78R4248 KKA-F

By:  Madden                                                       H.B. No. 1172


A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to public school curriculum and textbooks. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 28.002(h), Education Code, is amended to read as follows: (h) The State Board of Education and each school district shall foster the continuation of the tradition of teaching United States and Texas history and the free enterprise system in regular subject matter and in reading courses and in the adoption of textbooks. A primary purpose of the public school curriculum is to prepare thoughtful, active citizens who understand the importance of patriotism and can function productively in a free enterprise society with appreciation for the basic democratic values of our state and national heritage. In meeting that primary purpose, the board and each school district shall ensure that: (1) the public school curriculum reflects the importance of patriotism and promotes an appreciation for our free enterprise system and basic democratic values; (2) each historical event addressed in the public school curriculum meets a reasonable test of historical significance, considering the limited amount of time available for instruction; (3) each controversial issue addressed in the public school curriculum is presented in a balanced manner that reflects multiple viewpoints regarding the issue; and (4) the public school curriculum reflects an overall tone that portrays the United States as a country that has overcome its mistakes and emerged as the freest, most democratic nation in the history of the world. SECTION 2. Section 31.023(a), Education Code, is amended to read as follows: (a) For each subject and grade level, the State Board of Education shall adopt two lists of textbooks. The conforming list includes each textbook submitted for the subject and grade level that meets applicable physical specifications adopted by the State Board of Education, [and] contains material covering each element of the essential knowledge and skills of the subject and grade level as determined by the State Board of Education under Section 28.002, is consistent with the requirements applicable to curriculum under Section 28.002(h), and is adopted under Section 31.024. The nonconforming list includes each textbook submitted for the subject and grade level that: (1) meets applicable physical specifications adopted by the State Board of Education; (2) contains material covering at least half, but not all, of the elements of the essential knowledge and skills of the subject and grade level; (3) is consistent with the requirements applicable to curriculum under Section 28.002(h); and (4) [(3)] is adopted under Section 31.024. SECTION 3. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b) of this section, this Act applies beginning with the 2003-2004 school year. (b) Section 31.023(a), Education Code, as amended by this Act, applies only to a textbook adopted by the State Board of Education on or after September 1, 2004. SECTION 4. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2003.