LANGUAGE ACQUISITION

(a) In this section, "language acquisition" includes expressive and receptive language acquisition and literacy development in English, American Sign Language, or both, or, if applicable, in another language primarily used by a child's parent or guardian, and is separate from any modality used to communicate in the applicable language or languages. (b) Each school district shall ensure that the language acquisition of each child eight years of age or younger who is deaf or hard of hearing is regularly assessed using a tool or assessment approved by the commissioner. (c) On a schedule determined by the commissioner, each school district shall report to the commissioner through the Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) or another method set by commissioner rule the assessment data collected under Subsection (b). (d) The commissioner shall adopt rules establishing the assessment data required to be reported under Subsection (c). (e) The commissioner shall annually post on the agency's Internet website a report on the language acquisition of children eight years of age or younger who are deaf or hard of hearing using the assessment data reported under Subsection (c). (f) The commissioner shall use the assessment data reported under Subsection (c) in determining whether to award a grant under Section 29.018 or in seeking federal money available for projects aimed at improving outcomes for students with disabilities.