Relating to a school choice program for certain students with disabilities.
Impact
This bill significantly impacts the Texas Education Code by providing an avenue for financial support through scholarships. Eligible students will receive annual scholarships equivalent to the amount of funding their home district would have received for that student under the state's funding formula. This move aims to empower parents by enabling them to seek educational environments that would cater better to their children's challenges and needs.
Summary
SB183 establishes a school choice program specifically aimed at students with disabilities in Texas. Under this legislation, eligible students can choose to attend a public school in their local district, a public school in a neighboring district, or enroll in a qualifying nongovernmental school. The intent of this bill is to give parents flexibility in choosing the educational setting that best meets their child's individual needs, particularly for those students requiring special education services.
Contention
Notably, the bill outlines accountability measures, mandating that qualifying schools administer standardized assessments annually and provide results to parents and the public. However, it allows those schools considerable autonomy, limiting state regulation of their educational programs. This aspect has generated debate, with proponents arguing that it fosters innovation and parental control, while critics raise concerns regarding oversight and the quality of education provided by non-governmental institutions.
Judicial provision
Additionally, SB183 includes provisions to address potential constitutional issues by allowing for declaratory judgments regarding the program's validity. It sets up a process for appeals concerning the constitutionality of any part of the new subchapter, reflecting a consideration of legal challenges that may arise as the program is implemented.
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.
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.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Students with Disabilities Scholarship Program for certain students at public institutions of higher education.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Students with Disabilities Scholarship Program for certain students at public institutions of higher education.
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.
Relating to establishing a program allowing certain students who are educationally disadvantaged, have a disability, or failed certain assessment instruments to use state money or money the state receives for the purpose from gifts and non-federal grants to pursue certain educational alternatives to public schools.
Relating to the establishment of certain programs to facilitate early high school graduation and enrollment at public institutions of higher education and to the repeal of the Early High School Graduation Scholarship program.