81R701 JRJ-D
By: Dutton H.B. No. 919
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the applicability of provisions of the Education Code
to certain alternative education programs.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 29.081(e), Education Code, is amended to
read as follows:
(e) A school district may use a private or public
community-based dropout recovery education program to provide
alternative education programs for students at risk of dropping out
of school. The programs must:
(1) provide not less than the minimum amount [four
hours] of instructional time per day required under Section
25.082(a);
(2) employ as faculty and administrators persons with
baccalaureate or advanced degrees who meet all certification
requirements established under Subchapter B, Chapter 21;
(3) provide at least one instructor for each 28
students;
(4) perform satisfactorily according to performance
indicators and accountability standards adopted for alternative
education programs by the commissioner; and
(5) comply with this title and rules adopted under
this title except as otherwise provided by this subsection.
SECTION 2. Sections 37.008(b) and (c), Education Code, are
amended to read as follows:
(b) A disciplinary alternative education program may
provide for a student's transfer to:
(1) a different campus;
(2) a school-community guidance center under
Subchapter B; or
(3) a community-based alternative school, including a
community-based dropout recovery education program under Section
29.081(e).
(c) An off-campus disciplinary alternative education
program, including a school-community guidance center, a
community-based alternative school, or a community-based dropout
recovery education program, is not subject to a requirement imposed
by this title, other than:
(1) a limitation on liability;
(2) [,] a reporting requirement;
(3) [, or] a requirement imposed by this chapter or by
Chapter 39; or
(4) any other requirement imposed by this title that
applies to an on-campus disciplinary alternative education
program.
SECTION 3. Sections 29.081(e) and 37.008(b) and (c),
Education Code, as amended by this Act, apply beginning with the
2009-2010 school year.
SECTION 4. 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.