Relating to a grant available to school districts to provide services to students with disabilities.
Impact
The bill introduces a structured approach for school districts to apply for financial assistance specifically for the education of students with disabilities. It requires districts to present a comparison of their received funds against expenditures related to special education services. The grants can be utilized not just for direct educational costs but also for training personnel to effectively deliver these services, thereby promoting a more skilled workforce within the educational system.
Summary
House Bill 828 aims to create a grant program for school districts in Texas to provide adequate services to students with disabilities. The bill proposes that, applicable from the 2009-2010 school year, the commissioner can allocate grants to districts that face insufficient funding to meet the educational needs of these students. This initiative is intended to help schools cover expenses associated with special education that are not fully funded through existing state and federal resources.
Contention
While the intent of HB 828 is to support school districts and improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities, there may be discussions regarding the adequacy and distribution of grant funds. Concerns could arise over the criteria used to assess eligibility for grants or how to ensure that these funds are utilized effectively within the districts. The requirement for schools to operate within the least restrictive environment might also lead to debates about the balance between resource allocation and the diversity of special education needs.