SENATE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

COMMITTEE:    Education 

TIME & DATE:  10:00 AM, Tuesday, August 26, 2014 

PLACE:        E1.028 (Hearing Room) 
CHAIR:        Senator Dan Patrick 

The Committee will hear invited testimony followed by public testimony on the below interim charges.

Senate Interim Charge #1 (Portion of Charge):

Examine STAAR writing scores for elementary, middle and high school students. For grade levels tested in writing, review the types of writing required. Explore the need for targeted professional development in writing.

Senate Interim Charge #2:

Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Education, 83rd Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance and/or complete implementation. Specifically, monitor the following:

·                HB 5, relating to public school accountability, including assessment, and curriculum requirements; providing a criminal penalty;

(NOTE: Discussion on HB 5 will be limited to an update from our previous hearing on the passing rates of STAAR End-of-Course assessments for the graduating class of 2015)

·                HB 1926, relating to the operation of the state virtual school network and courses provided through other distance learning arrangements;

·                SB 376, relating to breakfast for certain public school students; and

·                HB 617, relating to transition and employment services for public school students enrolled in special education programs.

Public testimony will be limited to two (2) minutes per person.