TX
Texas House Bill HB3504

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

Texas House Bill HB3504

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to transferring primary authority for the adoption of the public school curriculum and textbooks from the State Board of Education to the commissioner of education.

Impact

If enacted, HB3504 would significantly alter the landscape of educational governance in Texas. The bill would amend various sections of the Education Code to reflect this new authority structure, whereby the commissioner can directly influence curriculum content and ensure alignment with state standards. This approach could lead to a more consistent and efficient curriculum delivery across school districts, as the commissioner would have the ability to set rules and standards that must be adhered to statewide, potentially reducing discrepancies that can occur with localized decision-making.

Summary

House Bill 3504 seeks to transfer the primary authority for the adoption of public school curriculum and textbooks from the State Board of Education to the commissioner of education in Texas. This shift is aimed at streamlining the educational process by allowing the commissioner to propose rules and regulations related to curriculum and educational materials without the approval of the State Board. Proponents of the bill argue that this change would allow for a more flexible and responsive educational system, capable of adapting to the changing needs of students and educators more quickly than the current system allows.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB3504 appears mixed, with supporters praising the efficiency and responsiveness of a centralized curriculum authority, while opponents express concerns about the reduction of checks and balances provided by having an independent State Board of Education. Critics argue that transferring authority to the commissioner could lead to a lack of transparency and diminished involvement from educators, parents, and communities in the curriculum decision-making process. This division illustrates a broader debate about governance and control within Texas's educational system.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around fears that HB3504 may take away local control from school districts and diminish the role of educators in shaping curriculum. Opponents worry that the bill could lead to a more standardized and less diverse curriculum that fails to meet the specific needs of different communities and educational settings. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding the accountability of the commissioner in this new role, particularly concerning the types of materials selected for classroom use and the overall quality of education provided as a result.

Latest TX HB3504 Activity

View All Events: TX 2011 - 82nd Regular HB3504

Companion Bills

TX SB1642

Identical Relating to transferring primary authority for the adoption of the public school curriculum and textbooks from the State Board of Education to the commissioner of education.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1605

Relating to instructional material and technology, the adoption of essential knowledge and skills for certain public school foundation curriculum subjects, and the extension of additional state aid to school districts for the provision of certain instructional materials; authorizing a fee.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX SB2565

Relating to instructional material and technology, the adoption of essential knowledge and skills for certain public school foundation curriculum subjects, and creating allotments for the procurement of certain instructional materials under the Foundation School Program; authorizing a fee.

TX SB165

Relating to parental rights in public education and to audits of school district curricula by the Texas Education Agency.

TX HB3141

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX SB1861

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX HB4016

Relating to healthy relationships education in public schools.

TX HB681

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX HB4017

Relating to human sexuality education in public schools.

Similar Bills

TX SB1642

Relating to transferring primary authority for the adoption of the public school curriculum and textbooks from the State Board of Education to the commissioner of education.

TX SB2275

Relating to the adoption of the public school curriculum and textbooks; transferring authority from the State Board of Education to the commissioner of education.

TX HB6

Relating to the foundation curriculum, the establishment of the instructional materials allotment, the adoption, review, and purchase of instructional materials and technological equipment for public schools, and the administration of state assessment instruments to public school students.

TX SB6

Relating to the foundation curriculum, the establishment of the instructional materials allotment, and the adoption, review, and purchase of instructional materials and technological equipment for public schools.

TX HB6

Relating to the foundation curriculum, the establishment of the instructional materials allotment, and the adoption, review, and purchase of instructional materials and technological equipment for public schools.

TX SB6

Relating to the foundation curriculum, the establishment of the instructional materials allotment, and the adoption, review, and purchase of instructional materials and technological equipment for public schools; providing penalties.

TX HB104

Relating to abolishing the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and transferring the coordinating board's functions and activities and the State Board of Education's statutorily assigned functions and activities to the Texas Education Agency.

TX SB440

Relating to transferring the statutorily assigned functions and activities of the State Board of Education to the Texas Education Agency.