Texas School Climate Policy

                                        TEXAS 

Texas has 1,029 school districts and 9,355 public schools. During the 2019-2020 school year, there were 5,479,173 students enrolled in public schools in Texas. About 59% of students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches. There is no explicit school climate survey for Texas schools. However, many policies address school climates such as anti-bullying, emergency planning, mental health resources, positive behavior programs, suicide prevention, providing for students with disabilities, family and community services, and a digital citizenship curriculum. There is a policy regarding character traits instruction where school districts consult with parents, educators, and other members of the community to develop programs that must stress positive character traits such as courage, respect, and integrity. Texas also has a required curriculum on mental health conditions,  substance abuse, skills to manage emotions, establishing and maintaining positive relationships, and responsible decision-making.

Safety

There is currently no policy surrounding School Climate in Texas. For more information on school climate, please visit us at Services – National School Climate Center

Texas Statutes Education Code 37.0832 Bullying Prevention Policies and Procedures.

Defines the terms of bullying and cyberbullying as well as behaviors associated with these actions.

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-g/chapter-37/subchapter-c/section-37-0832/

 Texas asks schools to develop and implement procedures to prevent bullying and harassment behavior and the consequences of such behavior. Policies also explain that procedures are needed for reporting an incidence of bullying and investigating it as well as how this policy will be communicated. This policy also covers conduct that occurs off school property.

  • Texas Statutes Education Code 37.0832 Bullying Prevention Policies and Procedures. 

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-g/chapter-37/subchapter-c/section-37-0832/

  • Texas Statutes Education Code 37.001 Student Code of Conduct

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-g/chapter-37/subchapter-a/section-37-001/

  • Texas Statutes Education Code 37.0052. Placement or Expulsion of Students Who Have Engaged in Certain Bullying Behavior.

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-g/chapter-37/subchapter-a/section-37-0052/

Texas Statutes Education Code 37.0832. Bullying Prevention Policies and Procedures.

Texas anti-bullying laws cover conduct that occurs off-school property or outside of a school-sponsored or school-related activity if the cyberbullying interferes with students’ ability to learn, and disrupts the classroom and school management.

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-g/chapter-37/subchapter-c/section-37-0832/

 Texas Statutes Education Code 25.0342. Transfer of Students Who Are Victims of or Have Engaged in Bullying.

On the request of a parent or other person with authority to act on behalf of a student who is a victim of bullying, the board of trustees of a school district or the board’s designee shall transfer the victim to another classroom or another campus in the same school district. The same can be done for the student who engaged in bullying.

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-e/chapter-25/subchapter-b/section-25-0342/


Who does this protect? Students, Teachers

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Texas schools need to develop plans for dealing with emergencies.

  • Texas Statutes Education Code 37.108 Multihazard Emergency Operations Plan; Safety and Security and Security Audit.

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-g/chapter-37/subchapter-d/section-37-108/

Texas Statutes Education Code 37.207. Model Safety and Security Audit Procedure.

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-g/chapter-37/subchapter-g/section-37-207/

Texas Administrative Code 25 297.5 Building Operation and Maintenance Guidelines.

https://regulations.justia.com/states/texas/title-25/part-1/chapter-297/subchapter-a/section-297-5/

Texas Statutes Education Code 37.109 School Safety and Security Committee.

Each school district will have a school safety and security committee that will participate on behalf of the district in developing and implementing emergency plans consistent with the district multi-hazard emergency operations plan and supporting the district in any way they can by making recommendations.

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-g/chapter-37/subchapter-d/section-37-109/

 Texas Statutes Education Code 37.205 Safety Training Programs.

The Texas School Safety Center will conduct a school safety training program for each district. The program will include discussion of school safety issues with parents and community members, the development of a positive school environment, proactive safety measures designed to address local concerns, etc.

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-g/chapter-37/subchapter-g/section-37-205/

 Texas Statutes Education Code 37.114. Emergency Evacuations; Mandatory School Drills.

The commissioner, in consultation with the Texas School Safety Center and the state fire marshal, will provide procedures for evacuating and securing school property during an emergency and the number of mandatory school drills conducted will not exceed eight drills.

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-g/chapter-37/subchapter-d/section-37-114/

Texas Statutes Education Code 37.081. School District Peace Officers, School Resource Officers, and Security Personnel.

The board of trustees of any school district may employ security personnel, enter into a memorandum of understanding with a local law enforcement agency for the provision of school resource officers, and commission peace officers. Only peace officers are allowed to carry weapons on school property, not school resource officers.

