January 2026 Committee on School Initiatives Item 3

Review of Adoption of Proposed Revisions to 19 TAC Chapter 231, Requirements for Public School Personnel Assignments, Subchapter A, Criteria for Assignment of Public School Personnel, Subchapter B, Prekindergarten-Grade 6 Assignments, Subchapter C, Grades 6-8 Assignments, Subchapter D, Electives, Disciplinary Courses, Local Credit Courses, and Innovative Courses, Grades 6-12, Subchapter E, Grades 9-12 Assignments, and Subchapter G, Paraprofessional Personnel, Administrators, and Other Instructional and Professional Support Assignments

January 30, 2026

COMMITTEE ON SCHOOL INITIATIVES: ACTION
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION: ACTION

SUMMARY: This item provides the State Board of Education (SBOE) an opportunity to review the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) rule actions that would adopt the proposed amendments to 19 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 231, Requirements for Public School Personnel Assignments, Subchapter A, Criteria for Assignment of Public School Personnel, Subchapter B, Prekindergarten-Grade 6 Assignments, Subchapter C, Grades 6-8 Assignments, Subchapter D, Electives, Disciplinary Courses, Local Credit Courses, and Innovative Courses, Grades 6-12, Subchapter E, Grades 9-12 Assignments, and Subchapter G, Paraprofessional Personnel, Administrators, and Other Instructional and Professional Support Assignments. The proposed revisions would provide requirements related to the criteria for school districts to make personnel assignments based on the correlating certification requirements. 

STATUTORY AUTHORITY: The statutory authority for the SBOE to review rules that the SBEC proposes to adopt is Texas Education Code (TEC), §21.042. The statutory authority for 19 TAC Chapter 231 is the Texas Education Code (TEC), §§21.003(a), 21.031(a), 21.041(b)(1)–(2), and 21.064.

TEC, §21.042, requires the SBEC to submit a written copy of each rule it proposes to adopt to the SBOE for review. The SBOE may reject a proposed rule by a vote of at least two-thirds of the members of the SBOE present and voting but may not modify a rule proposed by the SBEC.

TEC, §21.003(a), states that a person may not be employed as a teacher, teacher intern or teacher trainee, librarian, educational aide, administrator, educational diagnostician, or school counselor by a school district unless the person holds an appropriate certificate or permit issued as provided by the TEC, Chapter 21, Subchapter B. 

TEC, §21.031(a), states that the SBEC shall regulate and oversee all aspects of the certification, continuing education, and standards of conduct of public school educators. 

TEC, §21.041(b)(1), requires the SBEC to propose rules that provide for the regulation of educators and the general administration of the TEC, Chapter 21, Subchapter B, in a manner consistent with the TEC, Chapter 21, Subchapter B. 

TEC, §21.041(b)(2), requires the SBEC to propose rules that specify the classes of educator certificates to be issued, including emergency certificates. 

TEC, §21.064, requires the SBEC to stop the issuance and renewal of master teacher certificates effective September 1, 2019, to add a designation of "legacy" to each master teacher certificate issued, and to recognize these certificates until they expire.

The full text of statutory citations can be found in the links above.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND JUSTIFICATION: The SBEC rules in 19 TAC Chapter 231 establish the personnel assignments that correlate with appropriate certifications and are organized as follows: 

• Subchapter A, Criteria for Assignment of Public School Personnel;
• Subchapter B, Prekindergarten–Grade 6 Assignments;
• Subchapter C, Grades 6–8 Assignments;
• Subchapter D, Electives, Disciplinary Courses, Local Credit Courses, and Innovative Courses, Grades 6–12 Assignments;
• Subchapter E, Grades 9–12 Assignments;
• Subchapter F, Special Education-Related Services Personnel Assignments; and
• Subchapter G, Paraprofessional Personnel, Administrators, and Other Instructional and Professional Support Assignments. 

These subchapters offer guidance to school districts and educators by providing the list of courses by grade level and subject area and identifying the corresponding certificates and other requirements for the placement of individuals into classroom and/or campus assignments. This information assists districts with hiring and personnel assignment decisions.

The proposed revisions to 19 TAC Chapter 231, Subchapters A-E, and Subchapter G, shown in Attachment I, are described below and identify the appropriate certificates for placement in particular classroom assignments and/or role(s) within the district.

Subchapter A. Criteria for Assignment of Public School Personnel

The proposed amendment to §231.1(e) would add language to ensure that a non-certified individual employed by a school district as a substitute teacher has the appropriate knowledge and skills to serve in the assignment.

