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BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
Discussion
and Certain Action Items Agenda
August 1, 2003
| 1. |
Call
to Order |
| 2. |
Agency
Update
| a) |
SBEC
Online Update
A status report was provided to the Board Members. |
| b) |
Performance
Measures
The Board was updated on the Agency's Performance Measures for the
3rd Quarter of FY 2003. |
| c) |
Review of Sanders and Rivers “Value-Added” Research
The Board was informed that the “Value-Added” Research
report would be postponed until the November Board meeting. |
| d) |
Teacher Attrition Rates Through 2003
The Board was presented recent analyses of teacher attrition. The
information included beginning teacher attrition rates, overall
teacher attrition rates, and attrition rates by route to certification.
Findings
The beginning teacher one-year attrition rate for AY 2002-2003 is
18.5 percent, which is approximately equal to the one-year attrition
rates for beginning teachers for the previous three academic years.
Overall teacher attrition rate increased to 10.7 percent for AY
2002-03. In large measure, this is attributable to a more than 50
percent increase over the last seven years in the number of teachers
55 years of age and older deciding to retire.
The attrition rate for teachers from traditional programs is lower
than teachers from either alternative or post-baccalaureate routes.
This is true for newly certified teachers and beginning teachers
as well as for teachers employed in different types of school settings. |
| e) |
Distribution
of Certified Teachers 2000-2002
The Board was presented recent analyses of the distribution of certified
teachers. The information included the overall percentage of teachers
assigned in-field, out-of-field, certified but out-of-field, and
not certified, and the percentages of teachers assigned in-field,
out-of-field, certified but out-of-field, and not certified by the
demographics of students enrolled in schools.
Findings
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The
percentage of teachers assigned in-field is inversely related
to the percentage of African American, Hispanic, and economically
disadvantaged students enrolled in the school. |
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Predominantly
African American schools have the lowest percentage of teachers
assigned in-field and the greatest percentage of teachers without
a certificate. |
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| f) |
Update
on Research Projects
The Board was presented an update on recent research activities. They
also presented additional data available on the SBEC website. |
| g) |
EC-4
TExES and No Child Left Behind
SBEC staff reviewed the EC-4 certificate in light of recent Federal
interpretations of NCLB. Agency staff needs to track production of
EC-4 and 4-8 certificates. |
| h) |
Awards
for Educator Preparation Programs in Texas
SBEC staff will convene focus group to discuss presenting awards to
educator preparation programs based on the number of teachers produced
and teacher employment and retention rates. |
| i) |
Awards
for Career Teachers in Texas
SBEC staff will convene focus group to discuss presenting awards to
Texas public school educators with more than 35 years of service. |
| j) |
Teacher Qualification and Student Performance
In response to the legislative committee member request at the June
18, 2002 hearing of the Joint Committee on the Shortage of Educational
Professionals, SBEC has examined if teacher certification is associated
with increased student performance as measured by TAAS scores. The
study addressing middle school mathematics performance on the 1999
TAAS was presented to the Board.
The analysis indicated that the estimates for the 1999 TLI scores
for students who had certified teachers compared to non-certified
teachers were statistically significant. This indicates that, on
average, students who had a certified teacher had greater gains
on the TAAS mathematics exam than students having non-certified
teachers, after controlling for several variables. |
| k) |
Professional
Discipline Unit
Performance by PDU staff continues to shine, with significant gains
in the unit’s performance measures. Additionally, the PDU has
taken the lead in the implementation of fingerprint-based national
criminal history checks and has been meeting with the Texas Department
of Public Safety to assess the best means of implementing this new
background check. |
| l) |
Information
and Support Center
The Board was updated on the activities of the support center. Statistics
that were presented that compared the requests received in May 2002
with those received in May 2003. Those statistics revealed a dramatic
increase in both telephone calls and e-mails processed by the support
center since last year. |
| m) |
Update
on Historically Underutilized Business (HUB)
The Board members were updated on the agency’s HUB program. |
| n) |
78th
Legislative Session Update
The Board members were updated on the 78th Legislative Session. |
| o) |
Title II and ASEP Update
The Board received updates on Title II and ASEP reporting activities.
