§ 4.001.  PUBLIC EDUCATION MISSION AND OBJECTIVES.
                                                                                                                             
(a)  The mission of the public education system of this state is to ensure that all Texas children have access to a quality education that enables them to achieve their potential and fully participate now and in the future in the social, economic, and educational
opportunities of our state and nation.  That mission is grounded on the conviction that a general diffusion of knowledge is essential for the welfare of this state and for the preservation of the liberties and rights of citizens.  It is further grounded on the
conviction that a successful public education system is directly related to a strong, dedicated, and supportive family and that parental involvement in the school is essential for the maximum educational achievement of a child.
(b)  The objectives of public education are:                                  
OBJECTIVE 1:  Parents will be full partners with educators in the education of their children.
OBJECTIVE 2:  Students will be encouraged and challenged to meet their full educational potential.
OBJECTIVE 3:  Through enhanced dropout prevention efforts, all students will remain in school until they obtain a high school diploma.
OBJECTIVE 4:  A well-balanced and appropriate curriculum will be provided to all students.
OBJECTIVE 5:  Educators will prepare students to be thoughtful, active citizens who have an appreciation for the basic values of our state and national heritage and who can understand and productively function in a free enterprise society.
OBJECTIVE 6:  Qualified and highly effective personnel will be recruited, developed, and retained.
OBJECTIVE 7:  The state's students will demonstrate exemplary performance in comparison to national and international standards.
OBJECTIVE 8:  School campuses will maintain a safe and disciplined environment conducive to student learning.
OBJECTIVE 9:  Educators will keep abreast of the development of creative and innovative techniques in instruction and administration using those techniques as appropriate to improve student learning.
OBJECTIVE 10:  Technology will be implemented and used to increase the effectiveness of student learning, instructional management, staff development, and administration.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, § 1, eff. May 30, 1995. 
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 82, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.


§ 4.002.  PUBLIC EDUCATION ACADEMIC GOALS.  To serve as a
foundation for a well-balanced and appropriate education:
GOAL 1:  The students in the public education system
will demonstrate exemplary performance in the reading and writing
of the English language.
GOAL 2:  The students in the public education system
will demonstrate exemplary performance in the understanding of
mathematics.
GOAL 3:  The students in the public education system
will demonstrate exemplary performance in the understanding of
science.
GOAL 4:  The students in the public education system
will demonstrate exemplary performance in the understanding of
social studies.  --    Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, § 1, eff. May 30, 1995.           

april 2009 - Have the current Comal ISD school Board trustees allowed our administrators to break the promises they made to our children regarding their education?

