Texas House Bill HB1959

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to a requirement that public school counselors provide parents with information regarding assessment instruments used in the admissions processes of colleges and universities.

Impact

The law, once effective, will require counselors at both traditional public high schools and open-enrollment charter schools to send out specific information concerning national assessment tests at designated times during the school year. This initiative, which starts from the 2015-2016 school year, is aimed at ensuring that parents are not only aware of the assessments but also of the critical timelines associated with them. By improving communication with parents, the bill aims to bridge gaps in information that can impact students' academic trajectories.

Summary

House Bill 1959 mandates that public high school counselors in Texas provide essential information to parents regarding assessment instruments such as the SAT and ACT, which are typically used in college admissions processes. This requirement is specifically aimed at students enrolled in grades 11 and 12, ensuring that parents are adequately informed about important examination dates and registration deadlines for these assessments. The bill emphasizes proactive communication between schools and families, which is intended to enhance student preparedness for college admissions.

Contention

While the bill appears to primarily support increased parental involvement in the college preparation process, it could bring up discussions regarding the administrative responsibilities placed on school counselors. Some stakeholders may argue that the added requirement could stretch existing resources and impede on counselors' ability to provide individualized support to students. There may also be concerns about how effectively information reaches parents, especially considering varying levels of engagement and access to communication tools among families.