TX
Texas Senate Bill SB400

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB400

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

Caption

Relating to an electronic course pilot program in the Amarillo Independent School District.

Impact

One notable impact of SB400 is its provision for students who participate in this electronic course pilot program. The bill stipulates that participation should not exceed 20 students per academic year and that enrollment should be voluntary. This limited scope could prevent overwhelming the district's resources while testing the effectiveness of fully electronic course loads in a traditional educational environment. Additionally, students participating will not be financially burdened beyond what is already authorized by the education code for standard district students, ensuring that the program remains accessible.

Summary

SB400 introduces a pilot program for the Amarillo Independent School District aimed at enhancing educational offerings through electronic courses. The bill requires the district's board of trustees to develop and implement a program where students can enroll entirely in electronic courses, while still allowing for physical attendance in courses that require it. The bill defines electronic courses based on existing educational standards and aims to ensure students are properly placed and their course selections adhere to state education requirements.

Contention

A significant point of contention surrounding SB400 may arise from the establishment of this pilot program and the potential implications for educational equality and resource allocation in the Amarillo Independent School District. While the initiative can be seen as an innovative approach to integrating technology in education, concerns may stem from the limited number of participants and the competitive nature of the application process to select students. There might be apprehensions regarding whether equitable access to advanced educational opportunities is maintained for all students within the district, especially those who may not have the same technological advantages at home.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4064

Relating to an earth, environment, and planetary sciences pilot program in the Houston Independent School District.

TX HB31

Relating to virtual and off-campus electronic instruction at a public school and the allotment for certain special-purpose school districts under the Foundation School Program.

TX HB681

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX SB1861

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX SB1379

Relating to a pilot program to increase the financial independence of foster youth who are transitioning to independent living.

TX HB3141

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX HB2177

Relating to establishing a digital course materials pilot program.

TX HB2645

Relating to a pilot program to increase the financial independence of foster youth who are transitioning to independent living.

TX HB4402

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.

TX SB2

Relating to a local optional teacher designation system implemented by a school district, a security officer employed by a school district, the basic allotment and guaranteed yield under the public school finance system, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program; making an appropriation.

Similar Bills

SC H3802

Participation in school activities and programs

NJ S3374

Permits certain students not enrolled in public schools to participate in interscholastic athletics.

NJ A2691

Requires public schools to allow certain students not enrolled in the school to participate in interscholastic athletics.

NJ A3349

Requires public schools to allow certain students not enrolled in the school to participate in interscholastic athletics.

NJ S2077

Establishes New Jersey Literacy Training Pilot Program in DOE.

NJ S2215

Establishes New Jersey Literacy Training Pilot Program in DOE.

NJ A3796

Establishes New Jersey Literacy Training Pilot Program in DOE.

NJ S1553

Allows public schools to let certain students not enrolled in school participate in high school interscholastic athletics; allows public high schools in same district to enter into cooperative sports programs under certain conditions.