SRC-AMY H.B. 2908 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 2908 By: Eissler (Van de Putte) Education 5/22/2003 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE In 1995, the required curriculum, which defines what subjects all school districts must offer, was separated into the foundation and enrichment curriculums. Foundation subjects are mathematics, science, English language arts, and social studies, and enrichment subjects are languages other than English, fine arts, economics, technology applications, health and physical education, and career and technology education. As a condition of accreditation, school districts must utilize the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) in delivering instruction in the foundation subjects. In the enrichment curriculum TEKS are guidelines not requirements. H.B. 2908 requires TEKS to be used as the basis for all of the required curriculum. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the commissioner of education in SECTION 1 (Section 28.002, Education Code), of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 28.002, Education Code, by amending Subsection (c) and adding Subsection (c-1), as follows: (c) Requires the State Board of Education (SBOE), with the direct participation of educators, parents, business and industry representatives, and employers, by rule, to identify the essential knowledge and skills of each subject of the required, rather than foundation, curriculum that all students should be able to demonstrate and that will be used in evaluating textbooks under Chapter 31 (Textbooks) and addressed on the assessment instruments required under Subchapter B(Assessment of Academic Skills), Chapter 39 (Public School System Accountability). (c-1) Authorizes a district to apply to the commissioner of education (commissioner) for an extension in complying with the rules adopted by SBOE under Subsection (c), as amended by H.B. No. 2908, Acts of the 78th Legislature, Regular Session, 2003. Authorizes the commissioner to adopt rules as necessary for the implementation of this subsection. Provides that this subsection expires September 1, 2005. SECTION 2. Repealer: Section 28.002(d) (relating to essential skills and knowledge and the enrichment curriculum), Education Code. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2003.