(a) Program purpose. In accordance with the Texas Education Code (TEC), §29.915, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) shall establish and implement a financial literacy pilot program to provide students in participating school districts with the knowledge and skills necessary as self-supporting adults to make critical decisions relating to personal financial matters. (b) Application. School districts must submit a letter of interest to the TEA division responsible for curriculum, including a commitment to use the curriculum designated by the pilot and to participate in any training required by the pilot. No more than 100 school districts will be selected to participate in the program. If more than 100 letters of interest are received, districts will be selected to reflect the following criteria: (1) balance between large and small districts; (2) representation of the various geographic regions of the state; and (3) representation of the overall demographics of the state. (c) Notification. The TEA will notify each applicant in writing of the selection or non-selection for participation. (d) Implementation. Districts shall participate in training and use materials identified in accordance with the TEC, §29.915(c). (e) Evaluation. Each participating district shall report information on implementation of the program to the TEA in accordance with requirements specified by the commissioner of education. (f) Funding. Implementation of the pilot is contingent upon sufficient funding in accordance with the TEC, §29.915(e). |