December 8, 2017 SBEC Agenda

DECEMBER 8, 2017 AT 9:00 A.M.

1701 N. CONGRESS AVENUE ROOM 1-104

The Board will meet in open session and after determining the presence of a quorum, deliberate and possibly take formal action, including emergency action, on any of the following agenda items:    

1.    Call to Order    

2.    Associate Commissioner’s Comments Regarding the SBEC Agenda    

3.    Public Comment    

The Board shall allocate up to thirty (30) minutes at the beginning of each regularly scheduled meeting of the full Board for public comment on non-agenda and consent agenda items. In accordance with SBEC Board Operating Policies and Procedures, late registration for providing oral or written comment will be accepted up to 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the Board meeting.    

CONSENT AGENDA     

4.    Consider and Take Appropriate Action on Request to Approve October 6, 2017 Board Meeting Minutes    

DISCUSSION AND ACTION    

5.    Consider and Take Appropriate Action on Proposed Review of 19 TAC Chapter 229, Accountability System for Educator Preparation Programs    

Texas Government Code, §2001.039, establishes a four-year rule review cycle for all state agency rules, including State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) rules. This item presents for SBEC approval the review of 19 TAC Chapter 229, Accountability System for Educator Preparation Programs. The rules being reviewed provide requirements for the accountability system for educator preparation programs (EPPs), including the assignment of an EPP accreditation status, and allow the SBEC to intervene in cases of low performance.    

6.    Consider and Take Appropriate Action on Proposed Review of 19 TAC Chapter 247, Educators’ Code of Ethics    

Texas Government Code, §2001.039, establishes a four-year rule review cycle for all state agency rules, including State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) rules. This item presents for SBEC approval the review of 19 TAC Chapter 247, Educators' Code of Ethics. The rules being reviewed provide the code of ethics for Texas educators.

7.    Consider and Take Appropriate Action on Proposed Review of 19 TAC Chapter 250, Administration    

Texas Government Code, §2001.039, establishes a four-year rule review cycle for all state agency rules, including State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) rules. This item presents for SBEC approval the review of 19 TAC Chapter 250, Administration. The rules being reviewed establish procedures for SBEC purchasing and for handling petitions for the adoption of rules that the SBEC receives.    

8.    Consider and Take Appropriate Action on Adoption of Proposed Amendments to 19 TAC Chapter 245, Certification of Educators from Other Countries    

This item provides the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) an opportunity to adopt, subject to State Board of Education (SBOE) review, proposed amendments to 19 TAC Chapter 245, Certification of Educators from Other Countries. The proposed amendments would update the requirements for certification of educators from other countries following the four-year rule review required by Texas Government Code, §2001.039. No changes are recommended since published as proposed, but additional changes may be recommended at the time of the meeting based on public comment.    

9.    Consider and Take Appropriate Action on Adoption of Proposed Amendments to 19 TAC Chapter 249, Disciplinary Proceedings, Sanctions, and Contested Cases, Subchapter A, General Provisions, §249.3, Definitions, Subchapter B, Enforcement Actions and Guidelines, §249.12, Administrative Denial; Appeal, §249.14, Complaint, Required Reporting, and Investigation; Investigative Notice; Filing of Petition, §249.15, Disciplinary Action by State Board for Educator Certification, §249.17, Decision-Making Guidelines, and Subchapter D, Hearing Procedures, §249.35, Disposition Prior to Hearing; Default    

This item presents the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) an opportunity to adopt, subject to State Board of Education (SBOE) review, proposed amendments to 19 TAC Chapter 249, Disciplinary Proceedings, Sanctions, and Contested Cases, Subchapter A, General Provisions, §249.3, Definitions, Subchapter B, Enforcement Actions and Guidelines, §249.12, Administrative Denial; Appeal, §249.14, Complaint, Required Reporting, and Investigation; Investigative Notice; Filing of Petition, §249.15, Disciplinary Action by State Board for Educator Certification, §249.17, Decision-Making Guidelines, and Subchapter D, Hearing Procedures, §249.35, Disposition Prior to Hearing; Default. The proposed amendments would implement the statutory requirements of Senate Bill (SB) 7, 85th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2017; set minimum sanctions for administrators who fail to report educator misconduct; clarify the reasons for which the SBEC can deny a certificate to an applicant; require reporting administrators to provide additional factual details in educator misconduct reports; and clarify the law that applies when educators default after failing to answer a petition.    

