S.B. No. 451
 
 
 
 
AN ACT
  relating to staff development requirements in public schools.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 21.451, Education Code, is amended by
  amending Subsection (d) and adding Subsections (e), (f), and (g) to
  read as follows:
         (d)  The staff development [may]:
               (1)  may include training in:
                     (A)  technology;
                     (B)  conflict resolution; and
                     (C)  discipline strategies, including classroom
  management, district discipline policies, and the student code of
  conduct adopted under Section 37.001 and Chapter 37; and
               (2)  subject to Subsection (e), must include training
  based on scientifically based research, as defined by Section 9101,
  No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (20 U.S.C. Section 7801), that:
                     (A)  relates to instruction of students with
  disabilities; and
                     (B)  is designed for educators who work primarily
  outside the area of special education.
         (e)  A school district is required to provide the training
  described by Subsection (d)(2) to an educator who works primarily
  outside the area of special education only if the educator does not
  possess the knowledge and skills necessary to implement the
  individualized education program developed for a student receiving
  instruction from the educator.  A district may determine the time
  and place at which the training is delivered.
         (f)  In developing or maintaining the training required by
  Subsection (d)(2), a school district must consult with persons with
  expertise in research-based practices for students with
  disabilities.  Persons who may be consulted under this subsection
  include colleges, universities, private and nonprofit
  organizations, regional education service centers, qualified
  district personnel, and any other persons identified as qualified
  by the district.  This subsection applies to all training required
  by Subsection (d)(2), regardless of whether the training is
  provided at the campus or district level.
         (g)  The staff development may[; and
               [(3)]  include instruction as to what is permissible
  under law, including opinions of the United States Supreme Court,
  regarding prayer in public school.
         SECTION 2.  This Act applies beginning with the 2009-2010
  school year.
         SECTION 3.  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, 2009.
 
 
 
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
         I hereby certify that S.B. No. 451 passed the Senate on
  March 31, 2009, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0; and that
  the Senate concurred in House amendment on May 28, 2009, by the
  following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
 
 
  ______________________________
  Secretary of the Senate    
 
         I hereby certify that S.B. No. 451 passed the House, with
  amendment, on May 20, 2009, by the following vote: Yeas 140,
  Nays 0, one present not voting.
 
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
 
 
  Approved:
 
  ______________________________ 
              Date
 
 
  ______________________________ 
            Governor