Relating to disciplinary action taken against public school students on the basis of serious misbehavior.
Impact
The effect of SB718 on state laws involves a more structured approach to handling student discipline. By specifying the conditions that necessitate a student's placement in an alternative education program, the bill emphasizes accountability in student behavior and aims to minimize disruptions in the educational process. Moreover, it mandates that school districts in larger counties must collaborate with juvenile boards to manage cases involving students with serious behavioral issues, enhancing the educational transition for expelled students and promoting their return to the regular education system.
Summary
SB718 seeks to amend the Texas Education Code concerning disciplinary actions taken against public school students for serious misbehavior. The bill outlines conditions under which a student may be expelled from school, particularly focusing on cases where the student continues to engage in severe infractions while already placed in an alternative education program. The intent of this bill is to clarify and strengthen the measures that schools can utilize to ensure a safe learning environment, particularly in larger school districts.
Contention
There are notable points of contention surrounding SB718, particularly regarding the implications for students who may face harsher penalties for disciplinary issues. Critics argue that the amendments may lead to increased expulsions without adequately addressing underlying behavioral problems. Concerns have been raised about the adequacy of alternative educational programs and transitional services for expelled students, as well as the potential for inequitable treatment of students in larger versus smaller districts. Proponents of the bill, however, believe that the delineation of severe misconduct establishes necessary boundaries to protect the school community and enhance student learning environments.
Relating to requiring a school district or open-enrollment charter school to report data regarding certain disciplinary or law enforcement actions taken against students.
Relating to a public school student's transition from an alternative education program to a regular educational environment, including parental rights related to that transition, and the admission of certain students with a criminal or disciplinary history.
Relating to procedures for the suspension, expulsion, or placement in a disciplinary alternative education program or juvenile justice alternative education program of a public school student enrolled in a school district.