10.  Consider and Take Appropriate Action on Adoption of New 19 TAC Chapter 235, Classroom Teacher Certification Standards, Subchapter A, General Provisions, Subchapter B, Elementary School Certificate Standards, Subchapter C, Middle School Certificate Standards, and Subchapter D, Secondary School Certificate Standards    

This item provides the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) an opportunity to adopt, subject to State Board of Education (SBOE) review, proposed new 19 TAC Chapter 235, Classroom Teacher Certification Standards, Subchapter A, General Provisions, Subchapter B, Elementary School Certificate Standards, Subchapter C, Middle School Certificate Standards, and Subchapter D, Secondary School Certificate Standards. Proposed new 19 TAC §§235.1, General Requirements, 235.11, Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities Standards, Early Childhood: Prekindergarten-Grade 3, 235.19, Implementation Date, Early Childhood: Prekindergarten-Grade 3, 235.41, Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities Standards, Grades 4-8, 235.59, Implementation Date, Grades 4-8, 235.61, Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities Standards, Grades 7-12, and 235.89, Implementation Date, Grades 7-12, would implement recent legislation from the 85th Texas Legislative Session, 2017, specify the pedagogy and professional responsibilities (PPR) educator standards required for classroom teacher certification, and clarify the implementation date for the new standards. The proposed new chapter reflects feedback provided by the SBEC-appointed Classroom Teacher Standards Advisory Committee for the Early Childhood: Prekindergarten-Grade 3, Grades 4-8 (4-8), and Grades 7-12 (7-12) PPR standards. No changes are recommended since published as proposed, but additional changes may be recommended at the time of the meeting based on public comment.    

11. Consider and Take Appropriate Action on Proposed New 19 TAC Chapter 235, Classroom Teacher Certification Standards, Subchapter B, Elementary School Certificate Standards    

This item provides the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) an opportunity to discuss and propose new 19 TAC Chapter 235, Classroom Teacher Certification Standards, Subchapter B, Elementary School Certificate Standards.  Proposed new 19 TAC §§235.13, Content Standards, Early Childhood: Prekindergarten-Grade 3, 235.15, Science of Teaching Reading Standards, Early Childhood: Prekindergarten-Grade 3, 235.21, Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities Standards, Early Childhood-Grade 6, and 235.25, Implementation Date, Early Childhood-Grade 6, would implement recent legislation from the 85th Texas Legislative Session, 2017, specify the educator standards required for the Early Childhood: Prekindergarten-Grade 3 certification as well as the pedagogy and professional responsibilities (PPR) educator standards required for the Early Childhood-Grade 6 certification. The proposed new chapter reflects feedback provided by the SBEC-appointed Classroom Teacher Standards Advisory Committee for the Early Childhood: Prekindergarten-Grade 3 and Early Childhood-Grade 6 PPR standards.    

12.  Consider and Take Appropriate Action on Proposed Amendment to 19 TAC Chapter 230, Professional Educator Preparation and Certification, Subchapter C, Assessment of Educators, §230.21, Educator Assessment    

This item provides the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) an opportunity to discuss and propose an amendment to 19 TAC Chapter 230, Professional Educator Preparation and Certification, Subchapter C, Assessment of Educators. The proposed amendment to 19 TAC §230.21, Educator Assessment, would update the figure in subsection (e) with the appropriate required examinations for Texas certificate issuance and would incorporate language that strengthens the provisions concerning test security and confidentiality integrity. Additional technical changes are being recommended for clarification purposes.    

