§ 21.0443 — EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAM APPROVAL AND RENEWAL.

Texas § 21.0443

• Jurisdiction: Texas
• Code ED: Education Code

Text

Sec. 21.0443. EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAM APPROVAL AND RENEWAL. (a) The board shall propose rules to establish standards to govern the approval or renewal of approval of:
(1) educator preparation programs;
(2) the teacher preparation routes established under Sections 21.04421 , 21.04422 , and 21.04423 ; and
(3) certification fields authorized to be offered by an educator preparation program.
(a-1) The board may review an educator preparation program's curriculum:
(1) before the approval or renewal of approval of the program; and
(2) at any time after the approval or renewal of the approval of the program to ensure the program remains eligible for approval by demonstrating that any changes to curriculum requirements proposed by the board since the most recent review have been incorporated into the curriculum.
(b) To be eligible for approval or renewal of approval, an educator preparation program must:
(1) incorporate proactive instructional planning techniques throughout coursework and across content areas using a framework that:
(A) provides flexibility in the ways:
(i) information is presented;
(ii) students respond or demonstrate knowledge and skills; and
(iii) students are engaged;
(B) reduces barriers in instruction;
(C) provides appropriate accommodations, supports, and challenges; and
(D) maintains high achievement expectations for all students, including students with disabilities and students of limited English proficiency;
(2) integrate inclusive practices for all students, including students with disabilities, and evidence-based instruction and intervention strategies throughout coursework, clinical experience, and student teaching;
(3) ensure that the program complies in the same manner as if the program were a school district with:
(A) the prohibitions and requirements under Sections 28.0022 (a)(1)-(4) regarding program instructional personnel and coursework;
(B) the prohibitions under Section 28.0022 (c) regarding the acceptance of private funds; and
(C) the prohibitions under Section 28.0022 (d) regarding the punishment of students;
(4) if applicable, meet the requirements of Section 21.044 (i);
(5) adequately prepare candidates for educator certification; and
(6) meet the standards and requirements of the board.
(b-1) Nothing in Subsection (b)(3) may be construed as limiting instruction in the essential knowledge and skills adopted under Subchapter A , Chapter 28 .
(b-2) Subsection (b)(3) applies only to coursework offered by an educator preparation program for purposes of preparing a candidate to meet educator preparation and certification requirements. Subsection (b)(3) does not apply to other coursework offered by an entity providing an educator preparation program that is not included in the educator preparation program's requirements.
(c) The board shall require that each educator preparation program be reviewed for renewal of approval at least every five years. The board may require each educator preparation program to be reviewed for renewal of approval at least annually. The board shall adopt an evaluation process to be used in reviewing an educator preparation program for renewal of approval.
(d) In adopting the evaluation process under Subsection (c), the board shall consider including:
(1) quality indicators that reflect effective program practices; and
(2) measures that provide for the observation of program practices to ensure program quality.

Legislative History

Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 931 (H.B. 2205 ), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2015. Amended by: Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 215 (H.B. 159 ), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2021. Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1065 (H.B. 2 ), Sec. 2.09, eff. June 20, 2025.