Transcript Highlights:

• The next slide just gives an overview of the current state of math proficiency in Texas.
• We've seen over the past decade, Texas has slipped in terms of math proficiency.
• services, we suggest language for willing teachers to be approved providers.
• One year or to meet proficiency upon entrance.
• Proficiency Standards, or ELPS.

Summary: The committee continued hearing testimony on Senate Bill 2252, which would expand early literacy and numeracy screening, parent notification, intervention supports, and teacher training, including math academies and early childhood supports. Supporters from Texas 2036, Good Reason Houston, Texas Business Leadership Council, and several parents argued that early identification of skill gaps, clearer data for families, and stronger teacher preparation would improve student outcomes, workforce readiness, and long-term earnings. They cited low math proficiency statewide, the importance of early intervention, and examples of districts using screeners and data dashboards to guide instruction and resource allocation. One witness also highlighted home visiting as a family-support model, while another urged more funding for pre-K partnerships and stronger support for parents with reading materials and guidance. A district special education administrator testified neutrally, saying the bill reflects practices already used in her district but expressing concern that it could reduce local control and teacher discretion by standardizing screening and tying it to funding. A Texas Classroom Teachers Association representative supported the intent but warned that mandatory math academies and intervention academies could burden teachers if implemented like prior reading academies, and a substitute teacher/teacher-of-the-year witness asked for clearer protections around special education information and pay for alternative certification candidates. After public testimony closed, SB 2252 was left pending. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2253, as substituted, which would phase out routine hiring of uncertified teachers over time, require parent notification when a teacher is uncertified, and expand high-quality preparation pathways such as university programs, residencies, improved alternative certification, and grow-your-own programs. Senator Creighton said the bill responds to the rise in uncertified teachers and aims to strengthen the teacher pipeline with more structured preparation, mentorship, and oversight by SBEC. Invited testimony strongly supported the measure: a Texas Tech researcher said uncertified teachers and fast-track programs are associated with significant learning losses, while year-long residencies and mentored pathways produce stronger outcomes and higher earnings for students. Leaders from Dallas College and Sam Houston State University described successful residency and grow-your-own models, high completion and retention rates, and the need for paid residencies and stipends so candidates can afford to enter the profession. Committee members asked about the difference between mentorship and residency, the cost-effectiveness of paid residencies, retention incentives, and how to scale the model statewide. The committee also adopted the substitute for SB 2253 and later paused to vote out several other bills, including SB 1191, SB 1786, SB 226, SB 326, SB 570, SB 870, SB 991, SB 60, SB 365, SB 1401, and SB 1067, all of which were reported favorably, many with unanimous votes and some placed on the local and uncontested calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is the language about this particular... It relates back to the online topic.
• Other than that, I think most of the language is similar.
• The LFC proposal, that language seems very unusual.
• What is the purpose behind that language?
• , and in math proficiency—all on the upswing.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The litter grades are not really reflective of the proficiency. are not really reflective of the proficiency
• We give credit for growth and we give credit for proficiency.
• They could pass them on even if they didn't test proficient.
• Our proficiency has improved to 16%.
• But what I have thought about is the ambiguous language.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So under this language, a school district...
• Because this is a lot of policy being driven in by budget language—budgetary language—but this is really
• That language seems very unusual.
• Behind that language.
• And it's nice that it shows increases in four-year graduation rate, in reading proficiency, in math proficiency

Transcript Highlights:

• Math proficiency largely remained unchanged over the past two years.
• The graph on the left shows graduation rates alongside SAT proficiency rates.
• We are seeing slowly increasing proficiency rates.
• And we are seeing improvements, particularly in language arts and in graduation rates.
• I would also like to do that for our English language learners.