Subchapter B. Prekindergarten-Grade 6 Assignments

The proposed amendments to Subchapter B would add the new set of Core EC-6 certificates to the appropriate assignments to align with recent SBEC rule changes in Chapter 230 and Chapter 233 to establish the new certificates. Changes to the following sections would update the appropriate certificates to teach those courses, remove redundant references to assignments, and apply technical edits to alphabetize and renumber information in each section:

The proposed amendments to §231.3, General Education, Prekindergarten; §231.9, General Education, Kindergarten; and §231.15, Elementary, Prekindergarten-Grade 6, would add the following certificates:

• “Core/Bilingual Education Spanish with the Science of Teaching Reading: Early Childhood-Grade 6”;
• “Core/English as a Second Language Supplemental with the Science of Teaching Reading: Early Childhood-Grade 6”;
• “Core/Fine Arts/Physical Education/Health with the Science of Teaching Reading: Early Childhood-Grade 6”;
• “Core/Special Education with the Science of Teaching Reading: Early Childhood-Grade 6”; and
• “Core with the Science of Teaching Reading: Early Childhood-Grade 6.”

The proposed amendments to §231.5, Bilingual, Prekindergarten, and §231.11, Bilingual, Prekindergarten-Grade 6, would add the following certificate:

• “Core/Bilingual Education Spanish with the Science of Teaching Reading: Early Childhood-Grade 6.”

The proposed amendment to §231.17, Reading, Prekindergarten-Grade 6, would add the following certificates:

• “Core/Bilingual Education Spanish with the Science of Teaching Reading: Early Childhood-Grade 6”;
• “Core/English as a Second Language Supplemental with the Science of Teaching Reading: Early Childhood-Grade 6”;
• “Core/Fine Arts/Physical Education/Health with the Science of Teaching Reading: Early Childhood-Grade 6”;
• “Core/Special Education with the Science of Teaching Reading: Early Childhood-Grade 6”;
• “Core with the Science of Teaching Reading: Early Childhood-Grade 6”;
• “English Language Arts and Reading with the Science of Teaching Reading: Grades 4-8”; and
• “English Language Arts and Reading with the Science of Teaching Reading/Social Studies: Grades 4-8.”

The proposed amendments to §231.21, Art, Prekindergarten-Grade 6; §231.23, Music, Prekindergarten-Grade 6; §231.25, Theatre, Prekindergarten-Grade 6; §231.27, Physical Education, Prekindergarten-Grade 6; and §231.31, Health Education, Prekindergarten-Grade 6, would add the following certificate:

• “Core/Fine Arts/Physical Education/Health with the Science of Teaching Reading: Early Childhood-Grade 6.”

The proposed amendments to §231.7, English as a Second Language, Prekindergarten and §231.13, English as a Second Language, Prekindergarten-Grade 6, would add the following certificates to specify supplemental certificate assignments:

• “Bilingual Education Supplemental: American Sign Language”;
• “Bilingual Education Supplemental: Arabic”;
• “Bilingual Education Supplemental: Japanese”;
• “Bilingual Education Supplemental: Mandarin Chinese”;
• “Bilingual Education Supplemental: Spanish”;
• “Bilingual Education Supplemental: Vietnamese”;
• “Bilingual Special Education Supplemental: Early Childhood-Grade 12”;
• “Core/Bilingual Education Spanish with the Science of Teaching Reading: Early Childhood-Grade 6”; and
• “Core/English as a Second Language Supplemental with the Science of Teaching Reading: Early Childhood-Grade 6.”

Subchapter C. Grades 6-8 Assignments

The proposed amendments to Subchapter C would add the new set of Core EC-6 certificates to the appropriate assignments for Grade 6 to align with recent SBEC rule changes in Chapter 230 and Chapter 233 to establish the new certificates. Changes to the following sections would update the appropriate certificates to teach those courses, remove redundant references to assignments, and apply technical edits to alphabetize and renumber information in each section:

The proposed amendments to §231.41, Self-Contained, Grades 6-8; §231.43, All General Subjects, Grade 6; §231.45, English Language Arts, Grades 6-8; §231.49, Reading (At or Above Grade Level), Grades 6-8; §231.51, Reading Improvement (One Year or More Below Grade Level), Grades 6-8; §231.57, Social Studies, Grade 6; §231.61, Mathematics, Grades 6-8; and §231.63, Science, Grades 6-8, would add the following certificates:

• “Core/Bilingual Education Spanish with the Science of Teaching Reading: Early Childhood-Grade 6”;
• “Core/English as a Second Language Supplemental with the Science of Teaching Reading: Early Childhood-Grade 6”;
• “Core/Fine Arts/Physical Education/Health with the Science of Teaching Reading: Early Childhood-Grade 6”;
• “Core/Special Education with the Science of Teaching Reading: Early Childhood-Grade 6”; and
• “Core with the Science of Teaching Reading: Early Childhood-Grade 6.”

The proposed amendments to §231.67, Health, Grades 6-8; §231.69, Physical Education, Grades 6-8; §231.71, Art, Middle School 1-3; and §231.73, Music, Middle School 1-3, would add the following certificate:

• “Core/Fine Arts/Physical Education/Health with the Science of Teaching Reading: Early Childhood-Grade 6.”
• “Core/Fine Arts/Physical Education/Health with the Science of Teaching Reading: Early Childhood-Grade 6”;
• “Core Subjects: Early Childhood-Grade 6”; and
• “Core Subjects with Science of Teaching Reading: Early Childhood-Grade 6.”

