H.B. 2908 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 2908 By: Eissler Public Education Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND 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 while 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, however, the TEKS are only guidelines to be followed. The purpose of House Bill 2908 is to mandate that the TEKS must be used as the basis for writing curriculum and delivering instruction in all subjects of the required curriculum, not just the foundation subjects of mathematics, science, English language arts and social studies. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS House Bill 2908 amends Section 28.002 (c), Education Code, by replacing the term "foundation" with the term "required" to describe the curriculum that all students should be able to demonstrate regarding the essential knowledge and skills. The bill repeals Section 28.002 (d), Education Code, relating to the State Board of Education (board) identifying the essential knowledge and skills of each subject of the enrichment curriculum and that each district use the essential knowledge and skills identified by the board as guidelines. EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2003.