Sec. 21.455. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTES IN MATHEMATICS. (a) The commissioner shall develop and make available professional development institutes for teachers who provide instruction in mathematics to students at the fifth through eighth grade levels.

(b) A professional development institute developed under this section must address:

(1) the underlying mathematical skills required to be taught at the relevant grade levels; and

(2) mathematical instruction techniques that, through scientific testing, have been proven effective.

(c) The commissioner shall develop professional development institutes under this section in consultation with mathematics and science faculty members at institutions of higher education.

(d) The commissioner shall adopt criteria for selection of teachers authorized to attend a professional development institute developed under this section.

(e) From funds appropriated for the purpose, the commissioner shall pay a stipend to each teacher who completes a professional development institute developed under this section. The commissioner shall determine the amount of the stipend paid under this subsection.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 834, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.