Transcript Highlights:

• With attendance also came that increase in language arts proficiency, increasing from 13% to 32%, and
• <00:52:04.960> arts<00:52:05.359> proficiency attendance language arts proficiency
• attendance language arts proficiency math<00:52:06.240> proficiency<00:52:06.839> and<00
• <00:52:38.079> arts<00:52:38.520> proficiency increase in language arts proficiency
• increase in language arts proficiency increasing<00:52:39.799> from<00:52:40.160> thir

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We heard and developed legislative language to create an education service agency, or ESA, which led
• A number of years ago we changed graduation requirements to proficiencies across the state, but the language
• A number of years ago we changed graduation requirements to proficiencies across the state, but the language
• been found in section 3 of the bill, and incorporates the remaining language into S. 313.
• the remaining language into S. 313. the remaining language into S. 313.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House took up Senate Bill 313, relating to transforming Vermont’s career technical education system. The Committee on Commerce and Economic Development described the bill as part of a broader effort to integrate CTE more fully into Vermont’s education system, with goals including universal access, more consistent admissions and credit policies, better transportation access, updated rules and procedures, and stronger alignment with workforce needs. The committee emphasized that CTE should be treated as a core part of education, not a stand-alone track, and reported the bill favorably 11-0-0 after hearing from education, labor, workforce, fiscal, and CTE stakeholders. The Committee on Education recommended a few changes, including a typo correction and removal of a legislative working group, explaining that broader education reform work already underway would make a separate working group duplicative. It added a task for the Agency of Education to study how to serve adult diploma students in CTE programs amid federal funding changes, and it supported the bill with an amendment vote of 10-0-1. The Committee on Appropriations said the fiscal impact could not yet be estimated because it depends on future rulemaking, and it recommended the bill ought to pass in concurrence as amended by a vote of 10-0-1. The House adopted the Education Committee amendment, then adopted a further amendment offered by Representative Bartley and others that incorporated language from S. 230 while removing a solicitation provision related to Department of Corrections property. The House then agreed to propose the amended bill to the Senate, ordered third reading, suspended rules to place the bill in all remaining stages of passage, passed S. 313 in concurrence with proposal of amendment, and suspended rules again to message its action to the Senate forthwith. The House then recessed until 1:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our grammar and mechanics was 35% proficient and distinguished, and 55.9% in writing were proficient
• we had 40% six for reading proficiency we had 40% six for reading proficiency um<00:26:38.240>
• <00:26:40.880> or um four and 10 were uh proficient or um four and 10 were uh proficient or
• /c> in writing were proficient or in writing were proficient or distinguished<00:26:53.039> in
• third of our scholars were proficient third of our scholars were proficient and<00:26:57.760>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the September meeting minutes, and heard presentations from Carter G. Woodson Academy in Lexington and related school programs in Fayette County Public Schools. School leaders described the academy as an all-male public school option focused on culture, belonging, and opportunity, with a mission to educate, empower, and equip young men academically, socially, and morally. They emphasized culturally responsive instruction, restorative practices, mentorship, brotherhood circles, and access to advanced coursework, dual enrollment, and career pathways. Student speakers highlighted school culture, leadership opportunities, and clubs such as SGA, Beta Club, FFA, and the Bow Tie Club, along with service and community engagement. Presenters said the academy began in 2012, is housed with Frederick Douglass High School, uses an application and lottery process, and can serve up to about 350 students but is intentionally kept near 300 because of space. They reported 302 enrolled students, about 38 seniors, a 100% graduation rate, 95% average attendance, 100% postsecondary success, and $1.8 million in scholarship offers last year. They also shared demographic and achievement data, noting growth in MAP scores, strengths in reading and writing, and math as an ongoing focus area. The school said 90% of high school scholars are taking at least one dual credit class this year, and some students have earned opportunities at selective programs such as Gatton Academy and Craft Academy. Committee members praised the school’s results and asked about enrollment, funding, and whether the model could be replicated statewide. School leaders said the program is fully funded through Fayette County Public Schools, could be replicated with committed staff and training, and that teachers receive preparation through the Gearing Institute to better understand how boys learn. They also noted that Fayette County has other specialized programs, including girls’ academies and other options for underrepresented students. Members expressed interest in long-term tracking of graduates, and the school said it is preparing to study outcomes as the first graduating class approaches its 10-year anniversary.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, when I first went to school, my first language was Navajo, and I never lost my language.
• requirement to be satisfied by demonstrating proficiency in a Native American language, to dictate to
• charter schools... ...by demonstrating proficiency in a Native American language, to dictate to charter
• in a Native American language.
• It gives schools the power to offer or not offer world languages and Native American languages as they

