissioner shall adopt rules necessary to
  administer the pilot program under this section.
         Sec. 29.097.  INTENSIVE TECHNOLOGY-BASED ACADEMIC
  INTERVENTION PILOT PROGRAM. (a)  In this section:
               (1)  "Council" means the High School Completion and
  Success Initiative Council established under Subchapter L, Chapter
  39.
               (2)  "Pilot program" means the intensive
  technology-based academic intervention pilot program.
         (b)  From funds appropriated for that purpose in an amount
  not to exceed $3 million each year, the commissioner shall
  establish a pilot program for the commissioner to award grants to
  participating campuses to provide intensive technology-based
  supplementary instruction in English, mathematics, science, or
  social studies to students in grades nine through 12 identified as
  being at risk of dropping out of school, as described by Section
  29.081(d). Instruction techniques and technology used by a campus
  under this section must be based on the best available research, as
  determined by the council, regarding college and workforce
  readiness.
         (c)  The commissioner may select for participation in the
  pilot program only a campus that is eligible under the criteria
  established under Section 39.358.
         (d)  A program supported by a grant under this section to
  provide intensive technology-based supplementary instruction at a
  campus may:
               (1)  include comprehensive course plans and teacher
  guides that are aligned with one or more subjects of the foundation
  curriculum described by Section 28.002(a)(1);
               (2)  include technology-based supplementary
  instruction;
               (3)  include training, professional development, and
  mentoring for teachers;
               (4)  provide students individual access to
  technology-based supplementary instruction at least 90 minutes
  each week;
               (5)  demonstrate significant effectiveness in high
  schools serving students identified as being at risk of dropping
  out of school, as described by Section 29.081(d);
               (6)  be selected in consultation with the teachers at
  the affected campus; and
               (7)  be implemented in partnership with institutions of
  higher education.
         (e)  The primary purpose of a program supported by a grant
  under this section to provide intensive technology-based
  supplementary instruction at a campus is to benefit students
  identified as being at risk of dropping out of school, as described
  by Section 29.081(d), but grant funds may be used to benefit a
  campus-wide program if the use of the funds does not defeat the
  primary purpose provided by this subsection.
         (f)  A grant awarded under this section:
               (1)  may not exceed $50 for each participating student;
  and
               (2)  must be matched by other federal, state, or local
  funds, including private donations.
         (g)  For purposes of Subsection (f)(2), a school district is
  encouraged to use funds allocated under Section 42.2516(b)(3).
         (h)  A grant awarded under this section may not be used to
  replace federal, state, or local funds previously spent on an
  instructional program, but may be used to expand an existing
  program.
         (i)  The entire amount of a grant awarded under this section:
               (1)  must fund the program described in the application
  for the grant; and
               (2)  may be used for:
                     (A)  supplementary instructional support systems;
                     (B)  technology used primarily for the delivery of
  supplementary instruction;
                     (C)  teacher training and professional
  development; and
                     (D)  other necessary costs, as determined by the
  commissioner.
         Sec. 29.098.  INTENSIVE SUMMER PROGRAMS. (a)  In this
  section, "pilot program" means the intensive summer pilot program
  for students identified as being at risk of dropping out of school
  or college.
         (b)  From funds appropriated for that purpose, the
  commissioner of education and the commissioner of higher education
  by rule shall establish a pilot program to award grants to
  participating campuses to provide intensive academic instruction
  during the summer semester to promote college and workforce
  readiness to students identified as being at risk of dropping out of
  school or college. A grant awarded under this section may be used
  to fund any of the following categories of programs:
               (1)  a program administered by an institution of higher
  education to provide intensive academic instruction in English
  language arts, mathematics, and science to facilitate the student's
  transition from high school to a postsecondary institution;
               (2)  a program administered by a school district in
  partnership with an institution of higher education to provide
  intensive academic instruction in English language arts,
  mathematics, and science to promote high school completion and
  college readiness; and
               (3)  a program administered by a school district in
  partnership with an institution of higher education to provide
  intensive academic instruction in reading and mathematics to
  students in grades six through eight to promote high school
  completion and college readiness.
         (c)  The commissioner of education may select for
  participation in the pilot program only a campus that is eligible
  under the criteria established under Section 39.358.
         (d)  A grant may be awarded to an institution of higher
  education for a program administered under Subsection (b)(1) only
  if at least 50 percent of the students served in the program:
               (1)  have a score on the Scholastic Assessment Test
  (SAT) or American College Test (ACT) that is equal to a score less
  than the national mean score;
               (2)  have been awarded a grant under the federal Pell
  grant program;
               (3)  are at least 20 years of age on the date the
  student initially enrolls in the institution of higher education;
  or
               (4)  have enrolled or will initially enroll as a
  part-time student.
