Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3581

Caption

Relating to the special education allotment and the creation of a supported education allotment under the Foundation School Program and to instructional arrangements for students with disabilities enrolled in public schools.

Impact

The bill proposes a significant adjustment in how school districts receive funding. Under the new supported education allotment, a school district can receive a yearly allotment that varies based on the specific educational supports a student requires. For instance, if a student needs aids and accommodations for less than 15 minutes a day, the district would get a lower multiplier compared to students needing support for more extended periods. This nuanced approach aims to ensure that funding aligns closely with the actual needs of students with disabilities, potentially leading to better educational outcomes.

Summary

House Bill 3581 focuses on enhancing funding for special education in Texas public schools by introducing a new supported education allotment under the Foundation School Program. The legislation aims to provide additional financial resources to school districts for accommodating students with disabilities by establishing a structured funding formula. This will allow districts to receive funds based on the level of support each student requires, thereby promoting more inclusive educational environments.

Contention

Discussion surrounding HB 3581 highlighted several points of contention. Advocates for the bill argue that it represents a pivotal step toward equity in funding for special education services, given that many districts currently struggle with the financial burden of adequately supporting students with disabilities. However, some critics raised concerns about the implementation of the new funding formula, suggesting it may inadvertently disadvantage certain districts, particularly those with larger populations of students requiring extensive support. Balancing equitable funding while ensuring all students receive the necessary support remains a central debate.

Additional_notes

The act will also mandate that the State Board of Education adopt specific rules regarding the instructional arrangements used for students with disabilities, further entrenching the state's commitment to developing tailored educational plans that accommodate diverse learner needs. This prompted discussions about the adequacy of current resources and teacher training for effectively implementing recommended practices in special education.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1052

Relating to the use of enrollment for purposes of the special education allotment under the Foundation School Program.

TX HB3781

Relating to special education in public schools, including the special education allotment under the Foundation School Program, an education savings account program for certain children with disabilities, and a grant program to reimburse public schools for the cost of certain employer contributions for retirees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas employed to teach special education.

TX SB1474

Relating to special education in public schools, including the special education allotment under the Foundation School Program, an education savings account program for certain children with disabilities, and a grant program to reimburse public schools for the cost of certain employer contributions for retirees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas employed to teach or provide services related to special education.

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 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 HB1672

Relating to the basic allotment and the guaranteed yield under the Foundation School Program.

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 HB4586

Relating to the basic allotment and guaranteed yield under the Foundation School Program and compensation increases for public school employees.

TX HB2393

Relating to the basic allotment and the guaranteed yield under the Foundation School Program.

Similar Bills

MI HB6248

Education: curriculum; 1 unit of instruction in African-American, Indigenous People, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Latin American, Hispanic American, Caribbean American, Arab American, North African, Chaldean American, and Jewish American history; require. Amends sec. 1278 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1278) & adds secs. 1164, 1164a, 1164c, 1164d, 1164e & 1164f.

MI SB1145

Education: curriculum; 1 unit of instruction in African-American, Indigenous People, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Latin American, Hispanic American, Caribbean American, Arab American, North African, Chaldean American, and Jewish American history; require. Amends sec. 1278 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1278) & adds secs. 1164, 1164a, 1164c, 1164d, 1164e & 1164f.

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CA AB2109

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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.

NJ A284

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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.