80R5772 KKA-D

By: Laubenberg H.B. No. 1603

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to assessment of public school students enrolled in English immersion programs.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 39.023, Education Code, is amended by adding Subsection (l-1) to read as follows:

(l-1) Subsection (l) does not apply to a student enrolled in an English language immersion program. A student enrolled in an English language immersion program must be assessed using assessment instruments in English under Subsection (a). A school district may apply to the commissioner for a waiver under which the performance of a student in an English language immersion program on an assessment instrument in English under Subsection (a) is excluded for not more than two consecutive years for purposes of determining the performance rating under Section 39.072 of the district or of the campus the student attends. The student's performance during the period covered by the waiver may be included in the assessment system developed under Section 39.027(e), but may not be included in the academic excellence indicator system under Section 39.051, the campus report card under Section 39.052, the performance report under Section 39.053, and the comprehensive annual report under Section 39.182.

SECTION 2. Section 39.027, Education Code, is amended by adding Subsection (a-1) to read as follows:

(a-1) The exemptions under Subsections (a)(3) and (4) do not apply to a student enrolled in an English language immersion program.

SECTION 3. This Act applies beginning with the 2007-2008 school year.

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, 2007.