TEA Rules Update

The TEA announced these rule actions in the Aug. 2 Texas Register:

Adopted Rules:

• Rural schools — Implementing 2023’s HB2209 (TEA summary) by establishing the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) program. Several changes (from the version proposed for public comment) were made on final adoption, including by explicitly prohibiting charter schools from being eligible for R-PEP designation.
  
  Additional info here and here. Effective: Aug. 6. (The TEA posts R-PEP updates here.)
  
  

• Safe Schools — Implementing 2023 safe schools legislation and clarifying previously adopted school safety rules relating to safe and secure school facilities (addressing exterior/interior doors, door numbers, rooftops, law enforcement involvement, etc.). A minor clarifying change (from the version proposed for public comment) was made on final adoption.
  
  Additional info here and here. Effective: Aug. 11.