TX
Texas Senate Bill SB955

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB955

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
4/7/09  
Voted on by Senate
4/15/09  
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the state virtual school network.

Impact

The bill is poised to enhance the educational landscape in Texas by increasing enrollment adaptability for various demographics, particularly those situated outside the state or in alternative education settings. With the introduction of state funding incentives, such as allotments of $400 per successful completion of an electronic course, it addresses potential disparities in educational resource allocation. Additionally, the bill seeks to support alternative education settings, which can lead to improved access and recovery of academic credits for students who may otherwise struggle academically.

Summary

SB955 relates to the state virtual school network and proposes amendments to the Education Code regarding the provision and funding of electronic courses in Texas. The bill allows for broader accessibility to electronic courses for students, including those from out of state, by enabling students dependent on military members and others who were previously enrolled in state schools to access online education. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the evaluation of course quality and mandates that schools pay fees for the approval process of these electronic courses, thereby ensuring educational standards are maintained.

Contention

Despite its benefits, SB955 faces contention over funding mechanisms and the implications of fee structures imposed on school districts and charter schools. Some stakeholders argue that the financial burden of course approval and the possible additional fees for students could create inequities in access to electronic education, thereby disadvantaging lower-income families. There are also concerns over maintaining quality across varied educational providers within the state virtual school network, ensuring that all students receive equitable and engaging educational experiences despite the method of delivery.

Latest SB955 Activity

Companion Bills

TX HB1479

Identical Relating to the state virtual school network.

Similar Bills

TX SB1455

Relating to the state virtual school network; changing a fee.

TX SB27

Relating to the state online learning system; changing a fee.

TX HB1479

Relating to the state virtual school network.

TX HB560

Relating to electronic textbooks, state-developed open-source textbooks, and other instructional materials for public schools.

TX HB6

Relating to the foundation curriculum, the establishment of the instructional materials allotment, the adoption, review, and purchase of instructional materials and technological equipment for public schools, and the administration of state assessment instruments to public school students.

TX HB6

Relating to the foundation curriculum, the establishment of the instructional materials allotment, and the adoption, review, and purchase of instructional materials and technological equipment for public schools.

TX SB6

Relating to the foundation curriculum, the establishment of the instructional materials allotment, and the adoption, review, and purchase of instructional materials and technological equipment for public schools; providing penalties.

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.