         (e)  A program supported by a grant to provide intensive
  summer instruction under this section must:
               (1)  provide rigorous academic instruction;
               (2)  provide at least four weeks of instruction; and
               (3)  for a program described by Subsection (b)(2) or
  (3), be designed and implemented in partnership with an institution
  of higher education.
         (f)  To the extent practicable, an institution of higher
  education shall create work-study opportunities for students
  enrolled in teacher preparation programs to assist in providing
  instruction in programs described by this section.
         (g)  A grant awarded under this section:
               (1)  may not exceed $750 for each participating
  student; and
               (2)  must be matched by not less than $250 for each
  participating student in other federal, state, or local funds,
  including private donations.
         (h)  For purposes of Subsection (g)(2), a school district is
  encouraged to use funds allocated under Section 42.2516(b)(3).
         (i)  A grant awarded under this section may not be used to
  replace federal, state, or local funds previously spent on a summer
  intensive program, but may be used to expand an existing program.
         (j)  The entire amount of a grant awarded under this section:
               (1)  must fund the program described in the application
  for the grant; and
               (2)  may be used for:
                     (A)  instructional materials;
                     (B)  technology used primarily for the delivery of
  supplementary instruction;
                     (C)  teacher training and professional
  development, including educator stipends; and
                     (D)  other necessary costs, as determined by the
  commissioner of education.
         (k)  Instructional materials adopted by the State Board of
  Education shall be used for instruction in a program under
  Subsection (b)(2) or (3). The State Board of Education may adopt
  any additional instructional materials as necessary for a program
  under Subsection (b)(2) or (3). The Texas Higher Education
  Coordinating Board may adopt instructional materials as necessary
  for students enrolled in a program under Subsection (b)(1).
         (l)  The State Board of Education and the Texas Higher
  Education Coordinating Board shall include information technology
  instructional resources that incorporate established best
  practices for instruction among approved instructional materials
  for intensive summer programs under this section to enhance the
  effectiveness of the programs.
         SECTION 12.  Subchapter Z, Chapter 29, Education Code, is
  amended by adding Sections 29.911, 29.917, 29.918, and 29.919 to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 29.911.  "EDUCATION:  GO GET IT" WEEK. (a) To educate
  middle school, junior high school, and high school students about
  the importance of higher education, each school district and each
  open-enrollment charter school offering any of those grade levels
  shall designate one week during the school year as "Education:  Go
  Get It" Week.
         (b)  During the designated week, each middle school, junior
  high school, and high school shall provide students with
  comprehensive grade-appropriate information regarding the pursuit
  of higher education. The information provided must include
  information regarding:
               (1)  higher education options available to students;
               (2)  standard admission requirements for institutions
  of higher education, including:
                     (A)  overall high school grade point average;
                     (B)  required curriculum; and
                     (C)  scores necessary on generally recognized
  tests or assessment instruments used in admissions determinations,
  including the Scholastic Assessment Test and the American College
  Test;
               (3)  automatic admission of certain students to general
  academic teaching institutions as provided by Section 51.803; and
               (4)  financial aid availability and requirements,
  including the financial aid information provided by counselors
  under Section 33.007(b).
         (c)  In addition to the information provided under
  Subsection (b), each middle school, junior high school, and high
  school shall provide to the students during the designated week at
  least one public speaker to promote the importance of higher
  education.
         Sec. 29.917.  HIGHER EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE READINESS
  PROGRAMS. (a) From funds appropriated for the purpose, the
  commissioner may award grants to organizations that provide
  volunteers to teach classroom or after-school programs to enhance:
               (1)  college readiness;
               (2)  workforce readiness;
               (3)  dropout prevention; or
               (4)  personal financial literacy.
         (b)  To implement or administer a program under this section,
  the commissioner may accept gifts, grants, and donations from
  public or private entities.
         (c)  The commissioner may conduct a study of the programs
  under this section to determine the success of the programs in
  preparing students for higher education and participation in the
  workforce.
