TX
Texas Senate Bill SB1389

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1389

Caption

Relating to remote learning programs provided by school districts and the calculation of average daily attendance in public schools.

Impact

The passage of SB1389 will directly affect existing state laws surrounding education by providing clear guidelines for remote learning. It modifies the Educational Code to allow remote-day attendance to count towards average daily attendance and funding, ensuring districts do not lose financial support as a result of lesser in-person presence. This means districts can secure necessary funding based on the number of students engaged in remote learning, equating their attendance to that of traditional classrooms, thereby fostering greater educational flexibility.

Summary

SB1389 is a legislative act aimed at formalizing remote learning programs within Texas public schools. The bill allows school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to establish remote learning programs and includes provisions for calculating attendance based on students' participation in such programs. By permitting remote learning, the bill acknowledges the evolving nature of education, especially in light of recent shifts towards technology-based instruction that became more pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic. This law marks a significant advance in integrating flexible learning options into the standard education framework in Texas.

Contention

While the introduction of SB1389 is largely seen as a positive step towards modernizing the educational landscape, it is expected to invoke some points of contention as well. Concerns may arise regarding the quality of education that remote learners receive compared to their in-class counterparts, especially for students who require special education services. In essence, there are worries about the adequacy of remote instruction in meeting diverse student needs and ensuring proper educational standards. Critics may argue that this shift could potentially lead to disparities in educational outcomes, depending on the resources and commitment of individual districts.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1861

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX HB681

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX HB3141

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

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 HB1678

Relating to a local remote learning program offered by a public school for certain students at risk of dropping out of school.

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 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 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 HB31

Relating to the use of average enrollment for purposes of the public school finance system.

TX HB2841

Relating to the use of average enrollment for purposes of the public school finance system.

Similar Bills

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 SB8

Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials and the establishment of an education savings account program.

TX HB5261

Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials and the establishment of an education savings account 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.

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 SB2253

Relating to the certification of public school educators, including financial and other assistance provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency.

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 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.