Texas House Bill HB2704

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/27/11
• Introduced: 3/9/11
• Voted on by House: 5/7/11
• Report Pass: 4/26/11
• Engrossed: 5/7/11
• Refer: 5/10/11

Caption

Relating to a parent's right to object to physical fitness assessment of the parent's child by a school district.

Impact

The implementation of HB 2704 is expected to impact school districts' policies regarding physical fitness assessments. By mandating that districts notify parents of their right to opt-out of assessments, the bill could lead to a decline in participation in fitness evaluations, potentially skewing data on student health and fitness levels across grades 3 through 12. The requirement for districts to actively engage with parents about this right may also lead to changes in how schools communicate with families about health-related programs.

Summary

House Bill 2704 introduces a significant amendment to the Texas Education Code concerning the physical fitness assessment of students. The bill stipulates that school districts must inform parents of their right to object to their child's physical fitness assessment. If a parent submits a written objection, the school must exempt the child from such assessments. This amendment aims to enhance parental control over their child's participation in fitness evaluations, aligning school practices with the rights of parents regarding their children's education and health.

Contention

While HB 2704 supports parental rights, it may face contention regarding the implications for student health and school accountability. Critics could argue that allowing parents to opt their children out of fitness assessments may hinder schools from addressing broader health concerns within the student population. Additionally, the effectiveness of fitness programs could be compromised, as a decrease in participation might affect schools’ ability to implement necessary interventions aimed at improving student health outcomes.