Texas Senate Bill SB778

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 2/18/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 3/24/11
• Voted on by Senate: 4/7/11
• Refer: 3/1/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/5/11
• Report Pass: 3/24/11
• Voted on by House: 5/19/11
• Engrossed: 4/7/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 4/11/11
• Report Pass: 5/3/11
• Enrolled: 5/20/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to the inclusion of professional staff who educate students with disabilities on district-level and campus-level planning and decision-making committees.

Impact

By requiring the inclusion of professional staff responsible for educating students with disabilities, the bill could lead to significant changes in how educational plans are developed and implemented. This could ultimately enhance the educational experiences and outcomes for students with disabilities, as their specific needs and requirements would be addressed more directly by those who work closely with them. The legislation also emphasizes the importance of having diverse representatives, including parents, business representatives, and community members, involved in the decision-making process.

Summary

SB778 focuses on enhancing the role of professional staff who educate students with disabilities in the decision-making processes at both the district and campus levels. The bill mandates that these professionals be included on planning committees, which are crucial for establishing and reviewing educational plans, goals, and instructional programs. This move aims to promote a more inclusive approach to educational planning, ensuring that the perspectives of educators who specialize in special education are heard and considered in the governance of schools.

Contention

A point of contention that may arise from the enactment of SB778 is the potential challenge in balancing the representation of various stakeholders within the committees. Critics may argue that while additional perspectives are valuable, there is a risk that the inclusion of too many different voices could lead to conflicts or complications in reaching consensus on educational plans. Additionally, there may be concerns from some educators who fear that the inclusion of business representatives could overshadow the professional insights of educators, particularly in matters that are best addressed from an educational rather than a business standpoint.