TITLE 19. EDUCATION
PART 2. TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY
CHAPTER 102. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
SUBCHAPTER
JJ.
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) adopts amendments to §§102.1307, 102.1309, and 102.1315, concerning innovation districts. The amendment to §102.1307 is adopted with changes to the proposed text as published in the October 24, 2025 issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 6973) and will be republished. The amendments to §102.1309 and §103.1315 are adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the October 24, 2025 issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 6973) and will not be republished. The adopted amendments update the list of prohibited exemptions to reflect changes made by House Bill (HB) 2, HB 6, Senate Bill (SB) 12, and SB 569, 89th Texas Legislature, 2025; update references to statute redesignated by SB 571, 89th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2025; and update the title of Texas Education Code (TEC), §22.001, as renamed by HB 2.
REASONED JUSTIFICATION: Chapter 102, Subchapter JJ, establishes provisions relating to the applicable processes and procedures for innovation districts.
The adopted amendment to Figure: 19 TAC §102.1307(d) clarifies the instructions for the form and adds specific fields for the type of board action being reported to TEA, the date of board action, the name of title of the individual submitting the figure, and the date of submission. The adopted amendment to Figure: 19 TAC §102.1307(d) also removes TEC, §21.057, which is now prohibited from exemption per HB 2 and SB 12, and removes TEC, §37.0012 and §37.002, which are now prohibited from exemption per HB 6. Finally, the adopted amendment to the figure updates the name of TEC, §22.001, as changed by HB 2.
At adoption, Figure: 19 TAC §102.1307(d) was modified to relocate the new fields for the type of board action being reported.
New §102.1309(a)(1)(A) adds TEC, §21.0032 (Employment of Uncertified Classroom Teachers) and §21.057 (Parental Notification), to clarify that these sections are prohibited from exemption per HB 2. The subsequent subparagraphs were relettered accordingly to reflect this addition. The adopted amendment to §102.1309(a)(1)(C), relettered as subparagraph (D), adds TEC, §28.004, as a prohibited exemption to reflect the prohibition in TEC, §12A.004(a)(4), as added by SB 12. The adopted amendment to §102.1309(a)(1)(H), relettered as subparagraph (I), clarifies that TEC, Chapter 37, in its entirety is prohibited from exemption per HB 6.
The adopted amendment to §102.1315(a)(3) updates the reference to TEC, §22.085, to §22A.157 and the reference to TEC, §22.092, to §22A.151. Both sections were redesignated by SB 571.
SUMMARY OF COMMENTS AND AGENCY RESPONSES: The public comment period on the proposal began October 24, 2025, and ended November 24, 2025. Following is a summary of the public comment received and the agency response.
Comment: The Texas Classroom Teachers Association (TCTA) recommended that TEC, §21.003, be eliminated from the checklist of allowable exemptions on the form in Figure: 19 TAC §102.1307(d) to help promote the ability of districts to accurately comply with requirements in TEC, §21.0032, as added by HB 2. TCTA commented that TEC, §21.0032, modifies TEC, §21.003, essentially providing that school districts with district of innovation plans exempting the district from the applicable teacher certification requirements under TEC, §21.003, cannot continue to do so for teachers of record of foundation curriculum courses, with certain narrow, time-limited exceptions, and, therefore, it is not accurate to characterize TEC, §21.003, as an allowable exemption without important limitations. TCTA commented that, alternatively, if TEC, §21.003, remains on the checklist, qualifying language should be added to inform districts that TEC, §21.0032, modifies TEC, §21.003.