         Sec. 29.918.  DROPOUT PREVENTION STRATEGIES. (a)
  Notwithstanding Section 39.114 or 42.152, a school district or
  open-enrollment charter school with a high dropout rate, as
  determined by the commissioner, must submit a plan to the
  commissioner describing the manner in which the district or charter
  school intends to use the compensatory education allotment under
  Section 42.152 and the high school allotment under Section
  42.2516(b)(3) for developing and implementing research-based
  strategies for dropout prevention.  The district or charter school
  shall submit the plan not later than December 1 of each school year
  preceding the school year in which the district or charter school
  will receive the compensatory education allotment or high school
  allotment to which the plan applies.
         (b)  A school district or open-enrollment charter school to
  which this section applies may not spend or obligate more than 25
  percent of the district's or charter school's compensatory
  education allotment or high school allotment unless the
  commissioner approves the plan submitted under Subsection (a).  The
  commissioner shall complete an initial review of the district's or
  charter school's plan not later than March 1 of the school year
  preceding the school year in which the district or charter school
  will receive the compensatory education allotment or high school
  allotment to which the plan applies.
         (c)  The commissioner shall adopt rules to administer this
  section. The commissioner may impose sanctions under Section
  39.131 or 39.1321 if a school district or open-enrollment charter
  school fails to timely comply with this section.
         Sec. 29.919.  TECHNOLOGY-BASED SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTION
  PILOT PROGRAM. (a) The commissioner shall establish a pilot
  program under which state grant funds are provided to finance
  technology-based supplemental instruction to students at the sixth
  through 12th grade levels at participating campuses.
         (b)  A campus is eligible to participate in the program and
  receive state grant funds if the campus is located in a school
  district that:
               (1)  has an enrollment of fewer than 5,000 students;
  and
               (2)  is not located in an area defined by the United
  States Office of Management and Budget as a standard metropolitan
  statistical area as of January 1, 2007.
         (c)  The commissioner shall develop an application and
  selection process for selecting campuses to participate in the
  program. The commissioner shall give priority to a campus that
  offers a relatively limited course selection to students, in
  comparison to the course selections generally offered to students
  in metropolitan areas.
         (d)  A campus selected to participate in the program is
  entitled to receive state grant funds in an amount not to exceed
  $200 each school year for each student in an eligible grade level
  served through the program. The state grant funds must be used to
  provide technology-based supplemental instruction for students at
  the eligible grade levels. Permissible expenditures under the
  program include costs incurred to provide:
               (1)  research-based instructional support;
               (2)  teacher training;
               (3)  academic tutoring or counseling;
               (4)  distance learning opportunities that use the
  Internet and are aligned with the essential knowledge and skills
  adopted under Section 28.002 for the subject areas of English
  language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, and languages
  other than English, as applicable; and
               (5)  distance learning opportunities that enable
  students to earn college credit in the subject areas of English
  language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, or languages
  other than English.
         (e)  As a condition of receiving a state grant, a campus must
  contribute additional funding for activities provided at the campus
  through the program, in an amount equal to at least $100 each school
  year for each student in an eligible grade level served through the
  program. The additional funding required by this subsection may
  consist of local funds, private funds, or state funds other than
  grant funds provided under this section. For program activities
  provided at the high school level, the high school allotment
  provided under Section 42.2516(b)(3) may be used to meet the
  additional funding requirement prescribed by this subsection.
         (f)  A campus participating in the program must provide
  students with individual access to technology-based supplemental
  instruction for at least 10 hours each week.
         (g)  The commissioner shall pay the costs of the program
  using funds available for that purpose, not to exceed $4 million
  each fiscal year or a greater amount specified by the General
  Appropriations Act.
         (h)  Using funds available for the program in an amount not
  to exceed $150,000 each fiscal year, the commissioner shall
  contract for an evaluation of the program's effectiveness in
  improving student performance. Not later than December 1, 2008,
  the commissioner shall deliver an interim report containing the
  results of the evaluation. Not later than December 1, 2010, the
  commissioner shall deliver a final report regarding the program to
  the legislature.
         (i)  The commissioner shall adopt rules necessary to
  implement this section.
         (j)  This section expires September 1, 2011.
         SECTION 13.  Subchapter F, Chapter 39, Education Code, is
  amended by adding Sections 39.115 and 39.116 to read as follows:
         Sec. 39.115.  HIGH SCHOOL INNOVATION GRANT INITIATIVE.
  (a)  From funds appropriated for that purpose, the commissioner may
  establish a grant program under which grants are awarded to
  secondary campuses and school districts to support:
               (1)  the implementation of innovative high school
  improvement programs that are based on the best available research
  regarding high school reform, dropout prevention, and preparing
  students for postsecondary coursework or employment;
               (2)  enhancing education practices that have been
  demonstrated by significant evidence of effectiveness; and
               (3)  the alignment of grants and programs to the
  strategic plan adopted under Section 39.357.
