November 2022 Committee on Instruction Item 5
Approval of Agriculture Education Programs List
November 18, 2022
COMMITTEE ON INSTRUCTION: ACTION
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION: ACTION
SUMMARY: This item presents the opportunity for the board to review and approve the list of elementary agriculture education programs available for use by school districts and charter schools as required by Senate Bill 801, 87th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2021.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Texas Education Code (TEC), §7.102(c)(4) and §29.926.
TEC, §7.102(c)(4), requires the State Board of Education (SBOE) to establish curriculum and graduation requirements.
TEC, §29.926, requires the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to develop a list of agriculture education programs approved by the agency and the SBOE that may be used as part of the curriculum for elementary school students at no cost to the school district or open-enrollment charter school.
The full text of statutory citations can be found in the statutory authority section of this agenda.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND JUSTIFICATION: In 2021, the 87th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, passed Senate Bill 801, adding TEC §29.926, to require TEA to develop an agriculture education program for elementary school students to encourage appreciation for and improve students’ understanding of agriculture. The legislation requires TEA to develop the program in coordination with the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and nonprofit organizations. Additionally, the legislation requires that the agency develop a list of agriculture education programs to be approved by the agency and the SBOE that may be used as part of the curriculum for elementary school students. Programs included on the list must be available at no cost to school districts and open-enrollment charter schools.
The proposed list of free elementary agriculture programs for consideration by the SBOE is included as an attachment to this item. If approved, the list will be posted on the TEA website after the November 2022 meeting.
MOTION TO BE CONSIDERED: The State Board of Education:
Approve the list of elementary agriculture education programs available for use by school districts and charter schools.
Staff Members Responsible:
Monica Martinez, Associate Commissioner, Standards and Programs
Shelly Ramos, Senior Director, Curriculum Standards and Student Support
Separate Exhibit:
Proposed List of Elementary Agriculture Education Programs
(to be provided at the November 2022 SBOE meeting)