Relating to expanding the public high school curriculum to promote personal financial literacy.
Impact
The impact of HB1153 on state laws involves changes to the Texas Education Code, which will explicitly require all school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to include personal financial literacy as part of their curriculum for students in the ninth or tenth grade. This requirement reflects a growing recognition of the importance of financial education in fostering responsible financial behavior among young adults, ultimately promoting economic stability within the state.
Summary
House Bill 1153 aims to expand the public high school curriculum in Texas by mandating instruction on personal financial literacy. This bill is intended to ensure that high school students receive essential knowledge and skills that will help them understand and manage their finances effectively. The curriculum will be incorporated into required high school courses, specifically in mathematics or economics, and aims to empower students with practical financial skills they can utilize in adulthood.
Contention
There may be points of contention surrounding the implementation of personal financial literacy education. Proponents argue that equipping students with personal finance knowledge will reduce the risk of financial mismanagement and improve overall economic outcomes for individuals and communities. However, concerns might arise regarding the strain on existing educational resources and the ability of schools to hire qualified instructors to teach these additional subjects effectively. Some may also question whether the new curriculum may detract from other critical educational areas or the flexibility of school curriculums.
Relating to the operation by a school district of a foundation and trade diploma program to provide eligible high school students with educational training under a plan for the issuance of a high school diploma and the application of certain student-based allotments under the public school finance system.
Relating to the assessment of public school students and the provision of accelerated instruction to students who fail to achieve satisfactory performance on certain assessment instruments.
Relating to the administration of certain assessment instruments, the accountability rating system for assessing campus and district performance, public school career and technology education programs, and an extracurricular and cocurricular allotment under the Foundation School Program.
Relating to secondary-level assessment of public school students and the use of individual graduation committees to satisfy certain public high school graduation requirements.