MINUTES

 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

9:30 a.m.

Capitol Extension, Room E1.028

 

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Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Education was held on Tuesday, October 12, 2010, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.028, in Austin, Texas.

 

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MEMBERS PRESENT:

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Senator Florence Shapiro

Senator Dan Patrick

Senator Leticia Van de Putte

Senator Royce West

 

Senator Wendy Davis

Senator Mario Gallegos, Jr.

Senator Steve Ogden

Senator Kel Seliger

Senator Tommy Williams

 

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The chair called the meeting to order at 9:40 a.m.  The following business was transacted: 

 

Senator Shapiro made opening remarks to the Committee.

 

The chair called the following invited witnesses to provide testimony on Interim Charge 5:  Study the efficacy of immersion versus dual-language instruction of English as a second language students. Make recommendations for improving programs and instituting best practices.  See attached list.

 

The chair called the following invited witnesses to provide testimony on Interim Charge 8:  Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Education, 81st Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Review the implementation of legislation related to the state's accountability system including the revised dropout rate calculation, textbooks, and the virtual school network. Specifically, monitor the following:  HB 2488, relating to open-source textbooks, and HB 4294, relating to textbooks and the use of technology; and SB 174, relating to an accountability system for educator preparation programs.  See attached list. 

 

The chair called persons who registered as public witnesses to provide testimony on the interim committee charges.  See attached list.

 

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

There being no further business, at 12:43 p.m. Senator Shapiro moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair.  Without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

 

 

 

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Senator Florence Shapiro, Chair

 

 

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Holly Mabry, Clerk