BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center                                                                                                     H.B. 2263

81R9403 KKA-D                                                                             By: Eissler, Gutierrez (Shapiro)

                                                                                                                                            Education

                                                                                                                                              5/5/2009

                                                                                                                                           Engrossed

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

The importance of ensuring that all Texas students are prepared for postsecondary education or employment is receiving focused attention. To attain the goal of graduating more students from Texas school systems who are prepared to achieve postsecondary success, the preparatory work cannot begin at the high school level. Middle and junior high schools must be part of the ongoing effort to effectively prevent dropouts and promote high school completion and postsecondary readiness.

 

This bill authorizes the commissioner of education to expend high school innovation grants on middle and junior high schools to implement programs designed to prevent dropouts and promote postsecondary readiness.

 

H.B. 2263 extends eligibility for grants currently administered under Section 39.115, Education Code, to middle schools and junior high schools.

 

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 the heading to Section 39.115, Education Code, to read as follows:

 

Sec. 39.115. INNOVATION GRANT INITIATIVE FOR MIDDLE, JUNIOR HIGH, AND HIGH SCHOOL CAMPUSES.   

 

SECTION 2.  Amends Sections 39.115(a), (b), and (d), Education Code, as follows:

 

(a) Authorizes the commissioner of education (commissioner), from funds appropriated for that purpose, to establish a grant program under which grants are awarded to middle, junior high, and high school, rather than secondary, campuses and school districts to support the implementation of innovative improvement programs, rather than innovative high school improvement programs, that are based on the best available research regarding middle, junior high, or high school reform, dropout prevention, and preparing students for postsecondary coursework or employment; certain education practices; and the alignment of certain grants and programs.    

 

 (b)  Authorizes the commissioner, before awarding a grant under this section, to require a campus or school district to obtain local matching funds; or meet other conditions, including developing a personal graduation plan under Section 28.0212 (Personal Graduation Plan) for each student enrolled at the campus or in a district middle, junior high, or high school.

 

(d)  Makes a conforming and nonsubstantive change.

 

SECTION 3.  Effective date: September 1, 2009.