SRC-MWN S.B. 385 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 385 77R4951 CAS-DBy: Bivins Education 2/26/2001 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently, most Texas public schools require students to take the least rigorous high school curriculum for high school graduation, and provide them the opportunity to opt into a more rigorous curriculum. As proposed, S.B. 385 requires school districts to enroll students in the recommended high school or distinguished achievement programs unless the student, parent, school counselor, and administrator agree that the student is authorized to opt into the minimum plan. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 28.025, Education Code, to require a school district to ensure that each student enrolls in the courses necessary to complete the curriculum requirements identified by the State Board of Education under this section for the recommended or advanced high school program unless the student, the student's parent or other person standing in parental relation to the student, a school counselor, and a school administrator agree that the student should be permitted to take courses under the minimum high school program. Authorizes a student to graduate and receive a diploma only if the student successfully completes the curriculum requirements identified by the State Board of Education and complies with Section 39.025(a); or the student successfully completes an individualized education program developed under Section 29.005. Authorizes a school district to issue a certificate of course work completion to a student who successfully completes the curriculum requirements identified by the State Board of Education but who fails to comply with Section 39.025 (a), rather than performing satisfactorily on the assessment instruments specified by this section. Provides that Subsection (b) applies to students entering the ninth grade in the 2004-2005 school year and thereafter. Provides that Subsection (f) expires September 1, 2004. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2001.