BILL ANALYSIS



S.B. 944
By: Harris (Goolsby)
05-02-95
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

Under current law, a student entering into an institution of higher
learning who has not placed high enough on the ACT or SAT exams is
required to take the TASP exam.  The TASP exam is taken before the
student accumulates more than 9 hours.  If the student fails the
exam, they are subsequently placed into remedial courses to
strengthen their learning abilities before having to retake the
TASP.  Typically, a student does not retake the exam before they
reach 60 credit hours.  

After taking the test a second time, the student may still not pass
due to a learning disability, such as dyslexia.  However, by the
time they take the test a second time, they may have already
successfully completed half of their required college curriculum. 
Therefore, such students may not continue their college education
until they ultimately pass the TASP.


PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 944 would exempt a student diagnosed with
dyslexia from additional remedial coursework after taking the TASP
exam a second time.  


RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly
grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer,
department, agency, or institution.


SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Chapter 51 F, Education Code, Section 51.306 (q)
to read as follows: 

     Sec. 51.306.  TESTING AND REMEDIAL COURSEWORK.  (q)  Provides
that a student diagnosed as having dyslexia or a related disorder
and who completes the remedial program prescribed by the
institution may be required to retake the test once.   The student
may not be referred to any additional remedial courses or other
remedial programs or prevented from enrolling in an upper-division
course because of their performance on the test.

SECTION 2.  Amends Chapter 51 F, Education Code, Section 51.3061
(f) to read as follows: 

     Sec. 51.3061.  TESTING AND REMEDIAL COURSEWORK FOR DEAF
STUDENTS.  (f)  Provides that a student who has been diagnosed as
having dyslexia or a related disorder and who completes the
remedial program prescribed by the institution may be required to
retake the test once.  The student may not be referred to any
additional remedial courses or other remedial programs as a result
of the test.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.
           Effective date: upon passage.



SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

S.B. 944 was considered by the committee in a public hearing on May
2, 1995.  

The bill was reported favorably without amendment, with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed and be sent to the
Committee on Local and Consent Calendars, by a record vote of 5
ayes, 0 nays, 0 pnv, 4 absent.