13.  Consider and Take Appropriate Action on Proposed Amendments to 19 TAC Chapter 227, Provisions for Educator Preparation Candidates, Subchapter A, Admission to Educator Preparation Programs, and Subchapter B, Preliminary Evaluation of Certification Eligibility    

This item provides the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) an opportunity to discuss and propose amendments to 19 TAC Chapter 227, Provisions for Educator Preparation Candidates, Subchapter A, Admission to Educator Preparation Programs, and Subchapter B, Preliminary Evaluation of Certification Eligibility. The proposed amendments would implement the statutory requirements of Senate Bill (SB) 1839 and House Bills (HBs) 2039 and 1508, 85th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2017. The proposed amendments would also implement changes based on stakeholder input and Texas Education Agency (TEA) staff recommendations. 

14.  Consider and Take Appropriate Action on Proposed Amendment to 19 TAC Chapter 232, General Certification Provisions, Subchapter A, Certificate Renewal and Continuing Professional Education Requirements, §232.11 Number and Content of Required Continuing Professional Education Hours    

This item provides the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) an opportunity to discuss and propose an amendment to 19 TAC Chapter 232, General Certification Provisions, Subchapter A, Certificate Renewal and Continuing Professional Education Requirements, §232.11, Number and Content of Required Continuing Professional Education Hours. The proposed amendment would implement changes resulting from the 85th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2017, which include adding new continuing professional education (CPE) topics for all educators. The proposed amendment would also add minimum requirements for several CPE topics for individuals holding standard classroom teacher, principal, and school counselor certificates.    

15.  Discussion of the Implementation of Senate Bill 1839 Data Sharing Provision and Take Appropriate Action on Approval of Educator Preparation Data Workgroup    

This item provides the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) with an opportunity to discuss the implementation of the statutory requirements of Senate Bill (SB) 1839, 85th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2017. SB 1839 requires the Texas Education Agency (TEA) in coordination with SBEC to solicit input from educator preparation programs (EPPs) regarding what data TEA could provide to EPPs to help them assess their impact, improve their design, and increase their effectiveness. Building upon the work TEA has done in recent years to compile and report data through the Accountability System for Educator Preparation Programs (ASEP) annual report, TEA has worked with Educate Texas and TNTP to solicit input and recommendations regarding EPP data from a wide variety of stakeholders throughout the fall of 2017. This item also provides the SBEC with an opportunity to approve the membership of an Educator Preparation Data Workgroup to recommend changes to 19 TAC Chapter 229, Accountability System for Educator Preparation Programs as they relate to data for EPP continuous improvement, accountability, performance, and consumer information.    

16.  Consider and Take Appropriate Action on Request to Approve Educator Preparation Advisory Committee Members    

This item provides the State Board for Education Certification (SBEC) with an opportunity to approve Educator Preparation Advisory Committee (EPAC) members. The SBEC is statutorily authorized to approve members of advisory committees. The committee members selected for the EPAC are representative of the diverse types of educator preparation programs (EPPs) in the state. The committee will meet at least quarterly each year to provide input on issues related to EPPs in Texas.    

17.  Discussion and Appropriate Action on Consideration of Draft Amendments to 19 TAC Chapter 242, Superintendent Certificate, §242.20, Requirements for the Issuance of the Standard Superintendent Certificate    

This item provides the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) an opportunity to discuss draft amendments to 19 TAC Chapter 242, Superintendent Certificate, §242.20, Requirements for the Issuance of the Standard Superintendent Certificate and to take action on whether to direct Texas Education Agency (TEA) staff to bring back proposed rule text for Board consideration at the March 2018 SBEC meeting. The draft amendments to 19 TAC §242.20 would allow for a candidate to obtain standard certification as a superintendent provided that the candidate was hired by a district, completed a superintendent preparation program, and passed the certification exam for superintendents.  

