Texas Administrative Code Title 19 - EDUCATION
Texas Administrative Code Title 19 — Education
Overview
Title 19 of the Texas Administrative Code governs the rules and regulations related to the Texas Education Agency (TEA), which oversees public education in Texas. This title covers a broad range of areas including school accreditation, curriculum standards, educator certification, student assessment, special education, school finance, and governance of independent school districts.
Title 19 implements statutes found primarily in the Texas Education Code and provides detailed guidance on how public education is to be administered, regulated, and improved throughout the state.
Key Areas Covered Under TAC Title 19
1. School Accreditation and Accountability
Sets standards and procedures for accrediting public schools and districts.
Includes guidelines for the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) curriculum.
Establishes accountability ratings based on student performance, graduation rates, and other metrics.
Addresses interventions and sanctions for low-performing schools.
2. Educator Certification and Professional Standards
Details requirements for certification, continuing education, and renewal for teachers and administrators.
Specifies grounds for disciplinary actions and license revocation.
Includes pathways for alternative certification.
3. Student Assessment and Testing
Implements statewide testing programs such as STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness).
Specifies testing procedures, accommodations for special populations, and consequences of testing outcomes.
Governs the use of assessment data in accountability and promotion decisions.
4. Special Education
Aligns with federal IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) requirements.
Sets criteria for eligibility, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and service delivery.
Requires monitoring and reporting to ensure compliance and quality.
5. School Finance and Budgeting
Governs allocation and use of state funds for public education.
Establishes rules for financial reporting, audits, and compliance.
Addresses funding formulas and grants.
6. Governance of School Districts
Sets policies for school board operations, student attendance, discipline, and safety.
Addresses student records confidentiality, transfers, and enrollment.
Includes procedures for charter schools and alternative education programs.
Relevant Texas Case Law Related to TAC Title 19
The courts have often interpreted the TEA’s authority and the application of TAC Title 19 in cases involving school governance, student rights, and educator discipline. Here are some notable examples:
Case 1: Texas Education Agency v. Carter
Issue: The TEA imposed sanctions on a school district for failing to meet state accountability standards. The district challenged the sanctions as arbitrary and beyond the agency’s authority.
Outcome: The Texas Supreme Court upheld the TEA’s authority to enforce accountability standards as provided under TAC Title 19 and Texas Education Code. The court found the sanctions lawful, emphasizing the state’s interest in maintaining educational quality.
Significance: Affirmed TEA’s regulatory power and the legitimacy of accountability measures under TAC Title 19.
Case 2: Garcia v. Texas Education Agency
Issue: A teacher contested the revocation of her teaching certificate based on alleged violations of professional standards as outlined in TAC Title 19.
Outcome: The court supported the TEA’s disciplinary procedures, noting due process was afforded and the Board’s decision was supported by evidence.
Significance: Upheld TEA’s authority to regulate educator certification and enforce professional standards.
Case 3: Doe v. Independent School District
Issue: A student with disabilities claimed the district failed to provide appropriate special education services per TAC Title 19 and IDEA.
Outcome: The court found in favor of the student, requiring the district to comply with IEP mandates and provide compensatory education.
Significance: Emphasized the enforceability of TAC Title 19 provisions related to special education and student rights.
Summary
The Texas Administrative Code Title 19 serves as the backbone of public education governance in Texas, outlining the responsibilities of the Texas Education Agency, school districts, educators, and other stakeholders. The rules promote high standards of education, accountability, and protection of student and educator rights.
Texas courts have consistently upheld the authority of the TEA to implement and enforce these regulations, recognizing the importance of administrative oversight in ensuring quality education.
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