HBA-TYH H.B. 370 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 370 By: Luna, Vilma Public Education 4/21/1999 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Currently, a student can be promoted to the next academic level only on the basis of academic achievement or demonstrated proficiency. However, these terms are not presently defined. State law does establish a passing standard of 70 on a scale of 100 for "no-pass no-play" eligibility for extracurricular activity, for identifying students in need of tutorial services, for determining whether a student is considered to be at risk of dropping out of school, and for determining whether a student is passing a course required for high-school graduation. H.B. 370 would create a statewide passing standard of 70 percent for courses at all grade levels. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that rulemaking authority is expressly delegated to the commissioner of education in SECTION 1 (Section 28.021, Education Code) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 28.021, Education Code, to provide that a student must achieve a grade equal to or greater than the equivalent of 70 on a scale of 100 in a course to demonstrate academic achievement or proficiency for purposes of this section, except as provided by Subsection (c), relating to dyslexic students. Authorizes the commissioner of education to adopt rules necessary to implement this section. SECTION 2. Provides that this Act is applicable beginning with the 1999-2000 school year. SECTION 3. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.