Curriculum and Educational Programs

Adult Basic and Secondary Education The Adult and Community Education Division is responsible for policy development, implementation and coordination for programs, services and instruction to provide the state’s adult learners with their entitlement to a quality basic elementary and secondary education. Best Practices Clearinghouse As established by House Bill 1, 79th Legislature (3rd Called session), TEA shall solicit and collect best practices from the Legislative Budget Board, centers for education research, and exemplary or recognized school districts, campuses, and charter schools. Charter Schools  - This site contains a large volume of information about every aspect of Charter Schools. Curriculum The Division of Curriculum oversees the development and implementation of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) in public schools. The Division of Curriculum provides information and guidance in the following content and program areas: Bilingual/English as a Second Language, Career and Technical Education, Early Childhood Education, English Language Arts and Reading, Fine Arts, Advanced Academic Services, Health/Physical Education, Languages Other Than English, Master Teacher Programs, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Texas Adolescent Literacy Academies, Technology Applications, Texas Math Initiative, Texas Reading Initiative, Texas Reading First Initiative, and Texas Spain Initiative. The division provides information to school administrators, counselors, parents, and students on course offerings and meeting the learning needs of students through 19 TAC Chapter 74. In cooperation with the divisions of Instructional Materials and Educational Technology and Student Assessment, the goal of the Division of Curriculum provides information and resources to ensure academic success of all students in Texas public schools. Discipline, Law, and Order (formerly 'Safe Schools') Providing leadership to school districts by supplying information needed for the creation of local policies with regard to Chapter 37 [Discipline, Law, and Order] of the Texas Education Code. Driver Education and Training This section combines the resources of the two units to provide information on teenage and adult driver education. The site provides information, law, rules, and related resources on driver training programs that support the foundation of knowledge, understanding, skills, and experience necessary to launch and continue the lifelong learning process of legal and responsible reduced-risk driving practices. Programs include teenage and adult driver education, driving safety, drug and alcohol driving awareness, and occupant & child passenger safety, teacher preparation, and continuing education. Dropout Prevention This site provides information on effective dropout prevention programs and practices, availability of funding for dropout prevention and recovery programs, and other related resources for enabling local schools to implement effective dropout prevention and recovery efforts and help all students to earn a high school diploma. Educational Technology Educational Technology is a part of the Instructional Materials and Educational Technology Division and is responsible for the implementation of the Long-Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020 and the technology requirements in No Child Left Behind. Equal Educational Opportunities (EEO) Information regarding student transfers, student assignment reviews (66% reviews), extracurricular activity reviews, Career and Technology civil rights visits, and complaints and investigations concerning Equal Educational Opportunity issues. General Educational Development (GED) Graduation Requirements (Administrative Rules) The law on Graduation requirements, provisions issued under the Texas Education Code, §§7.102, 28.002, 28.023, 28.025, 28.054, and 38.003, unless otherwise noted. Guidance and Counseling Resources for persons involved in the school counseling profession. High School Equivalency Program (In-School GED) Home School In School Driver Education and Traffic Safety The In-School Driver Education and Traffic Safety unit mission is to provide all students in all grade levels the knowledge and skills to protect themselves from accidents and injury and to promote quality safety and driver education programs in public schools and college/universities to ensure that students are fully prepared to live safe and accident-free lives when they exit the school system. Instructional Materials and Educational Technology The Instructional Materials and Educational Technology Division provides vision and leadership to transform learning by coordinating the acquisition of state approved instructional materials in various media and implementing and supporting educational technology to prepare Texas public school students and educators for success in the 21st century. Migrant Education Information Information about programs that help migrant students overcome the challenges of mobility, cultural and language barriers, social isolation, and other difficulties associated with a migratory lifestyle, in order to succeed in school and to successfully transition to postsecondary education or employment. No Child Left Behind (NCLB) A clearinghouse for information and USDE guidance on this important national legislation, statewide letters concerning the implementation of the statute, and links to the specific program areas. Parent Involvement A resource for LEAs through regional education service centers for use in efforts to strengthen the relationship between families, schools, and local communities. Professional Development and Appraisal System Information on the state's approved instrument for appraising its teachers and identifying areas that would benefit from staff development. Safe Schools (now 'Discipline, Law, and Order') Providing leadership to school districts by supplying information needed for the creation of local policies with regard to Chapter 37 [Discipline, Law, and Order] of the Texas Education Code. Services for the Deaf Division The Division of Services for the Deaf administers the Regional Day School Program for the Deaf and provides leadership related to educational services and requirements for students, ages birth through 21, who are deaf or hard of hearing. Links include Texas deaf education teacher training and interpreter training programs, interpreter certification requirements and other resources. Special Education More than seven dozen links leading to comprehensive information on Special Education issues. Student Support Programs The division administers several federal programs authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act amended by NLCB, as well as the Education Flexibility Partnership Program (Ed-Flex). TEKS – Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills As stipulated in the Texas Education Code, school districts are required to provide instruction in essential knowledge and skills at the appropriate grade levels. Here you can find guidelines for instruction. Texas School Improvement Initiative (TSII) TSII is a statewide educational leadership network, consisting of school district representatives trained in effective school practices: practitioners with expertise in analyzing student outcomes, planning, decision making, and program evaluation. Textbooks Textbooks Administration is now a part of the Instructional Materials and Educational Technology Division which is responsible for coordinating the review, adoption, purchase, and distribution of instructional materials for all Texas public schools and open-enrollment charter schools.

source:Texas Education Agency(TEA) House Bill 1, Section 2.09, 79th Texas Legislature, Third Called Session, added Texas Education Code, § 44.011, directing the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to establish and publish proposed expenditure targets for each school district annually.  School Finance Website --   ->Expenditure Targets How the TEA Establishes Expenditure Targets The TEA establishes expenditure targets by spending category and school district type.

The spending categories are:	The school district types are defined as:
Instruction	Major Urban
Leadership	Major Suburban
Support Services - Student-Based	Other Central City
Support Services & Non-student-based	Other Central City Suburban
Administrative	Independent Town
	Nonmetro Fast Growing
	Nonmetro Stable
	Rural

 

Information Links
2009-10 Expenditure Targets Reports  (Excel Version) | (PDF Version) (Posted April 23, 2009)
2009-10 Expenditure Targets Spreadsheet (for Black & White Printers)  (Excel Version) | (PDF Version) (Posted April 23, 2009)
2009-10 Expenditure Targets Spreadsheet (for Color Printers) (Excel Version) | (PDF Version) (Posted April 23, 2009)
2008-09 Expenditure Targets Projection Reports
Texas Education Code, Chapter 44.011
Governors Executive Order RP47
List of School District Community Types     and    Community Type Definitions      (Community Types are determined by the Acountability Research Division. For assistance with these assignments, please contact Spring Lee at spring.lee@tea.state.tx.us)
Expenditure Categories
2008-09 Expenditure Targets Spreadsheet (Black & White Printers version 2) (Updated June 6, 2008)      (updated community type Major Urban Support Services-Student Based category formula to exclude the Social Work function)
2008-09 Expenditure Targets Spreadsheet (version 5) (Updated June 6, 2008)      (updated community type Major Urban Support Services-Student Based category formula to exclude the Social Work function)
School Board Resolution Template     and    Example School Board Resolution
Expenditure Targets Frequently Asked Questions (Posted April 28, 2008)

 Aug. 22, 2005 - Gov. Perry Orders More Money to Classrooms, More Taxpayer Accountability

'The Legislature Has Not Acted on Education Reforms, but I Will'

AUSTIN - Saying Texans have demanded education reforms that must be acted upon, Gov. Rick Perry today began using his executive authority to implement key education reforms that the Texas Legislature has failed to pass. He directed the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to implement the requirement that at least 65 percent of education dollars be spent in the classroom as well as numerous additional financial accountability measures for Texas schools.

