Texas 2021 - 87th 1st C.S.

Texas House Bill HB128

Caption

Relating to the operation by a school district of a vocational education program to provide eligible high school students with vocational and educational training under a plan for the issuance of a high school diploma and the application of certain student-based allotments under the public school finance system.

Impact

The impact of HB128 is significant as it looks to alter how students engage with both education and career pathways. By providing a structured vocational education pathway, the bill aims to increase the opportunities for students to gain practical skills that will lead them directly to employment or further education in technical fields. Furthermore, the bill allows for financial mechanisms under the public school finance system to support these programs, ensuring that adequate resources are allocated to sustain them.

Summary

House Bill 128 seeks to create a framework for the operation of vocational education programs by school districts in Texas. The bill mandates that such programs are designed to better serve high school students whose educational needs are aligned with vocational training. HB128 introduces a new chapter to the Education Code which stipulates minimum curriculum requirements, ensuring that students in these programs engage with industry-recognized credentials and skill standards. This is intended to empower students to earn a high school diploma through vocational training alongside necessary academic credentials.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB128 include concerns regarding the adequacy of vocational training and its perceived role as a secondary option to traditional academic routes. Critics argue that vocational education should not be viewed as less valuable than a conventional diploma, which may lead to stigmatization among students choosing this path. Proponents, however, posit that adequately executed vocational training provides valuable skills, reduces dropout rates, and helps address state workforce needs. The efficient implementation of these programs and their equivalence to academic qualifications will likely spark ongoing discussions among educators and stakeholders.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2615

Relating to the operation by a school district of a foundation and trade diploma program to provide eligible high school students with educational training under a plan for the issuance of a high school diploma and the application of certain student-based allotments under the public school finance system.

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 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 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 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 SB2

Relating to a local optional teacher designation system implemented by a school district, a security officer employed by a school district, the basic allotment and guaranteed yield under the public school finance system, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program; making an appropriation.

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 HB116

Relating to the basic allotment and guaranteed yield under the public school finance system, certain allotments under the Foundation School Program, determination of a school district's assets to liabilities ratio under the public school financial accountability rating system, and credit for prepayment of the amount required to be paid by a school district for the purchase of attendance credit under the public school finance system.

Similar Bills

TX HB129

Relating to the operation by a school district of a vocational education program to provide eligible high school students with vocational and educational training under a plan for the issuance of a high school diploma and the application of certain student-based allotments under the public school finance system.

TX HB2554

Relating to the operation by a school district of a vocational education program to provide eligible high school students with vocational and educational training under a plan for the issuance of a high school diploma and the application of certain student-based allotments under the public school finance system.

TX HB2615

Relating to the operation by a school district of a foundation and trade diploma program to provide eligible high school students with educational training under a plan for the issuance of a high school diploma and the application of certain student-based allotments under the public school finance system.

LA HB689

Requires semiannual ground water reporting and parliamentary procedures for certain ground water conservation districts and regional bodies.

LA HB535

Designates and provides for critical areas of ground water concern

TX SB1536

Relating to the public school finance system.

TX HB1525

Relating to the public school finance system and public education.

TX HB3837

Relating to the public school finance system.