BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center	S.B. 1895
86R4325 CAE-D	By: Taylor
	Education
	4/7/2019
	As Filed

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Blended learning is a style of teaching that describes any method of delivery that combines the physical co-presence of teachers and students that occurs in traditional classrooms with the use of digital technology. Blended learning adds flexibility to the classroom and allows students to proceed at their own pace. This style of learning requires additional training for educators.

 

S.B. 1895 defines blended learning and individualized learning. S.B. 1895 allows the commissioner of education to establish a program under which participating school districts and campuses receive grants to provide staff development activities to prepare educators to implement blended learning and individualized learning initiatives. 

 

As proposed, S.B. 1895 amends current law relating to grants for school districts and campuses providing blended and individualized learning staff development activities.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

Rulemaking authority is expressly granted the commissioner of education in SECTION 1 (Section 21.4542, Education Code) of this bill.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter J, Chapter 21, Education Code, by adding Section 21.4542, as follows:

 

Sec. 21.4542. BLENDED AND INDIVIDUALIZED LEARNING STAFF DEVELOPMENT GRANTS. (a)(1) Defines "blended learning" as learning in an environment in which classroom instruction is supplemented with lectures, exercises, and tutorials that students view online at their own pace, either in the classroom or at home.

 

(2) Defines "individualized learning" as a mastery-based system of learning in which students advance in their lessons based on demonstrated proficiency instead of amount of time spent in the classroom.

 

(b) Requires the commissioner of education (commissioner), from funds appropriated for that purpose, by rule to establish a program under which participating school districts and campuses receive grants to provide staff development activities to prepare educators to implement blended learning and individualized learning initiatives.

 

(c) Requires the commissioner�s rules adopted under this section to:

 

(1) require a school district or campus to obtain advance approval from the commissioner for the specific staff development activity to be provided using grant funds; and

 

(2) authorize grant funds to be used to pay incidental costs related to travel and lodging associated with an educator�s participation in an approved staff development activity.

 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2019.