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.