S.B. No. 815




AN ACT

relating to the development of essential knowledge and skills for 
subjects in the enrichment curriculum.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 28.002, Education Code, is amended by 
amending Subsection (c) and adding Subsection (c-1) to read as 
follows:
	(c)  The State Board of Education, with the direct 
participation of educators, parents, business and industry 
representatives, and employers shall by rule identify the essential 
knowledge and skills of each subject of the required [foundation] 
curriculum that all students should be able to demonstrate and that 
will be used in evaluating textbooks under Chapter 31 and addressed 
on the assessment instruments required under Subchapter B, Chapter 
39.  As a condition of accreditation, the board shall require each 
district to provide instruction in the essential knowledge and 
skills at appropriate grade levels.
	(c-1)  A district may apply to the commissioner for an 
extension in complying with the rules adopted by the State Board of 
Education under Subsection (c), as amended by Senate Bill No. 815, 
Acts of the 78th Legislature, Regular Session, 2003.  The 
commissioner may adopt rules as necessary for the implementation of 
this subsection.  This subsection expires September 1, 2005.
	SECTION 2.  Subsection (d), Section 28.002, Education Code, 
is repealed.     
	SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.                           





______________________________    ______________________________
President of the Senate             Speaker of the House
	I hereby certify that S.B. No. 815 passed the Senate on 
May 15, 2003, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.




______________________________ 
   Secretary of the Senate             
	I hereby certify that S.B. No. 815 passed the House on 
May 28, 2003, by a non-record vote.




______________________________ 
   Chief Clerk of the House            



Approved:


______________________________ 
            Date



______________________________ 
          Governor