80R6341 CAE-D

By: Eissler H.B. No. 2504

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to an intensive mathematics and algebra intervention program in public schools.

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

SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 29, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 29.095 to read as follows:

Sec. 29.095. INTENSIVE MATHEMATICS AND ALGEBRA INTERVENTION PROGRAM. (a) In this section, "intervention program" means the intensive mathematics and algebra intervention program.

(b) The commissioner by rule shall establish an intervention program in which a participating campus provides:

(1) intensive mathematics intervention for students who are not performing at grade level in mathematics in grades four through seven; and

(2) algebra readiness intervention for students who are not performing at grade level in mathematics in grade eight.

(c) An intervention program implemented by a campus must:

(1) use current technology to diagnose student deficiencies; and

(2) allow a student to progress in a manner that is appropriate for the student.

(d) Beginning in grade three, a participating campus shall identify a student who does not perform at grade level on an assessment instrument administered under Section 39.023(a)(1), or an equivalent assessment instrument administered under Section 39.023(l), as a student eligible for participation in the intervention program. A campus shall use entry-level screening and diagnostic assessments approved by the agency to determine appropriate student placement and level of instruction. During a student's placement in the intervention program, a campus shall use progress monitoring assessments to ensure that a student is making appropriate progress in the program.

(e) The commissioner shall adopt minimum criteria that a program must meet to be selected by a campus for use in providing intensive mathematics and algebra readiness instruction. The criteria must:

(1) be based on mathematics performance standards required for student promotion under Section 28.0211;

(2) include diagnostic and progress monitoring assessment tools;

(3) be based on scientifically validated methods;

(4) be organized around the essential knowledge and skills curriculum for mathematics for the applicable grade level; and

(5) include the use of technology to promote implementation of individualized instructional plans.

(f) A participating campus shall submit a summary of the proposed intervention program to the commissioner for approval. A selected intervention program must have been proven to:

(1) accelerate learning;

(2) improve cognitive ability; and

(3) increase mathematics proficiency.

(g) A campus participating in the intervention program shall assess each participating student before the student enters and after the student transfers out of the program to measure the student's progress.

(h) The commissioner shall adopt rules necessary to implement this section.

(i) Not later than December 31, 2008, the agency, in consultation with each participating school district, shall provide the legislature with a report describing student progress under the assessment instruments administered under Section 39.023(a)(1), or the equivalent assessment instruments administered under Section 39.023(l), to students participating in the intervention program. This subsection expires June 1, 2009.

SECTION 2. This Act applies beginning with the 2007-2008 school year.

SECTION 3. 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.