Texas House Bill HB2327

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to approval by the State Board of Education of certain public school courses for use in satisfying mathematics or science course requirements under the recommended and advanced high school programs.

Impact

The adoption of HB2327 would have significant implications for how educational curricula are developed and assessed in Texas high schools. By allowing for a broader range of courses to fulfill core curriculum requirements, the bill seeks to provide local school districts with more flexibility in course offerings. This could enhance students' learning experiences, particularly in specialized fields, as it enables districts to tailor their curricula to meet local needs and interests while still adhering to state guidelines.

Summary

House Bill 2327 aims to amend the Texas Education Code concerning the curriculum requirements for high school students. Specifically, it addresses the approval process for certain public school courses to be recognized in satisfying mathematics or science course requirements under the recommended and advanced high school programs. The bill permits school districts to apply for their enrichment curriculum courses to be considered equivalent to the foundational mathematics or science courses, provided the State Board of Education finds these courses to be academically rigorous and substantively similar to existing courses.

Contention

One notable point of contention regarding HB2327 is the potential dilution of academic standards that some critics fear may arise from its implementation. Opponents argue that allowing courses from the enrichment curriculum to qualify for core requirements might lead to variations in educational quality and preparedness among students. There are concerns about how rigorously the State Board of Education will evaluate these courses, with some advocating for more stringent requirements to maintain educational consistency across schools in Texas.