LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD Austin, Texas FISCAL NOTE 74th Regular Session March 28, 1995 TO: Honorable Bill Ratliff, Chair IN RE: Senate Bill No. 944 Committee on Education By: Harris, Chris Senate Austin, Texas FROM: John Keel, Director In response to your request for a Fiscal Note on Senate Bill No. 944 (Relating to an exemption from certain testing and remedial coursework for a student with dyslexia or a related disorder who enters a public institution of higher education.) this office has determined the following: The bill would exempt students with dyslexia and related disorders from having to retake the Texas Academic Skills Program test after completing the remedial program prescribed by an institution of higher education. Data indicate that an average of 117 students per year diagnosed with dyslexia and related disorders take the test each year. Of those students, approximately 50 percent pass the test on the first attempt and are not required to take remedial courses. Approximately 35 percent of the students who attempt the test after required remediation pass on their subsequent attempt. Therefore, only 18 students per year would be effected by the bill. The small number of students effected by the bill represent some minor savings to the state, but not a significant amount. No significant fiscal implication to the State or units of local government is anticipated. Source: Higher Education Coordinating Board LBB Staff: JK, MK, DF