Legislative Blog

J.B. Williams, J.D.

7 more bills affecting the Education code

A Blog about 88th Legislature Laws

A Bit of Background

The following backgrounds help summarize the author's views on both the general topic: Texas and more specifically 88th Legislature Laws as it relates to that topic.

Brief Summary of Texas

Texas is truly a Republic. There are a multitude of items that to modify the state constitution must be modified. So there are times when Constitutional amendments are on the voting ballots. While I sometimes abhor the wording, the concept that all of those legally able to vote in Texas must vote on the change is a good one. And bills in Texas are generally short, making it easier for everyone to understand.

Summary of 88th Legislature Laws

The blogs here will discuss the laws passed by Congress and signed into law, as well as those, passed by Congress and approved by the voters to become law. There are a multitude of laws and each time I post blogs I will notate here the current effective date if it is different from prior blogs. I am currently posting bills that took effect immediately - those bills total 336. I am currently posting regarding larger bills, so each blog covers a single bill.

Blog Summary

SB 2032 - Schools that are meant to provide high school diplomas or tech training.

SB 2123 - There are now 14 medical school in the Joint Admission Medical Program

SB 2124 - This is meant to increase the number of students capable of completing advanced mathematics in high school.

SB 2139 - Those in workforce education program being able to concurrently receive a high school diploma.

SB 2158 - Adult education program for those confined or in prison.

SB 2304 - Driver's education for those with disability and issues surrounding difficulty communicating with law enforcement

SB 2538 - No more automatic admission to college.

7 more bills affecting the Education code

Published: 2024-03-13

SB 2032

Adult high school charter school programs

These are eligible entities that provide adult education to individuals to complete a high school program leading to a diploma, and career and technology education courses that can lead to industry certification. There can not be more than 10 charters under this chapter. It was previously 2. To be eligible the entity:

1. be a nonprofit; or
2. a school district; or
3. an entity granted a charter under Subchapter D; or
4. a general academic teaching institution, public junior college, or public technical institution

The entity must also have a history of providing education to adults whose education and training opportunities have been limited by education disadvantages, disabilities, homelessness, criminal history, or similar marginalizing circumstances.

Applicable may be submitted each year beginning September 1 for a period of 60 days. Within 60 days of the application period ending, the commissioner must provide written notice of the grant or denial of the charter; an explanation for denial, if denied; and an opportunity to cure any defects, if there are any. Charters can be revoked if minimum performance standards are not med for 3 consecutive school years after the second anniversary of operation.

Preference must be given to adults who do not have a high school diploma or equivalency. And the commissioner may establish the maximum number of students who may be enrolled.

SB 2123

Participation of the medical school at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler in the Joint Admission Medical Program

They were added to the list of 13 other medical schools already in the Joint Admission Medical Program.

SB 2124

Advanced mathematics program in public school students in middle school

The advance mathematics in middle school is meant to increase the number of students that are able to enroll in Algebra I in eighth grade, and thereby increase the number of eligible students for advanced mathematics in high school. Enrollment in the program will be automatic for each sixth grade student who performed in the top 40% on:

• fifth grade mathematics assessment instrument; or
• a local measure that includes the fifth grade class ranking or demonstrated proficiency in fifth grade mathematics coursework

A parent or guardian may opt the student out of automatic enrollment.

SB 2139

Establishment of the Opportunity High School Diploma program

The purpose of the program is meant to provide an alternate means for an adult student to enroll in workforce education program at a public junior college, and earn a high school diploma during concurrent enrollment in a competency-based program such that they acquire the knowledge equivalent to what is required for a high school diploma in Texas. Public junior colleges may apply to participate. The curriculum of the proposed program may include any combination of instruction, achievement, internships, or other means for attain knowledge sufficient to adequately prepare the student for postsecondary education or additional workforce education. They may not be more than 5 such programs. Post successful completion of the program, the college may award a high school diploma to the student.

The coordinating board and the Texas Workforce Commission shall coordinate to identify funding through grants, interagency contacts, financial aid, or subsidies available to public junior colleges and students.

On or before December 1, 2026 a report must be submitted to the legislature explaining the effectiveness of the program and any recommendations for further legislative action. This section automatically expires September 1, 2027.

SB 2158

Establishment of adult education pilot program by Windham School District

This is to be a pilot program where one or more nonprofit entities provide adult education program to enable people to successfully complete a high school program that can lead to a diploma. A person who is confined or imprisoned; is at least 26 years old but not more than 50 years old is eligible to enroll if the person:

1. has failed to complete the curriculum requirements for a high school graduation;
2. has failed to perform satisfactorily on an assessment required for high school graduation; or
3. has filed to earn a high school equivalency certificate

the nonprofit must identify each region in Texas where the entity could operate an adult education program. And the district shall identify at least 3 schools operated by the district that are suitable to serve as sites for the pilot program.

SB 2304

Regulation of driver education courses and driving safety courses

Each school district and open-enrollment charter school shall provide information regarding the Texas Driving with Disability program. These shall be provided to students who have a health condition or disability that may impede effective communication with a peace officer and:

• who receive special education services or
• who are covered by Section, Rehabilitation Act of 1973

The following information shall be provided to each student who is 16 years of age or older and annually until the earlier of the student's graduation from high school or their 21st birthday.

• the person's option to voluntarily list any health condition or disability that may impede communication on a person's vehicle registration information, or application for original license; and
• may be provided with any transition planning materials provided by law

SB 2538

Limitations on the automatic admission of undergraduate students to general academic teaching institutions

The automatic admission under Section 51.803(k) of the Education Code is repealed.

 

J.B. Williams, J.D.

4,312 federal laws were passed from 1995 through December 2016.
Along with 88,819 federal rules and regulations.