The bill, S.B. No. 544, introduces new requirements for individualized education programs (IEPs) for public school students placed in alternative special education settings. It adds Section 29.0053 to the Education Code, defining "alternative special education setting" and mandating that the committee responsible for developing a student's IEP must create an attached supplement that includes individualized, measurable goals for the student's academic, social-emotional, and behavioral growth. This supplement aims to facilitate the student's potential return to a general education setting. Additionally, the committee is required to meet at least once each semester to review the student's progress towards these goals.

Furthermore, the bill amends Section 29.011 by adding Subsection (a-3), which stipulates that the admission, review, and dismissal committee for students aged 18 and older in alternative special education settings must also develop and include measurable goals in their IEP supplements. The provisions of this act will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, and it will become effective immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 29.011 (Education Code 29)