DISCIPLINARY CASES    

18.  Pending or Contemplated Litigation, including Disciplinary Cases  

A.   Defaults

No Answer Defaults

1.            In the Matter of Matthew Lefler; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           1 year suspension    

2.            In the Matter of Cheri Vasquez; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           1 year suspension    

3.            In the Matter of Steven M. Baltazar; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           Permanent Revocation    

4.            In the Matter of Jordan Danielle Hall; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           Permanent Revocation    

5.            In the Matter of Jesus G. Hernandez, Sr.; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           Permanent Revocation   

6.            In the Matter of Stephen Mayol; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           Permanent Revocation  

7.            In the Matter of Debbie Villanueva; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           Permanent Revocation    

8.            In the Matter of Vicente Hernandez, Jr.; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment   

Staff recommendation:           Permanent Revocation 

9.            In the Matter of Alexander Jackson; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           Permanent Revocation    

10.          In the Matter of Lori Lopez; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           Revocation

11.          In the Matter of Carl Martin; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           Permanent Revocation    

12.          In the Matter of Chris McDonnell; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           2 year suspension 

13.          In the Matter of Randall John Psencik; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           Permanent Revocation   

14.          In the Matter of David A. Smith; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           Revocation    

15.          In the Matter of Orlando Villarreal; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           Revocation

16.          In the Matter of Noe De Leon, Jr.; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           Permanent Revocation    

17.          In the Matter of Jack Golden; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           Revocation

18.          In the Matter of Jessica Y. Green; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           Revocation    

19.          In the Matter of Barron Shawn Hampton; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment  

Staff recommendation:           Permanent Revocation

20.          In the Matter of Louis Joseph James; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           Revocation   

21.          In the Matter of Tiffany Ann Bunnell; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           3 year suspension and proof of successful completion                                                         of substance abuse treatment program     

22.          In the Matter of Treasa Christy; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           Revocation    

23.          In the Matter of Aroha Elizabeth Dahl; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           2 year suspension and proof of successful completion                                                         of substance abuse treatment program     

24.          In the Matter of Stacy L. Doyle; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           4 year suspension and proof of successful completion                                                         of substance abuse treatment program     

25.          In the Matter of Rafael Esquivel; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           Revocation    

26.          In the Matter of James D. Flowers; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           Revocation    

27.          In the Matter of Christopher D. Fowler; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           1 year suspension and proof of successful completion                                                         of substance abuse treatment program     

28.          In the Matter of Glendelia Eunice Gaona; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           1 year suspension and proof of successful completion                                                         of substance abuse treatment program     

29.          In the Matter of Michele Hanlon; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           Revocation    

30.          In the Matter of Whitney Kunkel; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           Revocation

  31.          In the Matter of Javier Lara; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           Revocation

32.          In the Matter of Michelle Harper Nelson; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           2 year suspension and proof of successful completion                                                         of substance abuse treatment program     

33.          In the Matter of Ruth Reyna; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           Revocation    

34.          In the Matter of Xavier Salat-Foix; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           2 year suspension and proof of successful completion                                                         of substance abuse treatment program     

35.          In the Matter of Tracy Lynn Simmons; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment

Staff recommendation:           Revocation     

36.          In the Matter of Alexandra N. Stefanchuk; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           2 year suspension and proof of successful completion                                                         of substance abuse treatment program     

37.          In the Matter of Dawn Thompson; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           Revocation    

38.          In the Matter of Arnoldo Villarreal; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           2 year suspension and proof of successful completion                                                         of substance abuse treatment program     

39.          In the Matter of Lacy Michelle White; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           Revocation    

40.          In the Matter of Charli K. Crawford; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           Revocation    

41.          In the Matter of Lindsay C. Goff; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           2 year suspension    

42.          In the Matter of Jane Hickerson Martin; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           Revocation    

43.          In the Matter of Tammy Lynn Robinson; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment  

Staff recommendation:           Revocation    

44.          In the Matter of Michael Smeltzer; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           Revocation     

45.          In the Matter of Carri Beth Stanley; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           Revocation    

46.          In the Matter of Lisa Darlene Lucas; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           Revocation    

47.          In the Matter of Patricia Guadalupe Lemus; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           Revocation

SOAH Defaults

1.            In the Matter of Hector Rolando Palma; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           Permanent Revocation

2.            In the Matter of Raul Moran; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Issuance of Default Judgment    

Staff recommendation:           Permanent Revocation    

B.   Contested Cases

Proposals for Decision

1.            Docket No. 701165894.EC, Texas Education Agency, Educator Leadership and Quality Division v. Ellis Spikes; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Proposal for Decision and Issuance of Final Order.

