Texas House Bill HB2103

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to education research centers and the sharing of educational data between state agencies; redesignating certain fees as charges.

Impact

The direct impact of HB 2103 involves reinforcing the state's system for educational research by facilitating data sharing between agencies and institutions. By doing so, the bill seeks to address crucial education-related questions, such as the performance of educator preparation programs and the financial strategies of public schools. Additionally, it intends to create a structured, research-based approach to evaluating educational interventions, which could potentially lead to improved policies at multiple educational levels from preschool to postsecondary education.

Summary

House Bill 2103 focuses on establishing education research centers dedicated to sharing educational data between various state agencies. It aims to enhance the capacity of these centers to conduct research evaluated for the benefit of educational practices and policies across Texas. The bill emphasizes collaboration among educational institutions, the Texas Education Agency, and the state's coordinating board to operationalize these centers effectively. This collaborative approach is seen as a means to streamline educational research and improve overall educational outcomes throughout the state.

Contention

While HB 2103 is largely viewed as advantageous for promoting informed decision-making in education, there are potential points of contention. Some stakeholders may express concern over student data privacy and the ethics surrounding data sharing among state agencies. The bill establishes guidelines for confidentiality; however, questions may arise regarding the practical enforcement of these measures and the balance between research needs and personal privacy rights. Furthermore, there may be discourse on whether the centralized approach adequately addresses local educational needs versus broad state-level policies.