SRC-JJJ S.B. 1261 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 1261
By: Bivins
Higher Education
7/26/1999
Enrolled


DIGEST 

Last session the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) was
directed to develop a common core and field of study curricula through
advisory boards made up of at least a majority of faculty members.  While
the common core curriculum has been developed, there has been little
progress in developing the field of study curriculum.  S.B. 1261 will
establish provisions regarding the appointment of faculty members to
certain curriculum advisory committees of THECB and to the development of a
field of study curricula by THECB. 

PURPOSE

As enrolled, S.B. 1261 establishes provisions regarding the appointment of
faculty members to certain curriculum advisory committees of the Texas
Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) and to the development of field
of study curricula by THECB. 

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 61.821, Education Code, by adding Subdivision
(3), to define "faculty member." 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 61.822(a), Education Code, to require an
institution to consult with the faculty of the institution before
nominating or recommending a person to Texas Higher Education Coordinating
Board (THECB) as the institution's representative on an advisory committee. 

SECTION 3.  Amends Section 61.823(a), Education Code, to make conforming
changes. 

SECTION 4.  Requires THECB to conduct a study to examine the need for and
feasibility of developing a field of study curriculum in various fields of
study common to institutions of higher education.  Requires THECB to report
the results to certain individuals, not later than September 1, 2000.   

SECTION 5.  Provides that each advisory committee established by THECB must
include a majority of faculty members, not later than January 1, 2000.   

SECTION 6.  Emergency clause.
            Effective date: upon passage.