Response: The agency disagrees with TCTA's recommendation to remove TEC, §21.003, from Figure: 19 TAC §102.1307(d). HB 2 amended TEC, §12A.004, to include the prohibition of exemption from new TEC, §21.0032, as TCTA pointed out, rather than existing TEC, §21.003. As such, TEC, §21.003, remains an allowable exemption. The agency agrees that new TEC, §21.0032, limits districts' ability to exempt from certain certification requirements that were previously allowable under exemption from TEC, §21.003; however, the agency asserts that removing TEC, §21.003, from Figure: 19 TAC §102.1307(d) would create more confusion than continuing to include it and disagrees with TCTA's recommendation to include qualifying language. Figure: 19 TAC §102.1307(d) is a reporting document for districts of innovation; it is not a guidance document of caveats related to each exemption. It is the responsibility of the district to maintain compliance with all rules and regulations related to districts of innovation in TEC, Chapter 12A, and 19 TAC Chapter 102, Subchapter JJ, as well as all legal requirements for which an exemption cannot be claimed.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The amendments are adopted under Texas Education Code, §12A.009, which authorizes the commissioner to adopt rules to implement districts of innovation.
CROSS REFERENCE TO STATUTE. The amendments implement Texas Education Code, §12A.009.
§102.1307.
(a) The board of trustees may not vote on adoption of a proposed local innovation plan unless:
(1) the final version of the proposed plan has been available on the district's website for at least 30 days;
(2) the board of trustees has notified the commissioner of education of the board's intention to vote on adoption of the proposed plan; and
(3) the district-level committee established under Texas Education Code (TEC), §11.251, has held a public meeting to consider the final version of the proposed plan and has approved the plan by a majority vote of the committee members. This public meeting may occur at any time, including up to or on the same date at which the board intends to vote on final adoption of the proposed plan.
(b) A board of trustees may adopt a proposed local innovation plan by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the membership of the board.
(c) On adoption of a local innovation plan, the district:
(1) is designated as a district of innovation under this subchapter for the term specified in the plan but no longer than five calendar years, subject to TEC, §12A.006;
(2) shall begin operation in accordance with the plan; and
(3) is exempt from state requirements identified under TEC, §12A.003(b)(2).
(d) The district shall notify the commissioner of approval of the plan along with a list of approved TEC exemptions by completing the agency form provided in the figure in this subsection.
Figure: 19 TAC §102.1307(d) (.pdf)
(e) A district's exemption described by subsection (c)(3) of this section includes any subsequent amendment or redesignation of an identified state requirement, unless the subsequent amendment or redesignation specifically applies to an innovation district.
(f) The district shall ensure that a copy of the local innovation plan is posted on the district's website in accordance with TEC, §12A.0071, for the term of the designation as an innovation district.
(g) Not later than the 15th day after the date on which the board of trustees finalizes a local innovation plan either through adoption, amendment, or renewal, the district shall provide a link to the local innovation plan as posted on the district's website to the Texas Education Agency for posting on the agency website.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on December 19, 2025.
TRD-202504769
Cristina De La Fuente-Valadez
Director, Rulemaking
Texas Education Agency
Effective date: January 8, 2026
Proposal publication date: October 24, 2025
For further information, please call: (512) 475-1497
PART 7. STATE BOARD FOR EDUCATOR CERTIFICATION
CHAPTER 229. ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM FOR EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAMS
The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) adopts amendments to 19 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §§229.1, 229.2, 229.4, 229.5, and 229.9, concerning the performance standards and procedures for educator preparation program (EPP) accountability. The amendments are adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the August 15, 2025 issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 5291) and will not be republished. The adopted amendments provide for adjustments to the Accountability System for Educator Preparation (ASEP) Manual; clarify and streamline language and definitions; provide an updated approach for the implementation of the student growth indicator; provide additional flexibility for small programs; clarify closure procedures; and include technical updates. A correction of error was published in the December 26, 2025 issue of the Texas Register. The words "Yes" and "No" were inadvertently omitted from Illustration 2, Alternative Evaluation of Three-year Cumulative Group Procedure, on page 4 of the Texas Accountability System for Educator Preparation (ASEP) Manual (Figure: 19 TAC §229.1(c)).
