BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 403
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Current law provides no uniform guidelines for schools regarding the placement of multiple birth siblings. This can create confusion and frustration from year to year as the children change grades or schools.
As proposed, S.B. 403 authorizes multiple birth siblings to be placed in either the same or separate classrooms upon request of the parent. It also authorizes the principal to request that the school district board of trustees determine the appropriate classroom placement of the siblings at the end of the first grading period if the principal and the assigned teacher determine that their current placement is disruptive.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter B, Chapter 25, Education Code, by adding Section 25.043, as follows:
Sec. 25.043. CLASSROOM PLACEMENT OF MULTIPLE BIRTH SIBLINGS. (a) Defines "multiple birth sibling" and "parent."
(b) Authorizes a parent of multiple birth siblings (siblings) assigned to the same grade level and school to request placement of the siblings to the same or separate classrooms.
(c) Provides the deadlines by which a parent is to make such a request.
(d) Requires the school to comply with the parent's request unless the school district board of trustees (board) determines under Subsection (e) that an alternative classroom placement is appropriate for the siblings.
(e) Authorizes the principal to request that the board determine the appropriate classroom placement of the siblings if, after the first grading period, the principal in consultation with the siblings' teachers determines that the requested placement is disruptive to the school.
(f) Authorizes the school to recommend to a parent the appropriate classroom placement for the siblings and to provide professional educational advice to assist the parent with the placement decision.
SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective to the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year.
SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2007.