Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HB4666

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to professional development institutes for public school teachers and paraprofessionals regarding education of students with disabilities.

Impact

By mandating the creation of professional development institutes, HB4666 proposes to bolster the skills and knowledge base of educational staff who frequently interact with students with disabilities. The institutes will focus on research-based instructional services and behavior management strategies, thereby aiming to improve educational outcomes for these students. Additionally, the provision of stipends to educators completing these institutes serves to incentivize participation and enhance the overall quality of instruction provided to students with disabilities across the state.

Summary

House Bill 4666 is aimed at enhancing the professional development of public school teachers and paraprofessionals in Texas specifically concerning the education of students with disabilities, including those with autism spectrum disorders. The bill mandates the establishment of professional development institutes that provide teachers and paraprofessionals with essential training related to effective instructional techniques and disability-specific information necessary to equip them for handling diverse learning needs effectively in the classroom. This initiative is significantly relevant given the increasing emphasis on inclusive education and support for students facing various learning challenges.

Contention

Despite the positive intentions behind the bill, potential areas of contention may arise, particularly regarding the allocation of resources for these professional development programs. Questions may be raised about the effectiveness and accessibility of such institutes. Furthermore, the prioritization of teachers working with students with autism may create discussions around the equitable distribution of training opportunities for all educators involved with students with disabilities, prompting debates about how best to meet varying educational needs without marginalizing any specific group.

Companion Bills

TX SB100

Identical Relating to professional development institutes regarding education of students with disabilities to serve as a resource for public school teachers and paraprofessionals.

Previously Filed As

TX HB166

Relating to policies and procedures regarding certain public school students with disabilities.

TX SB1225

Relating to policies and procedures regarding certain public school students with disabilities.

TX HB3928

Relating to dyslexia evaluations and services for public school students, the provision of services for students with dyslexia and related disorders, and certain parental notice regarding the rights of parents of public school students with disabilities.

TX HB3781

Relating to special education in public schools, including the special education allotment under the Foundation School Program, an education savings account program for certain children with disabilities, and a grant program to reimburse public schools for the cost of certain employer contributions for retirees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas employed to teach special education.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX SB1474

Relating to special education in public schools, including the special education allotment under the Foundation School Program, an education savings account program for certain children with disabilities, and a grant program to reimburse public schools for the cost of certain employer contributions for retirees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas employed to teach or provide services related to special education.

TX SB2225

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Students with Disabilities Scholarship Program for certain students at public institutions of higher education.

TX HB5148

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Students with Disabilities Scholarship Program for certain students at public institutions of higher education.

TX HB100

Relating to public education and public school finance, including the rights, certification, and compensation of public school educators, contributions by a public school to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, and an education savings account program for certain children.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.