83R6848 EAH-D

By: Lavender H.B. No. 3417

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to high school curriculum and assessment requirements for public school students.

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

SECTION 1. Section 7.062(e), Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

(e) The rules must:

(1) limit the amount of assistance provided through a grant to not more than:

(A) for a construction project, $200 per square foot of the science laboratory to be constructed; or

(B) for a renovation project, $100 per square foot of the science laboratory to be renovated;

(2) require a school district to demonstrate, as a condition of eligibility for a grant, that the existing district science laboratories are insufficient in number to comply with the curriculum requirements imposed for the foundation [recommended and advanced] high school program [programs] under Section 28.025 [28.025(b-1)(1)]; and

(3) provide for ranking school districts that apply for grants on the basis of wealth per student and giving priority in the award of grants to districts with low wealth per student.

SECTION 2. Section 28.014(b), Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

(b) A student who successfully completes a course developed under this section may use the credit earned in the course toward satisfying the applicable mathematics or science curriculum requirement for the foundation [recommended or advanced] high school program under Section 28.025.

SECTION 3. (a) Sections 28.014(a) and (f), Education Code, are amended to read as follows:

(a) The commissioner of education and the commissioner of higher education shall develop and recommend to the State Board of Education for adoption under Section 28.002 the essential knowledge and skills of courses in college preparatory mathematics, science, social studies, and English language arts. The courses must be designed:

(1) for students at the 12th grade level who do not meet college readiness standards on an [end-of-course] assessment instrument required under Section 39.023(c); and

(2) to prepare students for success in entry-level college courses.

(f) To the extent applicable, the commissioner shall draw from curricula and instructional materials developed under Section [Sections] 28.008 [and 61.0763] in developing a course and related instructional materials under this section. Not later than September 1, 2010, the State Board of Education shall adopt essential knowledge and skills for each course developed under this section. The State Board of Education shall make each course developed under this section and the related instructional materials available to school districts not later than the 2014-2015 school year. [As required by Subsection (c), a school district shall adopt a policy requiring a student's performance on an end-of-course assessment instrument administered under that subsection to account for 15 percent of the student's grade for a course developed under this section not later than the 2014-2015 school year.] This subsection expires September 1, 2015.

(b) This section applies beginning with the 2013-2014 school year.

SECTION 4. Section 28.025, Education Code, is amended by amending Subsections (a), (b), (b-1), (b-2), (b-3), (b-4), (b-5), (b-7), (b-9), (b-10), (b-11), and (e) and adding Subsections (b-13), (c-1), (c-3), (e-1), (h), and (h-1) to read as follows:

(a) The State Board of Education by rule shall determine curriculum requirements for the foundation [minimum, recommended, and advanced] high school program [programs] that are consistent with the required curriculum under Section 28.002. The [Subject to Subsection (b-1), the] State Board of Education shall designate the specific courses in the foundation curriculum as required under [for a student participating in] the foundation [minimum, recommended, or advanced] high school program. Except as provided by Subsection (b-1), the State Board of Education may not designate a specific course or a specific number of credits in the enrichment curriculum as requirements for the [recommended] program.

(b) A school district shall ensure that each student enrolls in the courses necessary to complete the curriculum requirements identified by the State Board of Education under Subsection (a) for the foundation [recommended or advanced] high school program [unless the student, the student's parent or other person standing in parental relation to the student, and a school counselor or school administrator agree in writing signed by each party that the student should be permitted to take courses under the minimum high school program and the student:

[(1) is at least 16 years of age;

[(2) has completed two credits required for graduation in each subject of the foundation curriculum under Section 28.002(a)(1); or

[(3) has failed to be promoted to the tenth grade one or more times as determined by the school district].

(b-1) The State Board of Education by rule shall require that [:

[(1) except as provided by Subsection (b-2),] the curriculum requirements for the foundation [recommended and advanced] high school program [programs] under Subsection (a) include a requirement that students successfully complete:

(1) [(A)] four credits in English language arts [each subject of the foundation curriculum] under Section 28.002(a)(1)(A), including one credit in English I, one credit in English II, one credit in English III, and one credit in English IV or an advanced English course authorized under Subsection (b-2);

(2) three credits in mathematics under Section 28.002(a)(1)(B), including one credit in Algebra I, one credit in geometry, and one credit in Algebra II or an advanced mathematics course authorized under Subsection (b-2);

(3) two credits in science under Section 28.002(a)(1)(C), including one credit in biology and one credit in integrated physics and chemistry or an advanced science course authorized under Subsection (b-2);

(4) three credits in social studies under Section 28.002(a)(1)(D) [28.002(a)(1)], including one credit in world history, world geography, or an advanced social studies course authorized under Subsection (b-2), one credit in United States history, and at least one-half credit in government and at least one-half credit in economics [to meet the social studies requirement];

(5) [(B) for the recommended high school program,] two credits in the same language in a language other than English under Section 28.002(a)(2)(A) [and, for the advanced high school program, three credits in the same language in a language other than English under Section 28.002(a)(2)(A)]; [and]

(6) 10 [(C) for the recommended high school program, six] elective credits [and, for the advanced high school program, five elective credits];

(7) [(2) one or more credits offered in the required curriculum for the recommended and advanced high school programs include a research writing component; and

[(3) the curriculum requirements for the minimum, recommended, and advanced high school programs under Subsection (a) include a requirement that students successfully complete:

[(A)] one credit in fine arts under Section 28.002(a)(2)(D); and

(8) [(B)] except as provided by Subsection (b-11), one credit in physical education under Section 28.002(a)(2)(C).

