Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1695

Caption

Relating to online courses and programs offered by a public school, including courses and programs offered through the state virtual school network.

Impact

The bill positively impacts state law by enabling more local control for school districts in terms of course offerings. Under SB1695, these districts can operate full-time online programs, thereby increasing the diversity of educational options available to students. Additionally, by allowing districts to receive funding for student enrollment in their online courses, the legislation promotes financial support for digital learning, potentially leading to better educational outcomes and resource allocation that aligns with student needs.

Summary

SB1695 aims to enhance the framework for online courses and programs offered by public schools in Texas, including those delivered through the state virtual school network. The bill enables school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to develop and approve their own online courses while ensuring that they meet minimum accessibility standards. This represents a significant shift toward expanding access to digital learning opportunities for students who may benefit from flexible educational settings, especially in light of the growing trend toward online education precipitated by recent global events.

Contention

However, points of contention exist regarding the potential quality and oversight of the approved online courses. Critics may argue that decentralizing course approval could lead to inconsistencies in educational standards across districts. There are concerns about the qualifications of educational staff and the adequacy of resources dedicated to ensuring that these newly created online courses meet the necessary academic criteria. Prominent stakeholders may fear that without stringent oversight, some students might not receive the quality of education warranted by traditional classroom settings.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 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 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 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 HB1678

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

TX HB31

Relating to virtual and off-campus electronic instruction at a public school and the allotment for certain special-purpose school districts under the Foundation School Program.

TX HB1462

Relating to a local remote learning program offered by certain school districts or open-enrollment charter schools.

TX SB2539

Relating to the administration, coordination, and support of public higher education, including the public junior college state finance program and an Advanced Career and Education (ACE) scholarship program for students enrolled in dual credit courses.

TX HB710

Relating to the removal of restrictions on funding and payment of costs for certain full-time online educational programs; authorizing a fee.

Similar Bills

CA AB2627

Electronically collected personal information: local agencies: the California Community Colleges: memorandum of understanding.

TX SB1298

Relating to the provision of electronic courses in public schools, the state virtual school network, and school district digital capabilities.

CA SB1283

Pupils: use of social media.

NJ S1205

Provides primary and school election sample ballots may be sent to registered voter by electronic mail if so requested.

NJ A609

Provides primary and school election sample ballots may be sent to registered voter by electronic mail if so requested.

NJ A2600

Provides primary and school election sample ballots may be sent to registered voter by electronic mail if so requested.

NJ S1292

Provides primary and school election sample ballots may be sent to registered voter by electronic mail if so requested.

OR HB2251

Relating to student use of personal electronic devices.