Texas Senate Bill SB453

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to the provision of competitive grants to fund programs for certain public school students assigned to disciplinary alternative education programs or in-school suspension.

Impact

The implementation of SB453 is expected to have a significant impact on the state’s legal framework concerning educational funding and student discipline. By mandating that grant funds be used to develop case management systems and behavioral intervention programs, the bill not only enhances the support offered to at-risk students but also reinforces the importance of preventive measures in educational settings. Additionally, it ensures that existing programs are not financially compromised by the introduction of these new grants.

Summary

SB453 aims to establish a framework for providing competitive grants aimed at supporting programs for students assigned to disciplinary alternative education programs or in-school suspension. The bill outlines the role of the Texas commissioner in awarding these grants to school districts, which are intended to fund initiatives such as youth violence prevention, drug abuse prevention, and delinquency prevention specifically targeted at students at risk of dropping out of school. This legislative move is a part of broader efforts to address behavioral issues among students and improve educational outcomes.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB453 involves the stipulations regarding the mandatory involvement of parents or guardians in the students' programs. While advocates argue that parental engagement is crucial for student success and accountability, critics may raise concerns about the feasibility of enforcing such requirements, particularly in areas where family support may be limited. This aspect of the bill raises questions about equity and access to resources for students in varied socio-economic backgrounds.