Texas House Bill HB1699

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to a requirement that any information regarding state-administered assessment instruments provided by a school district or public school to a student's parent be printed in both English and Spanish.

Impact

If enacted, HB1699 would amend the Education Code, specifically adding Section 39.038. The application of this bill starting from the 2013-2014 school year indicates a significant shift towards more inclusive practices in schools, ensuring that non-English speaking parents receive the same level of information about educational assessments as their English-speaking counterparts. This requirement aims to enhance parent involvement and foster a better understanding of the assessments being administered to students.

Summary

House Bill 1699 mandates that any information regarding state-administered assessment instruments provided by school districts or public schools to a student's parents must be printed in both English and Spanish. This initiative recognizes the linguistic diversity of Texas and aims to ensure that all parents, irrespective of their primary language, have access to crucial educational information concerning their children. The bill reflects a growing effort to promote equality in education and parental engagement within the educational system by overcoming language barriers.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around HB1699 appears to be supportive among educational advocates and organizations focused on bilingual education. Stakeholders believe that providing assessment information in both languages will facilitate better communication between schools and parents, thereby contributing positively to student achievement. However, there may be concerns regarding the implementation costs and the feasibility of producing dual-language materials within school districts already facing budget constraints.

Contention

While the bill seeks to promote inclusivity and accessibility, discussions around the potential challenges of practicality and costs of translating materials into Spanish could arise. Some critics might argue that this added requirement places an additional burden on schools that are already struggling with various financial and logistical issues. Additionally, concerns about the quality of translations and ensuring that all vital information is accurately conveyed could also be points of contention.