GoArts News: April 2, 2009
Senate Passes Amended SB 1364 Requiring Local Boards of Trustees to Enforce Policy Limiting TAKS Pull-out
The Texas Senate today approved SB 1364 by long-time fine arts supporter Florence Shapiro (R-Plano) to limit the practice of pulling students out of regular classes for special tutoring to prepare for the TAKS test.
The amended version of the bill reads: "The board of trustees of each school district shall adopt and strictly enforce a policy limiting the removal of students from class for remedial tutoring or test preparation. A district may not remove a student from a regularly scheduled class for remedial tutoring or test preparation if, as a result of the removal, the student would miss more than 10 percent of the school days on which the class is offered."
This amended version includes even stronger and more effective language than the original bill. Its passage sends a clear message that state leaders expect Texas students to be offered the well-rounded education required in education law.
Join us in commending Senator Shapiro for her ardent support of excellence in fine arts education by filing of this important legislation.
Dallas Morning News covers SB 1364 passage
Next Step for SB 1364.
The next step for this legislation will be the filing of a companion bill in the House. This site will be updated when such legislation is introduced as it will be imperative to contact your Representatives and ask them to support this legislation that will help ensure all students receive the quality fine arts education they deserve.