Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1484

Caption

Relating to the creation of an instructional materials web portal by the commissioner of education.

Impact

With the establishment of this web portal, SB1484 is expected to streamline the process for schools to access and evaluate instructional materials. By providing a centralized repository of open educational resources and materials adopted by the State Board of Education, the bill seeks to enhance the quality of education across Texas schools. The portal will help ensure that instructional materials meet the essential knowledge and skills criteria, thereby potentially improving the overall educational landscape.

Summary

SB1484 aims to create an instructional materials web portal by the commissioner of education to assist school districts and open-enrollment charter schools in selecting instructional materials. The portal is envisioned as a comprehensive resource that will contain information on materials available for educational purposes, including details like pricing and system requirements. Additionally, the bill mandates the incorporation of independent analyses of these materials to ensure their quality and appropriateness for the educational curriculum.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1484 appears to be generally positive, with strong support for the initiative to modernize how instructional materials are accessed and selected. Proponents believe that the bill will foster greater accessibility and quality in educational resources, thus benefiting educators and students alike. However, some concerns may arise regarding the implementation process, particularly around the funding for maintaining the portal and whether it can effectively serve all districts equally.

Contention

One notable point of contention may arise from the reliance on a centralized portal for instructional material selection, which could face criticism from those who advocate for more localized control over educational resources. Critics may argue that while a centralized web portal is beneficial, it might inadvertently limit schools' ability to choose materials that cater to their unique demographics and needs. Moreover, the quality assurance process established in the bill places significant authority in the hands of the commissioner, which could become a focal point for debate on governance and oversight.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB2565

Relating to instructional material and technology, the adoption of essential knowledge and skills for certain public school foundation curriculum subjects, and creating allotments for the procurement of certain instructional materials under the Foundation School Program; authorizing a fee.

TX HB1605

Relating to instructional material and technology, the adoption of essential knowledge and skills for certain public school foundation curriculum subjects, and the extension of additional state aid to school districts for the provision of certain instructional materials; authorizing a fee.

TX HB4097

Relating to the acceptable uses of the instructional materials and technology fund and the review of certain instructional materials by the State Board of Education.

TX SB8

Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials and the establishment of an education savings account program.

TX HB5261

Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials and the establishment of an education savings account program.

TX HB1804

Relating to the instructional material list and supplemental instructional materials adopted by the State Board of Education.

TX SB2089

Relating to the instructional material list and supplemental instructional materials adopted by the State Board of Education.

TX SB77

Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials.

TX HB890

Relating to parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

Similar Bills

TX SB1481

Relating to the instructional materials and technology allotment, open education resource instructional materials, and the State Board of Education long-range technology plan.

TX HB4140

Relating to the instructional materials and technology allotment, open education resource instructional materials, and the State Board of Education long-range technology plan.

TX HB6

Relating to the foundation curriculum, the establishment of the instructional materials allotment, and the adoption, review, and purchase of instructional materials and technological equipment for public schools.

TX SB6

TX HB6

Relating to the foundation curriculum, the establishment of the instructional materials allotment, the adoption, review, and purchase of instructional materials and technological equipment for public schools, and the administration of state assessment instruments to public school students.