The proposed amendments to §231.75, Theatre, Middle School 1-3, would add the following certificates:

The proposed amendments to §231.47, English as a Second Language, Grades 6-8, would add the following list of certificates considered appropriate for English as a Second Language, Grades 6-8 to specify supplemental certificate assignments:

• “Bilingual Education Supplemental: American Sign Language”;
• “Bilingual Education Supplemental: Arabic”;
• “Bilingual Education Supplemental: Japanese”;
• “Bilingual Education Supplemental: Mandarin Chinese”;
• “Bilingual Education Supplemental: Spanish”;
• “Bilingual Education Supplemental: Vietnamese”;
• “Bilingual Special Education Supplemental: Early Childhood-Grade 12”;
• “Core/Bilingual Education Spanish with the Science of Teaching Reading: Early Childhood-Grade 6”; and
• “Core/English as a Second Language Supplemental with the Science of Teaching Reading: Early Childhood-Grade 6.”

Subchapter D. Electives, Disciplinary Courses, Local Credit Courses, and Innovative Courses, Grades 6-12

The proposed amendment to §231.91, Reserve Officer Training Corps, Grades 6-12, would provide technical edits to add the term “Junior” in the section title and in other places where the assignment appears and would add a “J” to the acronym in each place where it appears. 

Subchapter E. Grades 9-12 Assignments

The proposed new Subchapter E would reorganize the structure of certificate assignments for Grades 9-12.

The following table summarizes the divisions in repealed Subchapter E that would be merged in proposed new Subchapter E:

The explanation below describes the changes in proposed new 19 TAC Chapter 231, Subchapter E, that would be made to the Grades 9-12 Assignments listed in the proposed repeal of Subchapter E, which can be found in Attachments I-II of this item. 

Proposed New Division 1. English Language Arts and Reading, Grades 9-12 Assignments

• The proposal would retain all information from repealed Division 1, English Language Arts and Reading, Grades 9-12 Assignments, with the following updates:
• Proposed new §231.133, English I and II for Speakers of Other Languages, Grades 9-12, and §231.135, English as a Second Language, Grades 9-12, would add the following certificates:
  • “Bilingual Education Supplemental: American Sign Language”;
  • “Bilingual Education Supplemental: Arabic”;
  • “Bilingual Education Supplemental: Japanese”;
  • “Bilingual Education Supplemental: Mandarin Chinese”;
  • “Bilingual Education Supplemental: Spanish”;
  • “Bilingual Education Supplemental: Vietnamese”; and
  • “Bilingual Special Education Supplemental: Early Childhood-Grade 12.”

Proposed New Division 2. Languages Other Than English, Grades 9-12 Assignments

• The proposal would retain all information from repealed Division 2, Languages Other Than English, Grades 9-12 Assignments.
• The proposal would retain all information from repealed Division 3, Social Studies, Grades 9-12 Assignments.
• The proposal would retain all information from repealed Division 4, Mathematics, Grades 9-12 Assignments.
• The proposal would retain all information from repealed Division 5, Science, Grades 9-12 Assignments, with the following updates:
  • Proposed new §231.239, Physics for Engineering, Grades 9-12, would update the title to align with related course offerings in the section.
  • Proposed new §231.243, Earth Systems Science, Grades 9-12, would update the title of this section to match the new course title adopted by the SBOE.
  • Proposed new §231.249, Scientific Research and Design, Grades 9-12, would remove references to §233.13, Career and Technical Education (Certificates not requiring experience and preparation in a skill area), and §233.14, Career and Technical Education (Certificates requiring experience and preparation in a skill area), to ensure that previous SBEC-issued certificates for Career and Technical Education are appropriate for placement in assignments as deemed appropriate by the school district.

Proposed New Division 3. Social Studies, Grades 9-12 Assignments

Proposed New Division 4. Mathematics, Grades 9-12 Assignments

Proposed New Division 5. Science, Grades 9-12 Assignments

Proposed New Division 6. Health and Physical Education, Grades 9-12 Assignments

• The proposal would retain all information from repealed Division 6, Health and Physical Education, Grades 9-12 Assignments.
• The proposal would retain all information from repealed Division 7, Fine Arts, Grades 9-12 Assignments.

Proposed New Division 7. Fine Arts, Grades 9-12 Assignments

Proposed New Division 8. Career Development, Grades 9-12 Assignments

• The proposal would retain all information from repealed Division 9, Career Development, Grades 9-12 Assignments, with the following updates:
  • Proposed new §231.291, Career Development, Grades 9-12, would update course titles from Career Preparation I to Career Preparation General and Career Preparation II to Career Preparation for Programs of Study to align with course offerings; and would remove references to §233.13, Career and Technical Education (Certificates not requiring experience and preparation in a skill area), and §233.14, Career and Technical Education (Certificates requiring experience and preparation in a skill area), in paragraph (2) and subsections (b)(1) and (c)(1) to ensure that previous SBEC-issued certificates for Career and Technical Education are appropriate for placement in assignments as deemed appropriate by the school district.