ALJ Recommendation:           Permanent Revocation

Staff Recommendation:         Accept ALJ Recommendation

2.            Docket No. 701173462.EC, Texas Education Agency, Educator Leadership and Quality Division v. Chris Jarrell Coody; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Proposal for Decision and Issuance of Final Order.

ALJ Recommendation:           2 year suspension 

Staff Recommendation:         Permanent Revocation

3.            Docket No. 701171655.EC, Texas Education Agency, Educator Leadership and Quality Division v. Shelby Junge; Action to be taken:  Consideration of Proposal for Decision and Issuance of Final Order.

ALJ Recommendation:           Dismissed and no disciplinary action taken

Staff Recommendation:         Correct ALJ’s incorrect interpretation of SBEC rules; remand back to State Office of Administrative Hearings

C.   Court Cases

District Court Cases

1.            Leo Joseph Tran v. Texas Education Agency, Educator Certification and Standards Division; Cause No. D-1-GN-16-001802, In the 126th District Court of Travis County, Texas.    

2.            Michael Jimenez v. Texas Education Agency, Educator Certification and Standards Division; Cause No. D-1-GN-17-001964, In the 201st District Court of Travis County, Texas.    

3.            David Turner v. Texas Education Agency, Educator Certification and Standards Division; Cause No. D-1-GN-17-002298, In the 250th District Court of Travis County, Texas.

4.            Anna Luisa Kell v. Texas Education Agency, Educator Certification and Standards Division; Cause No. D-1-GN-17-002347, In the 419th District Court of Travis County, Texas.    

5.            Norma Regina Gonzalez (a/k/a Gina Oaxaca) v. Texas Education Agency, Educator Standards Division; Cause No. D-1-GN-17-004263, In the 200th District Court of Travis County, Texas.

DISCUSSION AND ACTION

19.  SBEC Board Discussion    

This item provides the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) an opportunity to discuss Board meeting times, attendance, travel options, and Board member feedback. 

20.  Consider and Take Appropriate Action on Election of State Board for Educator Certification Officers    

The Board will elect a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Secretary.

DISCUSSION ONLY    

21.  Discussion of Proposed Amendments to 19 TAC Chapter 228, Requirements for Educator Preparation Programs    

This item provides the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) an opportunity to discuss proposed amendments to 19 TAC Chapter 228, Requirements for Educator Preparation Programs. The proposed amendments would implement the statutory requirements of Senate Bills (SBs) 7 and 1839 and House Bills (HBs) 2039, 3349, and 1963, 85th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2017. The proposed amendments would also implement changes based on stakeholder input and Texas Education Agency (TEA) staff recommendations.    

22.  Discussion of Proposed Amendments to 19 TAC Chapter 233, Categories of Classroom Teaching Certificates    

This item provides the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) an opportunity to discuss proposed amendments to 19 TAC Chapter 233, Categories of Classroom Teaching Certificates. The proposed amendments would implement legislation from the 85th Texas Legislative Session to establish new certificates for Early Childhood: Prekindergarten-Grade 3 and Trade and Industrial Workforce Training: Grades 6-12, identify any additional requirements to obtain certification and/or be eligible to teach specific courses, and provide guidance to districts on assignments that certificate holders are eligible to be placed into.  Additional proposed amendments would provide clarification to provide consistency in application of these rules and remove duplicative language to establish alignment of information related to the classroom certificates issued by the SBEC and the corresponding teaching assignments specified for each certificate.    

INFORMATION ONLY    

23.  Board Operating Policies and Procedures (BOPP)    

24.  2015 - 2018 Rule Review Plan for State Board for Educator Certification Rules    

25.  Requests from Board Members for Future Agenda Items    

26.  Requests Received from the Board Since Last Meeting     

27.  Adjournment

The Board may go into closed session regarding any item on the agenda to the extent it is authorized to do so pursuant to the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code, Chapter 551.