BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center C.S.H.B. 4
79R18315 ESH-D By: Grusendorf (Shapiro)
Committee Report (Substituted)
AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Technology funding for school districts has remained near the same level for the last decade. C.S.H.B. 4 sets out criteria to increase technology access for Texas school children by promoting greater technology in schools. Students need to become technology literate in order to gain the necessary skills needed for the workforce of the 21st Century. Texas needs to regain its momentum in educational technology by dedicating funds for technology education. C.S.H.B. 4 offers a solution of creating better technology advancements and training for students in Texas schools.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the commissioner of education in SECTION 1 (Section 32.005, Education Code) of this bill.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 32.005, Education Code, by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (a-1), effective September 1, 2007, as follows:
(a) Entitles each school district or open-enrollment charter school to an allotment of $150, rather than $30, for each student in average daily attendance or a different amount for any year provided by appropriation.
(a-1) Requires a school district, from the funds the district receives under Subsection (a), to use an amount equal to $60 for each student in average daily attendance to fund targeted technology programs under Section 32.006. Requires a school district to use funds for targeted technology programs in a manner that allows each student and teacher assigned to a targeted campus, grade level on a campus, or specific educational program to benefit from a targeted technology program. Requires the commissioner of education to adopt rules concerning the use of funds under this subsection.
SECTION 2. Amends Subchapter A, Chapter 32, Education Code, by adding Sections 32.006, effective September 1, 2007, as follows:
Sec. 32.006. TARGETED TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS. (a) Requires each school district to use funds designated for targeted technology programs under Section 32.005(a-1) in accordance with this section and in a manner consistent with the long-range plan developed by the State Board of Education under Section 32.001 and the district's own technology plan. Authorizes a school district to use funds from other sources, including grants, donations, and state and federal funds, to provide targeted technology programs.
(b) Requires a targeted technology program to make certain provisions for each student and teacher at a targeted campus or grade level on a targeted campus.
(c) Sets forth certain requirements for the Legislative Budget Board (LBB).
(d) Requires the LBB and the commissioner to jointly conduct a performance evaluation of school district targeted technology programs.
SECTION 3. Amends Subchapter A, Chapter 32, Education Code, by adding Sections 32.007, effective September 1, 2007, as follows:
Sec. 32.007. AGREEMENT WITH PUBLIC BROADCASTING STATION. (a) Authorizes the commissioner to enter into an agreement with a public broadcasting station, or a consortium of public broadcasting stations, under which the station or consortium will provide online instructional content and educational materials.
(b) Authorizes the commissioner, from funds appropriated to TEA, under an agreement entered into under Subsection (a), to make instructional materials available through public broadcasting stations for purposes of instruction and professional development and for use in providing adult-based education.
(c) Requires an agreement entered into under Subsection (a), to the extent practicable, to provide access to instructional materials and online content to persons located in all parts of this state.
(d) Authorizes the commissioner to use certain funds for purposes of providing high-quality online instructional materials under this section.
SECTION 4. Amends the heading to Section 32.154, Education Code, as added by Chapter 834, Acts of the 78th Legislature, Regular Session, 2003, to read as follows:
Sec. 32.154. SCHOOL SELECTION.
SECTION 5. Amends Section 32.154, Education Code, as added by Chapter 834, Acts of the 78th Legislature, Regular Session, 2003, by amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsection (a-1) as follows:
(a-1) Requires the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to select certain schools for participation in the pilot project for the 2005-2006 school years, in addition to school districts and school selected before September 1, 2005, for participation in the technology immersion pilot project.
(b) Requires TEA to select participating schools, rather than districts and schools for the pilot project based on each school's need for the project. Makes conforming changes.
SECTION 6. Repealer: Sections 32.154(a) and (c), Education Code.
SECTION 7. Makes application of this Act prospective to the 2005-2006 school year, except that application of Section 32.006, Education Code, as added by this Act is prospective to the 2007-2008 school year.
SECTION 7. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2005, except as provided by this Act.