Proposed New Division 9. Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources, Grades 9-12 Assignments

• The proposal would retain a subset of course information from repealed Division 10, Agriculture and Construction, with the following updates:
  • Proposed new §231.301, Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources, Grades 9-12, would update course titles to align with course offerings; would merge the Practicum and Extended Practicum in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources in subsection (b) into subsection (a) with the same certificates allowed to streamline the section; and would streamline new subsection (b) to enhance readability by removing redundant language and simplifying complex phrasing.
  • Proposed new §231.303, Sciences in Agriculture, Grades 9-12, would update the title of the section to align with course offerings.
  • Proposed new §231.307, Mathematics in Agriculture, Grades 9-12, would update the title of the section to align with course offerings.
  • Proposed new §231.309, Agricultural Mechanics, Grades 9-12, would update the title of the section to align with course offerings.
  • Proposed new §231.311, Floral Design, Grades 9-12, would add the new SBOE-approved course, Advanced Floral Design, and specify the certificates appropriate to serve in the assignments.
• The proposal would retain a subset of course information from repealed Division 10, Agriculture and Construction, with the following updates:
  • Proposed new §231.331, Architecture and Construction, Grades 9-12, would merge §231.307, Construction Management; Construction Technology, Grades 9-12, and §231.309, Building Maintenance Technology, Grades 9-12, into this section with the same certificates allowed to streamline the organization of certification assignments, eliminate redundancy, and ensure clarity in credential alignment with course offerings; would update the title of the section to align with course offerings; would remove the “Any home economics or homemaking certificate” and “Family and Consumer Sciences, Composite: Grades 6-12” certificates, since they no longer align with course offerings, maintaining consistency between certification areas and the courses offered; and would add a new subsection to ensure that school districts are accountable for verifying that teachers assigned to Practicum or Extended Practicum courses have received appropriate training in state and federal work-based learning and safety requirements.
  • Proposed new §231.333, Interior Design, Grades 9-12, would merge the Practicum and Extended Practicum in Interior Design in subsection (b) into subsection (a) with the same certificates allowed; and would streamline new subsection (b) to enhance readability by removing redundant language and simplifying complex phrasing.
  • Proposed new §231.335, Architectural Design, Grades 9-12, would remove the “Any home economics or homemaking certificate” and “Family and Consumer Sciences, Composite: Grades 6-12” certificates in subsection (b), since they no longer align with course offerings, maintaining consistency between certification areas and the courses offered; would merge the Practicum and Extended Practicum in Architectural Design in subsection (b) into subsection (a) with the same certificates allowed; would streamline new subsection (b) to enhance readability by removing redundant language and simplifying complex phrasing.
  • Proposed new §231.339, Construction Trades, Grades 9-12, would update the title of the section to align with course offerings; would merge the Practicum and Extended Practicum in Masonry Technology in subsection (b) into subsection (a) with the same certificates allowed; and would streamline new subsection (b) to enhance readability by removing redundant language and simplifying complex phrasing.

Proposed New Division 10. Architecture and Construction, Grades 9-12 Assignments

Proposed New Division 11. Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications, Grades 9-12 Assignments

