MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

10:00 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.028

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Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.10 and 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Education was held on Tuesday, August 26, 2014, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.028, at Austin, Texas.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Dan Patrick, Chair	None
Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr., Vice Chair
Senator Donna Campbell
Senator Ken Paxton
Senator Kel Seliger
Senator Larry Taylor
Senator Leticia Van de Putte
Senator Royce West

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The chair called the meeting to order at 10:04 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

Other members attending: Senator José Rodríguez.

Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr. moved adoption of the minutes from the previous hearing held on April 14, 2014; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair called the following invited witnesses to provide testimony on Senate Interim Charge #1 (Portion of Charge): Examine STAAR writing scores for elementary, middle and high school students. For grade levels tested in writing, review the types of writing required. Explore the need for targeted professional development in writing. See attached list.

The chair called the following invited witnesses to provide testimony on Senate Interim Charge #2: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Education, 83rd Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance and/or complete implementation. Specifically, monitor the following:

• HB 5, relating to public school accountability, including assessment, and curriculum requirements; providing a criminal penalty;
• HB 1926, relating to the operation of the state virtual school network and courses provided through other distance learning arrangements;
• SB 376, relating to breakfast for certain public school students; and
• HB 617, relating to transition and employment services for public school students enrolled in special education programs.

See attached list.

The chair moved that invited testimony be left pending temporarily; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair called persons who registered as public witnesses to provide testimony on Senate Interim Charge 1. See attached list.

The chair moved that the public testimony be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair resumed invited testimony on Interim Charge #2. See attached list.

The chair resumed public testimony and called persons who registered as public witnesses to provide testimony on Senate Interim Charges 1 and 2. See attached list.

At 1:38 PM Senator Lucio, Jr. assumed the chair.

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

There being no further business, at 2:23 PM Senator Lucio, Jr. moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Dan Patrick, Chair

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Holly Mabry McCoy, Clerk