Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst today released two interim charges for the Senate Education Committee to study this year:

Examine STAAR writing scores for elementary, middle and high school students. For grade levels tested in writing, review the types of writing required. Explore the need for targeted professional development in writing. Review the redesign of high school English EOC exams. For the entire STAAR assessment program, review accommodations available to eligible students as a result of the elimination of the STAAR Modified exam pursuant to changes in federal accountability regulations. Additionally, review the redesign of the STAAR Alternate assessment.

Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Education, 83rd Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance and/or complete implementation. Specifically, monitor the following:

• HB 5, relating to public school accountability, including assessment, and curriculum requirements; providing a criminal penalty;
• HB 1926, relating to the operation of the state virtual school network and courses provided through other distance learning arrangements;
• SB 376, relating to breakfast for certain public school students; and
• HB 617, relating to transition and employment services for public school students enrolled in special education programs.