Proposed Revisions to 19 TAC Chapter 112, Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science, Subchapter D, Other Science Courses
(Second Reading and Final Adoption)

April 17, 2015

COMMITTEE ON INSTRUCTION: ACTION
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION: ACTION

SUMMARY: This item presents for second reading and final adoption 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. No changes are recommended since approved for first reading.

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. At the February 2015 meeting, the SBOE approved 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.

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 second reading and final adoption.

No changes are recommended since approved for first reading.

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: Following the February 2015 SBOE meeting, notice of proposed revisions to 19 TAC Chapter 112, Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science, Subchapter D, Other Science Courses, was filed with the Texas Register, initiating the official public comment period. No comments had been received at the time this item was prepared. A summary of any public comments received regarding the proposal will be provided to the SBOE prior to and during the April meeting.

ALTERNATIVES: None.

OTHER COMMENTS AND RELATED ISSUES: None.

MOTION TO BE CONSIDERED: The State Board of Education:

Approve for second reading and final adoption proposed revisions to 19 TAC Chapter 112, Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science, Subchapter D, Other Science Courses, with an effective date of August 24, 2015.

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)