Texas House Bill HB2147

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to accountability under the statewide public school accountability system for a student placed in a disciplinary alternative education program.

Impact

The introduction of this bill is expected to have meaningful implications for public schools across Texas. By including students in DAEP in the accountability metrics, schools may be encouraged to provide better support and resources for at-risk students. This could lead to improved educational outcomes for these students, who often face considerable challenges. Furthermore, it aims to ensure that schools are held accountable for the education and progress of all students, including those who are placed in alternative programs due to disciplinary reasons.

Summary

House Bill 2147 aims to modify the accountability measures under the Texas statewide public school accountability system specifically for students placed in disciplinary alternative education programs (DAEP). The legislation proposes that these students be counted as if they are enrolled at their assigned schools, which means their academic performance would still contribute to the accountability ratings of their respective campuses. This is a significant change from prior practices that may not have accounted for these students in the same manner.

Contention

There's potential for contention surrounding this bill, particularly regarding how it may affect the overall accountability ratings of schools. Proponents argue that it increases fairness in assessing school performance since the educational progress of all students should be considered. However, critics may raise concerns about how this accountability could impact schools with high numbers of students in DAEP, fearing that it could lead to unintended consequences such as punitive actions against schools that struggle to meet new standards. Additionally, the implementation of such accountability measures requires careful consideration of resources and strategies to effectively support students in alternative education settings.