REASONED JUSTIFICATION: Educator preparation programs (EPPs) are entrusted to prepare educators for success in the classroom. The Texas Education Code (TEC), §21.0443, requires EPPs to adequately prepare candidates for certification. Similarly, TEC, §21.031, requires the SBEC to ensure candidates for certification demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to improve the performance of the diverse student population of this state. The TEC, §21.045, also requires SBEC to establish standards to govern the continuing accountability of all EPPs. The SBEC rules in 19 TAC Chapter 229 establish the process used for issuing annual accreditation ratings for all EPPs to comply with these provisions of the TEC and to ensure the highest level of educator preparation, which is codified in the SBEC Mission Statement.
The following is a description of the adopted amendments to 19 TAC Chapter 229 and the ASEP Manual (Figure: 19 TAC §229.1(c)).
Subchapter A. Accountability System for Educator Preparation Program Procedures.
§229.1. General Provisions and Purpose of Accountability System for Educator Preparation Programs.
Update of ASEP Manual:
The adopted amendment to Figure: 19 TAC §229.1(c) updates the ASEP manual to do the following.
Updates to the title page reflect the updated table of contents.
Updates to the table of contents provide consistent descriptive language for the Principal Survey and Teacher Survey throughout the manual.
Updates to Chapter 2 add process language and a diagram explaining the modified small group aggregation procedure described in adopted new 19 TAC §229.4(c)(6) and simplify references to demographic categories to refer to the definitions in the rule chapter.
Updates to Chapter 3 clarify the contents of the chapter, remove expired language, and add language to specify the inclusion of Texas Assessment of Sign Communication (TASC 072) and the Texas Assessment of Sign Communication - American Sign Language (TASC-ASL 073) in the calculations for certification category evaluation, along with clarifying the evaluation procedure. Updates also remove repetitive language and streamline the methodological language. The worked examples will be updated to remove repetitive language, point to the methods described elsewhere in the chapter, include broader examples of included tests, and match the description with the example.
Updates to Chapter 4 streamline and remove repetitive information, add the enhanced standard certificate to the certificate list, more clearly align with practice and provide additional transparency for what individuals are included in the population, clarify the use of the certificate effective date when identifying individuals, and clarify the practice for when teachers are at multiple campuses. Updates to the worked example add a step to further describe current practice, remove repetitive language, and correct a number to match the description with the example.
Updates to Chapter 5 modify the individuals included section to align with practice and provide additional transparency to the field about the time span of data used, add a reference to existing definitions, and add the enhanced standard certificate to the list of certificates. Updates to the scoring approach section provide additional clarity on the process when there are multiple subject areas for one teacher, better describe the individual standard aligned with the measurement definition of STAAR annual growth points, and correct for grammar and usage. Updates to the worked example remove repetitive language.
Updates to Chapter 6 add the residency experience as an evaluated field experience, clarify that, beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year, individuals completing clinical teaching will be identified using the clinical experience record, and add the enhanced standard certificate to the list of certificates. Updates also point to existing definitions, add specificity to the observation frequency requirements used as the standard for the 2024-2025 academic year, generalize the reference to 19 TAC Chapter 228, Requirements for Educator Preparation Programs, Subchapter F, Support for Candidates During Required Clinical Experiences, to simplify future rulemaking, and use the language of reporting year. Updates also move the description of the scoring approach from the worked example to the main section of the chapter without modifying the process and align language about the small group aggregation throughout the manual. Updates to the worked example remove repetitive language.
Updates to Chapter 7 align the approach of providing the alternative name of the survey with the approach in Chapter 4, add the enhanced standard certificate to the certificate list, provide more aligned descriptions of practice and provide additional transparency for what individuals are included in the sample, clarify the use of the certificate effective date when identifying individuals, and clarify the practice for when teachers are at multiple campuses. Updates to the worked example add a step to further describe current practice and remove repetitive language.
Updates to Chapter 8 remove the EPP commendations. Commendations will be introduced in 19 TAC Chapter 228 related to the Continuing Approval Review. This provides clarity by removing potentially conflicting language.
