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Model Policies and Guidance for Texas School Systems

Texas school districts and charter schools have the flexibility to create local policies that reflect the values and goals of their communities. Occasionally, the ˿Ƶ (TEA) is asked to provide model policies or guidance to support local decision-making. This page offers resources to help school systems develop or refine policies in key areas.

Prohibition of Student Use of Personal Communication Devices

New Requirement from the 89th Texas Legislature (HB 1481)

House Bill 1481 requires school boards and charter governing boards to adopt policies that prohibit student use of personal communication devices, such as cell phones, while on school property during the school day. To support implementation, TEA is sharing a guidance document that includes model policy language and links to policy examples developed by school districts of various sizes. These resources are intended to help local leaders develop policies that meet the law’s requirements while reflecting their community’s needs.

School Library Content Standards

Statewide Guidance

In 2021, Governor Greg Abbott TEA, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC), and the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) to develop standards to ensure students are not exposed to inappropriate content in school libraries.

Below are the resulting resources and correspondence.

Chaplains in Public Schools

Guidance on SB 763 (88th Texas Legislature)

Senate Bill 763 allows school districts and charter schools to employ or accept volunteer chaplains to support students. TEA created an FAQ to help school systems understand and implement this law.

Digital Devices in Schools

Health and Safety Guidelines from HB 3489 (87th Texas Legislature)

House Bill 3489 directed TEA and the Health and Human Services Commission to develop best practices for integrating digital devices in schools. The documents below are designed to be information resources for districts.

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