HBA-TYH H.B. 370 76(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 370
By: Luna, Vilma
Public Education
4/21/1999
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, a student can be promoted to the next academic level only on the
basis of academic achievement or demonstrated proficiency.  However, these
terms are not presently defined.  State law does establish a passing
standard of 70 on a scale of 100 for "no-pass no-play" eligibility for
extracurricular activity, for identifying students in need of tutorial
services, for determining whether a student is considered to be at risk of
dropping out of school, and for determining whether a student is passing a
course required for high-school graduation.  H.B. 370 would create a
statewide passing standard of 70 percent for courses at all grade levels. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that rulemaking
authority is expressly delegated to the commissioner of education in
SECTION 1 (Section 28.021, Education Code) of this bill. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 28.021, Education Code, to provide that a
student must achieve a grade equal to or greater than the equivalent of 70
on a scale of 100 in a course to demonstrate academic achievement or
proficiency for purposes of this section, except as provided by Subsection
(c), relating to dyslexic students.  Authorizes the commissioner of
education to adopt rules necessary to implement this section. 

SECTION 2.  Provides that this Act is applicable beginning with the
1999-2000 school year. 

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.