81R11807 KKA-D

By: Olivo H.B. No. 4603

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the educational needs of students of limited English proficiency who are placed in disciplinary alternative education programs.

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

SECTION 1. Sections 37.008(a) and (a-1), Education Code, are amended to read as follows:

(a) Each school district shall provide a disciplinary alternative education program that:

(1) is provided in a setting other than a student's regular classroom;

(2) is located on or off of a regular school campus;

(3) provides for the students who are assigned to the disciplinary alternative education program to be separated from students who are not assigned to the program;

(4) focuses on English language arts, mathematics, science, history, and self-discipline;

(5) provides for students' educational and behavioral needs, including the educational needs of students of limited English proficiency, as defined by Section 29.052;

(6) provides supervision and counseling;

(7) employs only teachers who meet all certification requirements established under Subchapter B, Chapter 21; and

(8) provides not less than the minimum amount of instructional time per day required by Section 25.082(a).

(a-1) The agency shall adopt minimum standards for the operation of disciplinary alternative education programs, including standards relating to:

(1) student/teacher ratios;

(2) student health and safety;

(3) reporting of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of students;

(4) training for teachers in behavior management and safety procedures; [and]

(5) planning for a student's transition from a disciplinary alternative education program to a regular campus; and

(6) meeting the educational needs of students of limited English proficiency, as defined by Section 29.052.

SECTION 2. This Act applies beginning with the 2009-2010 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, 2009.