Relating to evaluation under the state accountability system of school district campuses that enroll certain students who receive special education services.
Impact
The legislation is expected to streamline the evaluation process of specialized support campuses, ensuring that the performance measures align more closely with the challenges faced by students with disabilities. This means that if the specialized support campuses develop effective alternative plans, their performance will be reported according to these plans rather than conventional metrics. The bill also includes provisions for public input when establishing the guidelines, which emphasizes stakeholder participation, including parents, guardians, and educators embracing the structure set forth in this bill.
Summary
House Bill 2797 focuses on the evaluation of school district campuses in Texas that cater to students receiving special education services. The bill aims to amend the state's accountability system by introducing a framework that allows specialized support campuses to develop alternative accountability plans. These campuses, defined as those where at least 90% of the students receive special education, would work with the Texas Education Commissioner to create guidelines that address their unique student populations. This change seeks to provide a more tailored evaluation process, reflecting the specific needs of students who may struggle with traditional assessment methods.
Sentiment
Overall sentiment towards HB 2797 appears to be positive, particularly among advocates for special education. Supporters argue that the existing accountability system is ill-suited for specialized support campuses and that this bill represents a crucial step towards equity in educational evaluation. Nonetheless, some concerns were raised about the potential for varying standards across campuses and whether this could inadvertently lead to disparities in educational quality. Therefore, while there is optimism about the bill, there are also calls for scrutiny to ensure that the alternative plans genuinely reflect students' needs and lead to improved educational outcomes.
Contention
While the bill has received broad support, it does face contention regarding the implementation of alternative accountability measures. Critics voice concerns about potential inconsistencies in how different campuses are evaluated, raising questions about fairness and comparability between specialized support campuses and traditional schools. Furthermore, the bill includes a sunset provision, expiring in 2023, reflecting a cautious approach that necessitates reassessment of its effectiveness. The Texas Education Commissioner will be tasked with reporting on the bill's impact, which may shape future legislative initiatives in the realm of special education.
Relating to evaluation under the state accountability system of school district campuses that enroll certain students who receive special education services.
Relating to procedures for the alternative assessment or exemption from assessment of certain public school students who receive special education services and alternative accountability plans for certain campuses serving students who receive special education services.
Relating to an indicator of achievement for evaluating the performance of public elementary, middle, and junior high school campuses and districts under the public school accountability system.
Relating to the administration of certain assessment instruments, the accountability rating system for assessing campus and district performance, public school career and technology education programs, and an extracurricular and cocurricular allotment under the Foundation School Program.
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.