Texas House Bill HB2721

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 2/23/23

Caption

Relating to accelerated and supplemental instruction provided to public school students who fail to achieve satisfactory performance on certain assessment instruments and access to criminal history record information for certain tutors providing that instruction.

Impact

The provisions within HB2721 will significantly impact state education policies by mandating that school districts develop individualized accelerated education plans for students consistently underperforming on assessments. This shift emphasizes accountability and personalized instruction, aiming to ensure that all students can achieve expected educational standards. The introduction of criminal history checks for tutors also underlines a commitment to safeguarding students by ensuring that individuals providing direct instruction meet specific safety protocols.

Summary

House Bill 2721 focuses on the provision of accelerated and supplemental instruction for public school students who fail to achieve satisfactory performance on mandatory assessment instruments. The bill proposes amendments to the Education Code, ensuring that students not meeting satisfactory performance levels receive targeted support designed to help them catch up academically. Additionally, HB2721 introduces measures for better access to criminal history record information regarding tutors who provide such instruction, thereby enhancing student safety and accountability among educational staff.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding HB2721 appears to be supportive among educational advocates who see it as a necessary measure to improve student outcomes, particularly for those struggling academically. By placing a stronger emphasis on individualized support, proponents argue that the bill provides a structured approach to enhancing learning for at-risk students. However, there are concerns about the feasibility of implementing these requirements effectively, particularly regarding the resources needed to support the mandated tutoring programs.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB2721 stem from discussions on resource allocation and the potential increase in educational burdens placed on school districts. Critics argue that while the intention of providing additional support is commendable, the reliance on mandatory assessments without adequate training and funding for educators may lead to systemic challenges. There are also ongoing debates on the extent to which standardized testing should dictate educational strategies, with some advocating for a more holistic approach to student evaluation and support.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 7. State Organization
  • Section: 010

• Chapter 12. Charters
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 22. School District Employees And Volunteers
  • Section: 0825
  • Section: 0833
  • Section: 0834

• Chapter 28. Courses Of Study; Advancement
  • Section: 0211

• Chapter 39. Public School System Accountability
  • Section: 235

Government Code

• Chapter 411. Department Of Public Safety Of The State Of Texas
  • Section: 0901