TITLE: Relating to an advanced mathematics program for public school students in middle school.

SUMMARY: Relating to an advanced mathematics program for public school students in middle school.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to an advanced mathematics program for public school students in middle school. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 28, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 28.029 to read as follows: Sec. 28.029. MIDDLE SCHOOL ADVANCED MATHEMATICS PROGRAM. (a) To increase the number of students who complete advanced mathematics courses in high school, each school district and open-enrollment charter school shall develop an advanced mathematics program for middle school students that is designed to enable those students to enroll in Algebra I in eighth grade. (b) Under the program, subject to Subsection (c), a school district or open-enrollment charter school shall automatically enroll in an advanced mathematics course each sixth grade student who performed in the top 40 percent on: (1) the fifth grade mathematics assessment instrument administered under Section 39.023(a); or (2) a local measure that includes the student's fifth grade class ranking or a demonstrated proficiency in the student's fifth grade mathematics coursework. (c) The parent or guardian of a student described by Subsection (b) may opt the student out of automatic enrollment under that subsection. (d) The commissioner may adopt rules to implement this section. SECTION 2. As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, each school district or open-enrollment charter school shall develop the middle school advanced mathematics program required by Section 28.029, Education Code, as added by this Act. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.