Texas House Bill HB6

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/1/11
• Introduced: 3/8/11
• Voted on by House: 4/8/11
• Refer: 3/10/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/6/11
• Report Pass: 3/29/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/24/11
• Engrossed: 4/8/11
• Refer: 4/26/11
• Report Pass: 5/6/11

Caption

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.

Impact

The legislation modifies various sections of the Education Code, particularly those relating to the funding and the selection of instructional materials for schools. Under HB6, a school district is entitled to an annual allotment from the state instructional materials fund, which is determined based on available funding. This funding mechanism aims to ensure that all schools have the resources necessary to procure instructional materials, whether they are traditional or technologically enhanced. The bill also allows for adjustments based on fluctuating student enrollment, thereby seeking to address the needs of increasing populations in school districts.

Summary

House Bill 6 aims to revise the foundation curriculum and address the establishment of an instructional materials allotment for public schools in Texas. The bill includes provisions for the adoption, review, and purchase of instructional materials and technological equipment, emphasizing the necessity for schools to have access to appropriate resources for student education. A significant aspect of the bill is the introduction of state-developed open-source instructional materials, intended to provide cost-effective alternatives to traditional textbooks while maintaining quality educational standards.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB6 appears largely positive among educators who view the introduction of open-source materials as a beneficial step towards modernizing educational resources. However, there may be concerns regarding the implementation and quality assurance of these open-source materials, raising questions among critics about dependency on state funding and the potential for disparities in access across districts. Overall, the discussion showcases a commitment to enhancing educational quality while managing costs-effectively.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between traditional instructional materials and the new open-source options—questions arise regarding the effectiveness and reliability of the materials provided. Furthermore, concerns have been voiced about the potential for insufficient funding to meet the needs of all school districts, particularly those with growing student populations who may require more substantial support to maintain educational standards. The bill’s emphasis on local control juxtaposed with state oversight in the selection and use of instructional materials reflects an underlying tension in educational policy.