(b-2) In adopting rules under Subsection (b-1), the State Board of Education shall provide for [allow] a student to comply with the curriculum requirements for an advanced English course under Subsection (b-1)(1) taken after successful completion of English I, English II, and English III, for an advanced [a] mathematics course under Subsection (b-1)(2) [(b-1)(1)] taken after the successful completion of Algebra I and geometry, for an advanced [and either after the successful completion of or concurrently with Algebra II or a] science course under Subsection (b-1)(3) [(b-1)(1)] taken after the successful completion of biology, and for an advanced social studies course under Subsection (b-1)(4) [and chemistry and either after the successful completion of or concurrently with physics] by successfully completing a course in the appropriate content area that has been approved as an advanced course by board rule [career and technical course designated by the State Board of Education as containing substantively similar and rigorous academic content. A student may use the option provided by this subsection for not more than two courses].

(b-3) In adopting rules for purposes of Subsection (b-2) [to provide students with the option described by Subsection (b-1)(1)(A)], the State Board of Education must approve a variety of advanced English, mathematics, [and] science, and social studies courses that may be taken [after the completion of Algebra II and physics] to comply with the foundation high school [recommended] program requirements.

(b-4) A school district may offer the curriculum described in Subsections (b-1)(1) through (4) [Subsection (b-1)(1)(A)] in an applied manner. Courses delivered in an applied manner must cover the essential knowledge and skills[, and the student shall be administered the applicable end-of-course assessment instrument as provided by Sections 39.023(c) and 39.025].

(b-5) A school district may offer a mathematics or science course to be taken by a student after completion of Algebra II and integrated physics and chemistry or another advanced science course authorized under Subsection (b-2) [to comply with the recommended program requirements in Subsection (b-1)(1)(A)]. A course approved under this subsection must be endorsed by an institution of higher education as a course for which the institution would award course credit or as a prerequisite for a course for which the institution would award course credit.

(b-7) The State Board of Education, in coordination with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, shall adopt rules to ensure that a student may comply with the curriculum requirements under the foundation [minimum, recommended, or advanced] high school program for each subject of the foundation curriculum under Section 28.002(a)(1) and for languages other than English under Section 28.002(a)(2)(A) by successfully completing appropriate courses in the core curriculum of an institution of higher education under Section 61.822.

(b-9) The agency shall establish a pilot program allowing a student [attending school in a county with a population of more than one million and in which more than 75 percent of the population resides in a single municipality] to satisfy the fine arts credit required under Subsection (b-1)(7) [(b-1)(3)(A)] by participating in a fine arts program not provided by the school district in which the student is enrolled. The fine arts program may be provided on or off a school campus and outside the regular school day. [Not later than December 1, 2010, the agency shall provide to the legislature a report regarding the pilot program, including the feasibility of expanding the pilot program statewide.]

(b-10) A school district, with the approval of the commissioner, may allow a student to comply with the curriculum requirements for the physical education credit required under Subsection (b-1)(8) [(b-1)(3)(B)] by participating in a private or commercially sponsored physical activity program provided on or off a school campus and outside the regular school day.

(b-11) In adopting rules under Subsection (b-1), the State Board of Education shall allow a student who is unable to participate in physical activity due to disability or illness to substitute one credit in English language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies or one academic elective credit for the physical education credit required under Subsection (b-1)(8) [(b-1)(3)(B)]. A credit allowed to be substituted under this subsection may not also be used by the student to satisfy a graduation requirement other than completion of the physical education credit. The rules must provide that the determination regarding a student's ability to participate in physical activity will be made by:

(1) if the student receives special education services under Subchapter A, Chapter 29, the student's admission, review, and dismissal committee;

(2) if the student does not receive special education services under Subchapter A, Chapter 29, but is covered by Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Section 794), the committee established for the student under that Act; or

(3) if each of the committees described by Subdivisions (1) and (2) is inapplicable, a committee established by the school district of persons with appropriate knowledge regarding the student.

(b-13) In addition to rules adopted by the State Board of Education under Subsection (b-2), the commissioner may adopt courses in English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies as advanced courses that satisfy the requirements of the foundation high school program.

(c-1) A student may earn an endorsement on the student's diploma and transcript by successfully completing curriculum requirements for that endorsement adopted by the State Board of Education by rule. An endorsement under this subsection may be earned by successfully completing at least five credits in any of the following categories:

(1) science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, which includes courses directly related to technology, advanced mathematics and sciences, engineering, and environmental systems;

(2) business and industry, which includes courses directly related to database management, information technology, communications, accounting, finance, marketing, graphic design, architecture, construction, welding, logistics, automotive technology, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning;

(3) human services, which includes courses directly related to health sciences and occupations, education, law, culinary arts, hospitality, and agricultural science;

(4) humanities, which includes courses directly related to political science, world languages, cultural studies, English literature, history, and fine arts; and

(5) general studies, which includes five credits to be taken from a combination of other endorsements, including at least one course from each category of endorsement listed under this subsection.