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the journal, guest introductions, and routine communications from the governor and Senate. Members then moved into multiple Committee of the Whole sessions to consider a large number of Senate bills and later House bills on final reading. Several measures were retained on the calendar, while many others advanced with or without amendments. The House also adopted a group concurrence motion on numerous Senate amendments to House bills and later took up third-reading votes on a series of House bills. Among the main committee actions, SB 1049, SB 1315, SB 1401, SB 1418, and SB 1540 were amended and recommended do pass; SB 1332 and SB 1538 also advanced, while SB 1016, SB 1519, SB 1624, SB 1627, SB 1723, and SB 1725 were retained. Debate centered on school safety and interoperability equipment in SB 1315, housing and zoning issues in SB 1118, and school discipline/bullying transparency in SB 1684. Members also discussed SB 1074 on student discipline notifications, SB 1275 on diversion program wording, and SB 1684 on bullying reporting and school liability, with supporters emphasizing safety, accountability, and clarity and opponents warning about unfunded mandates, litigation, and impacts on public schools. On final reading, the House passed a long list of bills, including HB 2032, HB 2035, HB 2109, HB 2120, HB 2176, HB 2189, HB 2195, HB 2203, HB 2342, HB 2383, HB 2423, HB 2428, HB 2439, HB 2440, HB 2573, HB 2594, HB 2621, HB 2641, HB 2673, HB 2693, HB 2752, HB 2756, HB 2875, HB 2895, HB 2916, HB 2923, HB 2946, and HB 2999, with recorded votes ranging from narrow to unanimous. HB 1118, dealing with municipal zoning and historic properties, failed on the floor after debate over housing policy and charter/public school issues, though a motion to reconsider was later made. The session ended with personal announcements, including recognition of Child Help, a memorial reading for Major General W. Bill Van Dyke, caucus meeting notices, a retirement reception reminder, an anniversary acknowledgment, and a Pride Month statement.

Transcript Highlights:

• language describing individualized educational<00:15:57.920> plans<00:15:59.000> accurately
• It was literally taking the language and turning it into my fingertips.
• <00:20:54.159> and it was literally taking the language and it was literally taking the language
• <00:22:11.440> I Skill so they can become proficient.
• If I had that challenge to do it, I would be much more proficient in Braille.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• believe strongly in the intent of this bill, I have a few like ethical concerns about the flawed language
• look proficiency looked like in math.
• But yes, we also need to look at ensuring that how we are ensuring that children are proficient in math
• of our children back into a place where our students are more proficient when it comes to math.
• And I'm also glad that we're looking at proficiency.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , languages spoken, and language proficiency in our lobbies. that um to say that, you know, in our that
• language proficiency in our lobbies around the state.
• heard of uh language proficiency being a heard of uh language proficiency being a safety<01:18:38.480
• Well, if an individual has to take this test in a language that they are not proficient in, they will
• language that they are not proficient language that they are not proficient in,<01:49:05.040>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• proficient by increasing the availability of translated election material.
• The Golden State has the highest percentage of households, 43.3%, that are proficient in a language other
• with limited English proficiency.
• Fifty percent of California voters support providing language access to voters with limited English proficiency
• The languages covered by SB 1360 would be based on the language determination made by the Secretary of

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The 2027-28 year is going to be the new testing year, and there's actually some language in here that
• In reading, reading is actually a reading language.
• Well, first off, when I say beta site, in TEA language, it means field testing, right? Yes, sir.
• levels; they call it basic, proficient, or advanced.
• You receive the better of growth and proficiency.

