Relating to requiring a school district to report data regarding restraints administered to, sanctions imposed on, complaints filed against, citations issued to, and arrests made of students.
Impact
If enacted, HB 2885 would significantly impact how school districts handle and report disciplinary incidents. Districts would need to establish protocols for accurately collecting and submitting this data, making it essential for them to review existing policies and implement training for staff involved in data collection. Moreover, the publicly available data may prompt discussions regarding equity and fairness in school discipline, particularly concerning how different demographic groups are treated under disciplinary systems.
Summary
House Bill 2885 mandates school districts in Texas to report detailed data on student restraints, sanctions, complaints, citations, and arrests. The proposed legislation aims to enhance transparency regarding disciplinary actions taken against students in schools. By requiring the collection and submission of disaggregated data, the bill seeks to provide insights into how these actions may vary by age, gender, race, and special education needs, ultimately fostering a more accountable educational environment.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HB 2885 is largely constructive but also cautious. Proponents argue that the bill is an important step toward greater accountability in schools and could lead to necessary reforms aimed at reducing disproportionate disciplinary actions against marginalized student populations. Conversely, some critics express concerns about the administrative burden the bill may place on schools, fearing that the added reporting requirements might distract from educational priorities or lead to punitive measures rather than constructive support for students.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding the bill include concerns about privacy, particularly regarding the protection of sensitive student information. While the bill stipulates that personally identifiable information must remain confidential, some stakeholders worry that the overall collection of data could unintentionally expose students to biases or stigmas based on their disciplinary records. Furthermore, the definitions of restraints and sanctions highlighted in the bill may lead to debates about appropriate disciplinary methods and the role of law enforcement in educational settings.
Relating to requiring a school district or open-enrollment charter school to report data regarding certain disciplinary or law enforcement actions taken against students.
Relating to requiring public schools and public institutions of higher education to report data regarding certain arrests made on school or institution property.
Relating to requirements regarding certain behavior management for a student enrolled in a special education program of a public school and related reporting requirements regarding the use of restraint.
Relating to information reported through the Public Education Information Management System and to parents regarding disciplinary measures or restraint used by a public school.
Relating to prohibiting the physical restraint of or use of chemical irritants or Tasers on certain public school students by peace officers and school security personnel under certain circumstances.
Relating to the inclusion of chronically absent and truant students as students at risk of dropping out of school and the collection and reporting of data regarding those students.
Relating to the inclusion of chronically absent students as students at risk of dropping out of school and the collection and reporting of data regarding those students.
Relating to the inclusion of chronically absent students as students at risk of dropping out of school and the collection and reporting of data regarding those students.