Updates to Chapter 9 modify the examples to data for Indicator 3, since it will no longer be report only. This provides clarity to the field. The updates also align language with the definitions section of 19 TAC Chapter 229.
Subchapter A. Accountability System for Educator Preparation Program Procedures.
§229.1. General Provisions and Purpose of Accountability System for Educator Preparation Programs.
Update to Commendations
The adopted amendment to §229.1(d) removes the language related to commendations. Commendations will be introduced in 19 TAC Chapter 228 related to the Continuing Approval Review. This update provides clarity by removing potentially conflicting language.
§229.2. Definitions.
The adopted amendment to §229.2(2), (3), (20)-(23), and (28) removes definitions of terms not included in the chapter. The remaining definitions are renumbered accordingly.
The adopted amendment to §229.2(7) "Clinical experience" provides a new definition that aligns with the definition in 19 TAC Chapter 228.
The adopted amendment to §229.2(23) "Reporting Year" includes a definition for the term of September 1-August 31.
The adopted amendment to §229.2(24) "Residency" provides a new definition to align with the definition in 19 TAC Chapter 228.
Subchapter B. Accountability System for Educator Preparation Accreditation Statuses.
§229.4. Determination of Accreditation Status.
The adopted amendment to §229.4(a)(3) provides a timeline for the introduction of the performance standard. The amendment allows for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 academic years to have a standard of 60%, the 2026-2027 academic year to have a standard of 65%, and the 2027-2028 academic year to have a standard of 70%. This rolled-in standard was recommended by EPP stakeholders to allow programs the opportunity to adjust to the implementation of the new standard and make programmatic improvements.
The adopted amendment to §229.4(a)(4) adds residencies to the list of evaluated field experiences in the observation indicator. This includes these similar experiences and ensures that they are included in the accountability system.
The adopted amendment to §229.4(a)(4)(i) removes the specific reference to 19 TAC Chapter 228, Subchapter F, because the organization of 19 TAC Chapter 228 by subchapter was not in effect August 31, 2024. This provides clarity to the field about which observation requirements are actionable for which evaluation year.
Adopted new §229.4(b)(2)(B) provides an accreditation status of Accredited - Not Rated in any years when an EPP does not generate enough data for the recommendation of a status by the ASEP Index system. In cases where this status is assigned immediately following a year where the EPP had a status of Accredited - Probation, any associated sanctions continue and the count of years on Accredited - Probation are not reset. This ensures alignment with statutory requirements.
The adopted amendment to §229.4(b)(5)(F) provides clarification of the two-year revocation period. This is responsive to questions from the field.
The adopted amendment to §229.4(b)(5)(G) requires EPPs subject to closure due to revocation to submit a letter to TEA within 14 days after the revocation, identifying a closure date aligned with 19 TAC §228.21(a)(1). If the EPP fails to provide the letter, the closure date is the last day of the current academic year. This provides clarity to candidates about closure procedures and time frames.
Adopted new §229.4(b)(5)(H) further provides specific alignment with closure procedures in 19 TAC Chapter 228. This amendment provides a definitive closure date and fully ceases preparation activities at the revoked EPP. EPPs closed as such are able to reapply as specified, providing additional clarity for candidates and EPPs about revocation under ASEP.
The adopted amendment to §229.4(c)(5) removes language about the process when there is no data for measurement. This case will be handled under adopted new §229.4(b)(2)(B). The updated language allows for an alternative evaluation under the small group aggregation procedure. If the aggregated group fails to meet the standard, the current year group will also be evaluated against the standard. If the current year group met the standard, then the count of consecutive years does not advance, for the purposes of the ASEP index or the count of years of failing to meet the standard for a certification class or category. This provides flexibility for small programs or certificate categories. This was recommended by stakeholders to provide additional time for small improving programs to continue their improvement without additional negative impacts on their index scores or certification category offerings.
