BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center

H.B. 136

85R3457 SRS-D

By: Bell et al. (Uresti)

 

Education

 

5/15/2017

 

Engrossed

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

As more Texas jobs require knowledge of science, math, engineering and technology, schools have a responsibility to teach students the necessary skills to succeed in these workforce areas. Current statute does not provide a directive for Career and Technical Education (CTE) and workforce training in the statutory mission of the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

 

H.B. 136 makes two changes to TEA's mission, which currently consists of 10 objectives. First, it amends Objective 4 to add post-secondary readiness in work force training, employment and enrollment in higher education. Second, it adds an 11th objective to the mission, ensuring TEA, the State Board of Education, and the commissioner of education assist school districts in providing CTE and workforce opportunities to students.

 

H.B. 136 aligns TEA's mission with our stated goals to ensure that students are adequately prepared to enter the workforce and compete in a global economy.

 

H.B. 136 amends current law relating to inclusion of career and technology education and workforce training in the mission of public education.

 

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 4.001(b), Education Code, as follows:

 

(b) Provides that the objectives of public education are, among certain others, that through a well-balanced and appropriate curriculum students will be prepared to succeed in a variety of postsecondary activities, including employment, workforce training, and enrollment in institutions of higher education. Requires that the State Board of Education, the Texas Education Agency, and the commissioner of education assist school districts and charter schools in providing career and technology education and effective workforce training opportunities to students.

 

SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2017.