Relating to attendance at and completion of high school by students who are in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Impact
The legislation directly amends several sections of the Texas Education Code to impose new responsibilities on school districts, enhancing their obligations toward students in foster care. Notably, these districts must offer additional support, such as credit recovery options, and facilitate access to extracurricular and post-secondary programs. These changes can be transformative for affected students, possibly aiding in higher educational attainment and smoother transitions to adulthood, thereby positively impacting their long-term stability and success.
Summary
SB1404, introduced by Senator Patrick and others, focuses on supporting high school attendance and completion among students who are in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). The bill recognizes the unique challenges faced by these students as they transfer between schools, often disruptive to their education. It mandates that school districts establish systems to facilitate this transition by ensuring prompt transfer of school records and providing necessary support services during the initial weeks of enrollment at a new school. The intent is to minimize educational disruptions and enhance academic opportunities for these vulnerable students.
Contention
While SB1404 is largely seen as a move towards improving educational outcomes for students in foster care, there may be underlying complexities regarding the implementation of these mandates at the district level. Advocates for children in care may support the bill, emphasizing that many students struggle to succeed academically when frequently changing schools. However, some critics may argue about the adequacy of resources and support systems within various school districts to implement these requirements effectively. Balancing the needs of foster children with existing educational frameworks presents both challenges and opportunities that will be closely observed following the bill's enactment.
Relating to tuition and fee exemptions at public institutions of higher education for certain students who were under the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Relating to tuition and fee exemptions at public institutions of higher education for certain students who were under the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Relating to eligibility for tuition and fee exemptions at public institutions of higher education for certain students who were under the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Relating to eligibility for tuition and fee exemptions at public institutions of higher education for certain students who were under the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.
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.
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.
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.
Relating to required reporting by the Department of Family and Protective Services regarding youth in the managing conservatorship of the department who attempt suicide.
Relating to required reporting by the Department of Family and Protective Services regarding youth in the managing conservatorship of the department who attempt suicide.
Relating to the terminology used to refer to certain disabilities and to an individualized education team for purposes of determining a student's eligibility for special education services and providing those services in public schools.
To Authorize The Financing Of Energy Efficiency Improvements, Alternative Energy Improvements, Building Resiliency Improvements, And Water Conservation Improvements.