Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1843

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

Caption

Relating to providing training academies for public school teachers who provide reading instruction to students in prekindergarten through grade three.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1843 would bring significant changes to the professional development of educators in Texas. By establishing specific training programs, it aims to ensure that educators are well-versed in evidence-based instructional strategies for teaching reading. The bill includes provisions for a stipend for teachers attending the academies, incentivizing participation, especially among those employed in districts serving a higher percentage of educationally disadvantaged students. This measure could contribute to improving educational outcomes and literacy rates within vulnerable populations.

Summary

House Bill 1843 aims to enhance the literacy instruction capabilities of public school teachers for students from prekindergarten through third grade. The legislation mandates the development of literacy achievement academies focused on systematic instructional practices in reading. These academies will include training in areas such as phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension strategies, particularly targeting students with reading disorders. The intention behind this bill is to provide teachers with the necessary resources and expertise to improve literacy rates among younger students, thereby addressing early educational challenges effectively.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1843 appears generally supportive, reflecting a consensus on the importance of literacy in early education. Supporters argue that enhancing teacher training directly correlates with better student performance in reading. However, there may be concerns regarding the implementation of the program, particularly related to funding and resource allocation needed to support these training academies. Additionally, some stakeholders might express skepticism about whether this bill adequately addresses the comprehensive needs of students beyond just literacy training.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 1843 may arise from discussions about the adequacy of the proposed training standards and the selection criteria for attending the literacy academies. Critics may question whether the emphasis on structured reading approaches sufficiently accommodates diverse learning styles and varying student needs. There could also be debates about the sufficiency of funding to implement the proposed academies effectively, and whether the stipends are adequate to encourage widespread participation from teachers in all districts.

Companion Bills

TX SB925

Identical Relating to providing training academies for public school teachers who provide reading instruction to students in kindergarten through grade three.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2162

Relating to reading instruction, assessment instruments, and interventions provided to public school students.

TX HB1982

Relating to teacher literacy achievement academies and the requirement for certain public school teachers and principals to attend a teacher literacy achievement academy.

TX HB2721

Relating to accelerated and supplemental instruction provided to public school students who fail to achieve satisfactory performance on certain assessment instruments and access to criminal history record information for certain tutors providing that instruction.

TX HB11

Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators, including financial and other assistance and waivers provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators, methods of instruction provided in public schools, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

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 HB4323

Relating to providing free full-day prekindergarten for certain children.

TX HB4469

Relating to prekindergarten programs provided by public schools, including through partnerships with certain community-based child-care providers.

TX HB3928

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.

TX HB1416

Relating to accelerated instruction provided to public school students who fail to achieve satisfactory performance on certain assessment instruments.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.