Texas House Bill HB1341

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to review and modification of the essential knowledge and skills of the required public school curriculum.

Impact

If passed, the impact of HB 1341 would be significant for public education in Texas. It seeks to ensure that the essential knowledge and skills can be comprehensively taught within the school days allocated for each subject. The bill emphasizes not only efficient teaching time but also focuses on college and career readiness by evaluating how well the existing standards align with what students need to succeed post-graduation. This could lead to a fundamental shift in the curriculum priorities across Texas schools.

Summary

House Bill 1341 addresses the review and modification of essential knowledge and skills within the public school curriculum in Texas. The bill mandates the State Board of Education to conduct a comprehensive review of the skills and standards currently adopted under Section 28.002 of the Education Code. The intent is to narrow down the number and scope of these standards for each subject at various grade levels, aiming to enhance the quality and depth of instruction provided to students.

Contention

However, the bill may face contention among educators and policymakers. Some may argue that narrowing the standards could lead to a reduction in the breadth of topics taught in schools, disproportionately affecting students' comprehensive education. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding the ability of the State Board of Education to adequately evaluate and modify these standards within a structured timeline. The requirement that this review be completed by September 1, 2018, raises questions about whether adequate preparation and input from educators and stakeholders can be achieved in time.