         (b)  Before awarding a grant under this section, the
  commissioner may require a campus or school district to:
               (1)  obtain local matching funds; or
               (2)  meet other conditions, including developing a
  personal graduation plan under Section 28.0212 for each student
  enrolled at the campus or in a district high school.
         (c)  The commissioner may:
               (1)  accept gifts, grants, or donations from a private
  foundation to implement a grant program under this section; and
               (2)  coordinate gifts, grants, or donations with other
  available funding to implement a grant program under this section.
         (d)  The commissioner may use funds appropriated under this
  section to support technical assistance services for school
  districts and open-enrollment charter schools to implement a high
  school improvement program under this section.
         Sec. 39.116.  INITIATIVE FOR RETAINING QUALITY EDUCATORS.
  Notwithstanding Section 39.1324(b), a school district, to assist in
  preventing dropouts and disruptions that may result from certain
  mandatory sanctions, may retain at a campus a principal who has been
  employed at the campus as a principal during the two-year period
  described by Section 39.1324(a) if the students enrolled at the
  campus have demonstrated a pattern of significant academic
  improvement.
         SECTION 14.  Chapter 39, Education Code, is amended by
  adding Subchapter L to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER L. HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETION AND SUCCESS INITIATIVE
         Sec. 39.351.  DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "council"
  means the High School Completion and Success Initiative Council.
         Sec. 39.352.  HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETION AND SUCCESS INITIATIVE
  COUNCIL. (a) The High School Completion and Success Initiative
  Council is established to identify strategic priorities for and
  make recommendations to improve the effectiveness, coordination,
  and alignment of high school completion and college and workforce
  readiness efforts.
         (b)  The council is composed of:
               (1)  the commissioner of education;
               (2)  the commissioner of higher education; and
               (3)  seven members appointed by the commissioner of
  education.
         (c)  In making appointments required by Subsection (b)(3),
  the commissioner of education shall appoint:
               (1)  three members from a list of nominations provided
  by the governor;
               (2)  two members from a list of nominations provided by
  the lieutenant governor; and
               (3)  two members from a list of nominations provided by
  the speaker of the house of representatives.
         (d)  In making nominations under Subsection (c), the
  governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of
  representatives shall nominate persons who have distinguished
  experience in:
               (1)  developing and implementing high school reform
  strategies; and
               (2)  promoting college and workforce readiness.
         Sec. 39.353.  TERMS. Members of the council appointed under
  Section 39.352(b)(3) serve terms of two years and may be
  reappointed for additional terms.
         Sec. 39.354.  PRESIDING OFFICER. The commissioner of
  education serves as the presiding officer of the council.
         Sec. 39.355.  COMPENSATION AND REIMBURSEMENT. A member of
  the council is not entitled to compensation for service on the
  council but is entitled to reimbursement for actual and necessary
  expenses incurred in performing council duties.
         Sec. 39.356.  COUNCIL STAFF AND FUNDING. (a) Except as
  otherwise provided, staff members of the agency, with the
  assistance of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, shall
  provide administrative support for the council.
         (b)  Funding for the administrative and operational expenses
  of the council shall be provided by appropriation to the agency for
  that purpose and by gifts, grants, and donations solicited and
  accepted by the agency for that purpose.
         Sec. 39.357.  STRATEGIC PLAN.  (a) The council shall adopt
  a strategic plan under this subchapter to:
               (1)  specify strategies to identify, support, and
  expand programs to improve high school completion rates and college
  and workforce readiness;
               (2)  establish specific goals with which to measure the
  success of the strategies identified under Subdivision (1) in
  improving high school completion rates and college and workforce
  readiness;
               (3)  identify strategies for alignment and
  coordination of federal and other funding sources that may be
  pursued for high school reform, dropout prevention, and preparation
  of students for postsecondary coursework or employment; and
               (4)  identify key objectives for appropriate research
  and program evaluation conducted as provided by this subchapter.
         (b)  The commissioner of education and the commissioner of
  higher education shall adopt rules as necessary to administer the
  strategic plan adopted by the council under this section.
         (c)  The commissioner of education or the commissioner of
  higher education may not, in a manner inconsistent with the
  strategic plan, spend money, award a grant, or enter into a contract
  in connection with a program relating to high school success and
  completion.