"Today I am issuing an executive order that will put into law some of the most important education reforms that lawmakers failed to pass, including a requirement that 65 percent of all education funds be spent on direct classroom instruction," Perry said. "This executive order will mean more financial accountability for taxpayers, more efficiency in school spending and more money directed to the classroom so that more children achieve."

Under Perry's directive, TEA Commissioner Shirley Neeley will design and implement a new financial accountability and reporting system for Texas schools. Over the next several years, schools will be required to spend an increasingly greater share of funds on direct classroom instruction - as defined by the National Center for Education Statistics - until the goal of 65 percent is reached.

"This order means schools that do not currently meet this standard will be spending more dollars on items like classroom computers and technology, science lab equipment, books and instructional materials or even higher teacher salaries," Perry said.

Perry said that the 65 percent requirement is "reasonable" and only those intent on spending more tax dollars on activities other than direct classroom expenditures would oppose it.

Perry acknowledged that tax dollars also must be spent on transportation, school lunches and reasonable administrative costs, but "it seems only right that if success in the classroom is the goal, close to two-thirds of education dollars should be spent directly on classroom instruction."

"While the legislative session has now ended, the need for school reform has not and Texans can rest assured that even though the legislature did not act, I will," Perry added. "The people have demanded reform, they have been promised reform and I intend to deliver reform using the full constitutional authority of the executive branch."

The governor's executive order also requires schools to report how efficiently they are using taxpayer dollars, whether they are consolidating administrative functions with other government entities, and amounts expended on the following items:

Schools that exhibit poor financial management will be subject to special accreditation investigations and tough sanctions.

"My executive order will give taxpayers the accountability they deserve because it opens every school district's financial books to public scrutiny," Perry said. "Taxpayers may find they have the best-run schools in the state of Texas or they may find areas where their schools should be getting more for their money. With greater transparency in our schools, parents will be empowered to demand change if needed at the local level."

Perry said he was acting to implement education reform because improving classroom performance is simply too important to wait for lawmakers to overcome their differences. He also encouraged Texans to speak out forcefully for other reforms left unaddressed by lawmakers such as real property tax relief that includes lower rates and protections against rising appraisals. "While I hope to one day reach a legislative consensus on school finance, we can no longer delay taking action that will benefit schoolchildren, parents and taxpayers," Perry said. "They deserve better than unfulfilled promises and continued delays. They deserve immediate action."

Perry also said that while he cannot mandate a property tax cut or authorize an across-the-board teacher pay raise on my own, he will continue to take his case directly to the people.

"I will continue to use my constitutional authority to ensure that the education reforms mandated by the people are implemented according to their will," Perry said.

 TEXAS EDUCATION CODE  - The LAW

Education Law & Rules

Administrative Rules (TAC) Rules governing education adopted by the State Board of Education (SBOE) and the Commissioner of Education are part of a larger body of state agency rules that are collected and published by the Office of the Secretary of State as the Texas Administrative Code (TAC). SBOE and commissioner rules are codified under Title 19, Part II, of the TAC. Title 19 is Education, and Part II is the Texas Education Agency. Charter Schools A large volume of information about every aspect of Charter Schools. Commissioner's Hearing Decisions A look-up and search for Commissioner hearing decisions. Driver Training Law and Rules In 2003, the driver training law in Texas was codified as Title 5, Texas Education Code, Chapter 1001. The Commissioner’s Rules are currently being revised with an expected implementation date early in 2005. These laws and rules identify the requirements for obtaining and holding a driver training license in Texas as well as the actions required of licensees; that is, course providers, schools, and instructors. Ed-Flex Waivers Legal Services Division Information and links to special education due process student discipline matters, teacher termination and non-renewal, appeals, civil action 5281, hearing decisions, and legal FAQ. Legislative Briefing Book Summary of Legislative bills pertaining to the Texas Education Code. Local Hearing Decisions A look-up and search for local hearing decisions. State-Granted Waivers The 80th Texas Legislature continued and expanded the authority of the Commissioner of Education for waivers of state law or State Board of Education rules submitted by school campuses or districts. Texas Education Code (TEC) Link to Texas Legislature Online, which provides access to current Texas statutes. The Texas Education Code (TEC), state law governing education, may be viewed or downloaded by accessing this link. TEA Public Information Requests Resource Page Information on how to obtain agency records. Contact TEA Web Administration with questions about this page. This page last updated October 28, 2008

Should the Texas Public Education Commissioner Robert Scott start asking SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS to start saying NO to pay raises to School Superintendents?

 SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY -Question: Can the Commissioner of Education change the Texas Education Code?  Answer: No, the Texas Legislature changes the Texas Education Code. The Texas Education Agency implements the code as directed by the Legislature. (04/2002)