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.