Texas House Bill HB1051

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to public school accountability for bilingual education and English as a second language and other special language programs.

Impact

The legislative intent behind HB1051 is to establish rigorous standards for evaluating the effectiveness of bilingual and ESL programs. Key performance indicators must consider various factors such as student attendance rates, academic outcomes, graduation rates, and retention statistics among students of limited English proficiency. By investing in these areas, the bill attempts to address the achievement gaps that often exist between language learners and their peers, thereby promoting a more equitable educational environment.

Summary

House Bill 1051 is focused on enhancing public school accountability regarding bilingual education and English as a second language (ESL) programs in Texas. The bill aims to amend existing provisions in the Education Code by introducing stricter evaluations and compliance measures for programs supporting students with limited English proficiency. It emphasizes the necessity of disaggregated performance data by campus and school district, thereby ensuring transparency and targeted improvements in instructional practices for bilingual education.

Contention

One notable aspect of contention surrounding HB1051 pertains to the potential implications for school districts that fail to meet outlined accountability standards. The bill proposes immediate corrective actions, including program audits by independent auditors for districts that do not achieve annual improvement goals. This raises concerns among education stakeholders about the resources required for compliance and the pressure it may place on educators and administrators. The requirement for continuous monitoring and evaluation may lead to conversations about the adequacy of funding and support for these programs, as well as the overarching impact on student experiences in bilingual settings.