TX
Texas Senate Bill SB1483

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1483

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

Caption

Relating to the state virtual school network and virtual high schools.

Impact

SB1483 introduces significant changes to the funding model for virtual high schools, allowing them to receive state funding based on weighted average daily attendance. This funding structure is designed to align virtual schools more closely with traditional schools, providing them with a stable financial foundation to operate. Furthermore, the bill specifies rules concerning enrollment, course eligibility, and accountability, ensuring that virtual high schools adhere to standards similar to those of conventional schools. This could potentially enhance the quality of online education in Texas, making it a more viable option for students.

Summary

Senate Bill 1483 aims to establish a framework for virtual high schools in Texas, amending the Education Code to facilitate the operation of these institutions under the state virtual school network. The legislation mandates that each school district or charter school adopt a policy that allows students access to electronic courses, promoting wider availability of online education options. This move is seen as a response to the growing need for flexible education solutions that can cater to the diverse needs of students, especially in light of recent shifts towards more digital learning environments.

Contention

Despite its aims, SB1483 has stirred some debate regarding the implications of virtual high education on local control and academic standards. Critics argue that allowing a greater number of virtual schools could lead to a dilution of educational quality if proper oversight is not maintained. There are concerns that the bill may prioritize access over rigor, resulting in courses that do not fully meet educational standards. Additionally, the potential for a funding shift from traditional public schools to virtual schools raises questions about equity and the distribution of state resources in education.

Notable_points

Another key aspect of SB1483 is the inclusion of public access to feedback systems for electronic courses, allowing students and parents to comment on their educational experiences. This transparency is intended to enhance accountability and improve course offerings within the virtual school network. The creation of virtual high schools is capped at ten to ensure manageable oversight, but the implications of such a system on the state's overall education framework remain to be seen.

Latest TX SB1483 Activity

View All Events: TX 2011 - 82nd Regular SB1483

Companion Bills

TX HB3088

Identical Relating to the state virtual school network and virtual high schools.

Previously Filed As

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 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 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 HB31

Relating to virtual and off-campus electronic instruction at a public school and the allotment for certain special-purpose school districts under the Foundation School Program.

TX SB1144

Relating to enrolling a public school student in a virtual education program as an alternative to expulsion.

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 HB2615

Relating to the operation by a school district of a foundation and trade diploma program to provide eligible high school students with educational training under a plan for the issuance of a high school diploma and the application of certain student-based allotments under the public school finance system.

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.

Similar Bills

TX HB560

Relating to electronic textbooks, state-developed open-source textbooks, and other instructional materials for public schools.

TX SB27

Relating to the state online learning system; changing a fee.

TX SB1455

Relating to the state virtual school network; changing 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 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 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 HB3646

Relating to public school finance and programs.