The Board was told that Title II Rankings had been forwarded to preparation
programs and that staff would submit final reports to the Federal
Government well before the October 7, 2003 deadline. The Board was
also briefed on ASEP training dates and the release of the new ASEP
on-line program on August 11, 2003. |
| p) |
Comparability
Study Results under HB 1721 — Update on Passing Standards set
for Selected Praxis II Mathematics Examinations
The Board was notified of passing standards set for the Praxis II
Mathematics Exam 10060. Using a standard setting policy adopted by
the Board at the January 2003 Board meeting, Texas adopts a cut score
of 550 on this exam. |
| q) |
Personnel
Ed Fuller, Director of Information Resources
Celeste Alexander, Interim Director of Accountability
Separation from Employment:
• Jarrett Brack, Director of Information Resources
• Dan Junell, Attorney, General Counsel
• Steve Wright, Chief Financial Officer
Resignation:
• Marilyn Cook, Director of Accountability
• Roserika Brooks, Credentialing Specialist
Retirement:
• Muriel Easley, Imaging System Support Specialist
• Kay Hatfield, Credentialing Specialist
New Hire:
• Bill Akin, Information Resources, Programmer
• Mary Linda Arriaga, Credentialing, Credentialing Specialist
• James Clark, Credentialing, Credentialing Specialist
• Alice Flores, Credentialing, Credentialing Specialist
• Steve Green, Information Resources, Programmer
• Tawn Ihnen, Credentialing, Credentialing Specialist
• Patrick Larson, Information Resources, Programmer
• Monica Liles, Credentialing, Credentialing Specialist
• Mary Lorenz, Office of Accountability
• Karen Prothero, Financial, Accountant
• CW Robinson, Information Resources, Programmer
• Christopher Sanchez, Credentialing, Credentialing Specialist
• Rebecca Sharp, Office of Accountability
• Marianne Sloan, Information Resources, Programmer
• Alicia Thomas, Credentialing, Credentialing Specialist
• Judy Wolter, Credentialing, Credentialing Specialist |
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| 3. |
Fiscal
Year 2003 Internal Audit Report
Rupert & Associates presented to the board the fiscal year 2003 audit
report. The departments audited were Information Resources Management, the
Accounting department, Administrative services, and Contracts and Grants. |
| 4.
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Fiscal
Year 2004 Internal Audit Plan
Rupert & Associates presented to the board the internal audit plan for
fiscal year 2004. The purpose of the audit plan recommends policies and
guidelines to govern internal audits of all operations at SBEC. |
| 5.
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Budget
Amendments to Fiscal Year 2003 Operating Budget and Proposal of Fiscal Year
2004 Operating Budget
The Board was presented with the proposed FY 2003 budget changes to include
the required Statewide 7% reduction amount submitted to the Comptroller
of Public Accounts office. The FY 2004 proposed operating budget was reviewed
and discussed to include discussion of various Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) specifically with the Texas Education Agency. The full-time equivalent
(FTE) cap was increased for FY 2004 to 73. |
| 6. |
Proposal
of Certification Fees
The Board was presented with the proposed fee increase of $45 for Fingerprinting
on initial applicants to begin in fiscal year 2004. Based upon approval
of board minutes and other information required by Comptrollers of Public
Accounts office, a Finding of Fact will be issued to SBEC. |
| 7. |
Proposal
of Amendments to Purchasing Program Rules
The Board was presented with the amended rules to be in compliance with
the Texas Building & Procurement Historically Underutilized Business
(HUB) Rules. In addition, changes to the State Board for Educator Certification
Rules were amended to include language and clarification to 19 TAC Chapter
250, Agency Administration. |
| 8. |
Amendment
to 19 TAC Chapter 230, Professional Educator Preparation and Certification,
Subchapter N, Certificate Issuance Procedures, §230.435, Fees
for Certification Services, to Address Dishonored Checks Received for
Certification Fees.
The Board discussed possible actions that could be taken against the certificate
of an educator who pays for certification services with a check that is
dishonored by the educator’s financial institution. Several thousands
of dollars in dishonored checks are presented annually to SBEC. The Board
will consider rules to address this issue in November. |
| 9. |
Renewal
Dates for Standard Educational Aide Certificates
The Board discussed concerns about the renewal cycle for standard certificates,
particularly for those persons who are issued an educational aide certificate
as their initial standard certification and subsequently earn a classroom
teaching certificate within the same five-year renewal cycle. Under current
rules, all certificates earned within a five-year renewal cycle bear the
same expiration date. Some educators are then limited in the amount of
time they have to complete the 150 clock hours of continuing education
credit for renewal of the classroom certificate this situation occurs.
Similar issues pertain to other classes of certificates added after the
initial standard certificate. Holders of an educational aide certificate
are currently exempt from continuing professional education (CPE) requirements
for certificate renewal.
The
Board will consider amendments to current rules that address these issues
in November.
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| 10. |
Alignment
of Temporary Credentials with New TExES-Based Certificates and No Child
Left Behind
The Board discussed issues related to current rules for emergency and
temporary certificates and the need to align the requirements for these
credentials with the new certificate standards and structure and to incorporate
No Child Left Behind requirements pertaining to “highly qualified”
teachers. The current rules for emergency permits, nonrenewable permits,
temporary classroom assignment permits, and temporary administrator certificates
are based on old certification standards and are not consistent with the
new TExES-based certificates.
The
Board directed staff to convene a focus group to study issues related
to emergency permits and temporary administrator certificates and make
recommendations to the Board.
