Texas House Bill HB307

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Filed: 11/19/08

Caption

Relating to the provision of and funding for Saturday classes for elementary school students who fail to pass certain assessment instruments.

Impact

One significant impact of HB 307 is the introduction of state funding for these Saturday classes. This funding will be connected to the average daily attendance of students attending these classes, encouraging school districts to offer and maintain such programs. The funding mechanism aims to alleviate any financial burden on school districts, ensuring they can provide necessary educational support without detracting from regular curricula. The bill also intends to improve educational support structures at the state level.

Summary

House Bill 307 aims to improve educational outcomes for elementary school students who do not perform satisfactorily on state assessments. The bill authorizes school districts to provide Saturday classes during the regular school year specifically for these students. By allowing additional instruction time, the bill seeks to provide support for students to enhance their understanding and skills in subjects where they may be struggling. The provision of Saturday classes is seen as a proactive measure to address achievement gaps in early education.

Contention

While the intent of the bill is to bolster educational achievement, there may be discussions regarding its practical implementation. Critics could argue about the efficacy of Saturday classes in genuinely improving student outcomes compared to other educational interventions. Furthermore, there may be logistical concerns regarding student attendance, scheduling, and the overall burden on families who may need to adjust their schedules to accommodate weekend classes. These aspects could lead to debates about the best methods for enhancing student learning and performance on assessments.