• The proposal would retain a subset of course information from repealed Division 12, Arts, Audio/Video Technology, and Communications, Grades 9-12 Assignments, with the following updates:
  • Proposed new Division 11 would promote consistency in terminology and support clearer information sharing and knowledge alignment across related content areas.
  • Proposed new §231.351, Professional Communications, Grades 9-12, would remove references to §233.13, Career and Technical Education (Certificates not requiring experience and preparation in a skill area), and §233.14,. Career and Technical Education (Certificates requiring experience and preparation in a skill area), in §231.351(3) to ensure that previous SBEC-issued certificates for Career and Technical Education are appropriate for placement in assignments as deemed appropriate by the school district.
  • Proposed new §231.353, Principles of Arts, Audio Visual Technology, and Communications, Grades 9-12, would update the title to align with course offerings; and would remove certificates “Any home economics or homemaking certificate” and “Family and Consumer Sciences, Composite: Grades 6-12”, since they no longer align with course offerings, maintaining consistency between certification areas and the courses offered.
  • Proposed new §231.355, Animation, Production, and Graphic Design, Grades 9-12, would merge §231.337, Audio/Video Production; Graphic Design and Illustration, Grades 9-12, into subsection (a) with the same certificates allowed to streamline the organization of certification assignments, eliminate redundancy, and ensure clarity in credential alignment with course offerings; would update the section title to align with course offerings; would remove the “Any business or office education certificate”, the “Business and Finance: Grades 6-12” certificate, and the “Business Education: Grades 6-12” certificate, since they no longer align with course offerings, maintaining consistency between certification areas and the courses offered; would merge the Practicum and Extended Practicum in Animation and the Practicums and Extended Practicums in Audio/Video Production and Graphic Design and Illustration in subsection (b) into subsection (a) with the same certificates allowed; and would streamline new subsection (b) to enhance readability by removing redundant language and simplifying complex phrasing.
  • Proposed new §231.357, Photography, Grades 9-12, would merge the Practicum and Extended Practicum in Commercial Photography in subsection (b) into subsection (a) with the same certificates allowed; and would streamline new subsection (b) to enhance readability by removing redundant language and simplifying complex phrasing.
  • Proposed new §231.359, Printing and Imaging Technology, Grades 9-12, would merge the Practicum and Extended Practicum in Printing and Imaging Technology in subsection (b) into subsection (a) with the same certificates allowed; and would streamline new subsection (b) to enhance readability by removing redundant language and simplifying complex phrasing.
  • Proposed new §231.361, Fashion Design, Grades 9-12, would merge the Practicum and Extended Practicum in Fashion Design in subsection (b) into subsection (a) with the same certificates allowed and re-alphabetized the subsections; and would streamline new subsection (b) to enhance readability by removing redundant language and simplifying complex phrasing.
• The proposal would merge the contents of repealed Division 15, Finance, Grades 9-12 Assignments and repealed Division 23, Marketing, Grades 9-12 Assignments into proposed new Division 12 to streamline the organization of certification assignments, eliminate redundancy, ensure clarity in credential alignment with course offerings, promote consistency in terminology and support clearer information sharing and knowledge alignment across related content areas.
  • Proposed new §231.381, Business Management, Grades 9-12, would update the title of the section to align with course offerings; would merge the courses, Business Information Management I, Business Information Management II, Business Law, Touch System Data Entry, and Practicum and Extended Practicum in Business Management into subsection (a) and merge §231.363, Business Management; Business Lab; Global Business; Human Resources Management; Principles of Business, Marketing, and Finance; and Virtual Business, Grades 9-12, into subsection (a) with the same certificates allowed, adding the “Any marketing or distributive education certificate” to streamline the organization of certification assignments, eliminate redundancy, and ensure clarity in credential alignment with course offerings; would remove “Health Science Education: Grades 6-12. This assignment requires appropriate work approval” and “Health Science Technology Education: Grades 8-12. This assignment requires appropriate work approval” certificates, since they no longer align with course offerings, to maintain consistency between certification areas and the courses offered; and would streamline new subsection (b) to enhance readability by removing redundant language and simplifying complex phrasing.
  • In response to public comment, the course names for Business Information Management I and Business Information Management II would change to Foundations of Business Communications and Technologies and Business Communications and Technologies, respectively, at adoption to match the course name as adopted by the State Board of Education in 19 TAC Chapter 127, Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Career Development and Career and Technical Education.
  • Proposed new §231.383, Business English, Grades 9-12, would update language in subsection (a) to clarify that the provisions in the subsection are contingent upon the specific conditions or limitations outlined in subsection (b), ensuring accurate interpretation and application of certification requirements.
  • Proposed new §231.385, Advertising and Marketing, Grades 9-12, would merge §231.543, Advertising, Grades 9-12, and add the “Trade and Industrial Education: Grades 6-12 and Grades 8-12” certificates, and the “Trade and Industrial Workforce Training: Grades 6-12” certificate to streamline the organization of certification assignments, eliminate redundancy, and ensure clarity in credential alignment with course offerings; would update the title of the section to align with course offerings; would merge Advanced Marketing, Practicum, and Extended Practicum in Marketing into subsection (a) with the same certificates allowed to streamline the section and eliminate redundancy; and would streamline new subsection (b) to enhance readability by removing redundant language and simplifying complex phrasing.
  • Proposed new §231.389, Entrepreneurship, Grades 9-12, would add new SBOE-approved courses, Entrepreneurship II and Practicum in Entrepreneurship and Extended Practicum in Entrepreneurship, into rule and specify the certificates appropriate to serve in these assignments; and would add a new subsection with language to ensure that school districts are accountable for verifying that teachers assigned to Practicum or Extended Practicum courses have received appropriate training in state and federal work-based learning and safety requirements.
  • Proposed new §231.391, Financial Services, Grades 9-12, would merge §231.393, Accounting I; Financial Analysis; Insurance Operations; and Securities and Investments, Grades 9-12, into this section with the same certificates allowed to streamline the organization of certification assignments, eliminate redundancy, and ensure clarity in credential alignment with course offerings; and would update the title of the section to align with course offerings.
  • Proposed new §231.395, Business Mathematics, Grades 9-12, would merge the repealed §231.395, Financial Mathematics, Grades 9-12, into this section that already shares similar certificate information to streamline the organization of certification assignments, eliminate redundancy, and ensure clarity in credential alignment with course offerings; and would update the title of the section to align with course offerings.

