SRC-DPW S.B. 1455 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1455
76R9292 KKA-FBy: West
Education
4/12/1999
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, Texas law narrowly defines a "student at risk of dropping out of
school" by age rather than grade level for students in grade levels higher
than seventh grade.  The definition is used in determining portions of a
school district's funding.  This bill would expand the definition of a
"student at risk of dropping out of school," and set forth guidelines for
administration and funding of a compensatory and accelerated instruction
program in public schools. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1455 sets forth guidelines for administration and funding
of a compensatory and accelerated instruction program 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 Section 29.081, Education Code, by amending Subsection
(d) and adding Subsections (g) and (h), to redefine "student at risk of
dropping out of school."  Authorizes a student eligible to participate in a
district's special education program under Section 29.003 to receive
instructional services if such action is determined appropriate by the
student's admission, review, and dismissal committee.  Authorizes a student
who satisfies local eligibility criteria adopted by the board of trustees
of the school district to receive instructional services under this
section.  Prohibits the number of students receiving instructional services
from exceeding 10 percent of the number of students described by Subsection
(d) who received instructional services during the preceding school year,
or be identified as being at risk of dropping out of school, for the
purposes of Chapter 39 or Section 42.152(r). 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 39.051(b), Education Code, to require indicators
adopted under this section to be based on information that is disaggregated
with respect to certain characteristics or at-risk status under Section
29.081. 

SECTION 3. Amends Section 39.053(d), Education Code, to authorize a
performance report to include socioeconomic or at-risk status under Section
29.081, rather than economic status. 

SECTION 4. Amends Section 39.182(a), Education Code, to make a conforming
change. 

SECTION 5. Amends Sections 42.152(c) and (r), Education Code, to authorize
funds allocated under this section to be used only to meet the costs of
providing a compensatory education and accelerated instruction program
under Section 29.081 (accelerated program), an alternative education
program under Section 37.008, or a program receiving federal assistance
under Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. Section 6301 et seq.).  Authorizes a district's compensatory
education allotment to be used for the costs supplementary to the regular
education program in meeting the costs of providing an accelerated program.
Requires a home-rule school district or an open-enrollment charter school
to use funds allocated under Subsection (a) for a purpose authorized in
this subsection, rather than to provide compensatory education services.
Requires the commissioner of education (commissioner) to grant a one-year
exemption to a school district in which students identified as being at
risk of dropping out of school perform on certain assessment instruments at
levels rated to be academically acceptable.  Requires the commissioner to
determine and notify a school district of its exemption, based on the most
recent information available, not later than March  1 of each year.
Deletes text authorizing funds to be spent for certain purposes.  Deletes
provision regarding Subsection (q).  Makes a conforming change. 

SECTION 6. Provides that this Act applies beginning with the 1999 - 2000
school year. 

SECTION 7.Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.