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-g/chapter-37/subchapter-c/section-37-081/


Who does this protect? Students, Staff

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Texas Administrative Code 19 129.1045 Best Practices.

School Districts at the beginning of each school year, will conduct a needs assessment and identify and list, or map, services and programs available within the school district and the community that a school, a student, or a student’s parent or guardian may access to address the student’s barriers to attendance and make the information available to staff, students, and parents.

https://regulations.justia.com/states/texas/title-19/part-2/chapter-129/subchapter-bb/section-129-1045/

Texas Statutes Education Code 21.462 Resources Regarding Students with Mental Health Needs.

The agency, in coordination with the Health and Human Services Commission, shall establish and maintain an Internet website to provide resources for school district or open-enrollment charter school employees regarding working with students with mental health conditions or who engage in substance abuse.

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-d/chapter-21/subchapter-j/section-21-462/

Texas Statutes Education Code 29.906 Character Traits Instruction.

When developing this program school districts will consult with parents, educators, and other members of the community. The program must stress positive character traits such as courage, respect, and integrity, and be age-appropriate.

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-f/chapter-29/subchapter-z/section-29-906/

Texas Statutes Education Code 37.115. Threat Assessment and Safe and Supportive School Program and Team.

The agency, in coordination with the Texas School Safety Center, shall adopt rules to establish a safe and supportive school program. The rules shall incorporate research-based best practices for school safety, including providing for a systemic and coordinated multitiered support system that addresses school climate, the social and emotional domain, and behavioral and mental health.

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-g/chapter-37/subchapter-d/section-37-115/

 Texas Statutes Education Code 28.002 Required Curriculum.

Each school district that offers kindergarten through grade 12 shall offer, as required curriculum health, with emphasis on mental health, including instruction about mental health conditions, substance abuse, skills to manage emotions, establishing and maintaining positive relationships, and responsible decision-making,

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-f/chapter-28/subchapter-a/section-28-002/

 Texas Statutes Education Code 37.0013 Positive Behavior Program.

Each school district and open-enrollment charter school may develop and implement a program, in consultation with campus behavior coordinators employed by the district or school and representatives of a regional education service center, that provides a disciplinary alternative for a student enrolled in a grade level below grade three. The program will involve restorative practices, trauma-informed practices, etc. 

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-g/chapter-37/subchapter-a/section-37-0013/

Texas Statutes Education Code 38.254. Statewide Plan for Student Mental Health.

The agency shall develop a statewide plan to ensure all students have access to adequate mental health resources.

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-g/chapter-38/subchapter-f/section-38-254/

Texas Statutes Education Code 38.351. Mental Health Promotion and Intervention, Substance Abuse Prevention and Intervention, and Suicide Prevention.

The department, in coordination with the Texas Education Agency and regional education service centers, shall provide and annually update a list of recommended best practice-based programs and research-based practices in areas like suicide prevention and substance abuse, for implementation in public elementary, junior high, middle, and high schools within the general education setting.

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-g/chapter-38/subchapter-g/section-38-351/


Who does this protect? Students, Staff

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Teaching/Learning

Texas provides students with disabilities the accommodations and resources they need to have an appropriate education.

  • Texas Statutes Education Code 37.004. Placement of Students With Disabilities.

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-g/chapter-37/subchapter-a/section-37-004/

  • Texas Statutes Education Code 29.001. Statewide Plan. 

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-f/chapter-29/subchapter-a/section-29-001/

  • Texas Statutes Education Code 29.005. Individualized Education Program. 

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-f/chapter-29/subchapter-a/section-29-005/

  • Texas Statutes Education Code 29.003. Eligibility Criteria. 

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-f/chapter-29/subchapter-a/section-29-003/

  • Texas Statutes Education Code 29.004. Full Individual and Initial Evaluation. 

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-f/chapter-29/subchapter-a/section-29-004/

Texas provides students with limited-English proficiency with a bilingual and special education program.

  • Texas Statutes Education Code 29.053. Establishment of Bilingual Education and Special Language Programs. 

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-f/chapter-29/subchapter-b/section-29-053/

  • Texas Statutes Education Code 29.051. State Policy.

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-f/chapter-29/subchapter-b/section-29-051/

  • Texas Statutes Education Code 29.055. Program Content; Method of Instruction.

