Relating to a school choice program for certain students with disabilities.
Impact
The introduction of this bill is expected to significantly affect the Texas Education Code, particularly Chapter 29, where amendments would be made to accommodate this new program. Under the proposed measures, parents would be notified of their child's eligibility for the program, and if they choose to enroll their child in a qualifying non-public school, they can receive a scholarship equivalent to the funding that the school district would have allocated for the student. This financial support aims to lessen the economic burden on families seeking better educational environments for their children with disabilities.
Summary
House Bill 716 establishes a school choice program specifically designed for students with disabilities in Texas. The program would allow eligible students—those in kindergarten through grade 12 who are part of a special education program—to attend various public schools within their district, as well as qualifying community-based educational establishments. The overarching goal is to enhance the educational options available to families of students with disabilities, enabling them to choose schools that best meet their children's unique needs.
Contention
Amidst support for providing increased educational options for families, opposition to the bill has emerged, centering around concerns regarding the potential ramifications for public schools and the equitable distribution of educational resources. Critics argue that the school choice initiative could lead to decreased funding for public schools, which are already challenged by resource allocation. There are worries that the bill may encourage segregation within the educational system by having students with disabilities attend separate schools, which could inadvertently undermine efforts for inclusive education in public settings.
Additional_considerations
Key provisions also ensure that qualifying schools adhere to specific nondiscrimination guidelines and that the scholarships cannot be shared or refunded, maintaining their intended purpose. The bill allows for periodic assessments to guarantee that students are meeting educational standards, thus balancing parental choice with accountability for educational outcomes. Overall, HB716 represents a significant move towards expanding educational options for students with disabilities while also raising important questions about equity and the structure of public educational systems.
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.
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.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Students with Disabilities Scholarship Program for certain students at public institutions of higher education.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Students with Disabilities Scholarship Program for certain students at public institutions of higher education.
Relating to dyslexia evaluations and services for public school students, the provision of services for students with dyslexia and related disorders, and certain parental notice regarding the rights of parents of public school students with disabilities.
Relating to establishing a program allowing certain students who are educationally disadvantaged, have a disability, or failed certain assessment instruments to use state money or money the state receives for the purpose from gifts and non-federal grants to pursue certain educational alternatives to public schools.
Relating to the establishment of certain programs to facilitate early high school graduation and enrollment at public institutions of higher education and to the repeal of the Early High School Graduation Scholarship program.