GoArts News: October 27, 2009
SBOE to Consider Rules to Address Unresolved Graduation Plan Issues from HB3
At its November 18–20 meeting, the State Board of Education will consider rules to address some of the unresolved issues triggered by HB 3 relating to the state-defined graduation plans. None of the language being considered should negatively affect fine arts courses or students’ access to our programs. In a positive move, the SBOE rejected at this time any plans to move high school course requirements eliminated by HB 3 to middle school.
The Board at its November meeting will also consider action on limiting activities that may substitute for the physical education requirement in high school. Marching band will be one of those activities under study. To substitute for P.E., the activity must be tied to a TEKS-based P.E. curricular course such as Aerobic Activities. In accordance with SB 891, sponsored by Jane Nelson and passed during the most recent legislative session, at least fifty percent of the time in the class on a weekly basis must be devoted to actual student physical activity.
The SBOE will also begin to look at language that will define the rules for implementation of the HB 3 language that requires each student to take a minimum of one fine arts course in grades six, seven, and eight beginning with the sixth grade of 2010. TMEA will be carefully monitoring the development of this language to protect both the legislative intent and the rigor of such course participation as well as assure the course curriculum is TEKS-based.
Latest HB 3 Information from TEA