Relating to a school choice program for certain students with disabilities.
Impact
The bill amends existing educational codes to facilitate the establishment of an accountability framework for qualifying schools receiving students via this program. It highlights the rights of students with disabilities by mandated disclosures to parents about the differences in educational services compared to public schools. This poses significant implications for how education services for students with disabilities are delivered in Texas, potentially transforming the landscape of special education and school choice in the state.
Summary
SB8, also known as the School Choice Program for Students with Disabilities Act, aims to establish a new educational option for students with disabilities in Texas. Under this bill, eligible students in grades K-12 can choose to enroll in any public school within their district or receive a scholarship to attend a 'qualifying school.' These 'qualifying schools' are defined as non-governmental, community-based educational establishments serving the public good and meeting specific educational needs. The program's structure provides parents with new choices, intending to enhance educational opportunities for students with disabilities.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB8 is mixed, with strong support from advocates of school choice and conservatives who view it as a step towards greater educational freedom and flexibility for families of students with disabilities. Conversely, opponents argue that it may undermine the existing public education system and potentially reduce the quality of education for these students, raising concerns about equity and access to necessary services mandated for public schools.
Contention
Notable points of contention include concerns over the adequacy of services provided by qualifying schools compared to public schools. Critics emphasize that qualifying schools are not bound by the same regulations and may not provide the federally mandated services, such as those outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This leads to fears that vulnerable students may not receive the necessary educational support, potentially widening disparities in educational outcomes.
Relating to special education in public schools, including the special education allotment under the Foundation School Program, an education savings account program for certain children with disabilities, and a grant program to reimburse public schools for the cost of certain employer contributions for retirees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas employed to teach special education.
Relating to special education in public schools, including the special education allotment under the Foundation School Program, an education savings account program for certain children with disabilities, and a grant program to reimburse public schools for the cost of certain employer contributions for retirees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas employed to teach or provide services related to special education.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Students with Disabilities Scholarship Program for certain students at public institutions of higher education.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Students with Disabilities Scholarship Program for certain students at public institutions of higher education.
Relating to dyslexia evaluations and services for public school students, the provision of services for students with dyslexia and related disorders, and certain parental notice regarding the rights of parents of public school students with disabilities.
Relating to establishing a program allowing certain students who are educationally disadvantaged, have a disability, or failed certain assessment instruments to use state money or money the state receives for the purpose from gifts and non-federal grants to pursue certain educational alternatives to public schools.
Relating to the establishment of the Education Savings Account Program to allow certain children to use public money to pursue educational alternatives to public schools and an insurance premium tax credit for contributions made for purposes of that program.
Relating to the establishment of certain programs to facilitate early high school graduation and enrollment at public institutions of higher education and to the repeal of the Early High School Graduation Scholarship program.