February 2015 Committee on Instruction Item 4
Proposed Revisions to 19 TAC Chapter 112, Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science, Subchapter D, Other Science Courses
(First Reading and Filing Authorization)
February 13, 2015
COMMITTEE ON INSTRUCTION: ACTION
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION: ACTION
SUMMARY: This item presents for first reading and filing authorization proposed revisions to 19 TAC Chapter 112, Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science, Subchapter D, Other Science Courses. The proposal would update the course titles for International Baccalaureate (IB) science courses to align with other foundation subject area IB courses.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Texas Education Code (TEC), §§7.102(c)(4), 28.002, and 28.025.
EFFECTIVE DATE: The proposed effective date of proposed revisions to 19 TAC Chapter 112, Subchapter D, is August 24, 2015.
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION: The SBOE initially adopted rules in 19 TAC Chapter 112, Subchapter D, effective September 1, 1998. Additional rules were adopted in Subchapter D effective July 12, 2010.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND SIGNIFICANT ISSUES: Rules in 19 TAC Chapter 112, Subchapter D, identify the requirements for high school advanced placement, international baccalaureate, and career and technical education science courses. The proposed revisions, shown in Attachment II, would update the titles for IB science courses as follows.
Proposed new 19 TAC §112.73, International Baccalaureate (IB) Biology Standard Level (One Credit); §112.74, International Baccalaureate (IB) Biology Higher Level (One Credit); §112.75, International Baccalaureate (IB) Chemistry Standard Level (One Credit); §112.76, International Baccalaureate (IB) Chemistry Higher Level (One Credit); §112.77, International Baccalaureate (IB) Physics Standard Level (One Credit); and §112.78, International Baccalaureate (IB) Physics Higher Level (One Credit), would reflect the level of the course and the credit to be awarded.
As a result of the proposed new rules, the proposed repeal of §112.67, International Baccalaureate Biology (IB) (One to One and One-Half Credits); §112.68, International Baccalaureate Chemistry (IB) (One to One and One-Half Credits); and §112.69, International Baccalaureate Physics (IB) (One to One and One-Half Credits), is also presented for consideration by the SBOE for first reading and filing authorization.
FISCAL IMPACT: The Texas Education Agency has determined that that there are no additional costs to persons or entities required to comply with the proposed rule action. In addition, there is no direct adverse economic impact for small businesses or microbusinesses; therefore, no regulatory flexibility analysis, specified in Texas Government Code, §2006.002, is required.
PUBLIC AND STUDENT BENEFIT: Benefits include appropriate science credit options aligned with other subject areas for students who take IB courses.
PROCEDURAL AND REPORTING IMPLICATIONS: The proposed revisions would have no new procedural and reporting requirements.
LOCALLY MAINTAINED PAPERWORK REQUIREMENTS: The proposed revisions would have no new locally maintained paperwork requirements.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: The official public comment period will begin when the proposal is published in the Texas Register.
ALTERNATIVES: None.
OTHER COMMENTS AND RELATED ISSUES: A request for a public hearing on the proposal submitted under the Administrative Procedure Act must be received by the commissioner of education not more than 14 calendar days after notice of the proposal has been published in the Texas Register.
MOTION TO BE CONSIDERED: The State Board of Education:
Approve for first reading and filing authorization proposed revisions to 19 TAC Chapter 112, Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science, Subchapter D, Other Science Courses.
Staff Members Responsible:
Monica Martinez, Associate Commissioner
Standards and Programs
Shelly Ramos, Division Director
Curriculum
Attachments:
I. Statutory Citations (PDF, 30KB)
II. Text of Proposed Revisions to 19 TAC Chapter 112, Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science, Subchapter D, Other Science Courses (PDF, 23KB)