Sec. 29.187. AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT IN CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION; PROGRAM

(a) In addition to the authority granted under Section 29.183, the board of trustees of a school district may develop and offer a program that provides a rigorous course of study consistent with the required curriculum under Section 28.002 and under which a student may:

(1) receive specific education in a career and technology profession that:

(A) leads to postsecondary education; or

(B) meets or exceeds business or industry standards; and

(2) obtain from the district an award for distinguished achievement in career and technology education and a stamp or other notation on the student's transcript that indicates receipt of the award.

(b) An award granted under this section is not in lieu of a diploma or certificate of coursework completion issued under Section 28.025.

(c) In developing a program under this section, the board of trustees of a school district shall consider the state plan for career and technology education required under Section 29.182.

(d) The board of trustees of a school district may contract with an entity listed in Section 29.184(a) for assistance in developing the program or providing instruction to district students participating in the program.

(e) The board of trustees of a school district may also contract with a local business or a local institution of higher education for assistance in developing or operating a program under this section. A program may provide education in areas of technology unique to the local area.

(f) The board of trustees of a school district may provide insurance to protect a business that contracts with the district under Subsection (e) against liability for a bodily injury sustained by or the death of a district student while working for the business as part of a program established under this section. The board shall notify the parent or guardian of each student working for a business if the board provides insurance to the business under this subsection. The amount of insurance the district provides must be reasonable considering the financial condition of the district. The insurance must be:

(1) obtained from a reliable insurer authorized to engage in business in the state; and

(2) submitted on a form approved by the commissioner of insurance.

(g) If a business that contracts with a district under Subsection (e) obtains any insurance related to the student other than liability insurance, any proceeds of the insurance must be used for the benefit of the student and the student's family.

(h) The board of trustees of a school district must submit a proposed program under this section to the commissioner of education in accordance with criteria established by the commissioner.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 61, Sec. 3, eff. May 16, 2003.