TX
Texas Senate Bill SB2050

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2050

Caption

Relating to staff development and continuing education requirements for public school educators regarding digital education methods.

Impact

SB2050 is expected to significantly affect the Education Code, particularly in the areas pertaining to educator certification and ongoing professional development. By requiring its provisions to be implemented starting from the 2017-2018 school year, the bill sets a timeline that pushes educators and school districts to adapt curricula that incorporate digital tools. The training provided must cover various critical areas, including recognizing early warning signs that students may be at risk of dropping out, thus fostering a proactive approach to student engagement and retention.

Summary

Senate Bill 2050 addresses the requirements for staff development and continuing education for public school educators, emphasizing the need for training in digital education methods. The bill seeks to ensure that educators are equipped with essential digital literacy skills that correspond with contemporary educational demands. This legislation mandates specific academic qualifications for educator certification, requiring that educators receive instruction in digital learning and undergo a digital literacy evaluation as part of their training. Additionally, it aligns with the standards set by the International Society for Technology in Education, which advocates for effective strategies in digital education.

Contention

While there appears to be broad support for improving digital learning in schools, some points of contention could arise around how these training requirements are to be structured and funded. There may be concerns regarding the practical implementation of digital literacy standards, particularly in under-resourced districts where access to technology may be limited. Additionally, the proportional requirement that only a specific percentage of training relates to digital learning (not exceeding 25%) might prompt debate among educators about the appropriateness and sufficiency of these thresholds in fully addressing the multifaceted challenges of modern education.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2929

Relating to continuing education and training requirements for classroom teachers and public school counselors.

TX SB2318

Relating to continuing education and training requirements for classroom teachers and public school counselors.

TX SB9

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.

TX SB58

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.

TX HB4358

Relating to including digital teaching in the micro-credential certification program for public school educator continuing education.

TX HB11

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.

TX HB100

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.

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.

TX HB4188

Relating to the rights, certification, and compensation of public school educators, including financial and other assistance provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators and to certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

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 SB6

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 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 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.

HI HB388

Relating To Education.

HI SB108

Relating To Instructional Materials.

HI SB108

Relating To Instructional Materials.

TX SB6

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; providing penalties.