(c-3) The commissioner may adopt additional areas of study to be added to a category of endorsement under Subsection (c-1) and courses that may be taken to satisfy a category of endorsement.

(e) Each school district shall report the academic achievement record of students who have completed the foundation [a minimum, recommended, or advanced] high school program on transcript forms adopted by the State Board of Education. The transcript forms adopted by the board must be designed to clearly [differentiate between each of the high school programs and] identify whether a student received a diploma or a certificate of coursework completion.

(e-1) A school district shall clearly indicate an endorsement described by Subsection (c-1) on the diploma and transcript of a student who satisfies the applicable requirements. The State Board of Education shall adopt rules as necessary to administer this subsection.

(h) The commissioner by rule shall adopt a transition plan to implement and administer the amendments made by __.B. No. __, 83rd Legislature, Regular Session, 2013, replacing the minimum, recommended, and advanced high school programs with the foundation high school program beginning with the 2014-2015 school year. Under the transition plan, a student who entered the ninth grade before the 2014-2015 school year must be permitted to complete the curriculum requirements required for high school graduation under:

(1) the foundation high school program, if the student chooses during the 2014-2015 school year to take courses under that program;

(2) the minimum high school program, as that program existed before the adoption of __.B. No. __, 83rd Legislature, Regular Session, 2013, if the student was participating in that program before the 2014-2015 school year;

(3) the recommended high school program, as that program existed before the adoption of __.B. No. __, 83rd Legislature, Regular Session, 2013, if the student was participating in that program before the 2014-2015 school year; or

(4) the advanced high school program, as that program existed before the adoption of __.B. No. __, 83rd Legislature, Regular Session, 2013, if the student was participating in that program before the 2014-2015 school year.

(h-1) This subsection and Subsection (h) expire September 1, 2018.

SECTION 5. Section 28.0253(e), Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

(e) A student who receives a high school diploma through the pilot program is considered to have completed the foundation [recommended] high school program adopted under Section 28.025 [28.025(a)]. The student is not guaranteed admission to any institution of higher education or to any academic program at an institution of higher education solely on the basis of having received the diploma through the program.

SECTION 6. Section 28.027(b), Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

(b) The State Board of Education shall establish a process under which an applied STEM course may be reviewed and approved for purposes of satisfying the mathematics and science curriculum requirements for the foundation [recommended] high school program [imposed] under Section 28.025 [28.025(b-1)(1)(A)] through substitution of the applied STEM course for a specific mathematics or science course otherwise authorized [required] under the foundation [recommended] high school program [and completed during the student's fourth year of mathematics or science course work]. The State Board of Education may only approve a course to substitute for a mathematics course taken after successful completion of Algebra I and geometry and after successful completion of or concurrently with Algebra II. The State Board of Education may only approve a course to substitute for a science course taken after successful completion of biology [and chemistry and after successful completion of or concurrently with physics].

SECTION 7. Section 29.096(e), Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

(e) The commissioner shall establish minimum standards for a local collaborative agreement, including a requirement that the agreement must be signed by an authorized school district or open-enrollment charter school officer and an authorized representative of each of the other participating entities that is a partner in the collaboration. The program must:

(1) limit participation in the program to students authorized to participate by a parent or other person standing in parental relationship;

(2) have as a primary goal graduation from high school [under at least the recommended high school program];

(3) provide for local businesses or other employers to offer paid employment or internship opportunities and advanced career and vocational training;

(4) include an outreach component and a lead educational staff member to identify and involve eligible students and public and private entities in participating in the program;

(5) serve a population of students of which at least 50 percent are identified as students at risk of dropping out of school, as described by Section 29.081(d);

(6) allocate not more than 15 percent of grant funds and matching funds, as determined by the commissioner, to administrative expenses;

(7) include matching funds from any of the participating entities; and

(8) include any other requirements as determined by the council.

SECTION 8. Section 29.402(b), Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

(b) A person who is under 26 years of age is eligible to enroll in a dropout recovery program under this subchapter if the person:

(1) must complete not more than three course credits to complete the curriculum requirements [for the minimum, recommended, or advanced high school program, as appropriate,] for high school graduation; or

(2) has failed to perform satisfactorily on an [end-of-course] assessment instrument administered under Section 39.023(c) or an assessment instrument administered under Section 39.023(c) as that section existed before amendment by Chapter 1312 (S.B. 1031), Acts of the 80th Legislature, Regular Session, 2007.

