Relating to a gold standard full-day prekindergarten program provided by public school districts.
Impact
The proposed legislation necessitates that school districts apply to the relevant educational agency for approval to participate in this gold standard program. Eligible districts are to develop implementation plans that include professional development for teachers and the criteria for partnerships with accredited private providers. Furthermore, the bill establishes guidelines for funding, requiring that districts demonstrate a commitment to high-quality educational practices and accountability for student progress, thereby significantly influencing state education policies regarding early childhood education.
Summary
House Bill 1100 proposes the establishment of a gold standard full-day prekindergarten program provided by public school districts in Texas. The bill aims to enhance early childhood education by providing financial assistance to school districts that implement such programs for eligible children aged four years and above. By creating a full-day structure, the bill seeks to improve educational outcomes for young learners by increasing instructional time and supporting their developmental needs.
Contention
One notable point of contention surrounding HB 1100 is the requirement for compliance with instructional benchmarks that the agency will establish. Critics argue this could impose undue pressure on school districts, particularly those in under-resourced areas, which may struggle to meet such standards. Additionally, the bill mandates oversight and assessment by private providers, raising concerns that their involvement might lead to disparities in educational quality and access among students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Relating to an alternative qualified early learning grant program administered by the commissioner of education and funding for prekindergarten and kindergarten programs under the Foundation School Program.
Relating to a grant program to provide free public school prekindergarten programs to certain children who are eligible for the subsidized child-care program administered by the Texas Workforce Commission.
Relating to a grant program to provide free public school prekindergarten programs to certain children who are eligible for the subsidized child-care program administered by the Texas Workforce Commission.
Relating to the operation of free prekindergarten programs by certain school districts and to the early education allotment under the Foundation School Program.
Relating to a gold standard full-day prekindergarten program provided by public school districts and the elimination of the high school allotment under the Foundation School Program.
Relating to student eligibility for free high quality prekindergarten programs and state financial support for each school district that elects to provide a full-day prekindergarten program.
Relating to measures to support kindergarten readiness and early literacy and numeracy skills for public school students, including an early childhood parental support program and prekindergarten programs in public schools, and to funding under the Foundation School Program for certain school districts and to support those measures.