The House Public Education Committee will hold interim hearings Aug. 12 and 13, 2024. The purpose of an interim hearing is to study the impact of recently passed legislation, as well as discuss issues that could become legislation in the next session.

On Monday, the committee will consider the following items:

1. Monitor/oversee implementation of legislation:

   1. HB 1605 by Rep. Brad Buckley (R – Salado)

      This bill created a new system for designating state-approved curriculum, as High Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM). While the bill clearly states the curriculum is meant to be optional, groups, including ATPE, have concerns regarding the implementation of the law by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), including changes to the Teacher Pedagogy Standards that would remove lesson design as a standard taught to educator candidates and replace it with lesson internalization. When questioned about the change, agency staff claimed the change was prompted by implementation of HB 1605. Such a change was not discussed during the legislative process, and the bill’s author has expressed that no such change was contemplated. Currently, the State Board of Education (SBOE) is working on designating materials as HQIM through the IMRA process, but as of now, only some ELA and math materials are available.

   2. HB 2209 by Rep. J.M. Lozano (R – Kingsville)

      This bill creates the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership, or R-PEP, program. This program enables school districts, particularly those in rural areas, to enter into partnerships with other school districts to offer college and career pathways they may not otherwise be able to offer. By working together, the districts can expand the opportunities offered to their students for post-secondary success.  Districts must serve fewer than 1,600 students to participate. 

   3. SB 2124 by Sen. Brandon Creighton (R – Conroe)

      This bill seeks to increase the number of students enrolling in advanced math in middle school. Students who score in the top 40% on 5th grade STAAR math tests would automatically be enrolled in advanced math beginning in 6th grade. Parents can opt out if they choose to do so.

2. Consider ways to increase “educational opportunity” (i.e. vouchers) to ensure all students and families have the ability to attend a high-quality school, regardless of circumstance.

   ATPE’s member-adopted legislative program includes a longstanding position opposing vouchers, which reads: “ATPE opposes any voucher program, including a tuition tax credit, education savings account, or any other such program that would direct public funds to private, home, or for-profit virtual schools.” This language was most recently readopted in July 2024 by the ATPE House of Delegates.

   During Tuesday’s hearing, the committee will consider the following items:

   1. Examining causes for the increase in uncertified teachers in Texas and the impact of these uncertified teachers on student achievement

      The increase in uncertified teachers has had negative impacts on staff turnover and student safety, in addition to student achievement. ATPE will be asking for changes to the Districts of Innovation (DOI) law to limit the number of long-term uncertified educators on a campus and strengthen parental notification. Additionally, we will ask legislators to implement a grant program that will assist uncertified educators in completing their certifications.

   2. Studying how to improve early literacy and numeracy opportunities for students in PK – 3

      ATPE plans to testify on the importance of strengthening the state’s pre-K program and how access to high-quality pre-K improves early literacy and math.

To submit public comments to the House Public Education Committee on any of the items on the two-day agenda, follow this link: https://comments.house.texas.gov/home?c=c400. Once there, you must complete the attestation statement, provide your contact information, and choose the item on which you wish to comment. You must fill out one comment form for each item on which you intend to comment. Learn how to use the comment system in this ATPE tutorial.  

Stay tuned to Teach the Vote on Monday and Tuesday for more about the hearings, and follow the ATPE lobbyists on X for live updates:

• Governmental Relations Director Monty Exter: @ATPE_MontyE
• Senior Lobbyist Mark Wiggins: @ATPE_MarkW
• Lobbyist Tricia Cave: @ATPE_TriciaC
• Lobbyist Heather Sheffield: @ATPE_HeatherS