81R10501 CAS-D
By: Madden H.B. No. 3229
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a pilot project for a drug and alcohol abuse recovery
high school program.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter Z, Chapter 29, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 29.921 to read as follows:
Sec. 29.921. DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE RECOVERY HIGH SCHOOL
PILOT PROJECT. (a) The agency shall develop a pilot project for
the establishment and operation of one or more high school programs
designed to assist students who have completed a drug or alcohol
abuse treatment program in returning to school and earning a high
school diploma.
(b) A high school program established and operated under
this section must provide for:
(1) individualized instruction for students and a low
ratio of students to teachers;
(2) provision of the courses, including dual credit
courses, instruction, and assistance necessary for students to
earn the credits required for high school graduation as required
under Section 28.025;
(3) varied methods of instruction, including
traditional classroom and textbook instruction, self-paced
instruction, and distance learning;
(4) accelerated timelines for advancement between
courses;
(5) assistance with the transition from the treatment
program back to school, including counseling that meets the social
and emotional needs of students and help through peer support
groups;
(6) clear rules of behavior established under an
agreement signed by a program representative, the student, and the
student's parent that:
(A) provides expectations concerning attendance,
achievement, clothing, and Internet use;
(B) requires periodic testing for and prohibits
student drug and alcoholic beverage use; and
(C) prohibits smoking on campus;
(7) required participation in community service
projects; and
(8) establishment of goals by students and procedures
to measure students' accomplishment of those goals.
(c) A high school program established and operated under
this section must establish an application form and a procedure for
admission to the program that, among any other requirements,
requires an applicant for admission to:
(1) apply in writing in the time and manner required by
the program;
(2) interview in person with program representatives;
(3) submit an essay written while visiting the program
site;
(4) submit with the application:
(A) proof in the form required by the program
that the student has completed a drug or alcohol abuse treatment
program approved by the high school program;
(B) the student's transcript and other records
from each school the student has previously attended, including any
results from standardized or state-administered assessment
instruments, disciplinary records, and attendance reports; and
(C) written authorization for program
representatives to obtain specific confidential records of the
student; and
(5) be assessed by drug and alcohol counseling
professionals.
(d) As part of the pilot project, the agency shall develop:
(1) written information for students, parents,
educators, and drug and alcohol abuse treatment centers concerning
the program; and
(2) training for program personnel concerning drug and
alcohol abuse issues, including treatment for drug and alcohol
abuse.
(e) The commissioner may accept gifts, grants, and
donations for developing the pilot project and for a high school
program established and operated as part of the pilot project.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2009.