HOUSE BILL 242 |
HOUSE AUTHOR: Seaman et al. |
EFFECTIVE: See below |
SENATE SPONSOR: Van de Putte |
House Bill 242 amends the Education Code to allow the State Board of Education to develop and implement a plan to incorporate foundation curriculum requirements into the career and technology curriculum. The bill also allows a school district board of trustees to develop and offer a career and technology education program that provides a rigorous course of study consistent with the state's required curriculum and that allows a student to (1) receive specific education in a career and technology profession that either leads to higher education or meets or exceeds business and industry standards and (2) obtain a district award for distinguished achievement in career and technology education and a notation on the student's transcript indicating receipt of the award.
The bill allows the board of trustees of a school district to contract with another school district, a public or private college or university, or a state-regulated technical or trade school for aid in developing the program or providing instruction to students in the program. The board also may contract with a local business for similar aid and, under certain conditions, may insure the business against liability for the injury or death of a student in the program.
The bill allows property-wealthy districts to reduce their per-pupil property wealth to the equalized wealth level by contracting with one or more other districts to serve students in the other district or districts through a designated area program if the commissioner of education certifies that the agreement meets certain conditions relating to the affected districts' per-pupil property wealth. Such agreements to reduce a district's property wealth do not require voter approval.
The bill takes effect September 1, 2003, except that Sections 1 and 3 take effect May 16, 2003, and apply beginning with the 2003-2004 school year.