Subchapter C. Accreditation Sanctions.
§229.5. Accreditation Sanctions and Procedures.
The adopted amendment to §229.5(c) removes the alternative closure procedure. This allows for the language in adopted new subsection (c)(3) and (4) to be salient. Without removal this would be conflicting language in the rule.
Adopted new §229.5(c)(3) aligns the closure procedures for an individual certification class or category with the closure procedures for the entire program and the closure procedures offered in 19 TAC Chapter 228. This amendment allows EPPs subject to closure of a certification class or category to submit a letter identifying a closure date within a specific timeframe, aligned with the procedure in §228.21(a)(1). If the EPP fails to provide such a letter, the default closure date would be the last day of the current academic year. This provides clarity to candidates about closure procedures and time frames.
Adopted new §229.5(c)(4) further provides specific alignment with closure procedures in 19 TAC Chapter 228 with the closure of a certification class or category. Current rule allows for EPPs revoked under §229.5(c) to continue to teach out candidates indefinitely, misaligned with voluntary closure procedures in 19 TAC Chapter 228 that contain a specific end date. This amendment provides a definitive closure date for the certification class or category and fully ceases preparation activities for that certificate. Certificates closed as such can be re-added as specified in 19 TAC Chapter 228. This aligns the closure procedures and provides clarity for candidates and EPPs about certificate class or category revocation.
Subchapter F. Required Fees.
§229.9. Fees for Educator Preparation Program Approval and Accountability.
The adopted amendment to §229.9(6) adds applications for the residency route to the existing fee schedule.
SUMMARY OF PUBLIC COMMENTS: The public comment period on the proposal began August 15, 2025, and ended September 15, 2025. The SBEC also provided an opportunity for registered oral and written comments on the proposal at the September 18, 2025 meeting's public comment period in accordance with the SBEC board operating policies and procedures. No public comments were received on the proposal.
The State Board of Education took no action on the review of the amendments to §§229.1, 229.2, 229.4, 229.5, and 229.9 at the November 21, 2025 meeting.
SUBCHAPTER
A.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The amendments are adopted under Texas Education Code (TEC), §21.041(a), which allows the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) to adopt rules as necessary for its own procedures; TEC, §21.041(b)(1), which 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(d), which states that the SBEC may adopt a fee for the approval and renewal of approval of an educator preparation program (EPP), for the addition of a certificate or field of certification, and to provide for the administrative cost of appropriately ensuring the accountability of EPPs; TEC, §21.043(b) and (c), which require SBEC to provide EPPs with data, as determined in coordination with stakeholders, based on information reported through PEIMS that enables an EPP to assess the impact of the program and revise the program as needed to improve; TEC, §21.0441(c) and (d), which require the SBEC to adopt rules setting certain admission requirements for EPPs; TEC, §21.0443, which states that the SBEC shall propose rules to establish standards to govern the approval or renewal of approval of EPPs and certification fields authorized to be offered by an EPP. To be eligible for approval or renewal of approval, an EPP must adequately prepare candidates for educator certification and meet the standards and requirements of the SBEC. The SBEC shall require that each EPP be reviewed for renewal of approval at least every five years. The SBEC shall adopt an evaluation process to be used in reviewing an EPP for renewal of approval; TEC, §21.045, which states that the board shall propose rules establishing standards to govern the approval and continuing accountability of all EPPs; TEC, §21.0451, which states that the SBEC shall propose rules for the sanction of EPPs that do not meet accountability standards and shall annually review the accreditation status of each EPP. The costs of technical assistance required under TEC, §21.0451(a)(2)(A), or the costs associated with the appointment of a monitor under TEC, §21.0451(a)(2)(C), shall be paid by the sponsor of the EPP; and TEC, §21.0452, which states that to assist persons interested in obtaining teaching certification in selecting an EPP and assist school districts in making staffing decisions, the SBEC shall make certain specified information regarding educator programs in this state available to the public through the SBEC's Internet website.