SECTION 9. Section 29.904(d), Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

(d) A plan developed under this section:

(1) must establish clear, achievable goals for increasing the percentage of the school district's graduating seniors, particularly the graduating seniors attending a high school described by Subsection (a), who enroll in an institution of higher education for the academic year following graduation;

(2) must establish an accurate method of measuring progress toward the goals established under Subdivision (1) that may include the percentage of district high school students and the percentage of students attending a district high school described by Subsection (a) who:

(A) are enrolled in a course for which a student may earn college credit, such as an advanced placement or international baccalaureate course or a course offered through concurrent enrollment in high school and at an institution of higher education;

(B) are enrolled in courses that meet the curriculum requirements for the foundation [recommended or advanced] high school program as determined under Section 28.025;

(C) have submitted a free application for federal student aid (FAFSA);

(D) are exempt under Section 51.3062(p) or (q) from administration of an assessment instrument under Section 51.3062 or have performed successfully on an assessment instrument under Section 51.3062;

(E) graduate from high school;

(F) graduate from an institution of higher education; and

(G) have taken college entrance examinations and the average score of those students on the examinations;

(3) must cover a period of at least five years; and

(4) may be directed at district students at any level of primary or secondary education.

SECTION 10. Section 33.007(b), Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

(b) During the first school year a student is enrolled in a high school or at the high school level in an open-enrollment charter school, and again during a student's senior year, a counselor shall provide information about higher education to the student and the student's parent or guardian. The information must include information regarding:

(1) the importance of higher education;

(2) [the advantages of completing the recommended or advanced high school program adopted under Section 28.025(a);

[(3)] the disadvantages of taking courses to prepare for a high school equivalency examination relative to the benefits of taking courses leading to a high school diploma;

(3) [(4)] financial aid eligibility;

(4) [(5)] instruction on how to apply for federal financial aid;

(5) [(6)] the center for financial aid information established under Section 61.0776;

(6) [(7)] the automatic admission of certain students to general academic teaching institutions as provided by Section 51.803;

(7) [(8)] the eligibility and academic performance requirements for the TEXAS Grant as provided by Subchapter M, Chapter 56; and

(8) [(9)] the availability of programs in the district under which a student may earn college credit, including advanced placement programs, dual credit programs, joint high school and college credit programs, and international baccalaureate programs.

SECTION 11. (a) Sections 39.023(a), (b), (c), (c-3), and (n), Education Code, are amended to read as follows:

(a) The agency shall adopt the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) [or develop appropriate criterion-referenced assessment instruments designed] to assess essential knowledge and skills in reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, and science. All [Except as provided by Subsection (a-2), all] students, other than students assessed under Subsection (b) or (l) or exempted under Section 39.027, shall be assessed annually in grades three through eight using that assessment instrument[:

[(1) mathematics, annually in grades three through seven without the aid of technology and in grade eight with the aid of technology on any assessment instrument that includes algebra;

[(2) reading, annually in grades three through eight;

[(3) writing, including spelling and grammar, in grades four and seven;

[(4) social studies, in grade eight;

[(5) science, in grades five and eight;] and in

[(6)] any other subject and grade as required by federal law.

(b) The agency shall develop or adopt appropriate [criterion-referenced] alternative assessment instruments to be administered to each student in a special education program under Subchapter A, Chapter 29, for whom the [an] assessment instrument adopted under Subsection (a), even with allowable accommodations, would not provide an appropriate measure of student achievement, as determined by the student's admission, review, and dismissal committee.

(c) The agency shall administer to students in grade 11 the American College Test (ACT) or the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) and the SAT Subject Test in Biology. A student may select whether to be administered the American College Test (ACT) or the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) and the SAT Subject Test in Biology [also adopt end-of-course assessment instruments for secondary-level courses in Algebra I, Algebra II, geometry, biology, chemistry, physics, English I, English II, English III, world geography, world history, and United States history. The Algebra I, Algebra II, and geometry end-of-course assessment instruments must be administered with the aid of technology]. A school district shall comply with State Board of Education rules regarding administration of the assessment instruments listed in this subsection [and shall adopt a policy that requires a student's performance on an end-of-course assessment instrument for a course listed in this subsection in which the student is enrolled to account for 15 percent of the student's final grade for the course. If a student retakes an end-of-course assessment instrument for a course listed in this subsection, as provided by Section 39.025, a school district is not required to use the student's performance on the subsequent administration or administrations of the assessment instrument to determine the student's final grade for the course]. If a student is in a special education program under Subchapter A, Chapter 29, the student's admission, review, and dismissal committee shall determine whether any allowable modification is necessary in administering to the student an assessment instrument required under this subsection. [The State Board of Education shall administer the assessment instruments. The State Board of Education shall adopt a schedule for the administration of end-of-course assessment instruments that complies with the requirements of Subsection (c-3).]

(c-3) In adopting a schedule for the administration of assessment instruments under this section, the State Board of Education shall require[:

[(1)] assessment instruments administered under Subsection (a) to be administered on a schedule so that the first assessment instrument is administered at least two weeks later than the date on which the first assessment instrument was administered under Subsection (a) during the 2006-2007 school year[; and

[(2) the spring administration of end-of-course assessment instruments under Subsection (c) to occur in each school district not earlier than the first full week in May, except that the spring administration of the end-of-course assessment instruments in English I, English II, and English III must be permitted to occur at an earlier date].

