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.