BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 1363
81R3304 KKA-D By: Shapiro
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Texas' required learning standards, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), lack content specificity. These broad learning standards lead school districts (districts) to design and/or purchase curriculum management systems in order to further clarify the state's learning standards and meet local needs.
This ambiguity results in inconsistent implementation of the learning standards across the state. In addition, districts do not receive assistance or information related to the multiple curriculum management systems used and developed throughout the state. Smaller and mid-sized districts are more limited in choice and options in regards to designing and/or purchasing curriculum management systems. These districts may not have the budget, staffing, or infrastructure to support internal development of a curriculum management system and curricula or funds to purchase externally developed systems and curricula.
As proposed, S.B. 1363 requires the Texas Education Agency (TEA), with participation of educators and cooperation of the State Board of Education, to clarify the TEKS. This bill also requires TEA to evaluate and develop a list of curriculum management systems that conform to the TEKS for use by districts.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 28.002, Education Code, by adding Subsection (c-1), as follows:
(c-1) Requires the Texas Education Agency (TEA), in cooperation with the State Board of Education (SBOE) and with the participation of educators, to develop written materials that provide additional specific guidance regarding the essential knowledge and skills identified in accordance with Subsection (c) (relating to SBOE identifying essential knowledge and skills of each subject of required curriculum). Requires that the materials include appropriate clarifiers such as exemplar activities and qualifying statements.
SECTION 2. Amends Subchapter A, Chapter 28, Education Code, by adding Section 28.016, as follows:
Sec. 28.016. CURRICULUM MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS. (a) Defines "curriculum management system."
(b) Requires TEA, as a resource for school districts, to evaluate curriculum management systems available in this state, including systems developed by school districts, regional education service centers, and regional education service center cooperatives and compile a list of curriculum management systems that conform to the essential knowledge and skills of the required curriculum identified under Section 28.002.
SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2009.