(n) This subsection applies only to a student who is determined to have dyslexia or a related disorder and who is an individual with a disability under 29 U.S.C. Section 705(20) and its subsequent amendments. The agency shall adopt or develop appropriate [criterion-referenced] assessment instruments designed to assess the ability of and to be administered to each student to whom this subsection applies for whom the assessment instruments adopted under Subsection (a), even with allowable modifications, would not provide an appropriate measure of student achievement, as determined by the committee established by the board of trustees of the district to determine the placement of students with dyslexia or related disorders. The committee shall determine whether any allowable modification is necessary in administering to a student an assessment instrument required under this subsection. The assessment instruments required under this subsection shall be administered on the same schedule as the assessment instruments administered under Subsection (a).

(b) This section applies beginning with the 2013-2014 school year.

SECTION 12. (a) Sections 39.025(a) and (b), Education Code, are amended to read as follows:

(a) [The commissioner shall adopt rules requiring a student participating in the recommended or advanced high school program to be administered each end-of-course assessment instrument listed in Section 39.023(c) and requiring a student participating in the minimum high school program to be administered an end-of-course assessment instrument listed in Section 39.023(c) only for a course in which the student is enrolled and for which an end-of-course assessment instrument is administered.] A student is required to achieve on an assessment instrument administered under Section 39.023(c) [, in each subject in the foundation curriculum under Section 28.002(a)(1), a cumulative score that is at least equal to the product of the number of end-of-course assessment instruments administered to the student in that subject and] a [scale] score that indicates satisfactory performance in mathematics and satisfactory performance in English language arts, as determined by the commissioner under Section 39.0241(a). [A student must achieve a minimum score as determined by the commissioner to be within a reasonable range of the scale score under Section 39.0241(a) on an end-of-course assessment instrument for the score to count towards the student's cumulative score. For purposes of this subsection, a student's cumulative score is determined using the student's highest score on each end-of-course assessment instrument administered to the student.] A student may not receive a high school diploma until the student has performed satisfactorily on the [end-of-course] assessment instruments in the manner provided under this subsection. This subsection does not require a student to demonstrate readiness to enroll in an institution of higher education.

(b) Each time an [end-of-course] assessment instrument is administered, a student who failed to perform satisfactorily [achieve a minimum score] under Subsection (a) shall retake the assessment instrument. A [student who fails to perform satisfactorily on an Algebra II or English III end-of-course assessment instrument under the college readiness performance standard, as provided under Section 39.024(b), may retake the assessment instrument. Any other] student may retake an [end-of-course] assessment instrument for any reason. [A student is not required to retake a course as a condition of retaking an end-of-course assessment instrument.]

(b) This section applies beginning with the 2013-2014 school year.

SECTION 13. Section 39.0261(a), Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

(a) In addition to the assessment instruments otherwise authorized or required by this subchapter:

(1) each school year and at state cost, a school district shall administer to students in the spring of the eighth grade an established, valid, reliable, and nationally norm-referenced preliminary college preparation assessment instrument for the purpose of diagnosing the academic strengths and deficiencies of students before entrance into high school; and

(2) each school year and at state cost, a school district shall administer to students in the 10th grade an established, valid, reliable, and nationally norm-referenced preliminary college preparation assessment instrument for the purpose of measuring a student's progress toward readiness for college and the workplace[; and

[(3) high school students in the spring of the 11th grade or during the 12th grade may select and take once, at state cost, one of the valid, reliable, and nationally norm-referenced assessment instruments used by colleges and universities as part of their undergraduate admissions processes].

SECTION 14. Section 39.053(f), Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

(f) Annually, the commissioner shall define the state standard for the current school year for each student achievement indicator described by Subsection (c) and shall project the state standards for each indicator for the following two school years. The commissioner shall periodically raise the state standards for the student achievement indicator described by Subsection (c)(1)(B)(i) for accreditation as necessary to reach the goals of achieving, by not later than the 2019-2020 school year:

(1) student performance in this state, disaggregated by race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, that ranks nationally in the top 10 states in terms of college readiness; and

(2) student performance, [including the percentage of students graduating under the recommended or advanced high school program,] with no significant achievement gaps by race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.

SECTION 15. Section 39.057(a), Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

(a) The commissioner shall authorize special accreditation investigations to be conducted:

(1) when excessive numbers of absences of students eligible to be tested on state assessment instruments are determined;

(2) when excessive numbers of allowable exemptions from the required state assessment instruments are determined;

(3) in response to complaints submitted to the agency with respect to alleged violations of civil rights or other requirements imposed on the state by federal law or court order;

(4) in response to established compliance reviews of the district's financial accounting practices and state and federal program requirements;

(5) when extraordinary numbers of student placements in disciplinary alternative education programs, other than placements under Sections 37.006 and 37.007, are determined;

(6) in response to an allegation involving a conflict between members of the board of trustees or between the board and the district administration if it appears that the conflict involves a violation of a role or duty of the board members or the administration clearly defined by this code;

(7) when excessive numbers of students in special education programs under Subchapter A, Chapter 29, are assessed through assessment instruments developed or adopted under Section 39.023(b);

(8) in response to an allegation regarding or an analysis using a statistical method result indicating a possible violation of an assessment instrument security procedure established under Section 39.0301, including for the purpose of investigating or auditing a school district under that section;

(9) when a significant pattern of decreased academic performance has developed as a result of the promotion in the preceding two school years of students who did not perform satisfactorily as determined by the commissioner under Section 39.0241(a) on assessment instruments administered under Section 39.023(a), (c), or (l);

(10) [when excessive numbers of students graduate under the minimum high school program;

[(11)] when excessive numbers of students eligible to enroll fail to complete an advanced mathematics [Algebra II] course or any other advanced course determined by the commissioner [as distinguishing between students participating in the recommended high school program from students participating in the minimum high school program];

(11) [(12)] when resource allocation practices as evaluated under Section 39.0821 indicate a potential for significant improvement in resource allocation; or

(12) [(13)] as the commissioner otherwise determines necessary.

