Texas House Bill HB2264

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/30/09

Caption

Relating to establishment of an after-school grant program for certain students in public middle or junior high schools.

Impact

This legislation will amend the Education Code by adding Section 29.091, which establishes the framework for the after-school grant program. The state commissioner of education will oversee the issuance of grants, allocating funds to school districts that meet the application criteria. With this initiative, the state aims to enhance educational support for vulnerable students, giving them resources to succeed in their studies, transition smoothly into high school, and consider diverse career paths. The bill is anticipated to have a significant positive impact on student attendance and performance, with a focus on enabling graduates to pursue higher education.

Summary

House Bill 2264 introduces a new after-school grant program specifically aimed at students in public middle and junior high schools who are at risk of dropping out. The bill emphasizes the importance of providing additional support to these students through various educational opportunities that help in their academic success and career exploration. The program is designed to be funded by state appropriations and requires school districts to apply for grants while collaborating with local businesses and nonprofit organizations to implement effective after-school learning activities.

Contention

While the bill serves to address critical gaps in student support, discussions may arise around the management of the grant program, including operational efficiency and accountability for the awarded funds. Key points of contention could include the extent of state involvement in local educational initiatives, the sufficiency of funding, and effective measurement of program outcomes. Stakeholders might advocate for clear evaluation metrics to assess the impact of these after-school programs on student performance and retention in school, which shall be essential for justifying ongoing state funding.