Honorable Larry Taylor, Chair, Senate Committee on Education
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB657 by Bernal (Relating to procedures for a student enrolled in a special education program who fails to perform satisfactorily on certain assessment instruments.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would require the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee of a special education student to set a meeting before the student is administered an assessment instrument for a second time. The committee would determine the student's participation in an accelerated instruction program and whether the student would be retained or promoted if the ARD concluded that the student made sufficient progress toward the student's individualized education program.
The bill would also require the school district to notify the parents of a special education student of the options of the ARD committee if the student does not perform satisfactorily on an assessment instrument by September 1 of each year.
The bill would take effect September 1, 2017, or immediately if passed with the necessary voting margins.
Local Government Impact
TEA anticipates a reduction in local administrative and testing costs for any student who is promoted and no longer has to retest in 5th and 8th grade.