Texas House Bill HB124

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the applicability of educator certification and assignment requirements to school districts of innovation.

Impact

The implications of HB 124 are significant for school districts that adopt or renew their local innovation plans after the bill's effective date. By ensuring these districts remain subject to established state and federal requirements, the bill reinforces accountability in educator assignments, particularly in critical areas of bilingual education and special education. It aims to ensure that districts prioritize the hiring and assignment of certified educators, which can improve educational outcomes for students requiring specialized instruction.

Summary

House Bill 124 amends provisions relating to educator certification and assignment requirements specifically for school districts of innovation. The bill seeks to clarify that local innovation plans cannot exempt districts designated as districts of innovation from federal and state certification and assignment requirements for educators. This includes maintaining compliance with regulations applicable to open-enrollment charter schools, bilingual education, and special education assignments as well as state curriculum and accountability requirements.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 124 relate to the balance of local control versus the state-mandated requirements. Supporters of the bill argue that stringent certification and assignment requirements are essential for maintaining educational quality, particularly for vulnerable student populations. On the other hand, critics may express concerns that such regulations could limit the flexibility of school districts to innovate in strategies for assigning educators, which is a foundational aspect of being a district of innovation. The enforcement of these requirements could also spark discussion on the effectiveness of state oversight versus localized decision-making.

Additional_information

The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from the legislature, but if such a vote is not achieved, it will take effect on September 1, 2019. This timeline is critical for districts in planning their innovation strategies and compliance measures.