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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to a study and report regarding the use of open-source |
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instructional materials at public schools. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 31, Education Code, is |
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amended by adding Section 31.006 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 31.006. A STUDY ON USE OF OPEN-SOURCE INSTRUCTIONAL |
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MATERIALS. (a) The commissioner shall select a center for |
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education research authorized by Section 1.005 to conduct a study |
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regarding the use of open-source instructional materials at public |
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schools. The study must include: |
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(1) an analysis of any impact that the use of |
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open-source instructional materials has on: |
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(A) the cost of other instructional materials; |
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(B) the operating costs for schools; |
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(C) teacher autonomy in the classroom; and |
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(D) instructional materials choice. |
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(2) any difference in the quality of content or effect |
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on the learning process between open-source instructional |
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materials and other instructional materials; and |
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(3) an evaluation of information from other states |
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that have implemented the use of open-source instructional |
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materials at similar schools regarding: |
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(A) the benefits realized and costs incurred from |
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the use of those materials; and |
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(B) best practices for the use of those |
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materials. |
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(4) an analysis of potential contributors in creating |
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open-source instructional materials including, but not limited to: |
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(A) institutions of higher education; |
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(B) school districts; and |
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(C) independent non-profit organizations. |
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(b) Not later than September 1, 2016, the agency shall |
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submit to each legislative standing committee with primary |
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jurisdiction over public education the results of its study under |
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this section and recommendations for legislative or other action. |
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(c) This section expires September 1, 2017. |
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S |
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ECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives |
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a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as |
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provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this |
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Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this |
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Act takes effect September 1, 2015. |