SECTION 16. Section 39.301(c), Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

(c) Indicators for reporting purposes must include:

(1) [the percentage of graduating students who meet the course requirements established by State Board of Education rule for the minimum high school program, the recommended high school program, and the advanced high school program;

[(2)] the results of the SAT, ACT, articulated postsecondary degree programs described by Section 61.852, and certified workforce training programs described by Chapter 311, Labor Code;

(2) [(3)] for students who have failed to perform satisfactorily, under each performance standard under Section 39.0241, on an assessment instrument required under Section 39.023(a) or (c), the performance of those students on subsequent assessment instruments required under those sections, aggregated by grade level and subject area;

(3) [(4) for each campus, the number of students, disaggregated by major student subpopulations, that agree under Section 28.025(b) to take courses under the minimum high school program;

[(5)] the percentage of students, aggregated by grade level, provided accelerated instruction under Section 28.0211(c), the results of assessment instruments administered under that section, the percentage of students promoted through the grade placement committee process under Section 28.0211, the subject of the assessment instrument on which each student failed to perform satisfactorily under each performance standard under Section 39.0241, and the performance of those students in the school year following that promotion on the assessment instruments required under Section 39.023;

(4) [(6)] the percentage of students of limited English proficiency exempted from the administration of an assessment instrument under Sections 39.027(a)(1) and (2);

(5) [(7)] the percentage of students in a special education program under Subchapter A, Chapter 29, assessed through assessment instruments developed or adopted under Section 39.023(b);

(6) [(8)] the percentage of students who satisfy the college readiness measure;

(7) [(9)] the measure of progress toward dual language proficiency under Section 39.034(b), for students of limited English proficiency, as defined by Section 29.052;

(8) [(10)] the percentage of students who are not educationally disadvantaged;

(9) [(11)] the percentage of students who enroll and begin instruction at an institution of higher education in the school year following high school graduation; and

(10) [(12)] the percentage of students who successfully complete the first year of instruction at an institution of higher education without needing a developmental education course.

SECTION 17. Section 39.305(b), Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

(b) The report card shall include the following information:

(1) where applicable, the student achievement indicators described by Section 39.053(c) and the reporting indicators described by Sections 39.301(c)(1) through (3) [(5)];

(2) average class size by grade level and subject;

(3) the administrative and instructional costs per student, computed in a manner consistent with Section 44.0071; and

(4) the district's instructional expenditures ratio and instructional employees ratio computed under Section 44.0071, and the statewide average of those ratios, as determined by the commissioner.

SECTION 18. Section 51.3062(q-1), Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

(q-1) A student who has completed the foundation [a recommended or advanced] high school program as determined under Section 28.025 and demonstrated the performance standard for college readiness as provided by Section 39.024 on the Algebra II and English III end-of-course assessment instruments is exempt from the requirements of this section with respect to those content areas. The commissioner of higher education by rule shall establish the period for which an exemption under this subsection is valid.

SECTION 19. Sections 51.803(a) and (d), Education Code, are amended to read as follows:

(a) Subject to Subsection (a-1), each general academic teaching institution shall admit an applicant for admission to the institution as an undergraduate student if the applicant graduated with a grade point average in the top 10 percent of the student's high school graduating class in one of the two school years preceding the academic year for which the applicant is applying for admission and:

(1) the applicant graduated from a public or private high school in this state accredited by a generally recognized accrediting organization or from a high school operated by the United States Department of Defense;

(2) the applicant:

(A) successfully completed:

(i) at a public high school, the curriculum requirements established under Section 28.025 for the foundation [recommended or advanced] high school program; or

(ii) at a high school to which Section 28.025 does not apply, a curriculum that is equivalent in content and rigor to the foundation [recommended or advanced] high school program; or

(B) satisfied ACT's College Readiness Benchmarks on the ACT assessment applicable to the applicant or earned on the SAT assessment a score of at least 1,500 out of 2,400 or the equivalent; and

(3) if the applicant graduated from a high school operated by the United States Department of Defense, the applicant is a Texas resident under Section 54.052 or is entitled to pay tuition fees at the rate provided for Texas residents under Section 54.241(d) [54.058(d)] for the term or semester to which admitted.

(d) For purposes of Subsection (c)(2), a student's official transcript or diploma must, not later than the end of the student's junior year, indicate[:

[(1)] whether the student has satisfied or is on schedule to satisfy the requirements of Subsection (a)(2)(A)(i) or (ii), as applicable[; or

[(2) if Subsection (b) applies to the student, whether the student has completed the portion of the recommended or advanced curriculum or of the curriculum equivalent in content and rigor, as applicable, that was available to the student].

