Texas Senate Bill SB406

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 1/24/11
• Refer: 2/2/11

Caption

Relating to a notification requirement if a counselor is not assigned to a public school campus.

Impact

The passage of SB406 is expected to significantly impact existing educational laws in Texas by enhancing parental awareness and involvement in their children's educational environment, particularly in terms of mental health and guidance support. By mandating notification, the bill addresses potential gaps in student support services during periods without designated counselors, which can affect students' academic and emotional well-being. It has implications for school administration as well, requiring schools to implement a notification process that complies with the law.

Summary

SB406 is a legislative bill aimed at establishing a notification requirement for public schools, including open-enrollment charter schools, regarding the absence of full-time school counselors. According to the bill, if a school does not have a certified school counselor assigned for more than 30 consecutive instructional days within the same school year, the school must provide written notification to the parents or guardians of the students. This notification must be delivered within 30 days of the counselor's absence and should also be made available in a bilingual format for non-English speaking parents.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB406 appears to be largely positive, as it emphasizes the importance of communication between schools and families. Supporters of the bill argue that it is crucial for the well-being of students and reflects a commitment to ensuring that parents are informed about the resources available to their children. However, concerns have been raised about the operational burden that such notifications may place on schools, particularly those already facing staffing challenges, which could lead to discussions regarding funding and resource allocation in school districts.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the bill's implementation and the resources required for schools to adhere to the notification guidelines. Some educators and administrators might argue that while the intentions behind SB406 are commendable, the additional responsibility of tracking counselor assignments and ensuring timely notifications could strain already limited resources. This could lead to discussions about the actual provision of counseling services and whether sufficient support structures are in place to meet the needs of students in a timely manner.