         (d)  Notwithstanding Subsection (c), the commissioner of
  education, commissioner of higher education, or State Board of
  Education may use funds appropriated for high school success and
  completion to continue a project, grant, or initiative relating to
  high school success and completion that was developed before
  January 1, 2007. This subsection expires March 15, 2008.
         Sec. 39.358.  ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR CERTAIN GRANT
  PROGRAMS. A school district or campus is eligible to participate in
  programs under Sections 21.4541, 29.095, 29.096, 29.097, and 29.098
  if the district or campus exhibited during each of the three
  preceding school years characteristics that strongly correlate
  with high dropout rates.
         Sec. 39.359.  PRIVATE FOUNDATION PARTNERSHIPS. (a)  The
  commissioner of education or the commissioner of higher education,
  as appropriate, and the council may coordinate with private
  foundations that have made a substantial investment in the
  improvement of high schools in this state to maximize the impact of
  public and private investments.
         (b)  A private foundation is not required to obtain the
  approval of the appropriate commissioner or the council under
  Subsection (a) before allocating resources to a school in this
  state.
         Sec. 39.360.  GRANT PROGRAM EVALUATION. (a) The
  commissioner of education shall annually set aside not more than
  five percent of the funds appropriated for high school completion
  and success to contract for the evaluation of programs supported by
  grants approved under this subchapter. In awarding a contract
  under this subsection, the commissioner shall consider centers for
  education research established under Section 1.005.
         (b)  A person who receives a grant approved under this
  subchapter must consent to an evaluation under this section as a
  condition of receiving the grant.
         (c)  The commissioner shall ensure that an evaluation
  conducted under this section includes an assessment of whether
  student achievement has improved. Results of the evaluation shall
  be provided through the online clearinghouse of information
  relating to the best practices of campuses and school districts
  established under Section 7.009.
         Sec. 39.361.  COUNCIL RECOMMENDATIONS. (a) Based on the
  strategic plan adopted under this section, the council shall make
  recommendations to the commissioner of education or the
  commissioner of higher education, as applicable, for the use of
  federal and state funds appropriated or received for high school
  reform, college readiness, and dropout prevention, including
  grants awarded under Sections 21.4511, 21.4541, 29.095-29.098,
  29.917, 29.919, and 39.115.
         (b)  The council shall include recommendations under this
  section for:
               (1)  key elements of program design;
               (2)  criteria for awarding grants and evaluating
  programs;
               (3)  program funding priorities; and
               (4)  program evaluation as provided by this subchapter.
         (c)  The commissioner of education or the commissioner of
  higher education, as applicable, shall consider the council's
  recommendations and based on those recommendations may award grants
  to school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, institutions
  of higher education, regional education service centers, and
  nonprofit organizations to meet the goals of the council's
  strategic plan.
         (d)  The commissioner of education or the commissioner of
  higher education, as applicable:
               (1)  is not required under this section to allocate
  funds to a program or initiative recommended by the council; and
               (2)  may not initiate a program funded under this
  section that does not conform to the recommended use of funds as
  provided under Subsections (a) and (b).
         Sec. 39.362.  FUNDING PROVIDED TO SCHOOL DISTRICTS.  From
  funds appropriated, the commissioner of education may provide
  funding to school districts to permit a school district to obtain
  technical assistance in preparing a grant proposal for a grant
  program administered under this subchapter.
         Sec. 39.363.  FUNDING FOR CERTAIN PROGRAMS. (a) From funds
  appropriated, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall
  allocate $8.75 million each year to establish mathematics, science,
  and technology teacher preparation academies under Section 21.462
  and implement and administer the program under Section 29.098.
         (b)  The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall
  establish mathematics, science, and technology teacher preparation
  academies under Section 21.462 and implement and administer the
  program under Section 29.098 in a manner consistent with the goals
  of this subchapter and the goals in "Closing the Gaps," the state's
  master plan for higher education.
         Sec. 39.364.  PRIVATE FUNDING.  The commissioner of
  education or the commissioner of higher education, as appropriate,
  may accept gifts, grants, or donations to fund a grant administered
  under this subchapter.
         Sec. 39.365.  REPORTS. (a) Not later than December 1 of
  each even-numbered year, the agency shall prepare and deliver a
  report to the legislature that recommends any statutory changes the
  council considers appropriate to promote high school completion and
  college and workforce readiness.
