TX
Texas Senate Bill SB1642

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1642

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
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

The changes proposed by SB1642 significantly alter the landscape of educational governance in Texas. The bill positions the commissioner of education as the key decision-maker regarding where and how textbooks are selected. This raises questions about the oversight role formerly held by the State Board of Education and its ability to review educational content comprehensively. Critics fear that reducing the authority of the board could lead to a lack of diverse input in curriculum development, as the board was historically seen as a check on educational policy decisions.

Summary

SB1642 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. This legislation aims to streamline the process of curriculum adoption and ensure that curricular materials align more closely with state education standards. By concentrating authority in the hands of the commissioner, proponents argue this will enhance accountability and allow for more adaptive responses to educational needs.

Sentiment

Debate surrounding SB1642 reflects a divide between proponents who support a more centralized approach to educational governance and opponents who see the bill as a potential overreach. Supporters, typically aligned with more administrative efficiency, favor the bill for potentially accelerating the adoption process and eliminating bottlenecks in educational resource approvals. Conversely, opponents express concerns over the reduced oversight and the risks of politicizing educational content and standards without broad consensus.

Contention

Key points of contention include concerns regarding the loss of regional representation in curriculum decisions and the implications this centralization may have on local educational needs. The perceived threat to local control raises apprehensions that communities may not have their specific educational contexts adequately considered in the curriculum. Furthermore, there is ongoing debate about the necessity of aligning textbooks with state standards without sacrificing educational diversity and comprehensive teaching practices.

Latest TX SB1642 Activity

View All Events: TX 2011 - 82nd Regular SB1642

Companion Bills

TX HB3504

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 HB3504

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 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.

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 HB3382

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