AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

As Texas becomes more diverse in terms of nationalities, ethnicities, and languages, it is more important than ever that young Texans entering the workforce are able to communicate in multiple languages. However, advanced foreign language programs that are currently offered in high schools are general in nature, not tailored to these industry-specific outcomes.

 

H.B. 1431 directs the Texas Education Agency to develop advanced foreign language courses that provide students with the terminology to be functionally bilingual in their chosen field of work. Schools will then have the option of offering these courses in a manner that aligns with their students' endorsement programs under H.B. 5 and better prepares them to engage with the diverse clientele they will serve in their future professions.

 

H.B. 1431 amends current law relating to the development of a career-oriented foreign language program that public schools may offer.

 

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 Section 28.002, Education Code, by adding Subsection (t), to require the State Board of Education, in consultation with the commissioner of higher education and business and industry leaders, to develop an advanced language course that a school district may use in the curriculum under Subsection (a)(2)(A) (requiring each school district that offers kindergarten through grade 12 to offer, as a required curriculum, an enrichment curriculum that includes to the extent possible, languages other than English) to provide students with instruction in industry-related terminology that prepares student to communicate in a language other than English in a specific professional, business, or industry environment.

 

SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2015.