Bills: SB8, SB 8

Keywords: education, accountability, public school assessment, state law, transparency, intervention, performance ratings, sex designation, restroom access, civil penalties, private civil right of action, women's privacy, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• or lose the language completely.
• or lose the language completely.
• or lose the language completely.
• Heritage and Indigenous language Heritage and Indigenous language proficiency<00:32:36.399> proficiency
• Heritage and Indigenous language acquisition and proficiency creates the best versions of leaders and

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My only concern was, as it pertains to us, making sure the student was proficient.
• My only concern was the, as it pertains to us, making sure the student was proficient.
• But I just want to caution us that as we continue to move the threshold when it comes to proficiency
• of our children back into a place where our students are more proficient when it comes to math.
• And I'm also glad that we're looking at proficiency and we're also looking at learning gains because

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met with a quorum present and observed a moment of silence for Senator Geraldine Thompson. The committee first took up CS/SB 102, a bill by Senator Gates directing the Department of Education to develop a workforce credential program for students with autism spectrum disorder or students on a modified curriculum, in coordination with the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities and OSHA. Supporters said the bill would help autistic students gain job skills and workplace safety credentials, while an opponent argued the bill should clearly make participation voluntary, expand to other exceptional student groups, include funding, and add stronger accountability. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 166, the Administrative Efficiency in Public Schools bill by Senator Simon. The bill would reduce or remove several state mandates and give districts more flexibility on testing, teacher evaluations, contracts and certification, school board operations, instructional materials timelines, audits, facilities planning, emergency make-up days, federal fund use, and public VPK oversight. Senators asked about the impact on student proficiency, teacher evaluations, and the transfer of public VPK oversight to districts; Simon said the tests would remain but count as 30 percent of the grade, districts would retain flexibility in evaluation measures, and only public VPK would shift to districts. Public testimony was largely supportive, with some speakers praising reduced testing and local control, while one senator cautioned that Florida still has a math proficiency problem. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 296 by Senator Bradley, which would repeal the 2023 statewide mandate requiring later middle and high school start times and return the decision to local districts, while still requiring districts to inform the community about the health, safety, and academic impacts of sleep deprivation and consider later start times. Supporters argued the mandate created transportation, staffing, and scheduling problems and that local control was more practical, while opponents emphasized sleep science and the benefits of later start times for teens. Several senators discussed the tension between research and district resources, and the bill sponsor said the measure preserves the conversation about sleep while allowing local scheduling decisions. CS/SB 296 was reported favorably, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Golden State has the highest percentage of households, 43.3%, that are proficient in a language other
• The Golden State has the highest percentage of households, 43.3%, that are proficient in a language other
• limited English proficiency.
• speak that given language.
• The languages covered by Senate Bill 1360 would be based on the languages determined by the Secretary