         (b)  Not later than March 1 and September 1 of each year, the
  commissioner of education shall prepare and deliver a progress
  report to the presiding officers of the standing committees of each
  house of the legislature with primary jurisdiction over public
  education, the Legislative Budget Board, and the Governor's Office
  of Policy and Planning on:
               (1)  the implementation of Sections 7.031, 21.4511,
  21.4541, 21.462, 28.008(d-1), 28.0212(d), 29.095-29.098, 29.911,
  29.917-29.919, and 39.115 and this subchapter;
               (2)  the programs supported by grants approved under
  this subchapter; and
               (3)  the alignment of grants and programs to the
  strategic plan adopted under Section 39.357.
         Sec. 39.366.  RULES. The commissioner of education and the
  commissioner of higher education shall adopt rules as necessary to
  administer this subchapter and any programs under the authority of
  the commissioner of education or the commissioner of higher
  education and the council under this subchapter.
         SECTION 15.  Section 42.158, Education Code, is amended by
  amending Subsection (d) and adding Subsection (d-1) to read as
  follows:
         (d)  Subject to Subsection (d-1), the [The] amount
  appropriated for allotments under this section may not exceed $25
  million in a school year.  If the total amount of allotments to
  which districts are entitled under this section for a school year
  exceeds the amount appropriated [for allotments] under this
  subsection [section], the commissioner shall reduce each
  district's allotment under this section in the manner provided by
  Section 42.253(h).
         (d-1)  In addition to the appropriation amount described by
  Subsection (d), the amount of $1 million may be appropriated each
  school year to supplement the allotment to which a school district
  is entitled under this section that may be provided using the
  appropriation amount described by Subsection (d).  The commissioner
  shall first apply the funds appropriated under this subsection to
  prevent any reduction under Subsection (d) in the allotment for
  attendance at an eligible high school instructional facility,
  subject to the maximum amount of $250 for each student in average
  daily attendance.  Any funds remaining after preventing all
  reductions in amounts due for high school instructional facilities
  may be applied proportionally to all other eligible instructional
  facilities, subject to the maximum amount of $250 for each student
  in average daily attendance.
         SECTION 16.  Section 52.01, Family Code, is amended by
  adding Subsection (e) to read as follows:
         (e)  A law-enforcement officer who has probable cause to
  believe that a child is in violation of the compulsory school
  attendance law under Section 25.085, Education Code, may take the
  child into custody for the purpose of returning the child to the
  school campus of the child to ensure the child's compliance with
  compulsory school attendance requirements.
         SECTION 17.  Section 28.0211(l), Education Code, is
  repealed.
         SECTION 18.  (a) The commissioner of education shall
  prepare and deliver to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the
  speaker of the house of representatives, and the presiding officers
  of the standing committees of each house of the legislature with
  primary jurisdiction over public education a preliminary report on
  or before December 1, 2008, and a final report on or before December
  1, 2010, as described by Subsection (b) of this section.
         (b)  The reports referred to in Subsection (a) of this
  section must include an assessment of the impact of programs for
  which grants have been awarded under Subchapter L, Chapter 39,
  Education Code, as added by this Act, on:
               (1)  student performance on assessment instruments
  administered under Subchapter B, Chapter 39, Education Code;
               (2)  high school completion rates;
               (3)  college readiness of high school students;
               (4)  teacher effectiveness in instruction;
               (5)  cost-effectiveness of the programs; and
               (6)  any other factors the commissioner of education
  determines relevant.
         SECTION 19.  (a)  Except as otherwise provided by this Act,
  this Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of
  two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by
  Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not
  receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes
  effect September 1, 2007, except as otherwise provided by this Act.
         (b)  Section 52.01(e), Family Code, as added by this Act, and
  Section 25.091(b-1), Education Code, as added by this Act, take
  effect September 1, 2007.
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 2237 was passed by the House on May
  10, 2007, by the following vote:  Yeas 141, Nays 0, 1 present, not
  voting; that the House refused to concur in Senate amendments to
  H.B. No. 2237 on May 25, 2007, and requested the appointment of a
  conference committee to consider the differences between the two
  houses; and that the House adopted the conference committee report
  on H.B. No. 2237 on May 28, 2007, by the following vote:  Yeas 138,
  Nays 0, 2 present, not voting.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 2237 was passed by the Senate, with
  amendments, on May 22, 2007, by the following vote:  Yeas 29, Nays
  0; at the request of the House, the Senate appointed a conference
  committee to consider the differences between the two houses; and
  that the Senate adopted the conference committee report on H.B. No.
  2237 on May 27, 2007, by the following vote:  Yeas 29, Nays 1.
 
  ______________________________
  Secretary of the Senate   
  APPROVED: __________________
                  Date       
   
           __________________
                Governor