Relating to language acquisition for children less than eight years of age who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Impact
The legislation calls for the establishment of an advisory committee, primarily made up of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as educators and parents of affected children. This committee is tasked with crafting assessments and resources that can be used to evaluate language acquisition in young children. Furthermore, the funding and execution of the program would be overseen by relevant state agencies, including the Texas Education Agency, ensuring state-level commitment to the initiative. The goal is to equip parents and educators with the necessary tools and information to foster better language development.
Summary
House Bill 3253 addresses language acquisition for children under the age of eight who are deaf or hard of hearing. It expands definitions in the Texas Education Code to clarify what constitutes 'deaf or hard of hearing' and includes terms such as expressive and receptive language acquisition, as well as literacy development in both English and American Sign Language. The bill mandates the development of a comprehensive program aimed at monitoring and improving language acquisition for these children, recognizing the importance of early intervention in their educational journey.
Conclusion
In summary, HB3253 proposes significant advancements in language acquisition efforts for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. By integrating recommendations from experts and establishing clear programs and resources, it aims to enhance communication skills and educational outcomes for this vulnerable population within Texas. The success of this legislation could ultimately impact long-term educational strategies and empower families with better tools for advocacy and development.
Contention
Notably, one point of contention surrounding the bill could revolve around the implementation of assessments and their alignment with both English and American Sign Language. Some advocates might argue for a greater focus on the inclusion of sign language, emphasizing its role in the holistic development of deaf or hard-of-hearing children. Another issue that could arise is how effectively the resources and training offered to parents and educators will be disseminated and utilized across various school districts, particularly those in underserved regions.
Relating to special education in public schools, including the special education allotment under the Foundation School Program, an education savings account program for certain children with disabilities, and a grant program to reimburse public schools for the cost of certain employer contributions for retirees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas employed to teach or provide services related to special education.
Relating to special education in public schools, including the special education allotment under the Foundation School Program, an education savings account program for certain children with disabilities, and a grant program to reimburse public schools for the cost of certain employer contributions for retirees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas employed to teach special education.
Relating to public education and public school finance, including the rights, certification, and compensation of public school educators, contributions by a public school to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, and an education savings account program for certain children.
Relating to the terminology used to refer to certain disabilities and to an individualized education team for purposes of determining a student's eligibility for special education services and providing those services in public schools.
Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators and assistance provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators and to certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.
Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators, including financial and other assistance and waivers provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators, methods of instruction provided in public schools, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.