CROSS REFERENCE TO STATUTE. The amendments implement Texas Education Code (TEC), §§21.041(a), (b)(1), and (d); 21.043(b) and (c); 21.0441(c) and (d); 21.0443; 21.045; 21.0451; and 21.0452.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on December 16, 2025.
TRD-202504664
Cristina De La Fuente-Valadez
Director, Rulemaking
State Board for Educator Certification
Effective date: January 5, 2026
Proposal publication date: August 15, 2025
For further information, please call: (512) 475-1497
SUBCHAPTER
B.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The amendment is adopted under Texas Education Code (TEC), §21.041(a), which allows the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) to adopt rules as necessary for its own procedures; TEC, §21.041(b)(1), which 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(d), which states that the SBEC may adopt a fee for the approval and renewal of approval of an educator preparation program (EPP), for the addition of a certificate or field of certification, and to provide for the administrative cost of appropriately ensuring the accountability of EPPs; TEC, §21.043(b) and (c), which require SBEC to provide EPPs with data, as determined in coordination with stakeholders, based on information reported through PEIMS that enables an EPP to assess the impact of the program and revise the program as needed to improve; TEC, §21.0441(c) and (d), which require the SBEC to adopt rules setting certain admission requirements for EPPs; TEC, §21.0443, which states that the SBEC shall propose rules to establish standards to govern the approval or renewal of approval of EPPs and certification fields authorized to be offered by an EPP. To be eligible for approval or renewal of approval, an EPP must adequately prepare candidates for educator certification and meet the standards and requirements of the SBEC. The SBEC shall require that each EPP be reviewed for renewal of approval at least every five years. The SBEC shall adopt an evaluation process to be used in reviewing an EPP for renewal of approval; TEC, §21.045, which states that the board shall propose rules establishing standards to govern the approval and continuing accountability of all EPPs; TEC, §21.0451, which states that the SBEC shall propose rules for the sanction of EPPs that do not meet accountability standards and shall annually review the accreditation status of each EPP. The costs of technical assistance required under TEC, §21.0451(a)(2)(A), or the costs associated with the appointment of a monitor under TEC, §21.0451(a)(2)(C), shall be paid by the sponsor of the EPP; and TEC, §21.0452, which states that to assist persons interested in obtaining teaching certification in selecting an EPP and assist school districts in making staffing decisions, the SBEC shall make certain specified information regarding educator programs in this state available to the public through the SBEC's Internet website.
CROSS REFERENCE TO STATUTE. The amendment implements Texas Education Code (TEC), §§21.041(a), (b)(1), and (d); 21.043(b) and (c); 21.0441(c) and (d); 21.0443; 21.045; 21.0451; and 21.0452.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on December 16, 2025.
TRD-202504665
Cristina De La Fuente-Valadez
Director, Rulemaking
State Board for Educator Certification
Effective date: January 5, 2026
Proposal publication date: August 15, 2025
For further information, please call: (512) 475-1497
SUBCHAPTER
C.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The amendment is adopted under Texas Education Code (TEC), §21.041(a), which allows the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) to adopt rules as necessary for its own procedures; TEC, §21.041(b)(1), which 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(d), which states that the SBEC may adopt a fee for the approval and renewal of approval of an educator preparation program (EPP), for the addition of a certificate or field of certification, and to provide for the administrative cost of appropriately ensuring the accountability of EPPs; TEC, §21.043(b) and (c), which require SBEC to provide EPPs with data, as determined in coordination with stakeholders, based on information reported through PEIMS that enables an EPP to assess the impact of the program and revise the program as needed to improve; TEC, §21.0441(c) and (d), which require the SBEC to adopt rules setting certain admission requirements for EPPs; TEC, §21.0443, which states that the SBEC shall propose rules to establish standards to govern the approval or renewal of approval of EPPs and certification fields authorized to be offered by an EPP. To be eligible for approval or renewal of approval, an EPP must adequately prepare candidates for educator certification and meet the standards and requirements of the SBEC. The SBEC shall require that each EPP be reviewed for renewal of approval at least every five years. The SBEC shall adopt an evaluation process to be used in reviewing an EPP for renewal of approval; TEC, §21.045, which states that the board shall propose rules establishing standards to govern the approval and continuing accountability of all EPPs; TEC, §21.0451, which states that the SBEC shall propose rules for the sanction of EPPs that do not meet accountability standards and shall annually review the accreditation status of each EPP. The costs of technical assistance required under TEC, §21.0451(a)(2)(A), or the costs associated with the appointment of a monitor under TEC, §21.0451(a)(2)(C), shall be paid by the sponsor of the EPP; and TEC, §21.0452, which states that to assist persons interested in obtaining teaching certification in selecting an EPP and assist school districts in making staffing decisions, the SBEC shall make certain specified information regarding educator programs in this state available to the public through the SBEC's Internet website.
