Texas Senate Bill SB306

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to consideration of a student receiving treatment in a residential facility for public school accountability purposes.

Impact

The immediate impact of SB306 is significant in terms of how education performance metrics are measured within Texas public schools. Under this legislation, students in specialized programs, such as those mandated through juvenile court orders or treatment facilities, will not negatively affect the accountability ratings of the affected school districts. By excluding these students from local accountability calculations, the bill aims to alleviate the potential stigma or penalties schools could face due to factors beyond their control, thereby ensuring a more equitable evaluation of school performance.

Summary

SB306 addresses the treatment of students receiving education in residential facilities for the purposes of public school accountability. It specifically amends Section 39.055 of the Texas Education Code to define that students who are ordered by a juvenile court into a residential facility or who are receiving treatment in such a facility will not be considered as students of the school district or open-enrollment charter school where the facility is located. The performance and assessment results of these students will be reported separately from those of students attending local schools.

Contention

Notably, while there appears to be consensus on the need for supportive frameworks for students placed in such facilities, some discussions may arise regarding the implications for educational equity. Advocates for educational inclusion might argue that separating these students could further entrench disparities in educational outcomes and diminish the focus on ensuring that all students, regardless of their circumstances, receive a quality education. The bill's passage also sparks dialogue on the balance between local accountability and the need for specialized support within the educational system.