Relating to the establishment of a prepaid tuition unit reward and incentive program for certain economically disadvantaged students who achieve commended performance levels on standardized assessments.
Impact
The bill outlines a process where the Texas Education Agency will identify eligible seventh-grade students classified as economically disadvantaged, and notify schools about their eligibility for this program. Each identified student will have an access-restricted account created on their behalf where prepaid tuition units will be deposited. This initiative is designed to both reward academic achievement and incentivize participation in higher education programs, ultimately broadening the opportunities available to these students.
Summary
SB2025 establishes a Prepaid Tuition Unit Reward and Incentive Program aimed at economically disadvantaged students in Texas who achieve commendable performance on standardized assessments. This bill proposes to amend the Education Code, highlighting a structured approach to encourage academic excellence among underserved populations by providing financial incentives for higher education. By creating this program, the legislature aims to promote equal access to education and support the academic achievements of those who may face financial barriers to higher education.
Contention
One of the notable points of contention that may arise with SB2025 is its reliance on state funding to provide these incentives. The bill states that if adequate funds are not available, priority will be given to students who have excelled in all assessments. Critics may raise concerns regarding the sustainability and fairness of the funding mechanism, as well as the criteria used to determine which students are rewarded. There may be discussions around whether additional funding should be allocated to ensure the program can aid all eligible students.
Implementation
Moreover, SB2025 mandates that the Prepaid Higher Education Tuition Board collaborate with the Texas Education Agency to implement and oversee the program. The board will be responsible for creating rules surrounding the administration of the program, including how to handle unclaimed tuition units and outreach to beneficiaries. This structured approach is expected to foster transparency and accountability in the program, although it may come under scrutiny as it unfolds.
Relating to the assessment of public school students and the provision of accelerated instruction to students who fail to achieve satisfactory performance on certain assessment instruments.
Relating to the assessment of public school students and the provision of accelerated instruction to students who fail to achieve satisfactory performance on certain assessment instruments.
Relating to accelerated and supplemental instruction provided to public school students who fail to achieve satisfactory performance on certain assessment instruments and access to criminal history record information for certain tutors providing that instruction.
Relating to the administration of certain assessment instruments, the accountability rating system for assessing campus and district performance, public school career and technology education programs, and an extracurricular and cocurricular allotment under the Foundation School Program.
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 provision of accelerated and supplemental instruction to public school students who fail to achieve satisfactory performance on certain assessment instruments.
Relating to the establishment of the Education Savings Account Program to allow certain disadvantaged children and their siblings to use public money to pursue educational alternatives to public schools and an insurance premium tax credit for contributions made for purposes of that program.