Texas House Bill HB1692

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to accountability for gifted and talented programs.

Impact

The provisions of HB 1692 would amend the Texas Education Code, particularly Chapter 39. Under the new guidelines, a school that consistently demonstrates satisfactory performance ratings in their gifted and talented programs would be exempted from certain funding limitations for a period of time. Conversely, those districts failing to maintain satisfactory ratings over two consecutive years will once again face restrictions under existing statutory funding caps. This structure is intended to drive improvement and foster a competitive environment among schools regarding the quality of their gifted and talented education programs.

Summary

House Bill 1692 aims to establish accountability measures for gifted and talented programs within Texas educational institutions. The bill introduces additional standards for the evaluation of these programs, which must align with the Texas Performance Standards Project or other approved programs. This move is designed to ensure that all districts meeting satisfactory performance ratings can benefit from specific funding provisions, thereby incentivizing schools to improve their educational offerings for gifted and talented students.

Contention

While the intent of HB 1692 is to enhance educational outcomes for gifted and talented students, there may be concerns regarding the practical implementation of these new standards. Critics might argue that the additional accountability measures could place undue pressure on school districts, particularly those with limited resources. Additionally, there could be questions about the effectiveness of the evaluation standards and whether they truly result in improved educational experiences for gifted students. The bill may initiate discussions around equity in educational funding and resource allocation, especially in districts that struggle to meet the new criteria.