CROSS REFERENCE TO STATUTE. The amendment implements Texas Education Code (TEC), §§21.041(a), (b)(1), and (d); 21.043(b) and (c); 21.0441(c) and (d); 21.0443; 21.045; 21.0451; and 21.0452.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on December 16, 2025.
TRD-202504666
Cristina De La Fuente-Valadez
Director, Rulemaking
State Board for Educator Certification
Effective date: January 5, 2026
Proposal publication date: August 15, 2025
For further information, please call: (512) 475-1497
SUBCHAPTER
F.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The amendment is adopted under Texas Education Code (TEC), §21.041(a), which allows the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) to adopt rules as necessary for its own procedures; TEC, §21.041(b)(1), which 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(d), which states that the SBEC may adopt a fee for the approval and renewal of approval of an educator preparation program (EPP), for the addition of a certificate or field of certification, and to provide for the administrative cost of appropriately ensuring the accountability of EPPs; TEC, §21.043(b) and (c), which require SBEC to provide EPPs with data, as determined in coordination with stakeholders, based on information reported through PEIMS that enables an EPP to assess the impact of the program and revise the program as needed to improve; TEC, §21.0441(c) and (d), which require the SBEC to adopt rules setting certain admission requirements for EPPs; TEC, §21.0443, which states that the SBEC shall propose rules to establish standards to govern the approval or renewal of approval of EPPs and certification fields authorized to be offered by an EPP. To be eligible for approval or renewal of approval, an EPP must adequately prepare candidates for educator certification and meet the standards and requirements of the SBEC. The SBEC shall require that each EPP be reviewed for renewal of approval at least every five years. The SBEC shall adopt an evaluation process to be used in reviewing an EPP for renewal of approval; TEC, §21.045, which states that the board shall propose rules establishing standards to govern the approval and continuing accountability of all EPPs; TEC, §21.0451, which states that the SBEC shall propose rules for the sanction of EPPs that do not meet accountability standards and shall annually review the accreditation status of each EPP. The costs of technical assistance required under TEC, §21.0451(a)(2)(A), or the costs associated with the appointment of a monitor under TEC, §21.0451(a)(2)(C), shall be paid by the sponsor of the EPP; and TEC, §21.0452, which states that to assist persons interested in obtaining teaching certification in selecting an EPP and assist school districts in making staffing decisions, the SBEC shall make certain specified information regarding educator programs in this state available to the public through the SBEC's Internet website.
CROSS REFERENCE TO STATUTE. The amendment implements Texas Education Code (TEC), §§21.041(a), (b)(1), and (d); 21.043(b) and (c); 21.0441(c) and (d); 21.0443; 21.045; 21.0451; and 21.0452.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on December 16, 2025.
TRD-202504667
Cristina De La Fuente-Valadez
Director, Rulemaking
State Board for Educator Certification
Effective date: January 5, 2026
Proposal publication date: August 15, 2025
For further information, please call: (512) 475-1497