SRC-TNM C.S.S.B. 139 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 139 By: Bivins Education 2-28-97 Committee Report (Substituted) DIGEST Currently, there is some concern about the quality of educational programs targeted to students placed in alternative education programs. Although students enrolled in alternative education or juvenile justice alternative education programs are not intended to meet the same curriculum requirements as for the regular school program, these students are entitled to a sufficient program of education. The goal of S.B. 139 is to provide students in the alternative education program and the juvenile education program with access to sufficient educational materials so that they have the opportunity to meet the requirements for graduation found in the Education Code. PURPOSE As proposed, C.S.S.B. 139 outlines provisions for curriculum requirements for alternative education programs and juvenile justice education programs. 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 37.008, Education Code, by adding Subsection (1), as follows: (1) Provides that a school district (district) is not required to provide in the district's alternative education program a course necessary to fulfill a student's high school graduation requirements other than a course specified by each school district's alternative education program. SECTION 2. Amends Section 37.009(e), Education Code, to require a student placed in an alternative education program under Sections 37.002 or 37.006 to be provided a review of the student's academic status, by the designee of the local board of trustees of the school board (board) at intervals not to exceed 120 days. Requires the board's designee, in the case of a high school student, with the student's parent or guardian, to review the student's progress towards meeting high school graduation requirements and to establish a specific graduation plan for the student. Provides that the district is not required to provide in the district's alternative education program a course not specified under Section 37.008(a). SECTION 3. Amends Section 37.011(d), Education Code, to require the juvenile board or the board's designee, with the parent or guardian of each student, to regularly review the student's academic progress. Requires the board or the board's designee, in the case of a high school student, with the student's parent or guardian, to review the student's progress towards meeting high school graduation requirements and to establish a specific graduation plan for the student. Provides that the program is not required to provide a course necessary to fulfill a student's high school graduation requirements other than a course specified by this subsection. SECTION 4. Provides that this Act applies beginning with the 1997-1998 school year. SECTION 5. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES Amends SECTION 1, Section 37.008, Education Code, by adding Subsection (1), regarding curriculum requirements for alternative education programs, and deleting proposed changes to Subsection (a). Amends SECTION 2, Section 37.009(e), Education Code, regarding curriculum requirements for alternative education programs, and deleting proposed changes to Section 37.011(d). Amends SECTION 3, Section 37.011(d), Education Code, regarding curriculum requirements for alternative education programs and juvenile justice alternative education programs. Makes conforming changes.