SECTION 20. Section 51.804, Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 51.804. ADDITIONAL AUTOMATIC ADMISSIONS: SELECTED INSTITUTIONS. For each academic year, the governing board of each general academic teaching institution shall determine whether to adopt an admissions policy under which an applicant to the institution as a first-time freshman student, other than an applicant eligible for admission under Section 51.803, shall be admitted to the institution if the applicant:

(1) graduated from a public or private high school in this state accredited by a generally recognized accrediting organization with a grade point average in the top 25 percent of the applicant's high school graduating class; and

(2) satisfies the requirements of:

(A) Section 51.803(a)(2)(A) or (B) [51.803(b), as applicable to the student, or Section 51.803 (a)(2)(B)]; and

(B) Sections 51.803(c)(2) and 51.803(d).

SECTION 21. Section 51.805(a), Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

(a) A graduating student who does not qualify for admission under Section 51.803 or 51.804 may apply to any general academic teaching institution if the student satisfies the requirements of:

(1) Section 51.803(a)(2)(A) or (B) [51.803(b), as applicable to the student, or Section 51.803(a)(2)(B)]; and

(2) Sections 51.803(c)(2) and 51.803(d).

SECTION 22. Section 51.807(b), Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

(b) The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, after consulting with the Texas Education Agency, by rule shall establish standards for determining for purposes of this subchapter:

(1) whether a private high school is accredited by a generally recognized accrediting organization; and

(2) whether a person completed a high school curriculum that is equivalent in content and rigor to the curriculum requirements established under Section 28.025 for the foundation [recommended or advanced] high school program.

SECTION 23. Subchapter A, Chapter 56, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 56.009 to read as follows:

Sec. 56.009. ELIGIBILITY BASED ON GRADUATION UNDER CERTAIN HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS. To the extent that a person's eligibility to participate in any program under this chapter, including Subchapters K, M, Q, and R, is contingent on the person graduating under the recommended or advanced high school program, as those programs existed before the adoption of __.B. No. _____, 83rd Legislature, Regular Session, 2013, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the commissioner of education shall jointly adopt rules to modify, clarify, or otherwise establish for affected programs appropriate eligibility requirements regarding high school curriculum completion.

SECTION 24. Section 61.0517(a), Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

(a) In this section, "applied STEM course" means an applied science, technology, engineering, or mathematics course offered as part of a school district's career and technology education curriculum and approved, as provided by Section 28.027, by the State Board of Education for purposes of satisfying the mathematics and science curriculum requirements for the foundation [recommended] high school program [imposed] under Section 28.025 [28.025(b-1)(1)(A)].

SECTION 25. Section 61.792(b), Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

(b) To qualify for a scholarship under this section, a student must:

(1) have graduated with a grade point average in the top 20 percent of the student's high school graduating class;

(2) have graduated from high school with a grade point average of at least 3.5 on a four-point scale or the equivalent in mathematics and science courses offered under the foundation [recommended or advanced] high school program under Section 28.025 [28.025(a)]; and

(3) maintain an overall grade point average of at least 3.0 on a four-point scale at the general academic teaching institution or the private or independent institution of higher education in which the student is enrolled.

SECTION 26. Section 61.852(a), Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

(a) A tech-prep program is a program of study that:

(1) combines at least two years of secondary education with at least two years of postsecondary education in a nonduplicative, sequential course of study based on the foundation [recommended] high school program adopted by the State Board of Education under Section 28.025 [28.025(a)];

(2) integrates academic instruction and vocational and technical instruction;

(3) uses work-based and worksite learning where available and appropriate;

(4) provides technical preparation in a career field such as engineering technology, applied science, a mechanical, industrial, or practical art or trade, agriculture, health occupations, business, or applied economics;

(5) builds student competence in mathematics, science, reading, writing, communications, economics, and workplace skills through applied, contextual academics and integrated instruction in a coherent sequence of courses;

(6) leads to an associate degree, two-year postsecondary certificate, or postsecondary two-year apprenticeship with provisions, to the extent applicable, for students to continue toward completion of a baccalaureate degree; and

(7) leads to placement in appropriate employment or to further education.

SECTION 27. Section 61.855(d), Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

(d) A tech-prep program must:

(1) be implemented under an articulation agreement between the participants in the consortium;

(2) consist of two to four years of secondary school preceding graduation and:

(A) two or more years of higher education; or

(B) two or more years of apprenticeship following secondary instruction;

(3) have a common core of required proficiency based on the foundation [recommended] high school program adopted by the State Board of Education under Section 28.025 [28.025(a)], with proficiencies in mathematics, science, reading, writing, communications, and technologies designed to lead to an associate's degree or postsecondary certificate in a specific career field;

(4) include the development of tech-prep program curricula for both secondary and postsecondary participants in the consortium that:

(A) meets academic standards developed by the state;

(B) links secondary schools and two-year postsecondary institutions, and, if practicable, four-year institutions of higher education through nonduplicative sequences of courses in career fields, including the investigation of opportunities for tech-prep students to enroll concurrently in secondary and postsecondary course work;

(C) uses, if appropriate and available, work-based or worksite learning in conjunction with business and all aspects of an industry; and

(D) uses educational technology and distance learning, as appropriate, to involve each consortium participant more fully in the development and operation of programs;