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-f/chapter-29/subchapter-b/section-29-055/


Who does this protect? Students, Students with disabilities

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Texas Administrative Code 19 130.279. Family and Community Services (One Credit), Adopted 2015.

This is a course for grades 10-12. Students will be awarded one credit after completing the course by engaging in one of the three areas in this course;

  • Career and technical education
  • The Human Services Career Cluster
  • Family and Community Services

https://regulations.justia.com/states/new-jersey/title-6a/chapter-8/subchapter-5/section-6a-8-5-1/


Who does this protect? Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

Interpersonal Relationships

 

There is currently no policy surrounding Respect and Diversity in Texas. For more information on school climate, please visit us at Services – National School Climate Center

Texas Statutes Occupations Code 1701.262 Training for School District Peace Officers and School Resource Officers.

Training for peace and school resource officers includes child and adolescent development and psychology, mental health crisis intervention, positive behavioral interventions, de-escalation techniques, etc. 

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/occupations-code/title-10/chapter-1701/subchapter-f/section-1701-262/

Texas Statutes Education Code 38.351. Mental Health Promotion and Intervention, Substance Abuse Prevention and Intervention, and Suicide Prevention.

Training for school counselors, teachers, nurses, administrators, and other staff, as well as law enforcement officers and social workers who regularly interact with students, to recognize students at risk of suicide and students who are victims of bullying.

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-g/chapter-38/subchapter-g/section-38-351/

 Texas Statutes Education Code 21.451. Staff Development Requirements. Staff development must include training on;

  • Preventing, identifying, responding to, and reporting incidents of bullying.
  • How grief and trauma affect student learning and behavior and how evidence-based, grief-informed and trauma-informed strategies support the academic success of students affected by grief and trauma.
  • Strategies for establishing and maintaining positive relationships among students, including conflict resolution.

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-d/chapter-21/subchapter-j/section-21-451/

 Texas Statutes Education code 21.054 Continuing Education.

Continuing education requirements for a classroom teacher must provide that at least 25 percent of the training required every five years include instruction regarding educating diverse student populations. Some of these populations are students with developmental or intellectual disabilities, students with limited English proficiency, and students at the risk of dropping out.

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-d/chapter-21/subchapter-b/section-21-054/


Who does this protect? Staff, Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

Texas Administrative Code 19 129.1045 Best Practices.

School Districts at the beginning of each school year, will conduct a needs assessment and identify and list, or map, services and programs available within the school district and the community that a school, a student, or a student’s parent or guardian may access to address the student’s barriers to attendance and make the information available to staff, students, and parents.

https://regulations.justia.com/states/texas/title-19/part-2/chapter-129/subchapter-bb/section-129-1045/

 Texas Statutes Education Code 21.462 Resources Regarding Students with Mental Health Needs.

The agency, in coordination with the Health and Human Services Commission, shall establish and maintain an Internet website to provide resources for school district or open-enrollment charter school employees regarding working with students with mental health conditions or who engage in substance abuse.

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-d/chapter-21/subchapter-j/section-21-462/

 Texas Statutes Education Code 29.906 Character Traits Instruction.

When developing this program school districts will consult with parents, educators, and other members of the community. The program must stress positive character traits such as courage, respect, and integrity, and be age appropriate.

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-f/chapter-29/subchapter-z/section-29-906/

Texas Statutes Education Code 37.115. Threat Assessment and Safe and Supportive School Program and Team.

The agency, in coordination with the Texas School Safety Center, shall adopt rules to establish a safe and supportive school program. The rules shall incorporate research-based best practices for school safety, including providing for a systemic and coordinated multitiered support system that addresses school climate, the social and emotional domain, and behavioral and mental health.

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-g/chapter-37/subchapter-d/section-37-115/

Texas Statutes Education Code 28.002 Required Curriculum.

Each school district that offers kindergarten through grade 12 shall offer, as required curriculum health, with emphasis on mental health, including instruction about mental health conditions, substance abuse, skills to manage emotions, establishing and maintaining positive relationships, and responsible decision-making.

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-f/chapter-28/subchapter-a/section-28-002/

 Texas Statutes Education Code 37.0013 Positive Behavior Program.

Each school district and open-enrollment charter school may develop and implement a program, in consultation with campus behavior coordinators employed by the district or school and representatives of a regional education service center, that provides a disciplinary alternative for a student enrolled in a grade level below grade three. The program will involve restorative practices, trauma-informed practices, etc. 