Proposed New Division 12. Business, Marketing, and Finance, Grades 9-12 Assignments

Proposed New Division 13. Education and Training, Grades 9-12 Assignments

• The proposal would retain all information from repealed Division 14, Education and Training, Grades 9-12 Assignments, with the following updates:
  • Proposed new §231.423, Human Growth and Development, Grades 9-12, would merge §231.385, Child Development, Child Guidance, or Child Development Associates Foundation, Grades 9-12, into this section with the same certificates allowed to streamline the organization of certification assignments, eliminate redundancy, and ensure clarity in credential alignment with course offerings.

Proposed New Division 14. Energy, Grades 9-12 Assignments

• The proposal would retain all information from repealed Division 26, Energy, Grades 9-12 Assignments.

Proposed New Division 15. Engineering, Grades 9–12 Assignments

• The proposal would retain a subset of course information from repealed Division 24, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, Grades 9-12 Assignments, with the following updates:
  • Proposed new Division 15 would include engineering-specific courses, and their associated certificates, streamline the organization of certification assignments, eliminate redundancy, and ensure clarity in credential alignment with course offerings.
  • Proposed new §231.461, Principles of Applied Engineering, Grades 9-12, would remove the following certificates that no longer align with course offerings to maintain consistency between certification areas and the courses offered: “Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources: Grades 6-12”; “Agricultural Science and Technology: Grades 6-12”; “Any vocational agriculture certificate”; “Health Science: Grades 6-12”; “Health Science Technology Education: Grades 8-12”; “Vocational Health Occupations”; and “Vocational Health Science Technology.”
  • Proposed new §231.467, Electronics and Engineering Design and Presentation, Grades 9-12, would merge §231.571, AC/DC Electronics; Solid State Electronics, Grades 9-12, into this section with the same certificates allowed to streamline the organization of certification assignments, eliminate redundancy, and ensure clarity in credential alignment with course offerings; would update the title of the section to align with course offerings; would update the course title Engineering Design and Presentation I to Engineering Design and the course title Presentation and Engineering Design and Presentation II to Advanced Engineering Design and Presentation, as adopted by the SBOE; and would remove subsections (b) and (c) since the Practicum and Extended Practicum courses were repealed effective September 9, 2024, as approved by the SBOE.
  • Proposed new §231.469, Engineering Mathematics and Robotics II, Grades 9-12, would include the “Vocational Trades and Industry" certificate. This assignment requires appropriate work approval” certificate, based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Robotics II, which has a foundation in technical, mechanical, and engineering principles and falls within the instructional scope of educators certified in Vocational Trades and Industry, which also requires work approval.
  • Proposed new §231.471, Physics for Engineering, Grades 9-12, would replace the Principles of Technology course and update the title of the section to align with course offerings.
  • Proposed new §231.473, Engineering Design and Problem Solving and Engineering Science, Grades 9-12, would merge §231.579, Engineering Science, Grades 9-12, into this section with the same certificates allowed to streamline the organization of certification assignments, eliminate redundancy, and ensure clarity in credential alignment with course offerings; and would update the title of the section to align with course offerings.
  • Proposed new §231.475, Scientific Research and Design, Grades 9-12, would remove references to §233.13, Career and Technical Education (Certificates not requiring experience and preparation in a skill area), and §233.14, Career and Technical Education (Certificates requiring experience and preparation in a skill area), in subsection (a)(1) to ensure that previous SBEC-issued certificates for Career and Technical Education are appropriate for placement in assignments as deemed appropriate by the school district.
  • Proposed new §231.487, Mobile Applications Development, Grades 9-12, would include the following certificates:
    • “Any business or office education certificate”;
    • “Business and Finance: Grades 6-12”;
    • “Business Education: Grades 6-12”;
    • “Marketing: Grades 6-12”; and
    • “Marketing Education: Grades 8-12.”

Proposed New Division 16. Health Science, Grades 9-12 Assignments

• The proposal would retain all information from repealed Division 17, Health Science, Grades 9-12 Assignments, with the following updates:
  • Proposed new §231.511, Health Science, Grades 9-12, would merge §231.427, Health Informatics, Grades 9-12, and §231.429, Healthcare Administration and Management; Leadership and Management in Nursing, Grades 9-12, and subsection (c) into subsection (a), and merge §231.423, Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Microbiology, Pathophysiology, Respiratory Therapy I, Respiratory Therapy II, Grades 9-12, into subsection (b) with the same certificates allowed to streamline the organization of certification assignments, eliminate redundancy, and ensure clarity in credential alignment with course offerings; would streamline new subsection (c) to enhance readability by removing redundant language and simplifying complex phrasing; and would add new subsection (d) to ensure that all teachers assigned to these courses are adequately prepared through Texas Education Agency (TEA)-approved training.
• The proposal would retain all information from repealed Division 18, Hospitality and Tourism, Grades 9-12 Assignments, with the following updates:
  • Proposed new §231.531, Hospitality and Tourism, Grades 9-12, would merge the Practicum and Extended Practicum in Hospitality Services in subsection (b) into subsection (a) with the same certificates allowed to streamline the organization of certification assignments, eliminate redundancy, and ensure clarity in credential alignment with course offerings; and would streamline new subsection (b) to enhance readability by removing redundant language and simplifying complex phrasing.
  • Proposed new §231.533, Culinary Arts, Grades 9-12, would merge the Practicum and Extended Practicum in Culinary Arts in subsection (b) into subsection (a) with the same certificates allowed; and would streamline new subsection (b) to enhance readability by removing redundant language and simplifying complex phrasing.

