BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 1374
86R2445 MM-F	By: Paxton
	Education
	4/18/2019
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

The Administrative Code does not currently allow co-enrollment of Algebra 1 and Geometry. 19 Administrative Code 111.41 has Algebra 1 listed as a required prerequisite for Geometry. 19 Administrative Code 74.11(i) further states that: A student may not be enrolled in a course that has a required prerequisite unless:

(1)  the student has successfully completed the prerequisite course(s);

(2)  the student has demonstrated equivalent knowledge as determined by the school district; or

(3)  the student was already enrolled in the course in an out-of-state, an out-of-country, or a Texas nonpublic school and transferred to a Texas public school prior to successfully completing the course. 

Previously, when the Texas Education Agency designated Algebra 1 as a �recommended� prerequisite to Geometry, as opposed to the now �required� prerequisite, local school districts would often co-enroll sophomore students, who were unsuccessful in their 9th grade Algebra 1 course, in both Algebra 1 and Geometry. This allowed the students to recover their Algebra 1 credit without falling further behind in the math sequence. Not allowing co-enrollment in Algebra 1 and Geometry can be detrimental to a low-performing student and a high-performing student. 

S.B. 1374 allows a student the flexibility to enroll concurrently in Algebra I and Geometry to satisfy the curriculum requirements for mathematics.

As proposed, S.B. 1374 amends current law relating to the sequencing of certain required mathematics courses in public schools.

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 28.025, Education Code, by adding Subsection (b-6), as follows:

(b-6) Authorizes a school district to allow a student to enroll concurrently in Algebra I and geometry to satisfy the curriculum requirements for mathematics under Subsection (b-1)(2) (relating to requiring the State Board of Education by rule to require that the foundational requirements for high school include three credits in mathematics, including one credit in Algebra I, one credit in geometry, and one credit in any advanced mathematics course).

SECTION 2. Provides that this Act applies beginning with the 2019�2020 school year.

SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2019.