SRC-MKV S.B. 518 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 518
By: Lucio
Education
7/5/2001
Enrolled


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

The Texas Education Code details the primary responsibilities of public
school counselors and outlines the developmental guidance and counseling
programs that they are responsible for designing.  However, these statutes
only apply to counselors working in schools that receive funding from the
Comprehensive Elementary Grant Program.  S.B. 518 extends Sections
33.003-33.006, Education Code, to apply to all school counselors certified
under the rules of the State Board of Educator Certification, whether or
not they work in schools that receive the allotment for elementary school
programs.   

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 33.001, Education Code, to add language
providing that Sections 33.003-33.006 apply to all school districts.  

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 33.005, Education Code, to require a school
counselor to work with the school faculty and staff, students, parents, and
the community to plan, implement, and evaluate a developmental guidance and
counseling program.  Requires the counselor to design the program to
include a guidance curriculum to help students develop their full
educational potential, including the student's interests and career
objectives.  Deletes reference to a person employed as required by Section
33.002. 

SECTION 3. Amends Section 33.006(b), Education Code, to add language to
require the counselor to participate in planning, implementing, and
evaluating a comprehensive developmental guidance program to serve all
students and to address the special needs of students who are gifted and
talented, with emphasis on identifying and serving gifted and talented
students who are educationally disadvantaged. 

SECTION 4.  Provides that this Act applies beginning with the 2001-2002
school year. 

SECTION 5.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.