Texas § ED.21.256 - CONDUCT OF HEARING
Full text of Texas The Texas Constitution § ED.21.256 — CONDUCT OF HEARING, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ ED.21.256. CONDUCT OF HEARING
CONDUCT OF HEARING. (a) A hearing under this subchapter must be private unless the teacher requests in writing that the hearing be public, except that a hearing examiner may close a hearing if necessary to maintain decorum. (b) The hearing is not subject to Chapter 2001 , Government Code. (c) At the hearing, a teacher has the right to: (1) be represented by a representative of the teacher's choice; (2) hear the evidence on which the charges are based; (3) cross-examine each adverse witness; and (4) present evidence. (d) The Texas Rules of Evidence apply at the hearing. A certified shorthand reporter shall record the hearing. (e) The hearing shall be conducted in the same manner as a trial without a jury in a district court of this state. The hearing examiner's findings of fact and conclusions of law shall be presumed to be based only on admissible evidence. (f) To protect the privacy of a witness who is a child, the hearing examiner may: (1) close the hearing to receive the testimony of the witness; or (2) order that the testimony or a statement of the witness be presented using the procedures prescribed by Article 38.071 , Code of Criminal Procedure. (g) An evaluation or appraisal of the teacher is presumed to be admissible at the hearing. (h) At the hearing, the school district has the burden of proof by a preponderance of the evidence. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995. Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 728 (H.B. 2018 ), Sec. 5.003, eff. September 1, 2005.
Source: official Texas text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas § ED.21.256
What does The Texas Constitution § ED.21.256 cover?
Section ED.21.256 ("CONDUCT OF HEARING") is part of the The Texas Constitution, the codified statutory law of Texas. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Texas § ED.21.256?
A common citation format is "The Texas Constitution § ED.21.256" (Texas). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Texas law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Texas official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Texas attorney.
How does Texas § ED.21.256 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Texas can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Texas.