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| 11. |
Approval
of Master Mathematics and Master Technology Teacher Preparation Programs
(Discussion and Action)
The Board approved the following Master Teacher Certification Programs:
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Texas Woman’s University: Master Mathematics Teacher, grades 4-8
and 8-12
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University of Houston-Victoria: Master Mathematics Teacher, grades EC-4
and 4-8
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The University of Texas at El Paso: Master Mathematics Teacher, grades
EC-4, 4-8 and 8-12 and Master Technology Teacher
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Frenship ISD: Master Technology Teacher
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| 12. |
Approval
of New Teacher Preparation and Certification Programs (Discussion and Action)
The Board approved the creation of Alternative Teacher Certification Programs
at Austin Community College and Texas A&M-Texarkana. Austin Community
College was approved to offer Technology Applications grades EC-12 and Texas
A&M-Texarkana was approved to offer Special Education grades EC-12. |
| 13. |
Proposal
of Test Fee Increase
The Board discussed the need to increase test fees from the current $72
per test to $82 per test. The increase in the test fee would be used for
the development and validation of the thirty remaining certificate fields;
to provide an additional test date; and to cover costs for planning and
administrative activities for testing. |
| 14. |
Master
Science Teacher Standards Development Advisory Committees
The Board reviewed nominations for Master Science Teacher Standards Development
Committees. Although not listed as a nominee, State Board for Educator Certification
board member Adele Quintana also agreed to serve on the Master Science Teacher
Standards Development Committee. |
| 15. |
Presentation
by Dallas County Community College District, LeCroy Center
Mr. Carl Cooper, Executive Director and Terry Watson, Project Manager, LeCroy
Center presented to the Board a powerpoint presentation on a pilot project
for “Best Mentoring & Beginning Teacher Experience”. |
| 16. |
Other
Public Testimony
•
Debbie Nicks, Education Service Center, Region 18
• Holly Eaton, Texas Classroom Teachers Association
• Tom Purcell
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| 17. |
Passing
Standards for the New Master Mathematics Teacher and Master Technology Teacher
Tests – Executive Session
The Board discussed the respective committees’ recommendations for
setting the passing standards for each of the Master Mathematics Teacher
and Master Technology Teacher certification examinations. |
| 18. |
Comparability
Study Results under HB 1721 —Passing Standards on Selected Out-of-State
Mathematics Examinations – Executive Session
The Board discussed Content Committee recommendations for setting passing
standards for two exams found to be Comparable to the TExES Mathematics
8-12 # 135. The examinations discussed were Colorado Mathematics # 04 and
Oklahoma Advanced Mathematics # 11. |
| 19. |
Disciplinary
Cases
The Board postponed action on the disciplinary matters outlined in the agenda
until the November Board meeting. |
| 20. |
Personnel
– Executive Session
The Board went into Executive Session to discuss personnel issues.
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BOARD
MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
Action
Items Agenda
August 1, 2003
| |
1. |
Call
to Order |
| ACTION |
2. |
Approval
of May 2003 Board Meeting Minutes |
| ACTION |
3. |
Fiscal
Year 2003 Internal Audit Report
The Board adopted the FY 2003 Internal Audit Report. See Discussion
Item #3 for reference. |
| ACTION |
4. |
Fiscal
Year 2004 Internal Audit Plan
The Board adopted the FY 2004 Internal Audit Plan. See Discussion Item
#4 for reference. |
| ACTION |
5. |
Approval
of Amendments to Fiscal Year 2003 Operating Budget and Approval of Fiscal
Year 2004 Operating Budget
The Board adopted amendments to the FY 2003 Operating Budget and adopted
the FY 2004 Operating Budget. See Discussion Item #5 for reference. |
| ACTION |
6. |
Approval
of Certification Fees
The Board approved the $45 fee for fingerprinting by adopting the emergency
rule and proposing amendment to the permanent rule. |
| ACTION |
7. |
Approval
of Amendments to Purchasing Program Rules
The Board adopted amendments to the Purchasing Program Rules. See Discussion
Item #7 for reference. |
| ACTION |
8. |
Approval
of Test Fee Increase
The Board approved the $10 test fee increase from $72 to $82 per test effective
with the 2003-2004 test administration year. |
| ACTION |
9. |
Approval
of Passing Standards for the New Master Mathematics Teacher and Master Technology
Teacher Tests
The Board approved setting the passing standards for the respective Master
Mathematics Teacher and Master Technology Teacher tests at one standard
error of measurement below the committees’ recommended passing standards.
The Board also decided to review the passing standards in one year. |
| ACTION |
10. |
Appointment
of Master Science Teacher Standards Development Advisory Committees
The Board approved the list of proposed nominees for the Master Science
Teacher Standards Development Advisory Committee. |
| ACTION |
11. |
Adopt
Amendments to 19 TAC Chapter 230, Professional Educator Preparation and
Certification, Subchapter P, Requirements for Standard Certificates
and Specialized Assignments or Programs, §230.483, Specific
Requirements for Standard Career and Technology Certificates Based on Experience
and Preparation in Skill Areas.
The Board adopted the amendments to 19 TAC Chapter 230, Subchapter P, §230.483. |
| ACTION |
12. |
Comparability
Study Results under HB 1721 —Passing Standards on Selected Out-of-State
Mathematics Examinations
The Board adopted passing standards of 239 for the Colorado Mathematics
# 04 and 257 for the Oklahoma Advanced Mathematics #11 examinations. |
| ACTION |
13. |
Disciplinary
Cases - See Discussion Item #19 for reference. |
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