Proposed New Division 17. Hospitality and Tourism, Grades 9-12 Assignments

Proposed New Division 18. Human Services, Grades 9-12 Assignments

• The proposal would retain all information from repealed Division 19, Human Services, Grades 9-12 Assignments, with the following update:
  • Proposed new §231.551, Human Services, Grades 9-12, would merge the Practicum and Extended Practicum in Human Services in subsection (b) into subsection (a) with the same certificates allowed to streamline the organization of certification assignments, eliminate redundancy, and ensure clarity in credential alignment with course offerings; and would streamline new subsection (b) to enhance readability by removing redundant language and simplifying complex phrasing.
• The proposal would retain all information from repealed Division 20, Information Technology, Grades 9-12 Assignments, with the following updates:
  • Proposed new §231.573, Digital Communications, Grades 9-12, would merge §231.485, Web Communications, Web Design, Grades 9-12, and related certificates to streamline the organization of certification assignments, eliminate redundancy, and ensure clarity in credential alignment with course offerings; and would update the title of the section to align with course offerings.
  • Proposed new §231.575, Computer Maintenance and Technician, Grades 9-12, would merge with §231.489, Computer Technician; Information Technology, Grades 9-12, and related certificates to streamline the organization of certification assignments, eliminate redundancy, and ensure clarity in credential alignment with course offerings; would update the title of the section to align with course offerings; and would add a new subsection to ensure that school districts are accountable for verifying that teachers assigned to Practicum or Extended Practicum courses have received appropriate training in state and federal work-based learning and safety requirements.
  • Proposed new §231.577, Independent Study in Evolving/Emerging Technologies and Independent Study in Technology Applications, Grades 9-12, would remove references to §233.13, Career and Technical Education (Certificates not requiring experience and preparation in a skill area), and §233.14, Career and Technical Education (Certificates requiring experience and preparation in a skill area), to ensure that previous SBEC-issued certificates for Career and Technical Education are appropriate for placement in assignments as deemed appropriate by the school district.

Proposed New Division 19. Information Technology, Grades 9-12 Assignments

Proposed New Division 20. Law, and Public Service, Grades 9-12 Assignments

• The proposal would retain all information from repealed Division 16, Government and Public Administration, Grades 9-12 Assignments, and repealed Division 21, Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security, Grades 9-12 Assignments, with the following updates:
  • Proposed new Division 20 would merge the contents of repealed Divisions 16 and 21 to update the title, streamline the organization of certification assignments, eliminate redundancy, ensure consistency in terminology and clarity in credential alignment with course offering, and maintain alignment across related content areas.
  • Proposed new §231.591, Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security, Grades 9-12, would merge the Practicum and Extended Practicum in Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security in subsection (b) into subsection (a) with the same certificates allowed; and would streamline new subsection (b) to enhance readability by removing redundant language and simplifying complex phrasing.
  • Proposed new §231.595, Government and Public Administration, Grades 9-12, would merge the Practicum and Extended Practicum in Local, State, and Federal Government in subsection (b) into subsection (a) with the same certificates allowed to streamline the organization of certification assignments, eliminate redundancy, and ensure clarity in credential alignment with course offerings; and would streamline new subsection (b) to enhance readability by removing redundant language and simplifying complex phrasing.

Proposed New Division 21. Manufacturing, Grades 9-12 Assignments

• The proposal would retain all information in repealed Division 22, Manufacturing, Grades 9-12 Assignments, with the following update:
  • Proposed new §231.621, Manufacturing, Grades 9-12, would streamline subsection (c) to enhance readability by removing redundant language and simplifying complex phrasing.
• The proposal would retain all information in repealed Division 25, Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics, Grades 9-12 Assignments, with the following update:
  • Proposed new §231.641, Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics, Grades 9-12, would include the new SBOE-approved Aircraft Maintenance Technology course in the section and specify the certificates appropriate to serve in these assignments; and would streamline subsection (c) to enhance readability by removing redundant language and simplifying complex phrasing.

