SRC-JJJ S.B. 576 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 576
By: Armbrister
Education
7/13/1999
Enrolled


DIGEST 

Currently, the Texas Education Agency and school districts report campus
and district-wide class averages which do not provide the public with an
accurate accounting of actual class size among grade levels, subject area
and programs.  The reporting of accurate class size ratios, between
students and employees, is important for making informed decisions about
education quality, facility issues, and student success.  S.B. 576 will
require school districts to include the actual number of students enrolled
per class by grade level, subject, or special program, and for information
to be included on the campus report card delivered to parents. 

PURPOSE

As enrolled, S.B. 576 requires a school district to report class size in
public schools. 

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 Sections 39.052(b) and (c), Education Code, to require
information regarding average class size by grade level and subject to be
included in a report card where applicable. Deletes reference to
student/teacher ratios.  Makes conforming a change. 

SECTION 2.  Provides that this Act applies beginning with the 1999-2000
school year. 

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.
            Effective date: upon passage.