Proposed New 19 TAC Chapter 126, Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Technology Applications, Subchapter D, Other Technology Applications Courses, §126.65, Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science Principles (One Credit), Adopted 2016
(Second Reading and Final Adoption)

April 8, 2016

COMMITTEE ON INSTRUCTION: ACTION
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION: ACTION

SUMMARY: This item presents for second reading and final adoption proposed new 19 TAC Chapter 126, Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Technology Applications, Subchapter D, Other Technology Applications Courses, §126.65, Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science Principles (One Credit), Adopted 2016. The proposed rule action would add a new AP computer science course as an option for a student to use to earn credit toward high school graduation requirements. No changes are recommended since approved for first reading.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Texas Education Code (TEC), §§7.102(c)(4), 28.002, and 28.025.

TEC, §7.102(c)(4), requires the State Board of Education (SBOE) to establish curriculum and graduation requirements. TEC, §28.002, identifies the subjects of the required curriculum and requires the SBOE to by rule identify the essential knowledge and skills of each subject in the required curriculum that all students should be able to demonstrate and that will be used in evaluating instructional materials and addressed on the state assessment instruments. TEC, §28.025, requires the SBOE by rule to determine the curriculum requirements for the foundation high school graduation program that are consistent with the required curriculum under §28.002.

EFFECTIVE DATE: The proposed effective date of proposed new 19 TAC §126.65 is August 22, 2016.

PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION: The SBOE adopted Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for technology applications effective September 1, 1998. Revised technology applications TEKS were adopted effective September 26, 2011. A discussion item related to the proposed new course was presented to the Committee on Instruction at its November 2015 meeting. Proposed new 19 TAC §126.65 was approved for first reading and filing authorization at the January 2016 SBOE meeting.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND SIGNIFICANT ISSUES: This item was added to the agenda at the request of a board member in anticipation of the launch of the new AP Computer Science Principles course in the 2016-2017 school year.

Attachment II reflects the text of proposed new 19 TAC §126.65, aligns with the SBOE's authority to by rule determine the curriculum requirements for the foundation high school graduation program that are consistent with the required curriculum under §28.002, and is modeled after other rules adopted for AP courses. No changes are recommended since approved for first reading.

FISCAL IMPACT: The Texas Education Agency has determined 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 and microbusinesses; therefore, no regulatory flexibility analysis, specified in Texas Government Code, §2006.002, is required.

PUBLIC AND STUDENT BENEFIT: Benefits include added flexibility in course options for students to meet high school graduation requirements.

PROCEDURAL AND REPORTING IMPLICATIONS: The proposed rule action would have no new procedural and reporting requirements.

LOCALLY MAINTAINED PAPERWORK REQUIREMENTS: The proposed rule action would have no new locally maintained paperwork requirements.

PUBLIC COMMENTS: Following the January 2016 SBOE meeting, notice of proposed new 19 TAC Chapter 126, Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Technology Applications, Subchapter D, Other Technology Applications Courses, §126.65, Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science Principles (One Credit), Adopted 2016, 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 during the April 2016 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 new 19 TAC Chapter 126, Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Technology Applications, Subchapter D, Other Technology Applications Courses, §126.65, Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science Principles (One Credit), Adopted 2016, with an effective date of August 22, 2016.

Staff Members Responsible:
Monica Martinez, Associate Commissioner
Standards and Programs

Shelly Ramos, Division Director
Curriculum

Attachments:
I. Statutory Citations (PDF, 24KB)
II. Text of Proposed New 19 TAC Chapter 126, Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Technology Applications, Subchapter D, Other Technology Applications Courses, §126.65, Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science Principles (One Credit), Adopted 2016 (PDF, 14KB)