Texas House Bill HB1811

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to a study of the participation of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities in public higher education.

Impact

The legislation, if enacted, would enhance the visibility of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the higher education system and help inform policy decisions with empirical data. By continuously studying the participation of these individuals, Texas aims to create an educational environment that supports inclusivity and addresses potential barriers in recruitment, admissions, and retention. This systematic approach can lead to better programs tailored to support diverse student needs and promote successful educational experiences.

Summary

House Bill 1811 focuses on the involvement of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities in public higher education within Texas. The bill mandates that the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board collects and maintains a comprehensive database that tracks various aspects of these individuals' participation in higher education, such as applications, admissions, retention rates, graduation statistics, and professional licensing outcomes. This emphasis on data collection is aimed at fostering a clearer understanding of the educational journey for these individuals and identifying areas for improvement.

Contention

While the summary does not indicate any explicit contentions during the discussions around HB1811, it is likely that the measures proposed may spur debates around funding and resource allocation for special education programs and services within public institutions. Stakeholders may express differing views on the adequacy of existing resources and the government's role in promoting inclusivity for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Moreover, concerns about implementation and effective data management could arise as potential points of discussion among lawmakers and education authorities.