Commissioner's Rules
Adopted New 19 TAC Chapter 102, Educational Programs, Subchapter EE, Commissioner's Rules Concerning Pilot Programs, §102.1058, Technology-Based Supplemental Instruction Pilot Program
Attachments:
I. Statutory Citation (PDF)
II. Text of Adopted New 19 TAC Chapter 102, Educational Programs, Subchapter EE, Commissioner's Rules Concerning Pilot Programs, §102.1058, Technology-Based Supplemental Instruction Pilot Program (PDF)
SUMMARY:
The rule action presented in this item will be filed as adopted with the Texas Register under the commissioner's rulemaking authority. This item adopts new 19 TAC Chapter 102, Educational Programs, Subchapter EE, Commissioner's Rules Concerning Pilot Programs, §102.1058, Technology-Based Supplemental Instruction Pilot Program. The adopted new rule implements the Texas Education Code (TEC), §29.919, Technology-Based Supplemental Instruction Pilot Program, that requires the commissioner of education to adopt rules to establish a pilot program to provide technology-based supplemental instruction to students in rural school districts. No changes were made to the rule since published as proposed.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY:
TEC, §29.919.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
May 5, 2010.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND SIGNIFICANT ISSUES:
House Bill 2864, 80th Texas Legislature, 2007, added the TEC, §29.919, providing for the creation of the Technology-Based Supplemental Instruction Pilot Program. The purpose of the program is to finance technology-based supplemental instruction for students in rural school districts who may have a limited course selection compared to the course selection generally offered in metropolitan areas. The commissioner is required to establish the pilot program and distribute grant funds to school districts selected to participate in the program.
Adopted new 19 TAC §102.1058 implements the TEC, §29.919, by establishing requirements for the Technology-Based Supplemental Instruction Pilot Program. Specifically, the adopted new rule includes provisions relating to the purpose of the pilot program, eligibility criteria, application procedures, and prioritization of certain applicants. The adopted new rule also addresses details for applicant notification, implementation of the pilot program, program evaluation, and funding.
No changes were made to the rule since published as proposed.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has determined that the rule action does not have any additional fiscal implications to the state beyond what the authorizing statute requires. The pilot program was funded at $4 million each year of the biennium.
The rule action will have fiscal implications for school districts that choose to participate in the pilot program. The total increase in revenue to districts statewide is estimated to be approximately $4 million each year for school years 2010 and 2011. Districts selected to participate in the pilot program will receive state grant funds in an amount not to exceed $200 each school year for each student in Grades 6-12 served through the program. The total cost to districts statewide is estimated to be approximately $2 million each year for school years 2010 and 2011. Districts participating in the pilot program will be required to provide $100 in additional funding each school year for each student in Grades 6-12 served through the program. As specified in the TEC, §29.919(e), the high school allotment provided under the TEC, §42.2516(b)(3), may be used to meet the additional funding requirements for program activities provided at the high school level.
The TEA has determined that there are no additional costs to persons or entities required to comply with the rule action. In addition, there is no direct adverse economic impact for small businesses and microbusinesses; therefore, no regulatory flexibility analysis, specified in the Texas Government Code, §2006.002, is required.
PUBLIC AND STUDENT BENEFIT:
Adopted new 19 TAC §102.1058 provides school districts with technology-based supplemental instruction to expand educational opportunities for students who may not be able to access the opportunities otherwise.
PROCEDURAL AND REPORTING IMPLICATIONS:
Adopted new 19 TAC §102.1058 requires participating school districts to report information on implementation of the pilot program to the TEA.
LOCALLY MAINTAINED PAPERWORK REQUIREMENTS:
School districts participating in the pilot program will be required to collect data and maintain paperwork as necessary to provide the TEA with reports on implementation of the pilot program.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
The public comment period on the rule action began February 12, 2010, and ended March 15, 2010. No public comments were received.
ALTERNATIVES:
None.
OTHER COMMENTS AND RELATED ISSUES:
None.
Staff Members Responsible:
Anita Givens, Associate Commissioner, Standards and Programs
John Lopez, Managing Director, Instructional Materials and Educational Technology
For additional information, email rules@tea.state.tx.us.