SENATE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

COMMITTEE:     Education 

TIME & DATE:   10:00 AM, Friday, November 13, 2020 

PLACE:         E1.012 (Hearing Room) 
CHAIR:         Senator Larry Taylor 

The Senate Committee on Education will meet on Friday, November 13 to hear invited testimony on the following interim charges:

· Digital Learning: Assess the Texas Virtual School Network and the new Texas Home Learning System to evaluate effectiveness of each and recommend model legislation to improve digital learning options for students, families, and educators.

· Special Education: Evaluate ongoing strategies to continuously improve special education services for students in public schools, including methods for educating students in a remote setting, as well as the Texas Education Agency's corrective action plan.

· Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Education passed by the 86th Legislature, as well as relevant agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction. Specifically, make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, or complete implementation of the following:

              -House Bill 3, relating to public school finance and public              education.

              -House Bill 3906, relating to the assessment of public                    school students, including the development and                            administration of assessment instruments, and technology                   permitted for use by students.

· Examine best practices by school districts and charters in providing education during the CoVid-19 pandemic, including methods of delivery for education. Highlight the best practice responses to challenges such as a lack of electronic devices and broadband/internet connection, as well as methods utilized to ensure students maintain growth throughout the academic year. 

Capitol access is limited to legislators and staff only. Testimony will be limited to invited testimony. Invited testimony will be conducted via video-conference. The public may view the livestream of the hearing at https://senate.texas.gov/av-live.php

NOTICE OF ASSISTANCE AT PUBLIC MEETINGS

PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES WHO PLAN TO ATTEND THIS MEETING AND WHO MAY NEED ASSISTANCE, SUCH AS A SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER OR PERSONAL ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICES, ARE REQUESTED TO CONTACT THE SENATE COMMITTEE COORDINATOR AT 512/463-0070, 72 HOURS PRIOR TO THE MEETING SO APPROPRIATE ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE.