SRC-JRN S.B. 1189 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1189
By: Armbrister
Education
3-25-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and school districts are
required to report districtwide class size averages.  This may not provide
the public with an accurate accounting of class size averages among grade
levels and programs.  This bill requires TEA and school districts to
report the average number of students enrolled in each class by grade
level, subject, and special programs, rather than student/teacher ratios. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1189 requires the Texas Education Agency and school
districts to report the average number of students enrolled in each class
by grade level, subject, and special programs, rather than student/teacher
ratios. 

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 25.112, Education Code, by adding Subsection
(e), to require each school district to report to the Texas Education
Agency the actual number of students enrolled in each class by grade
level, subject, and special program. 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 39.052(b), Education Code, to set forth the
requirements of a report card, among which includes information relating
to actual class sizes by grade level, subject, and special programs,
rather than student/teacher ratios. 

SECTION 3. Provides that this Act applies beginning with the 1997-1998
school year. 

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