Proposed New Division 22. Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics, Grades 9-12 Assignments

Subchapter G. Paraprofessional Personnel, Administrators, and Other Instructional and Professional Support Assignments 

The proposed amendment to §231.753 would add “Principal as Instructional Leader” to the list of certificates appropriate to serve in the assignment of Principal and Assistant Principal. The proposal would also add "Educational Diagnostician, Early Childhood-Grade 12" as the certificate appropriate to serve in the assignment of Educational Diagnostician; and "Reading Specialist, Early Childhood-Grade 12" as the certificate appropriate to serve in the assignment of Reading Specialist.

FISCAL IMPACT: No changes have been made to this section since published as proposed. Jessica McLoughlin, associate commissioner for educator preparation, certification, and enforcement, has determined that for the first five years enforcing or administering the rules does not have foreseeable implications relating to cost or revenues of the state or local governments. There are no additional costs to entities required to comply with the proposal. 

LOCAL EMPLOYMENT IMPACT: No changes have been made to this section since published as proposed. The proposal has no effect on local economy; therefore, no local employment impact statement is required under Texas Government Code (TGC), §2001.022.

SMALL BUSINESS, MICROBUSINESS, AND RURAL COMMUNITY IMPACT: No changes have been made to this section since published as proposed. The proposal has no direct adverse economic impact for small businesses, microbusinesses, or rural communities; therefore, no regulatory flexibility analysis, specified in TGC, §2006.002, is required.

COST INCREASE TO REGULATED PERSONS: No changes have been made to this section since published as proposed. The proposal does not impose a cost on regulated persons, another state agency, a special district, or a local government and, therefore, is not subject to TGC, §2001.0045.

TAKINGS IMPACT ASSESSMENT: No changes have been made to this section since published as proposed. The proposal does not impose a burden on private real property and, therefore, does not constitute a taking under TGC, §2007.043.

GOVERNMENT GROWTH IMPACT: No changes have been made to this section since published as proposed. TEA staff prepared a Government Growth Impact Statement assessment for this proposed rulemaking. During the first five years the proposed rulemaking would be in effect, it would not create or eliminate a government program; would not require the creation of new employee positions or elimination of existing employee positions; would not require an increase or decrease in future legislative appropriations to the agency; would not require an increase or decrease in fees paid to the agency; would create a new regulation by introducing provisions for new courses with related certificates designed to broaden placement opportunities for individuals across a wider range of assignments; would repeal an existing regulation by eliminating certain certificates tied to specific assignments, thereby restricting the placement of educators who previously held those certificates; would not increase or decrease the number of individuals subject to its applicability; and would not positively or adversely affect the state's economy.

PUBLIC BENEFIT AND COST TO PERSONS: No changes have been made to this section since published as proposed. Jessica McLoughlin, associate commissioner for educator preparation, certification, and enforcement, has determined that for the first five years the proposal is in effect, the public benefit anticipated would be aligning the rules with statute and reflecting current procedures. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the proposal.

DATA AND REPORTING IMPACT: No changes have been made to this section since published as proposed. The proposal would have no new data and reporting impact.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: No changes have been made to this section since published as proposed. The proposal does not require an environmental impact analysis because the proposal does not include major environmental rules under TGC, §2001.0225.

PRINCIPAL AND CLASSROOM TEACHER PAPERWORK REQUIREMENTS: No changes have been made to this section since published as proposed. The TEA staff has determined the proposal would not require a written report or other paperwork to be completed by a principal or classroom teacher.

PUBLIC COMMENTS: In accordance with the SBEC rulemaking process, a summary of comments received by the SBEC on its proposed rules is shared with the SBOE under separate cover prior to this SBOE meeting.

MOTION TO BE CONSIDERED: That the State Board of Education:

Take no action on the proposed revisions to 19 TAC Chapter 231, Requirements for Public School Personnel Assignments, Subchapter A, Criteria for Assignment of Public School Personnel, Subchapter B, Prekindergarten-Grade 6 Assignments, Subchapter C, Grades 6-8 Assignments, Subchapter D, Electives, Disciplinary Courses, Local Credit Courses, and Innovative Courses, Grades 6-12, Subchapter E, Grades 9-12 Assignments, and Subchapter G, Paraprofessional Personnel, Administrators, and Other Instructional and Professional Support Assignments.

Staff Member Responsible:
Trenton Law, Director, Educator Credentialing, Educator Preparation and Certification

Attachment I:
Text of Proposed Revisions to 19 TAC Chapter 231, Requirements for Public School Personnel Assignments, Subchapter A, Criteria for Assignment of Public School Personnel, Subchapter B, Prekindergarten-Grade 6 Assignments, Subchapter C, Grades 6-8 Assignments, Subchapter D, Electives, Disciplinary Courses, Local Credit Courses, and Innovative Courses, Grades 6-12, Subchapter E, Grades 9-12 Assignments, and Subchapter G, Paraprofessional Personnel, Administrators, and Other Instructional and Professional Support Assignments

Attachment II:
Text of Proposed Repeal of 19 TAC Chapter 231, Subchapter E, Grades 9-12 A