(5) include in-service training for teachers that:

(A) is designed to train vocational and technical teachers to effectively implement tech-prep programs;

(B) provides for joint training for teachers in the tech-prep consortium;

(C) is designed to ensure that teachers and administrators stay current with the needs, expectations, and methods of business and of all aspects of an industry;

(D) focuses on training postsecondary education faculty in the use of contextual and applied curricula and instruction; and

(E) provides training in the use and application of technology;

(6) include training programs for counselors designed to enable counselors to more effectively:

(A) provide information to students regarding tech-prep programs;

(B) support student progress in completing tech-prep programs;

(C) provide information on related employment opportunities;

(D) ensure that tech-prep students are placed in appropriate employment; and

(E) stay current with the needs, expectations, and methods of business and of all aspects of an industry;

(7) provide equal access to the full range of tech-prep programs for individuals who are members of special populations, including by the development of tech-prep program services appropriate to the needs of special populations; and

(8) provide for preparatory services that assist participants in tech-prep programs.

SECTION 28. Section 61.861(c), Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

(c) A course developed for purposes of this section must:

(1) provide content that enables a student to develop the relevant and critical skills needed to be prepared for employment or additional training in a high-demand occupation;

(2) incorporate college and career readiness skills as part of the curriculum;

(3) be offered for dual credit; and

(4) satisfy a mathematics or science requirement under the foundation [recommended or advanced] high school program as determined under Section 28.025.

SECTION 29. Section 61.864, Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 61.864. REVIEW OF COURSES. Courses for which a grant is awarded under this subchapter shall be reviewed by the commissioner of higher education and the commissioner of education, in consultation with the comptroller and the Texas Workforce Commission, once every four years to determine whether the course:

(1) is being used by public educational institutions in this state;

(2) prepares high school students with the skills necessary for employment in the high-demand occupation and further postsecondary study; and

(3) satisfies a mathematics or science requirement for the foundation [recommended or advanced] high school program as determined under Section 28.025.

SECTION 30. Section 78.10(b), Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

(b) The Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science is a division of The University of Texas at Brownsville and is under the management and control of the board. The academy serves the following purposes:

(1) to provide academically gifted and highly motivated junior and senior high school students with a challenging university-level curriculum that:

(A) allows students to complete high school graduation requirements[, including requirements adopted] under Section 28.025 for the foundation [advanced] high school program, while attending for academic credit a public institution of higher education;

(B) fosters students' knowledge of real-world mathematics and science issues and applications and teaches students to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to those issues and problems;

(C) includes the study of English, foreign languages, social studies, mathematics, science, and technology; and

(D) offers students learning opportunities related to mathematics and science through in-depth research and field-based studies;

(2) to provide students with an awareness of mathematics and science careers and professional development opportunities through seminars, workshops, collaboration with postsecondary and university students including opportunities for summer studies, internships in foreign countries, and similar methods; and

(3) to provide students with social development activities that enrich the academic curriculum and student life, including, as determined appropriate by the academy, University Interscholastic League activities and other extracurricular activities.

SECTION 31. Section 87.505(b), Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

(b) The Texas Academy of International Studies is a division of Texas A&M International University and is under the management and control of the board. The academy serves the following purposes:

(1) to provide academically gifted and highly motivated junior and senior high school students with a challenging university-level curriculum that:

(A) allows students to complete high school graduation requirements[, including requirements adopted] under Section 28.025 for the foundation [advanced] high school program, while attending for academic credit a public institution of higher education;

(B) fosters students' knowledge of real-world international issues and problems and teaches students to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to those issues and problems;

(C) includes the study of English, foreign languages, social studies, anthropology, and sociology;

(D) is presented through an interdisciplinary approach that introduces and develops issues, especially issues related to international concerns, throughout the curriculum; and

(E) offers students learning opportunities related to international issues through in-depth research and field-based studies;

(2) to provide students with an awareness of international career and professional development opportunities through seminars, workshops, collaboration with postsecondary students from other countries, summer academic international studies internships in foreign countries, and similar methods; and

(3) to provide students with social development activities that enrich the academic curriculum and student life, including, as determined appropriate by the academy, University Interscholastic League activities and other extracurricular activities generally offered by public high schools.

SECTION 32. The following provisions of the Education Code are repealed:

(1) Section 28.002(q);

(2) Section 28.014(c);

(3) Sections 28.025(b-6), (b-8), and (g);

(4) Section 39.022;

(5) Sections 39.023(a-1), (a-2), (c-1), (c-2), (c-4), (c-5), (c-6), (e), (f), (g), (i), and (o);

(6) Sections 39.025(a-1), (a-2), (a-3), (b-1), (b-2), (e-1), (f), and (g);

(7) Section 39.0261(f); and

(8) Section 51.803(b).

SECTION 33. Section 39.025, Education Code, as amended by Section 12 of this Act, as related to reducing testing requirements applies only to students who have entered or will enter the ninth grade during the 2011-2012 school year or a later school year.

SECTION 34. Except as otherwise provided by this Act, this Act applies beginning with the 2014-2015 school year.

SECTION 35. Except as otherwise provided by this Act:

(1) 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; and

(2) if this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2013.