Summary: The Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments heard several election-related measures. SB 884 by Senator Umberg proposed expanding polling-place buffer zones, limiting certain law enforcement activity near polling sites, increasing ballot drop boxes and vote center access, and extending the vote-by-mail receipt deadline; supporters said it would protect voters from intimidation, while county election officials opposed it as operationally difficult and costly. The bill was amended in committee to allow county supervisors discretion over expanding the buffer zone and to permit law enforcement entry for crimes against persons or property. It was ultimately passed out of committee on a 4-1 vote after members’ roll calls were completed later in the day. SB 1164 by Senator Cervantes would expand California voting-rights protections by codifying and broadening anti-dilution and anti-suppression rules, adding preclearance for some jurisdictions, and directing courts to favor voting access; it drew strong support from civil rights and voting-rights groups, while one city raised concerns about effects on pending litigation. The committee advanced the bill to Judiciary on a 4-1 vote after later roll call completion. The committee also considered SB 900 by Senator McNerney, which would streamline political advertisement disclosures by shortening required disclaimer language, allowing standard abbreviations, and increasing the number of top funders disclosed on political mailers from three to five. Supporters from the outdoor advertising industry and campaign finance reform groups said the bill would preserve transparency while making disclosures more readable; it passed unanimously and was sent to Appropriations. In contrast, SB 1225 and its companion SCA 3 by Senator Niello would transfer responsibility for drafting ballot titles and summaries for initiatives and referenda from the Attorney General to the Legislative Analyst’s Office. Supporters argued this would improve neutrality and public trust, while opponents said the current elected Attorney General system is accountable and efficient; both measures were advanced on narrow votes after roll calls were completed later. Finally, SB 1360 by Senator Cervantes, part of the California Voting Rights Act of 2026 package, would expand language-access requirements for election materials by lowering the threshold for coverage, adding a petition process, and extending protections beyond current federal language categories. Voting-rights and immigrant-advocacy groups strongly supported the bill, while county election officials opposed it unless amended, citing concerns about the precinct-based determination model and implementation details. The committee passed SB 1360 to Appropriations on a 5-0 vote after the later roll call. The committee also approved a consent calendar of seven measures at the start of the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the next bullet down below, 2003 proficient or above was 35%; 2024, 31% are proficient. have a higher
• In 2003, student proficient or grade. In 2003, student proficient or above<00:13:05.519> 43%.
• or above 35%, 2024 proficient or above 35%, 2024 31%<00:13:20.160> are<00:13:20.399> proficient
• 31% are proficient. 31% are proficient. in<00:13:22.720> 2025-26 in 2025-26 in 2025-26 HP
• Good morning. calculation of proficiency. Is that calculation of proficiency. Is that true?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair and members, HB 2446 requires a motor carrier to demonstrate English proficiency.
• Madam Chair, another English proficiency bill.
• Madam Chair and members, HB 2764 establishes a state seal of computer science proficiency and requires
• Madam Chair and members, HB 2764 establishes a state seal of computer science proficiency and requires
• This expands employee leave for military duty by removing some of the restrictive statutory language

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee worked through a very long minority caucus calendar covering a wide range of bills, with many items being described and then either left on consent, pulled from consent, or noted for votes. Topics included bullion and state depository proposals, a produce incentive appropriation, a biennial budget change, veterans services funding, driver licensing and traffic enforcement measures, procurement and public records changes, school board and school facilities rules, SNAP work requirements and verification, child welfare and juvenile justice provisions, housing and homelessness measures, energy and fuel policy, election administration, and several tax, commerce, and licensing bills. Members repeatedly raised concerns about constitutionality, federal preemption, duplication of existing law, and whether some measures were policy priorities that had been vetoed in prior sessions and were returning unchanged. Several bills drew extended debate. Members objected to English-proficiency requirements for commercial drivers and motor carriers, arguing federal law and the supremacy clause would bar them. Earned wage access regulation prompted strong opposition over consumer harm, overdraft cycles, and high effective APRs. School-related bills were criticized for overregulating public schools while not imposing similar requirements on ESA/private-school programs, especially on fingerprint clearance and reporting. SNAP-related bills were also opposed as setting unrealistic mandates and repeating vetoed proposals. Other contested measures included a drag-show criminalization bill, a bill restricting photo enforcement, a bill limiting local regulation of unmanned aircraft, and a bill conforming Arizona tax law to federal changes, which members said would benefit wealthy taxpayers and corporations without a clear funding source. The committee also heard a number of supportive or less controversial measures, including bills on veterans awareness, dementia care telemonitoring, Braille transcription funding, CPA licensure pathways, cash acceptance by retailers, and some child safety and court administration changes. Several bills were pulled from consent for further discussion, while others were noted as having unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The meeting ended with caucus announcements, including an affordability award presentation, an upcoming Latino Caucus discussion on community land trusts, and an invitation to African American Legislative Day activities, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• What we looked at is the license plate funds, for example, are not being used in a proficient manner
• What we looked at is the license plate funds, for example, are not being used in a proficient manner
• What we looked at is the license plate funds, for example, are not being used in a proficient manner
• What we looked at is the license plate funds, for example, are not being used in a proficient manner
• It also puts a lot of the language in Title 13 right now, which will allow basically any law enforcement

Keywords: 1182, all