SRC-TNM H.B. 1640 75(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterH.B. 1640
By: Raymond (Ellis)
Education
5-10-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, adult education programs are the responsibility of the Texas
Education Agency (TEA). However, there is concern that some of the adult
education programs may be transferred to the Texas Workforce Commission.
This bill allows adult education programs to remain under the authority of
TEA. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 1640 allows adult education programs to remain under the
authority of the Texas Education Agency, rather than transferring the
programs to the Texas Workforce Commission. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 29.252, Education Code, as follows:

Sec. 29.252. STATE ROLE IN ADULT AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION.  Sets forth the
requirements of the Texas Education Agency (TEA), to include developing
and administering a standardized assessment mechanism for assessing all
adult education program participants who need literacy instruction, adult
basic education, or secondary education leading to an adult high school
diploma or the equivalent.  Requires the assessment mechanism prescribed
under Subsection (a)(8) to include an initial basic skills screening
instrument and to provide comprehensive information concerning baseline
student skills before and student progress after participation in an adult
education program. 

SECTION 2.  Sets forth completion dates regarding certain matters for the
TEA. 

SECTION 3. Requires TEA to develop a comprehensive management information
system to measure the progress of and results achieved by adult education
programs by September 1, 1998. 

SECTION 4. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.