BILL ANALYSIS
By: Dutton
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Currently, off-campus disciplinary alternative education programs (DAEPs) are not subject to most of the requirements of Title 2 of the Education Code. However, DEAPs account for tens of thousands of Texas students.
Students who are assigned to DAEPs are not only faced with a lack of resources, in terms of instructional materials, certified teachers, and over-crowded classrooms, but DAEPs are only required to provide students with two hours of daily instruction compared to a seven-hour school day once received at their home school.
Moreover, many students assigned to these DAEPs come into the program two to three grade levels behind, and oftentimes demonstrate a variety of behavioral issues.
There is no compelling reason why these DEAPs should be subject to different requirements simply because they are located off-campus. This bill would make an off-campus DEAP subject to all requirements imposed by Title 2, Education Code, which should increase the quality of education that these students desperately need if they are to overcome their problems.
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
The bill amends Section 37.008(c) of the Education Code to provide that an off-campus disciplinary alternative education program, including a disciplinary alternative education program located at a school-community guidance center or a community based alternative school, is subject to all requirements imposed by Title 2 of the Education Code.
The bill provides that the above provision applies beginning with the 2007-2008 school year.
EFFECTIVE DATE
Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2007.