The State Board of Education (SBOE) convened from April 7 to 11 to address a range of educational matters, including new rules for educator certification and updates to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). The board also oversees the Permanent School Fund, crucial for providing school districts preferential interest rates on loans.

Since last year, the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) has been revising the framework for special education teachers to display competency in grade-level content. The previous framework, known as HOUSSE, allowed teachers to use their experience, professional development, and college credits to demonstrate their teaching competency.

A new framework proposed by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) aimed to replace HOUSSE but was criticized for reducing flexibility and demanding that special education teachers acquire standard certifications in core subjects. The Texas Classroom Teachers Association (TCTA) cautioned against this change, highlighting the shortage of special education teachers in Texas. TCTA collaborated with TEA and testified before SBEC to create a revised, flexible framework, which was approved by SBEC in February and forwarded to SBOE for their April meeting.

The new framework's consideration by SBOE encountered party-line disputes over the inclusion of the National Board Certified Teacher designation (NBCT) as a competency route. Some Republican lawmakers and SBOE members opposed the national body's involvement. Efforts have similarly targeted the removal of NBCT from the Teacher Incentive Allotment qualification process. However, TCTA's engagement with influential members swayed the board to approve the framework.

The SBOE and SBEC may need to continue their efforts based on pending bills in the Legislature. TCTA will provide updates on how these legislative developments might impact teacher certification.