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-g/chapter-37/subchapter-a/section-37-0013/

 Texas Statutes Education Code 38.254. Statewide Plan for Student Mental Health.

The agency shall develop a statewide plan to ensure all students have access to adequate mental health resources.

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-g/chapter-38/subchapter-f/section-38-254/

Texas Statutes Education Code 38.351. Mental Health Promotion and Intervention, Substance Abuse Prevention and Intervention, and Suicide Prevention.

The department, in coordination with the Texas Education Agency and regional education service centers, shall provide and annually update a list of recommended best practice-based programs and research-based practices in areas like suicide prevention and substance abuse, for implementation in public elementary, junior high, middle, and high schools within the general education setting.

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-g/chapter-38/subchapter-g/section-38-351/


Who does this protect? Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Institutional Environments

Texas Statutes Education Code 37.055. Parental Involvement.

On admitting a student to a school-community guidance center, a representative of the school district, the student, and the student’s parent shall develop an agreement that specifies the responsibilities of the parent and the student. For example, a parent will agree to attend specific conferences and meetings to know about their child’s progress.

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-g/chapter-37/subchapter-b/section-37-055/

Community education may include educational programs, including programs relating to cultural awareness, parenting skills education and parental involvement in school programs, and multilevel adult education and personal growth. The agency’s responsibility is to develop, implement, and regulate a comprehensive statewide program for community education services.

  • Texas Statutes Education Code 29.251 Definitions.

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-f/chapter-29/subchapter-h/section-29-251/

  • Texas Statutes Education Code 29.252 Agency Role in Community Education. 

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-f/chapter-29/subchapter-h/section-29-252/


Who does this protect? Students, Parents

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Texas schools need to develop plans for dealing with emergencies.

  • Texas Statutes Education Code 37.108 Multihazard Emergency Operations Plan; Safety and Security and Security Audit.

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-g/chapter-37/subchapter-d/section-37-108/

  • Texas Statutes Education Code 37.207. Model Safety and Security Audit Procedure.

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-g/chapter-37/subchapter-g/section-37-207/

  • Texas Administrative Code 25 297.5 Building Operation and Maintenance Guidelines.

https://regulations.justia.com/states/texas/title-25/part-1/chapter-297/subchapter-a/section-297-5/

Texas Statutes Education Code 37.109 School Safety and Security Committee.

Each school district will have a school safety and security committee that will participate on behalf of the district in developing and implementing emergency plans consistent with the district’s multi-hazard emergency operations plan and supporting the district in any way they can by making recommendations.

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-g/chapter-37/subchapter-d/section-37-109/

Texas Statutes Education Code 37.205 Safety Training Programs.

The Texas School Safety Center will conduct a school safety training program for each district. The program will include discussion of school safety issues with parents and community members, the development of a positive school environment, proactive safety measures designed to address local concerns, etc.

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-g/chapter-37/subchapter-g/section-37-205/

Texas Statutes Education Code 37.114. Emergency Evacuations; Mandatory School Drills.

The commissioner, in consultation with the Texas School Safety Center and the state fire marshal, will provide procedures for evacuating and securing school property during an emergency and the number of mandatory school drills conducted will not exceed eight drills.

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-g/chapter-37/subchapter-d/section-37-114/

Texas Statutes Education Code 37.081. School District Peace Officers, School Resource Officers, and Security Personnel.

The board of trustees of any school district may employ security personnel, enter into a memorandum of understanding with a local law enforcement agency for the provision of school resource officers, and commission peace officers. Only peace officers are allowed to carry weapons on school property, not school resource officers.

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-g/chapter-37/subchapter-c/section-37-081/


Who does this protect? Students, Staff

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

There is no current policy surrounding Social Inclusion in the state of Texas. For more information on school climate, please visit us at Services – National School

Social Media

Texas Statutes Education Code 28.002 Required Curriculum.

The State Board of Education by rule shall require each school district to incorporate instruction in digital citizenship into the district’s curriculum, including information regarding the potential criminal consequences of cyberbullying. This policy also provides a definition of digital citizenship.

https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2021/education-code/title-2/subtitle-f/chapter-28/subchapter-a/section-28-002/


Who does this protect? Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

There is currently no policy surrounding Leadership in Texas. For more information on school climate, please visit us at Services – National School

There is currently no policy surrounding Professional Relationships in Texas. For more information on school climate, please visit us at Services – National School

Sources include: nasbe.org and childtrends.org